Solo Sessions: From Corporate Artist to Master Yogi: The Illusion of Western Yoga & True Chakra Openings | with Yogiraj Utkarsh Sanjanwala

What this episode covers

Episode Overview: On location at YogaNest Venice, Sasha and Yogiraj Utkarsh Sanjanwala dive into the gritty reality of a modern master’s journey. Discover how an artistic lens paves the way for mystical realization, why traditional yoga lineages struggle with Western commercialism, and how to find vastness in your own everyday routine. Key Conversation Highlights: The Mumbai Wake-Up Call: How witnessing religious communal riots as a child shattered Utkarsh’s concept of dogmatic religion and set him on a rational, creative path. The Ultimate Creative Question: The exact moment on a quiet Saturday working on Adobe Illustrator when a single question changed his life forever: “What is the source of all creativity?” The Accidental Guru Phone Call: The mind-blowing story of how Utkarsh aggressively grilled a stranger over a phone line, only to discover he was speaking with his ultimate spiritual master, Swami Vidyanand. The Reality of Cultural Appropriation: An honest critique of Western yoga culture—moving beyond ”better butts,” curated workout playlists, and superficial ”woo-woo” labels to return to an intentional, deep lineage practice. Monk Mindset in Unexpected Places: Why working as a construction worker and a hospital cleaner in New Zealand became Utkarsh’s most profound spiritual training ground. The Venice Renaissance: Reviving the historical counterculture energy of Venice Beach (from Jim Morrison to the Hare Krishna movement) through the launch of the Venice Yoga Festival and local Kirtan marathons. Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Featured Books: TIME Meditation by Swami Vidyanand (Available on Amazon) Kundalini Tantra by Paramahansa Swami Satyananda Saraswati (Bihar School of Yoga publication) Audio & Streaming: Search for Yogi Rajat Karsh on Spotify to listen to his traditional tracks, including the spoken quote by Swami Vivekananda: ”Crooked as it may seem, all lead to Thee.” Spiritual Destinations: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Samadhi, and the Mother’s Room located in Pondicherry, India. Special Thanks & Locations: YogaNest Venice and studio owner Marylou for hosting this beautiful transformation space. The Venice Yoga Festival (Keep an eye out for upcoming dates in late September/mid-October!). Utkash’s Micro-Practices to Instantly Shift Your Energy: Invoke Before You Execute: Before entering the gym, starting a meditation, or opening your laptop, pause. Call out to a higher consciousness or Great Spirit and say: ”I am doing this for my higher good. Please come and guide me.” The Bhagavad Gita Strategy (Karma Yoga): Detach from the outcome of your labor. Whether writing an email, organizing your desk, or lifting weights, mentally affirm: ”This work is not for my ego; I offer this entirely to the divine.” The Vastness Meditation: To lift a low vibration, close your eyes and visualize endless, open spaces—boundless oceans, endless skies, dense forests, or infinite space. Where to find us: @sashabazis @visualizemeditations @yoganestvenice @worldyogafederation

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