Breaking Trail

Balakhilya and Ruben
  • 5.0 (8)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

No filter, no hidden agenda, just the truth about life - as it is. Breaking Trail is where you, the sincere seeker, can get answers to to life’s most important questions, such as “Who am I?”, “What is the purpose of my life?” and “Does God really exist?”. Our discussions are based on the ancient spiritual teachings of the East, carefully passed down since time immemorial from teacher to student in an unchanged form. Your hosts are Balakhilya, world-renowned lecturer and yogi, together with Ruben, a yoga meditation teacher living in northern Norway. Balakhilya has been living and teaching a Bhakti yoga lifestyle for over 50 years - inspiring people all over the world through his down-to-earth approach to and uncensored sharing of universal spiritual truths. Truths that apply whether you consider yourself a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, yogi, agnostic or atheist. Through their conversations you’ll be inspired to also break trail - to go where you perhaps haven’t gone before, and to embark on an exciting journey to self-discovery. Here’s where no questions are too big. And no doubts are left unattended. Link tree: https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

  1. #97 - “I Thought Religion Was Irrelevant to Me. I Was Wrong.”

    NOV 11

    #97 - “I Thought Religion Was Irrelevant to Me. I Was Wrong.”

    “Millions are like me when it comes to religion: well-educated and successful people for whom religion has been irrelevant. We grew up in secular households or drifted away from the faiths in which we were raised and never looked back. For them, I think I have a story worth telling.” The search for deeper meaning isn’t just for those who are struggling—it’s a powerful drive for the most successful among us. Drawing from the story of social scientist Charles Murray, we unpack why curiosity, purpose, and spiritual questioning are essential, even when life seems secure. We discuss everything from near-death experiences to a purpose-driven living and show how true growth starts when you seek beyond what’s comfortable. Stay curious, keep seeking, and let that drive lead you to real fulfillment. Highlights: (03:58) Is religion only for the weak, the poor and the dumb? (08:13) Why something rather than nothing?  (10:49) Compare the downsides of being wrong about religion to the upsides of being right about it (14:57) Near-death experiences: consciousness beyond the body (18:34) So what is consciousness? (27:03) Atheism is a societal experiment (30:37) Generation Z now seeks spiritual purpose (33:43) Be a true seeker, not a groupie who just goes along (36:22) Gold diggers in California (40:36) The journey is an eternal journey, and it will only make your life happier Recorded on November 11, 2025. https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

    52 min
  2. #96 - Turning Biological Bonds into Nourishing Soul Connections

    OCT 11

    #96 - Turning Biological Bonds into Nourishing Soul Connections

    Today we dig into what really separates material and spiritual relationships. We discuss how most family ties are based on karma and material comfort, but real spiritual connection means seeing the soul within—and helping those we love connect to the ultimate shelter, not just ourselves. We get personal about family, searching for shelter, and what makes a real spiritual family. Highlights: (2:46) What is a material relationship? (7:22) Why the divorce rates are skyrocketing (14:20) How the modern age is destroying the family structure (18:46) Faith and family influence (25:04) “Family” doesn’t have to include a biological connection  (30:45) Vedic family structure (35:39) How to move forward despite having had a difficult upbringing Recorded on February 1, 2023. https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

    43 min
  3. #95 - Playing God & Society’s Collapse

    AUG 25

    #95 - Playing God & Society’s Collapse

    Today we get real about why the world seems so upside down—with everything from artificial wombs to self-centered, corrupt politics.  We share our thoughts on society’s “playing God” complex and the loss of spiritual values, talk Matrix-like dystopias, and offer a personal antidote: daily meditation, prayer, and reconnecting with the divine within. It’s all about making space for meaning—one quiet moment at a time. Highlights: (0:57) Those who play God create womb factories (11:08) The human race is a race of “sheeple” (16:22) I have to take care of my own life (22:48) This is not the first time the world is going in the wrong direction  (30:41) Don’t think it’s hopeless Recorded on December 14, 2022. https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

    40 min
  4. #94 - When the Heart Won’t Move On

    JUL 31

    #94 - When the Heart Won’t Move On

    How can I move on after a breakup? And should I in the first place? Today we tackle the challenging crossroads of relationships—especially when breakups, children, and lingering emotions are involved. We explore whether it’s possible to combine material desires with spiritual growth. And we talk about how looking for the perfect partner is really not in our best interest. With wisdom from spiritual traditions and honest dialogue, this episode offers guidance for anyone questioning whether to stay, to go, or how to move forward with integrity and purpose. Join us as we discover what it means to nurture real love over fleeting attraction, and learn how reconnecting with spirituality can illuminate the path through even the most tangled relationship crossroads. Highlights: 0:59 Distraction of material love blocks our spiritual development 10:53 Should I stay or should I I go? 18:03 Put your spiritual life first 29:10 Looking for a soulmate 42:48 Marriage is a cornerstone of any society Recorded on August 13, 2022. https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

