In this interview, one of Buddhism’s most respected teachers in the West, shares her initial experiences with lovingkindness meditation, and the value of beginner’s mind. Sharon’s belief in the power of meditation as a conduit to happiness is the subject of her book,...
Keeping Our Balance
Relax, recharge, and stay centered with this multilevel Hatha Yoga class offered by Swami Ramananda (filmed at the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco). Integral Yoga is a complete system developed by Swami Satchidananda to address all levels of the individual,...
To Shoulder Stand or Not to Shoulder Stand: That is the Question!
Over the past years, an asana controversy arose in the Yoga world concerning the shoulder stand (sarvangasana). How does this pose affect the health of the cervical spine, and is it safe for everyone, particularly beginners? Of course, we Integral Yoga teachers know...
Prayers for Our World: Chant for Healing and Protection
In this video, Swami Satchidananda and students chant the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra 27 times for healing and protection. This mantra enhances health and well-being on all levels. It can be used for personal healing and protection, and is the perfect mantra to repeat to...
Finding Our Steadiness
It seems that life has taken us all to a surreal place. Initially, when changes happen in our lives, it takes a little time to adjust. Some become fearful, stressed and panicked, others want to help as much as they can. Time and understanding will help us adjust. In...
More than Just an Eagle: Garudasana
Garuda, the Eagle god as depicted in the Mahabharata, is the vehicle that carries Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is the deity representing preservation, sustainability or, in a more tangible way, Garuda is the vehicle that carries the True Self. Garudasana, is a pose that...
Why I Hate Meditation
I have a friend who has told me, on multiple occasions, that she cannot meditate. Up to this point, I have failed miserably to convince her otherwise. I have used all the best quotes, like the old Zen saying, “You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day,...
Bringing Our Intentions to Life
We’ve all probably experienced times when we felt bounced around by too many stressors and we struggled just to keep our balance. In stressful times, we may be happy just to make it through the day, have something nice to eat, and a little entertainment to relax with....
Integral Yoga Hatha Explained by Its Founde
In the mid-1980s, Swami Satchidananda was interviewed by Meenakshi Angel Honig, one of his students, in Santa Barbara, California. Meenakshi asks him a series of questions about Integral Yoga and the practices of Integral Yoga, including Hatha, pranayama, and...
Steps on the Spiritual Path
Question: For people who are new on the path of spirituality, what do you recommend for them? Are there steps or procedures? Swami Satchidananda: You have already taken the first step by wanting to become a spiritual student. That is the most important thing. You want...
How to Meditate
Learning to meditate can be overwhelming for some. The mind can feel less like a place of quiet refuge and more like Times Square. In this video, you can follow along with Yoga master Sri Swami Satchidananda's instructions (read by Saraswati Ishaya from the booklet,...
Krishna Das Kirtan, Yoga of Devotion Weekend & Webinar
Memorial Day Weekend 2019, Krishna Das graced us during what has become an annual event in Yogaville. Once a year, Krishna Das comes to Yogaville on Memorial Day weekend to share the practice of Bhakti Yoga. In addition to satsang on Saturday evening, he conducts a...
Meditation: The Observer vs. the Critic
Meditation can be like watching a movie—if you simply observe or witness the thoughts, without any judgment, you will enjoy the show. Watching the thoughts is different from analyzing and judging them. A judge in the court is analyzing the case and judging who is...
Mantras as an Aid to Meditation
According to Dr. Frawley, mantra repetition is perhaps the main method of the Yoga meditation. He regards mantras as asanas for the mind. He’s written an entire book on the subject (Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound) and, in this interview, he details the use of mantra as...
What Distinguishes the Integral Yoga Hatha Method?
Integral Yoga is a complete system developed by Swami Satchidananda to address all levels of the individual, all aspects of life, bringing about the opportunity for personal transformation and spiritual realization. The Integral Yoga system includes principles and...
How This Meditator Found His Groove
In this article, Swami Asokananda reflects upon the journey that took him from novice meditator to one of Integral Yoga’s master teachers. He shares the challenges and triumphs of having a regular meditation practice, as well as the insights and wisdom he gained on...