Spiritual Teachers Podcast

How to Find a TRUE Spiritual Teacher | Mantra Meditation, Sikh Wisdom & Enlightenment - Pt 1- STP 64

1h08 | 01/23/2026

Description

Let us know what you thought of the episode!

To watch the full YouTube video visit: @spiritualteacherschannel on YouTube!

In this episode Petr Lightbear interviews Flowing River, a poet, mystic, and spiritual seeker, as they explore a powerful journey from addiction and inner turmoil to sobriety, spiritual awakening, and sustainable living.

Flowing River shares his story of growing up in San Francisco, navigating addiction, and experiencing a profound awakening through music festivals, meditation, yoga, plant medicine, permaculture, and eco-village life. The conversation moves through his time working with Newmundo, living off-grid in Costa Rica, apprenticing in permaculture and sustainable food production, and ultimately discovering deep healing through nature, community, and humility.

This episode explores spiritual awakening, addiction recovery, sobriety, mysticism, permaculture living, sustainable spirituality, ayahuasca healing, indigenous wisdom, yoga, meditation, surrender, spiritual ego, humility, eco village life, off grid living, African spirituality, IFA foundation, spiritual teachers, Ascension Academy, healing through nature, poetic mantras, conscious living, and the modern path to enlightenment.

This episode dives into:

The difference between healthy vs unhealthy surrender

The dangers of spiritual ego

Why true awakening comes from inner work, not chasing experiences

Encounters with indigenous wisdom, African spirituality (IFA), yoga, mysticism, and poetry

Meeting his spiritual teacher Bahandur Singh after years of searching

The birth of Ascension Academy and modern spiritual teaching

To acquire ceremonial grade hape and other sacred medicines visit: www.yaguar.us

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Podcast Overview
02:15 – Growing Up in San Francisco & Early Struggles
06:40 – Addiction, Sobriety & the Search for Meaning
11:30 – Festival Awakening & the “Joy Limiter” Realization
16:45 – Radical Surrender & Synchronicity
20:50 – Discovering Permaculture & Newmundo
25:10 – Trading Work for a Permaculture Retreat
29:30 – Off-Grid Life in Costa Rica (Think-O-Morpho)
35:40 – Apprenticeship in Sustainable Living & Food Production
41:20 – Healing Through Nature, Community & Love
46:10 – Receiving the Name “Flowing River” (Narayan)
49:55 – Ayahuasca, Indigenous Wisdom & Mysticism
55:30 – Poetry as Spiritual Reprogramming
59:45 – First Recognition of the Ego
1:03:40 – Healthy vs Unhealthy Surrender
1:09:30 – Spiritual Ego & the Trap of Extreme Practices
1:15:20 – Humility as the Path to True Awakening
1:20:10 – Ascension Academy & Modern Spiritual Teaching
1:25:40 – Mystical Encounters & Meeting Bahandur Singh
1:31:10 – Recognizing the True Spiritual Master
1:36:30 – Poetry Recap & Closing Chapter One
1:39:30 – What to Expect in Part Two

spiritual awakening, addiction recovery, sobriety journey, mystic podcast, spiritual awakening, spiritual awakening podcast, spiritual awakening journey, mystic podcast, poet mystic, modern mysticism, spirituality podcast, conscious podcast, awakening consciousness, spiritual truth, enlightenment journey, path to enlightenment, spiritual growth, inner work spirituality, humility spiritual path, spiritual ego, ego death spirituality, surrender spirituality, healthy surrender, unhealthy surrender, radical responsibility, addiction recovery, addiction to awakening, sobriety journey, healing from addiction, recovery podcast, spiritual healing journey, trauma healing spirituality, healing through nature, healing through love, nervous system healing, reprogramming subconscious mind, poetic mantras, spoken word spiritual...

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Spiritual Teachers Podcast

Welcome to the Spiritual Teachers Podcast! A podcast featuring global spiritual teachers, healers, and awakened souls sharing insights, practices, and personal awakening journeys. Discover tools for spiritual growth, healing, mindfulness, and conscious living during this great shift in Consciousness!

