Swami Satyananda Saraswati said that one must accept oneself as one was. ‘An important step in yoga is to accept your nature as much as you’re able.’ He spoke a lot on self-acceptance and the reason is that acceptance of self is crucial to yoga and tantra. Tantra is called the way to acceptance. Continue reading
Her hands have no arms; her mouth has no face. She is the eyes of the blind, Mother Prachanda Chandika.
Without hands she fashions, she knows without a mind, without an eye she sees, Mother Prachanda Chandika.
She is the supreme hand of the hand, the wonderful consciousness of the mind, the eye, that is the origin of the eye, Mother Prachanda Chandika.
Though her head is cut off, she is the support of life. Though she is frightening in appearance, she is the giver of peace. Though a maiden she increases our vigor, Mother Prachanda Chandika. – Ganapati Muni, Prachanda Chandika-9-11,14.
It is the Goddess Chinnamasta, the consciousness beyond the mind. Her Sanskrit name, comprised of Chinna (meaning severed), masta (head) and Vajrayyogini (a Buddhist goddess) highlights her unique nature. She is the headless Vajrayyogini symbolizes self-sacrifice, transformation, and the transcendence of ego. She is connected with the fierce aspect of the Goddess Devi. Continue reading
The world and the life created in it is subject to the influence of maya and tamas. We are all victims of maya and tamas.
Maya is illusion and is the powerful force which creates the cosmic illusion that the phenomena is real. The purpose of maya is to teach one the futility of illusion. To be free of maya one must develop an attitude of gratitude. Continue reading
The Hindu belief is totally non-exclusive and accepts all other faiths and religious paths. An ancient Vedic text says that God or truth is one and wise persons refer to it by many names. Hindus believe that no one religion is exclusively true, that all major faiths are aspects of the one universal all encompassing truth, and that there are many paths to seek and experience religious understanding and enlightenment. Continue reading
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
Dear ones, I started the practice of Yoga a long time ago. I did not know what I was going in for. I had severe pain in my left hand and being left-handed found it difficult to do work, mainly household chore and taking care of my twin sons. Of course, the best part was when my husband brushed my hair, I felt quite queenly. However, it was not so funny as I felt helpless. Continue reading
There is a light that shines beyond all things on earth, beyond us all, beyond the heavens, beyond the highest, the very highest heavens. This is the light that shines in your heart. – Chandogya Upanishad
Happiness = None of desires fulfilled – None of desires harbored. 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
There are no major differences between God-realization and Yoga. Both paths are the same and, on this path, one has to reach the path through the body. One differentiates saying that the mind and body are separate. Chitta (thought and counter thought), Buddhi (intellect) and Ahamkara (ego) are separate.
From this body to the truth, the technique which can illuminate the path is called Yoga. God himself is the source of the truth and energy. Therefore, all the techniques that are practiced in Yoga, enable one to seek the truth.
And in the last stage of Yoga, one attains spirituality and then there is no difference between spirituality and God. And in the process, one knows oneself and this is Yoga.
What is spiritual knowledge? Who seeks it? We seek it. Animals are not interested in it and that is why they are animals. There would be no difference between man and animals if one lived only to eat and procreate. We must rise from this level and the pursuit of Yoga is the way. We enter the earth as humans after 84 million births. Continue reading
Sarva-dvarani sanyamya mano hridi nirudhya cha
Murdhnyadhayatmanah pranam asthito yoga-dharanam.
All the gates of the body restrained, the mind confined within the heart, one’s life force fixed in the head, established in concentration by Yoga. Continue reading
Simple life is a veritable blessing, because it makes one free from cravings and desires, which cause suffering and pain.
Bhakti is a force that will influence our civilization, culture and relationships.
Empty yourself. Tune your radio. Unite your mind. The rest will take place when the proper time is due.
Like the rays of the moon the light of Yoga is expanding
All religions, beliefs and sects
Are receiving shelter
Under the kalpataru (wish fulfilling tree) of Yoga.
Towards the evolution of consciousness
Yoga has done unforgettable work.
Yoga will become tomorrow’s culture
And will show
A new way of life for mankind.
Dear ones, ask yourself this question. –Swami Satyananda Saraswati. 1981.
Dear ones, my eldest granddaughter is writing a story about a boy living in a Hindu family. She is half German and she has been coming to Yoga Vidya since she was two. Her two younger brothers have also been coming. Well, she rang me up and asked me what being a Hindu meant. She associated it with being religious. Continue reading
Who is Medha? She is the Vedic goddess presiding over the power of memory and understanding.
How does memory influence us? I read that one should build on the old memories and then one forgets the unpleasant memories. It is possible if it relates to war or other disasters. How can one reduce a traumatic event and build on it? Dear ones, it is possible to accept a traumatic event and not allow it to interfere with the process of daily events. However, one has to work on it, and sometimes it can be life-long. Continue reading