Guru is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘gu’ meaning darkness or dispeller and ‘run’ meaning light or dispeller. So, a guru is an individual, who dispels darkness and illuminates the path to knowledge. The Guru is seen as a guide on the path to spiritual realization, helping the disciple to understand the meaning and significance of the scriptures and attain higher wisdom. Continue reading
In the midst of activities, see that there is a constant force which will keep your inner state always divine, equipoised and spiritual. You must develop the technique that you must not react. It is when man reacts to the actions of external forces that he fails and trouble comes.
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Why do we practice Japa? The purpose of practicing with a Mala, according to Yoga is to awaken the psychic awareness in an individual.
Swami Niranjananda gives the best explanation. My experience is that every time I read the writings of the Masters, I find that I learn something new or my understanding gains more clarity. My Guru, Swami Satyananda said to me, ‘Be curious, inquisitive and have an open mind.’ I have followed his wise advice and along the path have been finding more and more precious insights, which I can share with you, dear ones. Continue reading
Ram’s birthplace is Ayodhya. The meaning of Ayodhya is a place where there is no war. It was a place where there was no conflict, no duality, attachment or aversion, honour or dishonor, joy or sorrow, giving or taking, sense of multiplicity. Continue reading
What happens when one is hurt by a person, whom one cares for? This applies to parents, siblings, relatives and friends. It is extremely hard to dissemble and accept the rudeness or insults. It does not change and even as one grows older and older as in my case and the case of my companions, it remains. Continue reading
How do I surrender my ego? The most precious pearls of wisdom were given by my Guru Swami Satyananda Saraswati. He shares his experience of when he met Swami Sivananda. He felt his overwhelming influence. Continue reading
What is a Guru Stuti?
A prayer or Stotram which praises a teacher or Guru as a God and salutes their virtues. “Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru Devo Maheshwara,” is an example.
What is a Guru Paduka Stotram?
A devotional chant which describes the Guru’s sandals as a boat which takes disciples across the ocean of worldly existence to the shores of spiritual wisdom.
What is Akhanda Mandalakaram?
A Guru Stotram which says, “I salute the preceptor who is Himself the Divine Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara—and who is the supreme Godhead.”
What is a Guru Stotram?
A Stotram which says, “The Guru is the beginning of the Universe, yet he himself is without a beginning, the Guru is the highest deity, and there is none higher than the Guru.” Continue reading
I heard a voice from within
‘Siva wake up and fill the cup of your life with this nectar
Share it with all
I shall give you strength, energy, power and wisdom’
I obeyed his command
He did fill the cup and I shared with all. – Swami Sivananda Saraswati
Yoga will emerge as a mighty culture and change the course of world events.
My only request for aspirants is; be constantly aware of the spiritual self beyond the body and mind.
Transform every act of yours into an act of Yoga.
Pain is a cross on which nature hangs a man whenever She wishes to make him a sublime superman.
by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. 1963 Continue reading
This story is about Mulla Nasiruddin and his wit and wisdom. He was a Turkish sage, who used very unusual teaching methods. I want to share one of his stories with you, my dear ones. Continue reading
Bhagawan is God and prarthana is prayers.
The Lord is Bhagawan (God) and is described as one who knows the cause of creation and destruction, the reason for the birth and departure of Jiva, the period Jiva has to remain on the earth due to his Karma. Bhagawan is not a Guru and this is explained in the Sanskrit literature. Vishnu Purana defines Bhagawan as he who understands the creation and dissolution, the appearance and disappearance of beings, the wisdom and ignorance. Continue reading
A true teacher is compared to God, by his students. The word guru means remover of darkness. Homage is paid to God, the Guru of Guru. Guru mantras originate from various sources.
Guru Stotram from the Vishamsara Tantram (of which only portions survive today) the Guru Gita that is part of the Skanda Purana. The Guru Stotram is also ascribed to Adi Shankaracharya. Continue reading
How do we perceive wisdom?
The Greek word for wisdom is Sophia and it refers to the intimate understanding of God’s word and his commandments which result in holy and upright living. Spiritual wisdom is being fully present in the moment and being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Wisdom is the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. Continue reading
One wishes to attract the attention of an entity one can see but one does not know his name. One uses a word or a sound to attract his attention. He comes over and says that his name is so and so and was one seeking him. Similarly, God himself in the role of the Guru discloses himself to the pilgrim wandering in search of a guide. In the ultimate analysis the pilgrim is one with the name and with the Guru. How can it be otherwise? He alone can impart the gift of his name and none but he himself can sustain the knowledge of his name. As explained by Sri Anandamayi Ma. Continue reading