One of the root causes of suffering for us all is the illusion that we are each a separate body/mind. On one level, we are separate and we must function that way in our daily lives. But to understand ourselves only this way prevents us from experiencing the ground of...
Sandra Susheela Gilbert, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT is offering a "Healing Relationships" Training for Yoga teachers from Nov. 30 – Dec. 17, 2022 via the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco. Healing Relationships specializes in recognizing the difference between...
If we pay attention to the world news, I think we can agree that our world is in dire need of more mindfulness, justice, and compassion. On an individual level, a deeply- entrenched sense of separation—and the resulting insecurity—has given rise to so much mistrust...
The most selfless person is the most selfish one because they don’t want to disturb their peace. In the beginning of your Yoga practice, you try to stay away from all the situations that would interfere with your goal. There is some selfishness in that. But by being...
Sometimes one person is ready and the other is not. If you want to give to another, but do not yet feel ready, then don’t worry about it. If you are not ready, don’t give. Even a tree doesn’t want to give all the fruits until they are ripe. When the fruits are ready,...
Interpersonal relationships can be challenging to navigate especially when trying to live our Yoga. Yoga’s first foundational limb is yama, which has five practices–the first being ahimsa or non-violence. In Episode 15 of the "Two Old Fogey Yogis" podcast, our two...
During these challenging times, the stresses and strains on our relationships can take a toll. What does Yoga have to say about this? Swami Asokananda and Rev. Prem discuss relationships (with oneself & others), communication, and how to respond vs. react....
When we hear the term “let go,” we don’t always entirely comprehend it, as it isn’t always as simple as “mind over matter” and just releasing what we feel. Often, as much as we try to force ourselves to let go of the grip our past has on us, we end up back where we...
How can you experience joy in life and love passionately if you are practicing non-attachment? The best way to enjoy life, if you really want to enjoy life, is not to have any attachment to anything. Attachment never brings you permanent joy. It may begin with a...
Rev. Jaganath, Integral Yoga Minister and Raja Yoga master teacher, has spent a lifetime delving into the deepest layers of meaning in Patanjali’s words within the Yoga Sutras. Our series continues with the 33rd sutra of Chapter 1. This is a key sutra taught by Swami...
Divine love is the affection shown toward the spirit of the individual. Personal love is the love that is shown toward the body, or the mind and its characteristics, or, the person’s belongings; anything that is materially-based. Even though there is spirit in each...
Question: How should we go about making specific changes in areas where we would like to improve? Swami Satchidananda: The most important change is to make sure you are in good company. One way to put yourself in the right company is by coming to a spiritual...
Applying the teachings of Yoga to our relationships can be a potent way to learn and grow on the spiritual path. Yoga teaches us that there is a natural, unchanging peace within us all. When we experience that internal source of deep contentment, we also feel our...
Celebrated author and spiritual teacher Mark Nepo's new book, More Together Than Alone: Discovering the Power and Spirit of Community in Our Lives and in the World, is a reflection on, and inspiration for, who we can be as a world community when we discover "we are...
Question: You have said that until we forget, we have not completely forgiven. How can I forgive and also forget something bad that someone does to me if they continue doing it and I’m constantly reminded of it? Swami Satchidananda: If you really want to forget...
God never does something without some good reason behind it. Why is it that God has given us two eyes when we can look at only one thing at a time? Have you ever tried to look in two directions at the same time, with both eyes? Try it. If the left eye wants to see...