Sadhana has to be understood in the context of one’s daily life. Sadhana is a signal indicating the beginning and growth of the divine life within. Through sadhana the hidden powers of the mind are discovered which can be used for successful living and for spiritual realization. Sadhana enables one to overcome limitations. Continue reading
Dear ones, what is the objective of sadhana?
One cannot learn it. Sadhana involves concentration, and cultivation of fundamental virtues like truthfulness, selfless love, self-restraint etc. This enables one to travel on the spiritual path. Continue reading
Salutations to the Supreme Lord of the Universe.
Peace is a divine attribute. It is the quality of the soul. It fills the pure heart.
Peace, God, Atma, Freedom, Moksha—are synonymous terms.
Realize
Peace through meditation, devotion, Japa and prayers.
Cultivate peace in the garden of your heart by removing the weeds of
Lust, hatred, greed, selfishness, and jealousy.
Calm the mind. Be still.
Be in tune with the Divine will.
Be good. Do good to others. Make others happy.
See God in all. – ‘Message of Peace’ by Swami Sivananda
I have extracted this message from Swami Sivananda’s words. Continue reading
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, my Guru and founder of the Bihar School of Yoga, spent twelve years in Swami Sivananda’s ashram. In that period, he found that many persons wrote to Swami Sivananda, asking for help and treatment for their health problems. He would suggest that they practice Yoga. Continue reading
Dear ones, I am so proud that the practice of Yoga Nidra is referred to and practiced everywhere. My Guru is regarded as the creator of Yoga Nidra. I just read two quotes and I will share them with you. Continue reading
First of all, let us define rudeness. Rudeness is described as a weak imitation of strength. So many of us practice rudeness. It is also described as behavior which is inappropriate. It is being insolent, discourteous, impertinent and impolite. Continue reading
Dear ones, the tarsier is an animal, which is halfway between lemurs and monkeys. It measures only about 9-16 centimeters. Its tail is double its length. It is found in the Philippines and various islands of Southeast Asia. Continue reading
Life is not so short, but that there is always time enough for courtesy. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Civility costs nothing and buys everything. – Montagu
A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve. – Joseph Joubert
A tree is known by its fruit, a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship and he who plants kindness gathers love. – Saint Basil
Rage is an intense emotional state of displeasure with someone or something. Tranquility is a state of freedom from storm or disturbance. How does one keep a balance? There is only one way, which is being aware of one’s breath. What does this do for one? Does it banish one’s rage, one’s turmoil in one’s mind? It does. Continue reading
Reflected Awareness Sadhana
We are what our thoughts have made us; so, take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far. – Swami Vivekananda
It is Valentines’ Day and there are so many expectations about it. The excitement for young persons is about how many valentines and gifts one will get. As we get older, we still have an element of wishful thinking, maybe one’s ego comes into play. Continue reading
In the practice of Tantra, mantras are used. The mandala of sound in the beginning, when one practices the mantra, one chants Om, Om, Om aloud and one can hear the sound. Later one does not utter the sound, but one can feel it. Continue reading
How do we define freedom? It is a word used by all of us.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. – Martin Luther King Jr.
Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better. – Albert Camus
He who is brave is free? – Seneca
Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose and commit myself to – what is best for me. – Paul Coelho
What does samyojana mean? In Sanskrit, it means knots which are within us and these knots have to be opened. They are chains which bind us spiritually. Continue reading
What is the meaning of visualization? The gross meaning is to anticipate, envision or create. There is a spiritual meaning of visualization and that is the practice we are seeking. How can we develop visualization? It is a question asked so many times of Gurus. Yet it is a word used so frequently by us in our daily life. In the context of Yoga sadhana, Swamiji answered this question. Continue reading
What should we do as Yoga teachers?
Our responsibility as Yoga teachers is to enable our students to understand the following principles. Continue reading