Ep. 185: Gananathamritananda Swamiji

Join hosts AC and Isaac Hill on the Plant Cunning Podcast as they dive deep into the world of Ayurveda with Gananathamritananda Swamiji, an Ayurvedic practitioner, astrologer, and pujari based in Virginia who you can find at SOMA MATHA SPIRITUAL CENTER - Home. Discover the complexities of sourcing Ayurvedic herbs, building a Hindu temple in rural Virginia, and the impact of the Flexner Report on modern medicine. Swamiji shares his personal journey to becoming a Swami, the daily life of an Ayurvedic healer, and practical insights into using local herbs sustainably. This episode also features an enlightening discussion on the spiritual path and a beautiful prayer from the Vedas. Don't miss this fascinating conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern challenges. 00:00 Introduction to the Plant Cunning Podcast 00:35 Meet Swamiji: Ayurvedic Practitioner and Astrologer 04:47 Challenges in Herbalism and Ayurveda 08:49 Swamiji's Journey into Ayurveda 11:31 Ayurvedic Practices and Spiritual Healing 19:56 The Importance of Traditional Knowledge in Herbalism 27:37 Western vs. Ayurvedic Herbalism 32:51 The Ego's Role in Illness 34:47 Ayurvedic Herbs and Sustainability 42:07 Challenges in Building a Temple 47:57 The Spiritual Path and Self-Realization 52:19 The Shift from Herbal to Pharmaceutical Medicine 01:00:11 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer