Articles
Explore Latest Posts
Explore Videos
Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 6: The Cosmic Dancer
When asked to reflect upon his life, Swami Satchidananda once said, "It’s hard to summarize a long life in a few words. But I can just say I am fortunate, in a way, to be born in a family of pious parents. They were my first Gurus. They instilled faith in God in my...
The Way of Recognition
Understanding Enlightenment and Awakening For many, the terms enlightenment and awakening evoke the promise of extraordinary experiences. Referring to a concept that has intrigued and captivated truth seekers throughout history, these terms are often associated with...
The Ego is Like a Powerful Elephant
A dialogue between Sri Ramana Maharshi and a disciple, as recounted in Maharshi's Gospel: The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi, 1939. Devotee: How is the Guru found? Maharshi: God, who is immanent manifests, through Grace, according to the devotee’s development. The...
“America’s First Guru”
America’s First Guru, by director Raja Choudhury, premiered on PBS in May 2024. The film is the compelling story of how a young charismatic Indian monk named Swami Vivekananda came to America for the first World’s Parliament of Religions in 1893 and went on to share...
Swami Karunananda on “Here’s to Your Health” with Joshua Lane
Swami Karunananda, senior monastic disciple of Swami Satchidananda and Integral Yoga master teacher was recently featured on "Here's to Your Health" with Joshua Lane, a popular podcast and radio show. Swami Karunananda addressed the want behind all other wants is...
“Lotus Girl”
From one of the central figures in Buddhism’s introduction to the West and the founder of Tricycle magazine comes Lotus Girl: My Life at the Crossroads of Buddhism and America by Helen Tworkov, a brilliant memoir of forging one’s own path that Pico Iyer calls...
“The Centered Heart” – Ancient Wisdom + Modern Science
In The Centered Heart, Susi Amendola, C-IAYT, 500-ERYT, Yoga therapist, stress management expert and senior trainer for Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, navigates the intricate relationship between stress management and overall health. She invites readers into...
The Path to Spiritual Awakening
The Cosmic Guru is the only Guru. All the rest is just comic. The real Guru is everywhere. Within, without. The Guru is above all the qualities, at the same time you see every kind of quality there. Sometimes the Guru is all sattvic, sometimes very rajasic, sometimes...
Secrets of Spiritual Practice – IY eMagazine 301
“The Last Ecstatic Days”
Ethan Sisser, a young man with terminal brain cancer started livestreaming his death journey. Thousands joined to celebrate his courage. Honoring Ethan's wish, his doctor Aditi Sethi transported him to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. What...
Bhakti Yoga Flowing!
The 2024 Memorial Day weekend at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville was an immersion in Bhakti Yoga, inspiration, and transformation. Kirtan legend Krishna Das shared four days of music, connection, and storytelling. Participants felt the Divine Presence through song and...
10 Years ago: Global Garland Interfaith Kirtan for World Peace
It was ten years ago, Saturday, June 7, 2014, to be precise that the "Global Garland Interfaith Kirtan for World Peace Celebrating the Centennial Birth Year of Sri Swami Satchidananda" was held at the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City....
Overcoming a Fear of Flying: How Mantras Carry Me on Their Wings
The small commuter airplane swayed as it began its descent toward rural Virginia. I gripped the armrest. The seatbelt chime dinged and the engines droned. I closed my eyes and felt the twenty-thousand feet below me open like a chasm. I put my earbuds in and raised the...
Learning to Work Through Challenges: Tapas (Self-Discipline)
"God knows your breaking point. You simply don't know your own strength." –Swami Satchidananda How many times have you been a safe container for those you care about? What did it look like? What did it feel like? Challenging oneself to be disciplined or to attain a...
The Secret of Spiritual Practice
The secret of spiritual practice is not what you do but how you do—that is more important. Sometimes a newcomer who gets into spiritual practice will make a big list of resolutions, “I will practice half an hour every day in the morning, pranayama, three malas every...
Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 5: Guided by the Thirukkural
As a young boy, Ramu (Swami Satchidananda’s birthname was Ramaswamy, Ramu for short) was deeply immersed in Tamil culture and spirituality. One of the most significant influences in his life was the Thirukkural, a revered Tamil text written by the celebrated poet and...
A Journey with Sri Gurudev: Remembering Parameshwari Dinsmoor
Integral Yoga's beloved Parameshwari Mary Dinsmoor, an early disciple of Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev), passed away on May 29, 2024, from cancer. Born on Oct. 6,1940, she was a true embodiment of love and selfless service and leaves behind a legacy of devotion,...
Pranayama: A Healing Science – Online Seminar June 1st
From slowing down aging to boosting self-awareness and reducing stress, Pranayama, or Yoga breathwork, has the power to enhance our everyday lives in more ways than we thought imaginable. Recent research provides ample evidence that Pranayama benefits our physical...
Wandering Turtle: A Heartfelt Tribute
Wandering Turtle, a a cherished member of the Choctaw community and beloved member and resident of Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville for the past 25 years, passed on into the Divine Light on May 15, 2024. Turtle, as he was lovingly known, was a dedicated Karma Yogi,...
Remembering Reverend Saraswati Beth Neumann
Born in 1947, Rev. Saraswati was a graduate of American University in Washington D.C. After graduation she worked in an interior design firm and architectural companies in New York city and in New Jersey and even worked as a professional clown for some time. She...
Waves of Peace – IY eMagazine 300
The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez
Gerry Lopez is not only a leading Yoga teacher, but one of the most influential surfers and surfboard shapers of all time. Known as "Mr. Pipeline"—for his mastery of the huge waves that form large, hollow, thick curls of water that surfers can tube ride—Lopez is an...
The Swami & The Rabbi: Jewish Mysticism Meets Integral Yoga
Hosted by the Integral Yoga Ministry and inspired by the annual "Swami & Rabbi" programs with Swami Satchidananda and Rabbi Joseph Gelberman, now Swami Ramananda, a senior monastic student of Swami Satchidananda, and Rabbi David Igber, a senior student of Reb...
200-Hour Teacher Training, Module 1: Yoga Immersion Program
Jacinta Jayadevi Hollon and Stephanie Śrī Weyman will lead this hybrid program beginning July 8. 2024, hosted by the Integral Yoga Institute of New York. Whether you are interested in becoming a certified Integral Yoga teacher or you would like to do a deep dive into...
Integral Yoga Meditation Teacher Training: July 2024
Meditation Teacher Training with Swami Karunananda, E-RYT 500 and Integral Yoga Senior Staff will be held July 22 – August 4, 2024 at Satchidananda Ashram Yogaville. Our whole life experience is based on the condition of the mind, how we perceive and respond to...