Sri Swami Sivananda (the Guru of Integral Yoga founder Sri Swami Satchidananda) said that our suffering brings out the essence in us, just as an herb releases its fragrance when crushed. Gold is exposed only by removing a mountain of soil. Diamonds are formed through...
Avi Gordon (Integral Yoga Teachers Association director) is joined by Rev. Kamala Itzel Hayward (Integral Yoga teacher, Yoga therapist, Integral Yoga minister) for this conversation on spirituality and social justice. For 13 years, Rev. Kamala practiced law full time,...
In this article, Darren Mahesh Hayward explains how he came to set up a meditation group in the UK called All Us Men (or AUM). The group is aimed at helping men manage difficult emotional times. A group of men from all walks of life, different ages and lifestyle, all...
Rodrigo Rodríguez is a Shakuhachi composer, musician and teacher. The Shakuhachi is a Japanese wind instrument with some 500 years of history, from its origins the role of the instrument was linked to different genres of Japan to contemporary times as a fundamental...
In this video podcast, Avi Gordon (Integral Yoga Teachers Association director) and Lotus Lee Morgan discuss yogic action, what really matters, and the meaningfulness of being a part of a "tribe." Lotus has served as Satsang & Sacred Events Coordinator at...
In this video (part of a talk sponsored by Integral Yoga Global hosted by Integral Yoga Europe), Shri K. Ramasamy shares advice he received from his Guru, Swami Satchidananda. A key concept he shares is how to transform business into service. Shri Ramasamy is a highly...
A lot of people who’ve come to me have this idea that being spiritual is about being peaceful. But that idea of spirituality just turns spirituality into wanting to get from here now where you are to there where you want to be, where you think you should be. It...
If you need to correct somebody’s behavior, to get them to stop some negative action, you may have to use anger. By doing that, you are “punishing” their mistakes, but you are not punishing the person. You are not hating them. It’s like the child in a classroom, who...
Enjoy this wonderful kirtan with Astrud Castillo and hosted by the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco. Sure to lift your spirits! A devoted Bhakti Yogi and kirtan artist, Astrud came to Yoga seeking peace of mind. She was most inspired by and drawn to the...
In the wake of yet another gross example of racism and another senseless murder in the USA, many people are searching for some way to actively respond to a world that has given birth to so much violence and injustice. In Integral Yoga, we often speak about how we can...
I’ve drafted this email to my Yoga studio members: “When we return to our space, please leave your shoes at the front door, bring your own mat, wear a mask, wash your hands before and after class, and place your mat six feet away from others.” I’ve read and reread...
As some of us were discussing the strange feel of this life with social distancing, we expressed both a sense of gratitude for being safe and healthy, and a deep pang of sorrow for those many souls who are suffering. Those in my immediate circle of friends are...
Karma Yoga, the path of selfless service, is a main branch of the classical Integral Yoga system. Integral Yoga founder, Swami Satchidananda, considered the spirit of Karma Yoga as foundational to the practice of Yoga. In this article, Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, captures...
As we gather for various events celebrating the 50 year anniversary of Integral Yoga in San Francisco, we are reminded again and again of the importance of spiritual community. We have committed ourselves this month to making good use of the support and inspiration...
“I became a Buddhist because I hated my husband.” These were the words of Pema Chödrön that hooked me, after accidentally discovering an interview she gave about why she became a Buddhist nun. Until then, I was only vaguely familiar with her. Buddhism represented the...
After years of dedicated service in Integral Yoga ashrams and centers in California, New York, Virginia, India and other places, Swami Divyananda now travels more than ever, calling the entire world her home. Along the journey, she has learned some insightful lessons...