S2 E95: Seeing the Divine: Lisa Prajna Hallstrom on Devotion, Doubt, and Anandamayi Ma

In this profoundly moving episode of The xMonks Drive, Gaurav sits down with Lisa Prajna Hallstrom — Harvard scholar, spiritual mentor, and lifelong devotee of Anandamayi Ma. Lisa shares the extraordinary journey that led her from a difficult childhood and academic pursuit at Harvard to a life of surrender, spiritual devotion, and divine grace. She speaks about discovering the teachings of Anandamayi Ma, her powerful Shakti experiences, and the moment she walked away from her marriage to follow a higher calling. Together, they explore the nature of God, non-duality, the illusion of separateness, and the sacred power of presence. Lisa opens up about parenting as a spiritual path, healing intergenerational trauma, and the resistance she faced when choosing devotion over convention. If you’ve ever asked yourself what it means to live in alignment with truth, or what it takes to truly let go and follow the Divine — this conversation is for you. Themes we explore: • What is presence beyond ego? • Shakti, surrender, and the role of the guru • Healing the past and transforming legacy • Eastern spirituality through a Western lens • Building a life around devotion to Anandamayi Ma 00:00 – Opening Reflections on Divine Presence 02:40 – Stillness, Surrender, and Spiritual Experience 05:10 – Early Life & Spiritual Quest 07:20 – Awakening Through a Guru 10:00 – The Search for Anandamayi Ma 12:00 – Harvard & Destiny Fulfilled 14:10 – Grief, Loss, and Divine Guidance 16:00 – Shakti Transmission & Anandamayi Ma"s Grace 19:00 – The Depth of Presence vs. Executive Presence 21:00 – Divine Joy and Ma’s Lightness 23:30 – The Kingdom of the Mind and Oneness 25:35 – Victimhood vs. Gratitude 28:00 – Letting Go of Old Patterns 29:30 – Resistance from the World 32:00 – Parenting, Healing, and Generational Impact 34:30 – Spirituality vs. Religion 36:45 – Homecoming to India & Indic Wisdom 39:30 – Ma’s Early Journey & the First Ashram 41:00 – Universal Spirituality & Embracing All Faiths 44:00 – Jesus, Shakti, and the Transmission of Grace 46:45 – Western Spiritual Void & India"s Wisdom 48:45 – Integrating the Spiritual and Material Worlds 51:00 – Wisdom & Devotion as Twin Wings 53:00 – India’s Spiritual Decline and Renewal 55:30 – Spiritual Service Through Work 57:30 – Surrendering the Fruits of Action 59:00 – Building an Ashram in America 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com