JRE #1430 – Raghunath Cappo

21-Feb-20

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This podcast features a fascinating conversation with Raghunath Cappo, a former punk vocalist turned yoga teacher and podcaster. It delves into his unique journey, transitioning from the hardcore punk scene to a life of spiritual seeking and monasticism. Provocative topics include the power of sound in transformation, the limitations of the ego, and the concept of karma and reincarnation. Underlying themes explore the importance of self-reflection, the pursuit of personal liberation, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Major Topics

1. Raghunath Cappo’s Transition from Punk Vocalist to Yoga Teacher:
   • Raghunath Cappo rose to fame as the vocalist for the hardcore punk bands Youth of Today and Shelter.
   • At the height of his success, he experienced a spiritual awakening and left the band to pursue a monastic life.
   • He became a monk for six and a half years, living in ashrams in India and America, studying yoga and Vedic teachings.
   • He now teaches yoga and hosts the “Wisdom of the Sages” podcast, sharing his insights and experiences.
2. The Role of Yoga in Physical and Mental Transformation:
   • Yoga is presented as a practice that transforms both the body and mind.
   • It can lead to increased flexibility, endurance, and cardiovascular health, alongside a calming effect on the mind.
   • The podcast emphasizes the importance of sound and chanting in yoga, as powerful tools for mental transformation and connection to divinity.
   • Yoga is seen as a way to cultivate inner peace, manage stress, and achieve a state of greater self-awareness.
3. The Importance of Self-Reflection and Overcoming Ego:
   • The podcast stresses the importance of self-reflection and identifying the ego’s influence in all aspects of life, including beliefs, desires, and actions.
   • Raghunath Cappo highlights the need to examine and challenge our thoughts, detaching from attachments and negative patterns.
   • He emphasizes the concept of “psychic surgery” as a means to deconstruct limiting beliefs and cultivate a more positive, compassionate mindset.
   • The conversation underscores the value of independent thinking and questioning societal norms and ideologies.
4. The Concept of Karma and Reincarnation:
   • Raghunath Cappo delves into the yogic belief in karma and reincarnation, explaining how our actions in this life shape our future experiences, both in this lifetime and beyond.
   • He discusses the idea that we are not separate from our past actions, and that they contribute to our present circumstances.
   • The podcast explores the concept of “recarmentizing,” where we are continually making choices and shaping our karma through our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.
   • The conversation touches upon the idea of a “divine puzzle,” where we are given opportunities to learn and evolve through each lifetime, ultimately aiming for spiritual liberation.
5. The Nature of Higher Beings and Divine Realms:
   • The podcast delves into Vedic concepts of higher beings and divine realms, discussing entities like Ganesh and Brahma as soul-manifestations, not simply mythical figures.
   • It explores the idea of “Soma,” a psychedelic beverage said to facilitate spiritual experiences and encounters with higher realms.
   • The conversation touches upon the importance of Vedic astrology and the influence of celestial bodies on our karma.
   • Raghunath Cappo emphasizes the need to approach these concepts with open-mindedness, acknowledging that our current understanding of reality may be limited.
6. The Importance of Connecting with Nature and the Divine:
   • The podcast highlights the disconnect between modern humans and nature, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the natural world.
   • It discusses the humbling effect of experiencing the vastness of the universe, the beauty of natural landscapes, and the interconnectedness of all things.
   • The conversation underscores the value of seeking beauty and wonder in the natural world, as a way to cultivate awe, gratitude, and a sense of belonging.
   • Raghunath Cappo emphasizes the importance of seeking a spiritual connection with the divine, whether through yoga, meditation, or other practices.
7. The Significance of Service and Dharma:
   • The podcast explores the concept of “dharma,” the purpose and duty of a soul, arguing that it’s not just about fulfilling one’s potential but also serving a higher purpose.
   • It emphasizes the importance of acting with intention and compassion, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
   • Raghunath Cappo suggests that true fulfillment comes from living in accordance with one’s dharma and contributing to the betterment of the world.
   • The conversation highlights the importance of humility and gratitude, recognizing that our achievements are a result of forces beyond ourselves.
8. Jujitsu, MMA, and the Role of Conflict in Transformation:
   • The podcast delves into Raghunath Cappo’s background in jujitsu and his experience in the MMA scene.
   • It explores the unique camaraderie and connection that arises from engaging in these martial arts.
   • The conversation highlights how the intensity of training in jujitsu can help us to face our fears, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of peace even in stressful situations.
