Dear listeners, thank you for joining us, the Two Old Fogey Yogis on this journey in which we explored Yoga precepts, spiritual teachings, and our personal paths. Currently your Two Old Fogey Yogis are getting increasingly busy as the pandemic hopefully begins to abate, so we’re signing off for now…. and who knows, perhaps at some point, we’ll laun…

What motivates you to get out of bed each day? What do you aspire to in your life, on your spiritual path? And, how do you live your Yoga? These are some of the questions our two yogis will consider in this episode. The topic of motivation also leads them into a deep discussion about the distinction between living a life based in nonduality vs. dua…

Our two yogis continue their discussion of aparigraha, the fifth and final yama, with an examination of two of its very subtle aspects: the teaching of not receiving gifts, and of one’s relationship to the physical body. What kind of invisible strings may be attached to a gift given and received? And, how much of our energy is spent invested in bod…

We come into this life with nothing and we leave with nothing, so why do we spend so much of our time holding onto things? That’s what we’ll get into in this deep dive into the final yama from the Yoga Sutras: aparigraha. This yama is multifaceted and teaches non-hoarding, non-greediness, not accepting gifts and more. We’ll also explore how it diff…

In part 1 of their discussion on brahmacharya, our two yogis delved into the subtle layers of this Yoga teaching. In this episode, they go deeper still and Swami Asokananda talks about stumbling blocks on the path and in leading a life of brahmacharya as a sannyasi (monk who takes vows of celibacy). He candidly shares a personal challenge, what ens…

How do we integrate Sri Patanjali’s teachings about sex/celibacy/continence in today’s world? What does brahmacharya really mean? Our two yogis consider various aspects of this yama (ethical precept) in terms of its relationship to the Yoga tradition, to pratyahara (sense-control) and to one’s spiritual path today. They also discuss the importance …

In an earlier episode, our two yogis did a deep dive into satya, truthfulness. Now, they apply this principle to difficult situations. After a bit of philosophy, they ask the question: “What does this really look like in real life? They put truthfulness to a real life test using a recent challenging situation Swami Asokananda was navigating. Find o…

Simply put, asteya means to not steal. But, was Patanjali talking about not robbing a bank or more subtle aspects of this yogic precept? Our two yogis explore the myriad of ways we rob ourselves and others of opportunities for growth, for self-care and setting boundaries. And how we often steal or waste time, choose desires over contentment and mis…

Truthfulness is something lauded by most wisdom paths but what does it really mean to be living truthfully—in one’s life, relationships, and in following your bliss? The two yogis explore the many aspects and layers of satya, including living as transparently and authentically as possible and communicating in truthful ways interpersonally. How do w…

Interpersonal relationships can be challenging to navigate especially when trying to live your Yoga. Yoga’s first foundational limb is yama, which has five practices–the first being ahimsa or non-violence. Our two yogis explore how ahimsa is an important aspect of satya (truthfulness), the second yama, especially when it comes to honesty in our rel…

Our two yogis discuss the study of foundational texts in the Yoga tradition and how to work with these in a way that engages them as “literary incarnations” filled with living wisdom. This episode also explores what the teachings of the Gita have to tell us about balancing selflessness with keeping our own cups full, among other vital points. Swami…

Continuing the discussion in Ep 12, this week our two yogis go deeper into the 5 kleshas (obstacles) focusing on raga (desire) and abhinivesha (clinging to bodily life/fear of death). Hear what they conclude about these specific kleshas and what may help you to transition from a life well-lived to a death well-prepared for.Listen to this episode an…

In Episode 12, our two yogis discuss the 5 kleshas (obstacles presented in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali). In a deep and encouraging way, they share how we can work with these and other challenges more skillfully, that transforming them into support on the path. Listen to this episode and all our episodes here or via iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, iHear…

In Ep. 3, our two yogis began a discussion of the “Big E,” or enlightenment. Now, they dig deeper, unveiling an even more profound understanding of what it’s like to be fully awake to one's pure essence-nature. A discussion of consciousness, the relationship between Bhakti and Jnana Yogas, and the pitfalls of spiritual bypassing is also included.Li…

What drew you to your spiritual path? Does modern Yoga throw out the "baby with the bathwater" when it goes post-lineage? In Ep 10 of the “Two Old Fogey Yogis” podcast, our hosts explore the relevance of a traditional spiritual path in today’s world and what drew each of them to their Guru, Swami Satchidananda. The stories they share about how they…

During these challenging times, the stresses and strains on our relationships can take a toll. What does Yoga have to say about this? Swami Asokananda and Rev. Prem discuss relationships (with oneself & others), communication, and how to respond vs. react. Incorporating Yoga's "Four Keys," and Buddhisms "Four Immeasurables," episode 9 of the "Two O…

In addition to being a veteran meditator, Swami Asokananda is also a Hatha Yoga master. In this episode, Rev. Prem pulls out all his secrets on sustaining a lifelong practice, honing his skills as a hatha yogi and a teacher, attuning to the pranic level of asana, and his special formula for keeping his practice engaging and inspiring!Listen to this…

Did you ever wonder how it came to be that when you say “Yoga” most people think “postures/asanas?” And why Yoga’s foundational text begins with the word “Now?” Mysteries solved! And, a discussion of the goal of Yoga, some of its obstacles and workarounds our two old fogey yogis have found along the way. A perfect follow-up to the Meditation Master…

Expanding on what Swami Asokananda spoke about in episode 2, in this episode he shares his formula for success in meditation through his 3-stage approach. His strategy, crafted through 50+ years of daily meditation practice, will help listeners make friends with the mind, utilize a mantra, cultivate a steady practice, and avoid pitfalls that may go…

In this lively episode, Swami Asokananda & Rev. Prem ask each other probing questions and explore perfect happiness, biggest fears, things they’d like to change about themselves, greatest achievements and more. Some of their immediate answers are revelatory and lead to deeper discussions with wonderful stories from the path and experiences with the…

In this revealing episode, we get into the nitty gritty of developing a strong & steady meditation practice. One of us has one and one of us doesn’t. That’s embarrassing! So, we’ll take a no-holds barred, no secrets left behind kind of approach to the subject of meditation hits and misses. The challenges, obstacles and the excuses one of us uses to…

Episode 3 finds our two yogis discussing a subject dear to any yogi's heart: Enlightenment. What is it? Is it something to be achieved? An experience? Have either Swami Asokananda or Rev. Prem found enlightenment? These two yogis have decades of experience considering the subtle nuances of this seemingly elusive goal and they share–with humor & ins…

In this episode, Swami Asokananda and Rev. Prem discuss what it means to have a healthy, happy, balanced mind. We often may find ourselves at odds with the mind or overwhelmed with various thoughts. The path of classical Yoga is a time-tested methodology for understanding, and working with, one's mind so that the practitioner can transcend it to ha…

Whether you have never practiced Yoga or you have a deep practice, this podcast will cover a range of topics, with something for everyone! Swami Asokananda (a senior monk in the Integral Yoga tradition and president of the Integral Yoga Institute of New York) and Rev. Prem (an Integral Yoga Minister and former assistant to Swami Satchidananda, the …