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A Life in Service: Remembering Fr. Christie A. Joachimpillai, OMI (1931–2025)

On August 30, 2025, the world lost a devoted priest, scholar, and bridge-builder between faiths. Fr. Christie A. Joachimpillai, OMI—affectionately known as Fr. Pillai to many in the Integral Yoga community—passed away peacefully in Toronto, surrounded by loved ones....

Swami Sivananda’s Sampoorna Yoga for Modern Seekers

If you asked Sri Swami Sivananda what a busy person in the West should actually do each day to grow spiritually, he would likely point you to a deceptively simple framework: do a little meditation, a little prayer, a little study, a little service—every day—with...

The Greatest Victory

Gurudev Sivanandaji used to say that we should watch our thoughts because they create habits. Once you develop a habit, it becomes your character. And then your character becomes your destiny. So, it all originates with your thinking. That is why it is so important to...
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Integral Yoga, Raja Yoga & the Yoga Sutras

Integral Yoga, Raja Yoga & the Yoga Sutras

When the word Yoga is mentioned, most people immediately think of some physical postures for relaxing and limbering up the body. This is one aspect of the Yogic science, but actually only a very small part and relatively recent in development. The physical Yoga, or...

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The Eight Limbs of Yoga in Ayurvedic and Yogic Therapy

The Eight Limbs of Yoga in Ayurvedic and Yogic Therapy

Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedic Studies. This article offers a preview of the Teacher Training program that Dr. Frawley developed based on how the eight limbs of Yoga can be...

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Inside the Yoga Sutras: Introduction

Inside the Yoga Sutras: Introduction

Integral Yoga master teacher Rev. Jaganath Carrera, the author of the book Inside the Yoga Sutras, shares his reflections on the first two sutras that are foundational to understanding  the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the textbook on Raja Yoga. Rev. Jaganath's deep...

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The Infinite Vision of the Self

The Infinite Vision of the Self

If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is: infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro’ narrow chinks of his cavern. -William Blake, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell What does it mean to see the world as...

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Yoga is Union

Yoga is Union

Yoga is a Sanskrit word that comes from the root, “yuj” which means “to join together.”  Simply put, Yoga means “union.” In many ways the term Yoga is similar to the English term, “communion.” It refers to the state of union or communion with God, one’s true Self, or...

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A Practical Guide for Life

A Practical Guide for Life

The teachings of Raja Yoga are a golden key to unlock all health, happiness, peace, and joy. Everyone, everything, in the creation wants to be happy. If you put a plant in the shade, its leaves will turn toward the sun, because the plant wants to be happy. Place a...

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Principles of Karma Yoga

Principles of Karma Yoga

"Karma Yoga is the selfless devotion of all inner as well as the outer activities as a Sacrifice to the Lord of all works, offered to the eternal as Master of all the soul’s energies and austerities." —Bhagavad Gita Right Attitude It’s not what you do that counts,...

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Learn About Yourself Through Karma Yoga

Learn About Yourself Through Karma Yoga

You quickly learn your weaknesses while serving others. The world is like a big mirror, it shows you your ugly spots. You see your limitations and drawbacks; you test yourself in the field. You understand your attitudes and moods better than when you're alone. Through...

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The Yogi’s Karma Yoga

The Yogi’s Karma Yoga

Both a renowned Sanskrit scholar and yogi, Swami Venkatesananda—like his master, Swami Sivananda—can be regarded as a sage of practical wisdom. You can also listen to these talks at swamivenkatesananda.org. We are about to investigate Karma Yoga. The word "karma"...

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