In the drama of modern-day hyperstimulation and overwhelm, any one of us can easily lose track of our dharma, our soul purpose. In the modern lifestyle — with all of its Vata aggravations of too much information and too many stimuli for our sense organs to process — it’s a wonder we even get dinner on the table.

We’re moving toward more mass confusion, not more mental clarity, as a modern species. Amidst this chaos I have a very sane, sound, and innovative conversation with modern guru Rod Stryker.

So, what’s the key to awakening to your dharma? Have a strong enough desire to pursue it. Bestir your desire by listening to Rod.

What you’ll get out of tuning in:

• Why dharma ≠ profession
• Why innovating is the natural pattern of the brain
• The innovative intersection of the worldly path and the Yogic path

I rap with Rod Stryker about the Innovative Nature of Dharma:

• How to discover your dharma’s shadow side: your vikulpa
• Find out if you’re exploring or exploiting with your brain
• How to attune to the the imperative of your soul
  

Links:

• The Four Desires by Rod Stryker
• Rod’s Homebase
• Awake Living

Show Highlights:

• 6:00 — We need to become both materially and spiritually fulfilled. You can have more than enough, materially speaking, and still be at a loss when it comes to having deep meaning. Do both types of work in earnest.
• 11:10 — Our brains are fundamentally creative organisms. They’re constantly looking to innovate. But under stress, they go into “exploitation mode” and recirculate old information, which causes us to live old patterns.
• 18:45 — We’re physically configured to innovate. Material and spiritual paths require this innovation to spur our own personal evolutions. But the process of innovation still requires us to be awake and aware and open to it to fully happen.
• 23:30 — If you approach the goal of self-mastery while honoring the greater good, the universe will support you. If you want freedom, live for the purpose — for living on the edge.
• 28:15 — Dharma is a chapter-by-chapter experience, not one main life purpose. It’s not what you do or how you make a living — it’s how you’re showing up as a person.
• 30:25 — Your dharma doesn’t change throughout your life, but its expression does. It’s up to you to figure out what material you need to bring along.
• 36:20 — A lot of us continue to do what we’re good at, not what we need to do. But we’re not using our full selves, and we need to find new paradigms.

Favorite Quotes:

• “Innovating is the natural pattern of the brain.” –Rod Stryker
• “Freedom — svatantrya — is living on the edge.” –Rod Stryker
• “Dharma ≠ profession.” –Rod Stryker
• “You are born with dharma.” –Rod Stryker
• “If you always nurture dharma, dharma will always nurture you.” – Rod Stryker

BIO:

Yogarupa Rod Stryker is the founder of ParaYoga® and the author of The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom. He has taught for more than 35 years, dedicating his life to improving others’ lives through his lectures, writing, creativity, leadership, and service.

After decades of study, intensive practice, and apprenticeship with internationally renowned Yoga masters, Rod founded ParaYoga® to create a resource for the time-tested wisdom of the Yoga tradition. As part of ParaYoga®’s Master Training program, he recently launched one of the most comprehensive online Yoga teacher trainings in the world.

Renowned for his depth of knowledge, practical wisdom, and unique ability to transmit the deepest teachings to modern audiences, Rod is a leading spokesperson for living a life of purpose, fulfillment, and freedom on two fronts. On one, he offers accessible wisdom and practices to wide audiences — those who simply want to live more joyfully and effectively. He’s also a leading authoritative source for experienced students and teachers of Yoga and meditation. Rod is a mentor to hundreds of teachers and thousands of students worldwide.