Raja Yoga

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Raja Yoga’s Essential Teaching: The Quest for Happiness

In this 3rd installment of this series on "Raja Yoga Now," Swami Karunananda encourages our readers to explore what they are truly searching for in life. And, to consider how the teachings of Raja Yoga can support one's inner exploration and spiritual journey. What do...

The Ego Trap of Spiritual Arrogance

When we think about cultivating our inner faith, we do not often consider how closely faith ties into spiritual arrogance. The topic of spiritual arrogance is vast and deep. But when we feel into how this subtle aspect of ego-driven identification has unfolded within...

Raja Yoga Now: The Master’s Touch

It was in September 1970 that I first met my spiritual master. It was a time when many great Gurus were being drawn to the West, attracted by the awakening aspiration of the youth. Several hundred of us had gathered at a rustic site in the mountains of California for...

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Making Peace with Desires

Making Peace with Desires

How to let go of or make peace with a desire in the mind? Try to stay away from the object. Then the thought will slowly die away because the thought is not being fulfilled; the desire is not being fulfilled. Even though the desire comes in, when you don’t give it the...

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Helpful Hints for the Practice of Yama and Niyama

Helpful Hints for the Practice of Yama and Niyama

The first two limbs of Raja Yoga are called yama and niyama. They consist of five precepts each and constitute the ethical foundation of Yoga. Sri Swami Satchidananda said: “All spiritual life should be based on these principles. They are the foundation stones without...

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Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Ahimsa

Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Ahimsa

In this monthly series on the Yamas and Niyamas, Swami Karunananda offers wisdom and reflections on applying these foundational principles of Yoga in daily life. Sutra 2.35: In the presence of one firmly established in non-violence, all hostilities cease.  —from The...

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Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Satya

Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Satya

In this monthly series on the Yamas and Niyamas, Swami Karunananda offers wisdom and reflections on applying these foundational principles of Yoga in daily life. This month's teaching is on Satya, truthfulness. Sutra 2.36: To one established in truthfulness, actions...

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Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Asteya

Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Asteya

In this monthly series on the Yamas and Niyamas, Swami Karunananda offers wisdom and reflections on applying these foundational principles of Yoga in daily life. This month's focus is on Asteya, non-stealing. Sutra 2.37: To one established in non-stealing, all wealth...

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Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Brahmacharya

Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Brahmacharya

In this monthly series on the Yamas and Niyamas, Swami Karunananda offers wisdom and reflections on applying these foundational principles of Yoga in daily life. This month's focus is on Brahmacharya, moderation. Sutra 2.38: By one established in continence, vigor is...

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Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Saucha

Raja Yoga Teaching of the Month: Saucha

In this monthly series on the Yamas and Niyamas, senior Integral Yoga teachers offer wisdom and reflections on applying these foundational principles of Yoga in daily life from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This month's focus is on Saucha, purity. FROM THE HOLY BIBLE:...

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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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The Yamas and Niyamas

The Yamas and Niyamas

Deborah Adele says that the yamas and niyamas (the ethical precepts that are the first two foundational limbs in Patanjali’s eight-limbed system of classical Yoga) offer us tools to help us stay centered in the midst of the ups and downs of life. She’s written a book...

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The Yamas and Niyamas: Aparigraha (Non-Greed)

The Yamas and Niyamas: Aparigraha (Non-Greed)

If you’ve ever taken a class with Swami Karunananda, you know that she is a Raja Yoga master teacher and a fantastic storyteller. That’s why we couldn’t miss the opportunity to share the transcript of her talk on one of the five yamas: aparigrapha (non-greed). Swami...

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