   • Raghunath Cappo recounts a personal experience where his jujitsu training helped him to remain calm and react effectively in a dangerous situation.
9. The Power of Music and Chanting:
   • Raghunath Cappo discusses the power of music and chanting as tools for spiritual transformation, drawing upon his experiences as a musician and his current practice of Kirtan chanting.
   • He explains how chanting mantras can connect us to a higher state of consciousness and help us to overcome negative thoughts and patterns.
   • The conversation underscores the importance of finding joy and meaning in creative expression, recognizing the power of art to transcend the limitations of the material world.
   • Raghunath Cappo shares a personal story of how chanting mantras during a violent attack helped him to remain calm and find strength in a terrifying situation.
10. The Nature of Reality and the Limitations of Perception:
    • The podcast explores the question of what is real and how our perceptions shape our understanding of the world.
    • Raghunath Cappo challenges conventional notions of reality, suggesting that there may be dimensions and experiences beyond our current comprehension.
    • He uses the example of the “fart theory” to illustrate how our senses limit our understanding of the world, and how there may be realms of existence that are currently inaccessible to us.
    • The conversation encourages listeners to question their assumptions about reality and to remain open to the possibility of new insights and experiences.
11. The Importance of Gratitude and Acceptance:
    • The podcast emphasizes the importance of gratitude and acceptance, recognizing that our lives are a combination of free will and destiny.
    • Raghunath Cappo suggests that focusing on what we are grateful for and accepting the things we cannot change can lead to greater peace and contentment.
    • He emphasizes the value of finding meaning and purpose in our everyday experiences, rather than seeking happiness in external rewards or validation.
    • The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the challenges and opportunities of life with a spirit of gratitude and acceptance.
12. The Impact of Belief Systems on Our Lives:
    • The podcast explores the influence of belief systems on our lives, examining both the positive and negative aspects of adhering to specific doctrines.
    • Raghunath Cappo emphasizes the importance of critically examining our beliefs and being open to questioning even deeply held convictions.
    • He warns against the dangers of rigid dogma and the potential for belief systems to become controlling or limiting.
    • The conversation encourages listeners to approach belief systems with a spirit of inquiry and to seek truth and wisdom from a variety of sources.
13. The Power of Community and Connection:
    • The podcast highlights the importance of community and connection in supporting our spiritual growth and well-being.
    • Raghunath Cappo shares his experience of finding community in both the punk scene and in the world of yoga, emphasizing the value of shared values and shared experiences.
    • He encourages listeners to seek out supportive communities and to cultivate meaningful connections with others on their own spiritual journeys.
    • The conversation underscores the power of compassion and empathy in creating a more harmonious and loving world.
14. The Role of Consciousness in Food and Diet:
    • The podcast delves into the yogic belief that the consciousness of the food we eat and the people who prepare it can impact our well-being.
    • Raghunath Cappo emphasizes the importance of mindful eating and cultivating a sense of gratitude for the food we consume.
    • He suggests that choosing food prepared with love and intention can contribute to our overall health and spiritual growth.
    • The conversation encourages listeners to become more aware of the origins and preparation of their food, recognizing the interconnectedness of food, health, and consciousness.

Memorable Quotes

• “I always thought Joe Rogan’s gonna do something good.” – Raghunath Cappo expresses his admiration for Joe Rogan’s platform and its potential for positive impact.
• “I’m always impressed with him too. He still rolls, man. He’s in my age and he doesn’t get injured. Like, he he might have, like, a little tweak here and that would be so intelligent.” – Raghunath Cappo praises the skill and resilience of his former jujitsu instructor, John Jacques Machado.
• “You are not your thoughts. You are a person, and you you accept thoughts and sometimes become attached to them, but they’re it’s not good to do.” – Raghunath Cappo emphasizes the importance of separating ourselves from our thoughts and cultivating a more objective perspective.
• “So the one of the ideas of the Gita is You don’t give up what you’re born to do. You do what you do, but in a spiritual way.” – Raghunath Cappo highlights the concept of integrating spirituality into our daily lives, regardless of our chosen path.
• “The diseases of the soul are not new. They’re ancient. The soul is pure. The spirit is pure. but it gets covered by lust, greed, anger, and envy.” – Raghunath Cappo shares a quote from a Swami, highlighting the ancient nature of human struggles and the need for spiritual purification.

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