Hosted by Petr LightBear, Spiritual Teachers Podcast brings you inspiring conversations with spiritual teachers, wisdom keepers, meditation practitioners, healers, philosophers, and conscious explorers who share their insights into the nature of existence, the mystery of consciousness, and the journey toward inner peace. Each episode invites you to discover new perspectives on spirituality, deepen your understanding of yourself, and explore practical ways to bring greater awareness, presence, and meaning into everyday life.

Whether you are beginning your spiritual journey, experiencing a spiritual awakening, searching for authentic spiritual guidance, or deepening an established meditation practice, this podcast offers a space for curiosity, reflection, learning, and personal transformation.

EXPLORE THE DEPTHS OF SPIRITUALITY:

Through thoughtful discussions and authentic conversations, we explore the questions that have inspired spiritual seekers throughout history. What is consciousness? Who are we beyond the mind and ego? What does it mean to awaken spiritually? Is lasting happiness possible beyond external circumstances? How can meditation, self-inquiry, and mindfulness help us experience greater clarity, freedom, and inner peace?

Discover conversations exploring spiritual enlightenment, nonduality, Advaita Vedanta, Eastern spirituality, ancient wisdom, universal consciousness, pure awareness, self-realization, ego dissolution, and the nature of the true Self. Learn about different approaches to meditation, mindful living, contemplative practice, spiritual healing, and the cultivation of awareness.

Spiritual Teachers Podcast welcomes a broad range of spiritual perspectives and experiences. Our conversations explore the relationship between ancient teachings and modern life, offering insights for anyone interested in consciousness, personal growth, holistic spirituality, and the deeper dimensions of human experience.

Topics:

Spiritual awakening and enlightenment
Meditation, mindfulness, and present-moment awareness
Consciousness, self-inquiry, and the true nature of the Self
Hinduism, Advaita Vedanta, and nondual philosophy
Inner peace, spiritual bliss, and lasting happiness
Ego, identity, attachment, and letting go
Energy healing, holistic well-being, and spiritual practices
Self-discovery, emotional resilience, and personal transformation
Universal wisdom, contemplative traditions, and conscious living
Purpose, authenticity, compassion, and inner freedom

This podcast is for spiritual seekers, meditation students, mindfulness practitioners, yoga enthusiasts, consciousness explorers, philosophy lovers, and anyone curious about the meaning of life and the nature of reality.

Your spiritual journey is uniquely your own. Let these conversations inspire you to keep asking questions, deepen your awareness, and discover the wisdom that may already be present within you.

Spiritual Teachers Podcast, spiritual awakening podcast, spirituality podcast, meditation podcast, enlightenment, higher consciousness, self-realization, nonduality, mindfulness, spiritual teachers, consciousness, inner peace, spiritual growth, spiritual guidance, ancient wisdom, awareness, self-inquiry, conscious living, spiritual transformation, energy healing, holistic, meditation practice, personal development, spiritual wisdom.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Spiritual Teachers Podcast

Welcome to the Spiritual Teachers Podcast! A podcast featuring global spiritual teachers, healers, and awakened souls sharing insights, practices, and personal awakening journeys. Discover tools for spiritual growth, healing, mindfulness, and conscious living during this great shift in Consciousness!

Hosted by Petr LightBear, Spiritual Teachers Podcast brings you inspiring conversations with spiritual teachers, wisdom keepers, meditation practitioners, healers, philosophers, and conscious explorers who share their insights into the nature of existence, the mystery of consciousness, and the journey toward inner peace. Each episode invites you to discover new perspectives on spirituality, deepen your understanding of yourself, and explore practical ways to bring greater awareness, presence, and meaning into everyday life.

Whether you are beginning your spiritual journey, experiencing a spiritual awakening, searching for authentic spiritual guidance, or deepening an established meditation practice, this podcast offers a space for curiosity, reflection, learning, and personal transformation.

