Yoga Philosophy

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The Yoga of Waves

Gerry Lopez is 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 entrepreneur, a family man, a movie...

No Separate Little You

In this inspiring contemplation, renowned Yoga teacher Erich Schiffman offers an embodiment practice. He gently guides us toward the recognition that we only exist because "The All, The One, the only Mind, Consciousness or Presence in existence anywhere is what is...

Journeying Through Yoga Philosophy: Exploring Ancient Wisdom for Modern Practice

Inspired by my book “Philosophy on the Mat – An Essential Guide for Yoga Teachers,” this article delves into the evolution and significance of yoga philosophy in contemporary contexts. It traces yoga from its spiritual origins to its modern applicati

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Let the Light Within You Be Revealed

Let the Light Within You Be Revealed

We say that a person is a good person if they have good thoughts and ideas—the kind that will bring benefit to humanity. We say a person is not good if the thoughts in their mind are selfish and are of a bad quality. A person may look very beautiful or handsome and...

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The Beauty that Lies Within

The Beauty that Lies Within

In Episode 3 of the "Two Old Fogey Yogis" podcast, our two yogis (Swami Asokananda and Rev. Prem) began a discussion of the “Big E,” or enlightenment. Now, in Episode 11, they dig deeper—unveiling an even more profound understanding of what it’s like to be fully awake...

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Self-Realization: The Expansion or Contraction of the Ego

Self-Realization: The Expansion or Contraction of the Ego

The ego should either become nothing or everything. When it comes to the ego, I don’t believe in the proverb that says that something is better than nothing. You should either become nothing or become everything, but not something. Nothing is better than something. We...

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Finding Your Path

Finding Your Path

What drew you to your spiritual path? Does modern Yoga throw out the “baby with the bathwater” when it goes post-lineage? In Ep 10 of the “Two Old Fogey Yogis” podcast, our hosts explore the relevance of a traditional spiritual path in today’s world and what drew each...

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What is the Purpose of Life?

What is the Purpose of Life?

Students often ask me questions like, “Why am I here on this earth?“ “What am I to do here?“ and “What is the purpose of life?“ The answer is that we are here to fulfill our part of the work in the great universal mission. There is one universal plan, a cosmic plan,...

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The Eye of the Self

The Eye of the Self

One can appreciate Yoga, and be a yogi, without disturbing one’s own faith. There are Yoga centers all over the world. Often, students begin with Hatha Yoga, the physical side. Gradually, when they understand the true essence of Yoga, they want to go more deeply into...

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Go Within

Go Within

Nothing is going to make you always happy. That’s what the Mother Nature teaches. She says, “You are running after me for happiness; stop running.” Sometimes we hear people saying, “I’ve run and run and run and now I’m tired of running. I’m going to stop.” If that...

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What is Integral Yoga?

What is Integral Yoga?

Did you ever wonder what "Integral Yoga" means? In this video, Mataji (a long-time disciple of Swami Satchidananda) describes how the path of Integral Yoga progressively brings the body, heart, mind, and spirit into harmony and peace. Swami Gurucharanananda, lovingly...

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Enlightenment, Dreaming, and the Greatness of Yoga

Enlightenment, Dreaming, and the Greatness of Yoga

In this podcast, Avi Gordon (director of the Integral Yoga Teachers Association) and Rev. Paraman Barsel discuss a range of inspiring spiritual topics. Rev. Paraman has been a student of Swami Satchidananda since 1970 and is a senior Integral Yoga teacher, renowned...

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Kundalini: A Dynamic Force

Kundalini: A Dynamic Force

Yoga students should be very, very careful when it comes the kundalini. It is a dynamic force, part of the cosmic force, that is in everybody. It is something like a seed that is alive and has the quality to germinate into a big tree. But, if you break open the seed...

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