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Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 2: Tamil Shaivism and Palani Malai

In the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with its verdant landscapes nestled amid swaying coconut palms and fragrant jasmine vines, lies a quaint village steeped in timeless charm and rustic allure. This is the setting in which the family home of Sri Gurudev Swami...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey: Tracing Our Integral Yoga Tradition Through Time, Part 1

It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but what if that journey encompasses not only miles but also centuries of profound wisdom, timeless traditions, and a tapestry of influences that have shaped our spiritual heritage? In this...

In Memoriam: Swami Murugananda, 1942 – 2024

On Jan. 6, 2024, after some time at the Acute Care Center at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, our dear brother Swami Murugananda has passed into the Divine Light, embraced by the eternal love of his beloved Sri Gurudev Swami...

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Christmas Message 2023 from Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB

Christmas Message 2023 from Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB

+ Dear Family and Friends, The days are growing short. Winter daylight is fading early, as I’m watching the chickadees quickly snatching a few last sunflower seeds from the bird feeder. From my armchair by the window i can enjoy their antics all day long, as i look...

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The Broken Christmas Tree: How Love Saved Its Light

The Broken Christmas Tree: How Love Saved Its Light

My dad ascended the rickety ladder, thus launching our family’s annual quest to decorate our Christmas tree. Ours was no snowy trek to an idyllic woodland. Instead it was an ascension up the world’s oldest wooden ladder to a high and bafflingly small closet where our...

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The Light that Shines Through the Ages

The Light that Shines Through the Ages

We all need teachers in life; not everything can be learned from a book. According to Hindu tradition, there are four main teachers: Mata, Pita, Guru, Deva: Mother, Father, Guru and God. The mother is the baby’s first guru; she is everything to the baby: unconditional...

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The Unchanging Amid the Changing

The Unchanging Amid the Changing

It seems like any birthday that ushers us into a new decade​ brings with it a whole spectrum of feelings, and that is what happened for me recently. Turning 70 gave rise to that culturally influenced feeling​, “OMG​! I’m getting old.” But I’m grateful that I also...

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Br. David Steindl-Rast Honored

Br. David Steindl-Rast Honored

Congratulations to Grateful.org founder, Br. David Steindl-Rast, on both his 97th birthday and for being awarded the Gold Decoration of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. The award is given to select individuals by the Austrian government and was presented...

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The World is Like a Movie, a Dream, a Video Game

The World is Like a Movie, a Dream, a Video Game

The celebrated book, Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda, is credited with changing the lives of tech genius Steve Jobs, musicians George Harrison and Elvis Presley, wellness guru Andrew Weill and actress Mariel Hemmingway, among many others. It also...

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“Where the Rope Ends”

“Where the Rope Ends”

“Where the Rope Ends” is a feature length documentary film about Yoga teacher Nichole Doane’s experience on a fateful day when a rope ended and a long road to recovery that ensued. Here’s some of that story, in Nichole’s own words. I’ve always had endless appreciation...

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A Rock Band and the Swami

A Rock Band and the Swami

I don't know about you, but I grew up in the 1960s—first concert (Dave Clark Five), listening to "Cousin Brucie" (the legendary "disk jockey" on the radio), first date (nothing to write home about), first hippie yearnings... And, of course, the celebrated band: The...

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Living Their Yoga: Devātman Daniel Givens

Living Their Yoga: Devātman Daniel Givens

In this interview by Dhāraṇī Diana Díaz, Integral Yoga teacher and sound healer Devātman Daniel Givens shares an overview of his Yoga journey and passions. Your journey is an interesting path. When and how did you discover Yoga? What brought you to Integral Yoga? I...

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