    59 min
  5. #93 - Traveling, Seeking, and Finding Answers - with Neil and Bella

    JUL 23

    #93 - Traveling, Seeking, and Finding Answers - with Neil and Bella

    We sit down with our guests Neil and Bella for an inspiring journey through travel, transformation, and spiritual self-discovery. Neil and Bella share their story of meeting on an Israeli kibbutz, seeking alternative lifestyles across continents, and ultimately stumbling upon the Bhakti yoga tradition that would radically reshape their lives.  From running up and down outdoor steps to finding discipline and joy in daily routines, the conversation explores how regular practice, association, and open-hearted seeking can help anyone—from outdoor adventurers to spiritual “seekers”—find meaning and connection in a busy world. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have been walking the path for years, this warm, relatable conversation offers both guidance and inspiration for anyone looking to deepen their practice or just curious about what it means to live a more intentional, spiritually connected life. Highlights: (2:39) Regularity  (9:31) How Neil & Bella met at a Israeli kibbutz (24:27) The prophecy of the horse whisperer (37:11) Living in an ashram in Hawaii and eventually meeting Balakhilya (52:16) Use whatever inclinations and talents you have in your spiritual journey Recorded on November 23, 2022. https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

    1h 11m
  6. #92 - Why Civilizations Collapse

    JUL 13

    #92 - Why Civilizations Collapse

    What actually caused the downfall of the great civilizations this Earth has seen? In 1934, social anthropologist J.D. Unwin made a vigorous scientific attempt to answer this question.  He studied 86 different cultures, including the Roman, Greek, Sumerian, Arabian, Babylonian and Anglo-Saxon civilizations. He had expected to find that monogamy had no real influence on these cultures. But by the end of his study, Unwin came to a much different conclusion. He found that throughout history in nearly every civilization, sexual license and the decline of monogamy lead to irreversible societal collapse within just three generations. Tune in to hear us break down his findings and explain them through the lens of the yoga wisdom. Highlights: (0:59) Why make decisions in life that are against the trend? Because it’s better for you. (8:59) Summarizing Unwin’s study; when sexual restraints disappear, so do rational thinking (22:45) Marriage is what holds the powerful force of lust at bay, but more and more people just want to be able to “lick the icing off the cake” and then move on (33:30) Balakhilya witnessed the sex and drugs revolution of the 60’s and saw the consequences of a “whatever feels good” mentality (46:10) The more knowledge we have, the better our choices will be—for the well-being of everyone Recorded on November 12, 2022. https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

    47 min
  7. #91 - Avoid Manipulation, See the Wolves

    JUL 3

    #91 - Avoid Manipulation, See the Wolves

    The truth is, we can’t stop being sheep. We are naturally inclined to follow a higher authority. So how can I navigate the terrain of spiritual life without being manipulated or used? How can I see the wolves for what they are, and how can I find a proper shepherd? Today we discuss the concept of “sheep” and “wolves” in both societal and spiritual contexts. We explore the natural human tendency to follow leaders and the risks that come with it. You’ll hear how according to the Vedas, a qualified spiritual guide is essential—but we are surrounded by deceptive leaders or “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. Manipulation occurs in politics, media, and even spiritual communities. And so we need to develop a sincere, cautious discernment rather than blind acceptance. True spiritual teachers never exploit, as they are genuinely fulfilled and act only out of care. And a genuine follower remains humble, always seeking guidance rather than striving for independence or superiority. Ultimately, what we need is to cultivate awareness, deepen our connection to the Supreme, and rely on authentic sources of wisdom and inner guidance to avoid being misled. Highlights: (1:02) “What the great man does, the common man follows” (11:39) Manipulation within spiritual communities (19:33) Behind the candy coated talks, there's really an agenda (27:04) Without a teacher, you can’t grow strong enough to resist being manipulated (36:50) We really can’t be independent (42:00) A true teacher doesn't teach a sectarian belief system, he teaches the Absolute Truth Recorded on May 23, 2022. https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

    58 min
  8. #90 - Go Beyond Positive Thinking

    JAN 3

    #90 - Go Beyond Positive Thinking

    Is the glass half full, or half empty? The truth is, we won’t really be happy regardless of how we see it. Until and unless we start addressing our true needs, as the spiritual beings we are. We should start seeing life as it truly is—accepting both the good and the bad without dramatization. Today we dive deep into the realities of life and the spiritual journey ahead of us. You’ll hear a heartfelt story about a friend diagnosed with ALS, that shows the importance of spiritual growth over worldly pleasures. We discuss how people often rely on positive thinking or temporary fixes when facing hardships, while true resilience comes from a realistic approach. Highlights: (5:44) Balakhilya buys rose-colored glasses (15:15) Better laugh than cry - but there’s another option (23:04) Sometimes difficulty is just what we need (31:06) The world is designed to be imperfect (36:10) We need to develop a higher taste Recorded on December 12, 2022. https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

    48 min
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About

No filter, no hidden agenda, just the truth about life - as it is. Breaking Trail is where you, the sincere seeker, can get answers to to life’s most important questions, such as “Who am I?”, “What is the purpose of my life?” and “Does God really exist?”. Our discussions are based on the ancient spiritual teachings of the East, carefully passed down since time immemorial from teacher to student in an unchanged form. Your hosts are Balakhilya, world-renowned lecturer and yogi, together with Ruben, a yoga meditation teacher living in northern Norway. Balakhilya has been living and teaching a Bhakti yoga lifestyle for over 50 years - inspiring people all over the world through his down-to-earth approach to and uncensored sharing of universal spiritual truths. Truths that apply whether you consider yourself a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, yogi, agnostic or atheist. Through their conversations you’ll be inspired to also break trail - to go where you perhaps haven’t gone before, and to embark on an exciting journey to self-discovery. Here’s where no questions are too big. And no doubts are left unattended. Link tree: https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

Information

  • Creator
    Balakhilya and Ruben
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021 The Breaking Trail Podcast
  • Show Website
    Breaking Trail