Swami Ramananda

Holding Light in an Age of Illusion

We are witnessing one of those moments seen in all the epic stories, a time when Maya reigns and the dark energies rise up to veil the hearts of men and women. Those in power are blinded by fear and greed, offering empty promises. People of the light must wait...

Beyond Resolutions: Choosing a Deeper Way

The beginning of a new year is a natural time to reflect on and re-envision our lives. The tradition of New Year’s resolutions can be life-changing or it can be a temporary way of fooling ourselves with lofty ideas that fade when reality hits. Clarifying our...

Finding Balance in a Reactive World

At a satsang at the Integral Yoga Institute in Buenos Aires years ago, I spoke and led a discussion about three essential elements of spiritual life: discrimination, equanimity, and service. The reflections shared that day brought out the complementary nature of...

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:...

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...