Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences. In this interview, David Frawley, PhD (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri) addresses their complementarity and where asana fits into both of these ancient systems from a holistic perspective. He also clarifies the intent of asana and the...
Self-Effort and Grace
You begin the spiritual path with self-effort. You begin with your own force, with your own will. As you begin to practice concentration and meditation, the mind becomes more one-pointed; it comes to a very calm condition. In that calmness, you are able to perceive...
Pranayama & Meditation to the Rescue!
In 2017, CNN's Anderson Cooper interviewed former First Lady Hillary Clinton about her new book and her mention of her Yoga practice in the book. It was Dr. Dean Ornish (a senior student of Swami Satchidananda and pioneering lifestyle medicine researcher), who first...
Navigating Difficult Situations Utilizing Satya (Truthfulness)
In an earlier episode of their podcast, the "Two Old Fogey Yogis" did a deep dive into satya, truthfulness. Now, they apply this principle to difficult situations. After sharing a bit of philosophy, they ask the question: “What does this really look like in real life?...
Six Qualities to Cultivate in Sadhana
It may seem that some people are natural born yogis and that spiritual practice comes easily to them. Are there certain qualities that we see in people who have a well-grounded sadhana? The answer is yes, but they rarely appear full blown in anyone. They need to be...
Hatha Yoga: The Sadhana of Kali Yuga and Hatha’s Texts
The sages advised that since, in Kali Yuga, humankind is preoccupied with the body, an important sadhana or spiritual practice for this age is Hatha Yoga—the science of achieving higher consciousness through the disciplines of body and breath. In this article, the...
Sutra 1.33: The Four Locks and Keys
Mirabai Moon has composed a beautiful musical rendition of sutra 1.33 from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This sutra gives "four locks and keys" to interpersonal relationships. Also knjown in Buddhism as the "Four Immeasurables," the four keys are: maitri...
Obstacles ARE the Path
In Episode 12 of the "Two Old Fogey Yogis" podcast, our two yogis discuss the 5 kleshas (obstacles presented in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali). In a deep and encouraging way, they share how we can work with these and other challenges more skillfully, that transforming...
Acceptance
In a short series of new inspirational videos, Nalanie Harilela Chellaram (founder of Service in Satchidananda and Integral Yoga Gibraltar/Sotogrande) reads excerpts from her book "Divine Grace," a collection of poems and affirmations. In this video, she shares a...
What Really Happens in Meditation
In the real world, there are all kinds of things you hear about meditation if you listen to people who have busy, active lives as well a thriving meditation practice. When people grab a few minutes to meditate, the impulse toward action continues. There is an...
Hatha Yoga: Pathway To Transcending Our Patterns
We tend to identify with the body-mind because it is concrete, easily experienced and appears to be permanent, thus dependable, giving us a sense of security and control. Yoga teaches us that we are much more and that to center our lives around body-mind will be...
How to Cultivate Self-Mastery
Once you become the master of your body, mind, and senses, you truly become the master of everything. If you are unable to curb a negative thought, at least try not to speak the thought. And if you can’t control the thought or the speaking of the thought, control the...
“Two Old Fogey Yogis ” Podcast: Hatha Yoga Masterclass—The Pranic Level of Asana
In addition to being a veteran meditator, Swami Asokananda is also a Hatha Yoga master. In episode 8 of the "Two Old Fogey Yogis" podcast, Rev. Prem coaxes out all his secrets on sustaining a lifelong practice, honing his skills as a hatha yogi and a teacher, and his...
Transforming Our Own Hearts is a Tremendous Contribution
In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, Swami Ramananda (director, Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco) talks with Avi Gordon (director, Integral Yoga Teachers Association) about adapting to challenges, how compassion follows naturally from meditation, and...
Pranayama for Pandemics: Three-Step Breathing for Lung Health
In our modern world, many of us are wondering how to protect ourselves against illness. We can, it turns out, strengthen our lungs so that they stand a chance against a nasty virus. Read on to find out how ancient breathing practices could be the armour you need this...
Self-Reflection as a Spiritual Practice
As the daylight hours shorten in the northern hemisphere this time of year, it’s natural to spend more time indoors. Plant and animal life alike pause from growing and withdraw from activity. We too benefit from periods of rest and reflection as a preparation for the...