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Prana: The Subtle Current of Awakening
The yogic masters describe prana as the subtle current that sustains body, mind, and spirit. For most, it remains hidden beneath the surface of breath. But for those who practice deeply, prana is revealed as the very thread of consciousness itself. To know prana is to...
Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 21: Swami Ranga Nath and the Awakening of Discernment
The life of a seeker is marked not only by radiant moments of revelation but by encounters that test the very fiber of discernment. For the young Ramaswamy—who would one day be known to the world as Swami Satchidananda—one such turning point came through his meeting...
An Affirmation: Caring, Useful, and Supportive
At the close of our morning meditation, the residents of the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute reaffirm the intention we hold for our spiritual growth while living together in community. Last month, we chose a phrase from this affirmation as our focal practice:...
When Two See as One: The Yoga of Marriage
There is a saying, “Marriages are made in heaven.” Heaven is wherever the spirit is expressed. In this sense, a true marriage is not only on the physical level. The couple temporarily rises to a lofty height. We could say that their wedding is a celestial gathering....
Little Lights of Yoga: Where Playfulness Meets Purpose
Nurture the next generation of yogis with heart, color, and consciousness. Our Integral Yoga Baby & Kids Collection brings timeless teachings to life through joyful designs and inspiring messages — perfect for tiny souls and growing hearts. Each piece celebrates...
Mahabharata: Designs of Dharma – A New Vision for an Ancient Epic
When an epic spans more than 100,000 verses, outdistancing Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey tenfold, its retelling is no small task. The Mahabharata, composed over 5,000 years ago and attributed to the sage Vyasa, is the longest poem in recorded history. It is at once...
Gossip: A Barrier on the Spiritual Path
Why do we gossip? This question might appear trivial at first, but when examined deeply, it opens a window into human psychology, social dynamics, and the level of spiritual evolution or lack thereof. Gossip is not merely idle talk, it is more. It is both idle and...
Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 20: When Grace Meets Destiny–The Siddha Who Pointed the Path Beyond India
The history of a sage’s journey is not measured only in years spent with a teacher, but in the depth of the impression left upon the soul. For Ramaswamy (later known to the world as Swami Satchidananda) one such moment came during his years as a sadhu (wandering...
Opening the Heart: Recognizing and Releasing Subtle Prejudices
Prejudice exists not only in the world around us but also, often unconsciously, within us. Whether we see it or not, it shapes how open—or closed—our hearts are to others. Recognizing the subtle ways prejudice arises in us can be a powerful step toward living with...
From Clouds to Clear Sky: Transformation Through Yoga
If you deny thoughts and emotions or try to get rid of them by suppressing them they will just reemerge. When negative thoughts come there are three things you can do. You can ignore them the same way that the blue sky ignores the gray clouds that appear in it. The...