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Enlightening Moments: From a First Meeting in 1966 to a Lifetime of Guidance
I’m sure that many of Swami Satchidananda's (Gurudev’s) followers have had enlightening moments in his presence and their personal relationship. As I reflect on the 60 years since his arrival in New York, here are a few of mine. On that auspicious day in 1966 when we...
A Sacred Tapestry: The Spiritual Roots of Integral Yoga
This month, in place of our regular installment of “Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey,” we turn to the spiritual lineage that shaped Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev) before he arrived in America in July 1966. As we celebrate Guru Poornima, we also mark 60 years...
Brotherhood Beyond Boundaries: The Profound Friendship of Br. David Steindl-Rast and Swami Satchidananda
There are friendships that transcend the limitations of time, culture, and tradition—friendships that seem destined, woven into the very fabric of life’s unfolding story. Such was the deep and abiding bond between Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB, and Sri Swami...
LOTUS at Forty: The Light That Welcomes Every Path
In July 1986, during the International Year of Peace, a luminous vision took form in the rolling hills of central Virginia. On July 20, spiritual leaders, dignitaries, devotees, neighbors, and seekers gathered at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville for the dedication of...
“How I Came to the West”: Sri Swami Satchidananda in His Own Words
Editor’s note: On July 31, 1966, Sri Swami Satchidananda arrived in New York City for what was expected to be a brief visit. Sixty years later, and as we also mark the 40th anniversary of the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS), we revisit Sri Gurudev’s own...
LOTUS 40th Anniversary Celebration: September 2026
Join us at Satchidananda Ashram—Yogaville to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) September 4-6, 2026. This weekend is a time to come together and renew our commitment to the universal message of LOTUS dedicated to the Light of...
Working with Our Fears
Nalanie Chellaram, founder of Service in Satchidananda and one of Integral Yoga's master teachers, asks the question: What do you fear - Death? Sickness? Having no money? In this, the first in a video series, Nalanie discusses some of the different fears we may have,...
A Bridge of Wisdom and Compassion: Remembering Tenzin Robert A.F. Thurman
With deep respect and gratitude, we join the many communities around the world mourning the passing of Tenzin Robert A.F. Thurman—beloved scholar, teacher, translator, activist, and longtime friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Professor Robert Thurman passed away...
Meditation Teacher Training – August 2026
Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville will host a Meditation Teacher Training with Swami Karunananda, E-RYT 500, Swami Priyaananda, E-RYT 500 and Satyam Penn, Ph.D. from August 10 - 23, 2026. Swami Satchidananda said: “Meditation is the most important practice. Most of our...
Raja Yoga Teacher Training – September 2026
Join the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco for a 2-part Raja Yoga Teacher Training with trainers Swami Ramananda and Swami Divyananda Date and Times (PDT) Part 1: September 30, 2026 – December 12 and Part 2: February 27 – April 3, 2027. For Yoga teachers, Yoga...