EXPLORE THE DEPTHS OF SPIRITUALITY:

Through thoughtful discussions and authentic conversations, we explore the questions that have inspired spiritual seekers throughout history. What is consciousness? Who are we beyond the mind and ego? What does it mean to awaken spiritually? Is lasting happiness possible beyond external circumstances? How can meditation, self-inquiry, and mindfulness help us experience greater clarity, freedom, and inner peace?

Discover conversations exploring spiritual enlightenment, nonduality, Advaita Vedanta, Eastern spirituality, ancient wisdom, universal consciousness, pure awareness, self-realization, ego dissolution, and the nature of the true Self. Learn about different approaches to meditation, mindful living, contemplative practice, spiritual healing, and the cultivation of awareness.

Spiritual Teachers Podcast welcomes a broad range of spiritual perspectives and experiences. Our conversations explore the relationship between ancient teachings and modern life, offering insights for anyone interested in consciousness, personal growth, holistic spirituality, and the deeper dimensions of human experience.

Topics:

Spiritual awakening and enlightenment
Meditation, mindfulness, and present-moment awareness
Consciousness, self-inquiry, and the true nature of the Self
Hinduism, Advaita Vedanta, and nondual philosophy
Inner peace, spiritual bliss, and lasting happiness
Ego, identity, attachment, and letting go
Energy healing, holistic well-being, and spiritual practices
Self-discovery, emotional resilience, and personal transformation
Universal wisdom, contemplative traditions, and conscious living
Purpose, authenticity, compassion, and inner freedom

This podcast is for spiritual seekers, meditation students, mindfulness practitioners, yoga enthusiasts, consciousness explorers, philosophy lovers, and anyone curious about the meaning of life and the nature of reality.

Your spiritual journey is uniquely your own. Let these conversations inspire you to keep asking questions, deepen your awareness, and discover the wisdom that may already be present within you.

Spiritual Teachers Podcast, spiritual awakening podcast, spirituality podcast, meditation podcast, enlightenment, higher consciousness, self-realization, nonduality, mindfulness, spiritual teachers, consciousness, inner peace, spiritual growth, spiritual guidance, ancient wisdom, awareness, self-inquiry, conscious living, spiritual transformation, energy healing, holistic, meditation practice, personal development, spiritual wisdom.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

Let us know what you thought of the episode!

To watch the full YouTube video visit: @spiritualteacherschannel on YouTube!

In this episode Petr Lightbear interviews Flowing River, a poet, mystic, and spiritual seeker, as they explore a powerful journey from addiction and inner turmoil to sobriety, spiritual awakening, and sustainable living.

Flowing River shares his story of growing up in San Francisco, navigating addiction, and experiencing a profound awakening through music festivals, meditation, yoga, plant medicine, permaculture, and eco-village life. The conversation moves through his time working with Newmundo, living off-grid in Costa Rica, apprenticing in permaculture and sustainable food production, and ultimately discovering deep healing through nature, community, and humility.

This episode explores spiritual awakening, addiction recovery, sobriety, mysticism, permaculture living, sustainable spirituality, ayahuasca healing, indigenous wisdom, yoga, meditation, surrender, spiritual ego, humility, eco village life, off grid living, African spirituality, IFA foundation, spiritual teachers, Ascension Academy, healing through nature, poetic mantras, conscious living, and the modern path to enlightenment.

This episode dives into:

The difference between healthy vs unhealthy surrender

The dangers of spiritual ego

Why true awakening comes from inner work, not chasing experiences

Encounters with indigenous wisdom, African spirituality (IFA), yoga, mysticism, and poetry

