In this episode of the New Ashla Podcast, Justin V. Gates and Michael Perry sit with spiritual researcher and bridge-builder Madhav Nakar (Podcaster and Filmmaker) to explore what unites the world’s major religious and spiritual traditions without flattening their differences. Together, they examine how belief systems shape identity, why personal experience matters more than inherited doctrine, and how suffering often becomes the doorway to deeper spiritual maturity.

Madhav shares his journey of studying multiple faiths and traditions in search of their shared foundations, revealing how ritual, discipline, and devotion appear across cultures as tools for inner transformation. The conversation addresses the dangers of rigid dogma, the limits of intellectual belief, and the temptation to replace lived practice with spiritual shortcuts.

Justin and Michael guide the discussion toward the importance of embodied faith, moral responsibility, and inner authority, emphasizing that spirituality is not about choosing a label, but about cultivating integrity, humility, and alignment with truth. Rather than promoting relativism or “everything is the same” thinking, this episode explores how different paths can point toward similar virtues while still requiring commitment, discernment, and personal accountability.

This conversation is for anyone questioning inherited beliefs, seeking spiritual depth without dogma, or longing to walk a meaningful path rooted in both wisdom and lived experience. It offers a grounded framework for honoring diverse traditions while remaining faithful to one’s own spiritual calling.

Madhav Nakar Links

The Fire of Knowing

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Takeaways

There are two camps in spirituality: those who see all religions as the same and those who see them as entirely different.

Personal experiences shape our understanding of God and spirituality.

Suffering can be a pathway to enlightenment and self-discovery.

Rituals can provide grounding in spiritual practices.

Discipline is essential for spiritual growth and connection to God.

Spiritual bypassing can hinder true growth and understanding.

Truth is subjective and can vary from person to person.

The body and mind are interconnected in spiritual practices.

Exploring different faiths can lead to a deeper understanding of one's own beliefs.

Spirituality transcends logic and dogma.

Keywords

spirituality, beliefs, religion, personal experience, truth, suffering, enlightenment, discipline, dogma, rituals

In this episode of the New Ashla Podcast, Michael Perry and Justin V Gates explore the complex nature of trauma, emphasizing that it is not solely defined by significant events but also by the internal responses and adaptations that occur in the aftermath. The conversation delves into the impact of small moments, the role of parenting, and the importance of self-compassion in healing. Listeners are encouraged to recognize their emotional responses, understand the patterns of behavior that arise from trauma, and foster healthy communication in relationships. Ultimately, the episode highlights the journey of integrating the self and creating safety in healing, while reframing self-identity and minimizing the shadow of past experiences.

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Takeaways

Trauma is defined by internal responses, not just events.

Minimizing experiences deepens emotional wounds.

Small moments can have significant impacts on our psyche.

Parenting styles can shape our trauma responses.

Self-compassion is crucial in the healing process.

Emotional responses are often automatic and need to be understood.

Connection and communication are vital for healing.

Reframing self-identity can aid in recovery.

Integration of the self is necessary for healing.

Creating safety in the present is essential for overcoming past trauma.

Keywords

trauma, healing, self-compassion, emotional responses, parenting, mental health, integration, relationships, self-identity, shadow work