Navaratri Pujas!

Navaratri is one of the most revered annual Hindu festivals observed in the honor of the Divine Mother, Devi, the Goddess. It spans over nine nights and a10th day (known as Vijayadasami). Navaratri began on September 26 and ends on October 5th, 2022. Satchidananda...

A Weekend of Music, Mantra & Magic: August 2022

Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville will host a special weekend of Music, Mantra, and Magic with Seán Johnson & The Wild Lotus Band from August 12 – 14, 2022, in person. Join Seán Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band for a heart-opening weekend bhakti retreat that...

Gurus and Spiritual Experiences

A questioner asks: Swamiji, what about Gurus like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa? We read that he touched his disciple Swami Vivekananda and Vivekananda had a spiritual experience. Was Vivekananda just opening up something from within himself or did Sri Ramakrishna...

A Brief History of Sri Guru Gita

Sri Guru Gita is a compilation of verses dedicated to the veneration of the Guru—both one’s embodied Guru, as well as the Guru-tattva or Guru Principle. Many devotees repeat the entire Gita daily, though some repeat it yearly during the annual Guru Poornima (July full...

Seeking Something like Faith

The howl of a nor’easter blew against my house and rattled the windows. A rifle-like crack, roaring whoosh, and an earth-shaking thud shocked me fully awake. I assumed another tree had fallen. Finally, night gave way to grey dawn and I huddled around my coffee mug in...