Meeting his spiritual teacher Bahandur Singh after years of searching

The birth of Ascension Academy and modern spiritual teaching

To acquire ceremonial grade hape and other sacred medicines visit: www.yaguar.us

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction & Podcast Overview
02:15 – Growing Up in San Francisco & Early Struggles
06:40 – Addiction, Sobriety & the Search for Meaning
11:30 – Festival Awakening & the “Joy Limiter” Realization
16:45 – Radical Surrender & Synchronicity
20:50 – Discovering Permaculture & Newmundo
25:10 – Trading Work for a Permaculture Retreat
29:30 – Off-Grid Life in Costa Rica (Think-O-Morpho)
35:40 – Apprenticeship in Sustainable Living & Food Production
41:20 – Healing Through Nature, Community & Love
46:10 – Receiving the Name “Flowing River” (Narayan)
49:55 – Ayahuasca, Indigenous Wisdom & Mysticism
55:30 – Poetry as Spiritual Reprogramming
59:45 – First Recognition of the Ego
1:03:40 – Healthy vs Unhealthy Surrender
1:09:30 – Spiritual Ego & the Trap of Extreme Practices
1:15:20 – Humility as the Path to True Awakening
1:20:10 – Ascension Academy & Modern Spiritual Teaching
1:25:40 – Mystical Encounters & Meeting Bahandur Singh
1:31:10 – Recognizing the True Spiritual Master
1:36:30 – Poetry Recap & Closing Chapter One
1:39:30 – What to Expect in Part Two

spiritual awakening, addiction recovery, sobriety journey, mystic podcast, spiritual awakening, spiritual awakening podcast, spiritual awakening journey, mystic podcast, poet mystic, modern mysticism, spirituality podcast, conscious podcast, awakening consciousness, spiritual truth, enlightenment journey, path to enlightenment, spiritual growth, inner work spirituality, humility spiritual path, spiritual ego, ego death spirituality, surrender spirituality, healthy surrender, unhealthy surrender, radical responsibility, addiction recovery, addiction to awakening, sobriety journey, healing from addiction, recovery podcast, spiritual healing journey, trauma healing spirituality, healing through nature, healing through love, nervous system healing, reprogramming subconscious mind, poetic mantras, spoken word spiritual...

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Spiritual Teachers Podcast

Welcome to the Spiritual Teachers Podcast! A podcast featuring global spiritual teachers, healers, and awakened souls sharing insights, practices, and personal awakening journeys. Discover tools for spiritual growth, healing, mindfulness, and conscious living during this great shift in Consciousness!

Hosted by Petr LightBear, Spiritual Teachers Podcast brings you inspiring conversations with spiritual teachers, wisdom keepers, meditation practitioners, healers, philosophers, and conscious explorers who share their insights into the nature of existence, the mystery of consciousness, and the journey toward inner peace. Each episode invites you to discover new perspectives on spirituality, deepen your understanding of yourself, and explore practical ways to bring greater awareness, presence, and meaning into everyday life.

Whether you are beginning your spiritual journey, experiencing a spiritual awakening, searching for authentic spiritual guidance, or deepening an established meditation practice, this podcast offers a space for curiosity, reflection, learning, and personal transformation.

EXPLORE THE DEPTHS OF SPIRITUALITY:

Through thoughtful discussions and authentic conversations, we explore the questions that have inspired spiritual seekers throughout history. What is consciousness? Who are we beyond the mind and ego? What does it mean to awaken spiritually? Is lasting happiness possible beyond external circumstances? How can meditation, self-inquiry, and mindfulness help us experience greater clarity, freedom, and inner peace?

Discover conversations exploring spiritual enlightenment, nonduality, Advaita Vedanta, Eastern spirituality, ancient wisdom, universal consciousness, pure awareness, self-realization, ego dissolution, and the nature of the true Self. Learn about different approaches to meditation, mindful living, contemplative practice, spiritual healing, and the cultivation of awareness.

Spiritual Teachers Podcast welcomes a broad range of spiritual perspectives and experiences. Our conversations explore the relationship between ancient teachings and modern life, offering insights for anyone interested in consciousness, personal growth, holistic spirituality, and the deeper dimensions of human experience.

Topics:

Spiritual awakening and enlightenment
Meditation, mindfulness, and present-moment awareness
Consciousness, self-inquiry, and the true nature of the Self
Hinduism, Advaita Vedanta, and nondual philosophy
Inner peace, spiritual bliss, and lasting happiness
Ego, identity, attachment, and letting go
Energy healing, holistic well-being, and spiritual practices
Self-discovery, emotional resilience, and personal transformation
Universal wisdom, contemplative traditions, and conscious living
Purpose, authenticity, compassion, and inner freedom

This podcast is for spiritual seekers, meditation students, mindfulness practitioners, yoga enthusiasts, consciousness explorers, philosophy lovers, and anyone curious about the meaning of life and the nature of reality.

