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