The question that scientists ask is how matter becomes conscious. The new idea is that everything has a “degree” of Consciousness. It’s called panpsychism. The conclusion of this way of thinking is that the universe is conscious. And this is considered to be...
Awakening and Realization
In this video, Rupert Spira and Swami Sarvapriyananda share their perspectives on various aspects of the path of wisdom, including seeing the true reality behind all appearances, the process of awakening, and what life is like after Self-realization. They also discuss...
Raja Yoga’s Essential Teaching: The Quest for Happiness
In this 3rd installment of this series on "Raja Yoga Now," Swami Karunananda encourages our readers to explore what they are truly searching for in life. And, to consider how the teachings of Raja Yoga can support one's inner exploration and spiritual journey. What do...
Staying Balanced in the Midst of Pain
Someone once asked me the following question: “In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, ‘The yogi who perceives the essential oneness everywhere naturally feels the pleasure or pain of others as their own.’ Is it possible to feel the pain of others without losing...
Is Vedanta Hindu?
In this talk, Swami Medhananda, a scholar-practitioner, answers the question "Is Vedanta Hindu?" Sri Swamiji explores this thought-provoking subject, examining the historical, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of Vedanta. Is it exclusively tied to Hinduism, or...
Spiritual Media Blog Podcast: Practicing the Yoga Sutras in Daily Life
Matthew Welsh, JD, PhD, (founder of Spiritual Media Blog and his podcast of the same name) recently invited Carroll Ann (Prashanti) Friedmann to be a podcast guest and talk about her new book (Practicing the Yoga Sutras, from Integral Yoga Publications). The book...
Our Real Nature
In this talk, Swami Sarvapriyananda (senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order, and spiritual director of the Vedanta Center of New York) shares the teachings of the great Jnana Yogi Swami Vivekananda on the true nature of the Self. The talk is based on the Vijnana Vedanta...
The Way of Recognition
Understanding Enlightenment and Awakening For many, the terms enlightenment and awakening evoke the promise of extraordinary experiences. Referring to a concept that has intrigued and captivated truth seekers throughout history, these terms are often associated with...
“Nirvana Shatakam” : A Gateway to the Infinite
The profound Nirvana Shatakam stotra (hymn of praise) was composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the great 8th-century philosopher and sage, who stands as one of the most profound spiritual figures in India’s history. His teachings revitalized the understanding of Advaita...
Tasting the Spiritual Fruit
Every year on his birthday, as we gathered to honor Sri Swami Satchidananda, the tables would turn in the most profound way. Rather than our offerings of gratitude and celebration taking center stage, Gurudev would bless us with a birthday message brimming with wisdom...
Advaita Vedanta and the Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi
This video features special guests Swami Sarvapriyananda (spiritual director, Vedanta Society of New York) and Michael James (a translator of Sri Ramana Tamil writings) as they discuss the essence of Advaita Vedanta and Sri Ramana's teachings. They also focus on how...
Seven Favorite Yoga Teachings
José Rafael Madureira, an Integral Yoga Brazil sangha member, produced this inspiring YouTube playlist containing his seven most favorite quotes from Swami Satchidananda. José kindly offered these in honor of the 110th birth anniversary of Sri Swamiji (December 22,...
Go Within
In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, host Avi Gordon (director of the Integral Yoga Teachers Association) discusses with Amma Kidd the significance of collective prayer, the transformative influence of a Guru, surrendering to God's will, and the...
Challenging the Norms: A Journey into Yoga’s Heart
In this enlightening episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, hosted by Avi Gordon (director, Integral Yoga Teachers Association), Michelle Jacobi shares her captivating journey into the world of Yoga. Starting as a professional dancer in New York with a keen interest in...
Jnana Yoga’s Fourfold Sadhana
The Fourfold Sadhana of Jnana Yoga consists of viveka, vairagya, shadshampat or sixfold virtues and mumukshutva or strong yearning for liberation. Viveka dawns in one who, through the grace of God, has done virtuous actions in their previous births as offerings unto...
Learning to Work Through Challenges: Tapas (Self-Discipline)
"God knows your breaking point. You simply don't know your own strength." –Swami Satchidananda How many times have you been a safe container for those you care about? What did it look like? What did it feel like? Challenging oneself to be disciplined or to attain a...