Your spiritual journey is uniquely your own. Let these conversations inspire you to keep asking questions, deepen your awareness, and discover the wisdom that may already be present within you.

Spiritual Teachers Podcast, spiritual awakening podcast, spirituality podcast, meditation podcast, enlightenment, higher consciousness, self-realization, nonduality, mindfulness, spiritual teachers, consciousness, inner peace, spiritual growth, spiritual guidance, ancient wisdom, awareness, self-inquiry, conscious living, spiritual transformation, energy healing, holistic, meditation practice, personal development, spiritual wisdom.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Spiritual Teachers Podcast

Welcome to the Spiritual Teachers Podcast! A podcast featuring global spiritual teachers, healers, and awakened souls sharing insights, practices, and personal awakening journeys. Discover tools for spiritual growth, healing, mindfulness, and conscious living during this great shift in Consciousness!

Hosted by Petr LightBear, Spiritual Teachers Podcast brings you inspiring conversations with spiritual teachers, wisdom keepers, meditation practitioners, healers, philosophers, and conscious explorers who share their insights into the nature of existence, the mystery of consciousness, and the journey toward inner peace. Each episode invites you to discover new perspectives on spirituality, deepen your understanding of yourself, and explore practical ways to bring greater awareness, presence, and meaning into everyday life.

Whether you are beginning your spiritual journey, experiencing a spiritual awakening, searching for authentic spiritual guidance, or deepening an established meditation practice, this podcast offers a space for curiosity, reflection, learning, and personal transformation.

EXPLORE THE DEPTHS OF SPIRITUALITY:

Through thoughtful discussions and authentic conversations, we explore the questions that have inspired spiritual seekers throughout history. What is consciousness? Who are we beyond the mind and ego? What does it mean to awaken spiritually? Is lasting happiness possible beyond external circumstances? How can meditation, self-inquiry, and mindfulness help us experience greater clarity, freedom, and inner peace?

Discover conversations exploring spiritual enlightenment, nonduality, Advaita Vedanta, Eastern spirituality, ancient wisdom, universal consciousness, pure awareness, self-realization, ego dissolution, and the nature of the true Self. Learn about different approaches to meditation, mindful living, contemplative practice, spiritual healing, and the cultivation of awareness.

Spiritual Teachers Podcast welcomes a broad range of spiritual perspectives and experiences. Our conversations explore the relationship between ancient teachings and modern life, offering insights for anyone interested in consciousness, personal growth, holistic spirituality, and the deeper dimensions of human experience.

Topics:

Spiritual awakening and enlightenment
Meditation, mindfulness, and present-moment awareness
Consciousness, self-inquiry, and the true nature of the Self
Hinduism, Advaita Vedanta, and nondual philosophy
Inner peace, spiritual bliss, and lasting happiness
Ego, identity, attachment, and letting go
Energy healing, holistic well-being, and spiritual practices
Self-discovery, emotional resilience, and personal transformation
Universal wisdom, contemplative traditions, and conscious living
Purpose, authenticity, compassion, and inner freedom

This podcast is for spiritual seekers, meditation students, mindfulness practitioners, yoga enthusiasts, consciousness explorers, philosophy lovers, and anyone curious about the meaning of life and the nature of reality.

Your spiritual journey is uniquely your own. Let these conversations inspire you to keep asking questions, deepen your awareness, and discover the wisdom that may already be present within you.

Spiritual Teachers Podcast, spiritual awakening podcast, spirituality podcast, meditation podcast, enlightenment, higher consciousness, self-realization, nonduality, mindfulness, spiritual teachers, consciousness, inner peace, spiritual growth, spiritual guidance, ancient wisdom, awareness, self-inquiry, conscious living, spiritual transformation, energy healing, holistic, meditation practice, personal development, spiritual wisdom.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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