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March 26, 2024

JC, Our Own Personal Jesus?

JC,  Our Own Personal Jesus?

Today, we're tackling Russell’s thought-provoking question about Jesus Christ with Religious Scholar and Certified Ashtanga teacher, Dr. John Campbell. As the conversation turns to "Are we searching for our own personal Jesus in yoga teachers?" Harmo...

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Finding Harmony Podcast

Today, we're tackling Russell’s thought-provoking question about Jesus Christ with Religious Scholar and Certified Ashtanga teacher, Dr. John Campbell. As the conversation turns to "Are we searching for our own personal Jesus in yoga teachers?" Harmony Slater, John, and Russell explore the tendency to idolize instructors, seeking external validation and solutions rather than cultivating our own inner power. This episode will challenge your assumptions and open doors to a more authentic yoga practice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Beyond Black and White Thinking: John Campbell critiques the pressure for strong opinions: "Everybody always trying to dumb everything down...you know, you have a black and white opinion about this or that..." The conversation explores the need for critical thinking and a nuanced approach to yoga teachers and transformation.
  • The Simulation of Awareness: John delves into the overwhelming nature of information overload: "We have this constant narration machine of infinite complexity in our minds...this is exactly who I am..." He argues that true transformation comes from cultivating presence and inner peace, not getting caught up in external narratives.
  • Yoga and the Cult of Personality: John observes, "[We] find ourselves in positions of great authority, which then turn out to be real shit-heels." Harmony Slater adds, "We're all doing that, right? With our interpersonal struggles." This conversation explores how easily we project unrealistic expectations onto teachers, potentially hindering our own growth.
  • Presence and Authenticity: Despite the potential pitfalls, the episode acknowledges the power of yoga. John Campbell concludes that yoga, when approached mindfully, can be a powerful tool for cultivating presence, compassion, and a deeper sense of self.

Now it's your turn!

About Our Guests:

John Campbell: 

John Campbell is a scholar of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and holds a PhD in Religion from Columbia University. He has been a Fulbright Fellow and has taught at Columbia University and the University of Virginia, where he co-founded the Contemplative Sciences Center  for research and teaching centered on contemplative methods and traditions. He is currently working on a multi-volume translation from Sanskrit and Tibetan of commentaries on the Guhyasamaja Tantra, a Buddhist scripture.  

He began practising yoga and meditation thirty years ago, and has since then taught yoga, meditation, and contemplative philosophy worldwide. A longtime practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, he is also one of the few Certified teachers of Ashtanga Yoga. 

He lives in Newburgh NY with his wife, children, and assorted animal friends. 

>>> You can find him teaching at the Newburgh Yoga Shala

 

Work with Harmony:

Links and Resources:

Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)

 

Thank you for listening! Join us next time as we delve deeper into the world of yoga and self-discovery on the Finding Harmony Podcast.

Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to Finding Harmony: Exploring Mind-Body Practices

00:44 - Diving Deep with Dr. John Campbell: Philosophy, Psychology, and the Jesus Complex

02:36 - The Art of Improvisation and the Quest for Understanding

06:05 - Unpacking Projection, Identity, and the Journey of Transformation

17:00 - Start editing here.

34:03 - Exploring the Depths of Yoga and Its Impact on Life

37:33 - The Intersection of Yoga, Spirituality, and Modern Life

41:12 - Reflecting on the Role of Yoga in Education and Personal Growth

55:42 - Navigating the Complexities of Modern Yoga and Its Cultural Implications