Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 19: When Breath Becomes Light – The Legacy of Swami Badagara Sivananda

When tracing the spiritual roots of Sri Swami Satchidananda’s extraordinary life and mission, one finds a constellation of saints, Siddhars, and sages who shaped his vision. Among these was a yogi of remarkable attainment and discipline: Sri Swami Sivananda...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 18: The Blind Siddha Who Saw Clearly

After spending several years immersed in sadhana under the guidance of Sadhu Swamigal at his ashram in Palani, Ramaswamy—who would one day be known to the world as Swami Satchidananda—felt a stirring once again in his soul. His heart was restless, not from...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 17: The Alchemical Architecture of Awakening –The All Faiths Yantra and the LOTUS

In the last two installments of this series, we explored the profound presence of the Divine Mother Bhuvaneshvari—She who is the sovereign of the worlds—and how her sacred mantra and yantra became a mystical foundation within the Integral Yoga tradition. Though rarely...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 16: The Mother’s Geometry—The Bhuvaneshvari Yantra

In the sacred stillness of the Palani Hills, at the samadhi shrine of the great Siddhar Bhogar, a seed of profound transformation was sown in the heart of a young seeker named Ramasamy. Years later, known to the world as Sri Swami Satchidananda, he would carry that...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 15: Bhuvaneshvari–Queen of the Universe, Heart of the Path

In the previous chapter of this journey tracing the spiritual legacy of Swami Satchidananda, we touched on the mystical experience he had while meditating at the samadhi shrine of Siddhar Bhogar in Palani. It was there—surrounded by the silent vibrations of Tamil...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 14: Bhogar’s Mystical Legacy and a Sadhu’s Initiation

High above the verdant landscape of Tamil Nadu, atop the sacred Palani Hills, the echoes of devotion resound through the ages. The Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple—one of the six revered abodes of Lord Muruga—stands as both a beacon of spiritual transformation...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 13: Palani’s Sacred Legacy

In our last installment, we journeyed back to 1942, when Ramaswamy (later known as Swami Satchidananda) traveled to Palani, a sacred pilgrimage site steeped in centuries of spiritual significance. This holy place in Tamil Nadu has long been a sanctuary for saints and...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 12: Sacred Discipline Continues

In our last installment, Ramaswamy (Swami Satchidananda’s birth name) realized that the next step in deepening his spiritual practices would be to travel sixty miles from his birthplace of Chettipalayam to the ashram of the family Guru, Sri Sadhu Swamigal, in Palani....

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 11: A Hidden Devotion–Swami Satchidananda and the Divine Mother’s Grace

While in seclusion (in the early 1940s) undergoing intensive sadhana, Ramaswamy’s (Swami Satchidananda’s birth name) diet was austere, limited to one meal a day at noon consisting of kitcheree, a mixture of rice and dhal. His mother, Srimati Velammai, would prepare it...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 10: The Inspirational Influence of Sri Ramalinga Swamigal

Sri Ramalinga Swamigal, a great Tamil Siddhar, left an indelible mark on South Indian spirituality, inspiring future generations through his profound compassion, universal outlook, and commitment to social justice. His teachings continue to resonate, particularly...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 9: Sri Ramakrishna–All Paths Lead to God

In Part 8 of this series, we explored how Ramaswamy (Swami Satchidananda’s birth name) delved deeply into his spiritual yearnings, engaging with sacred texts and absorbing the wisdom of saints. Another profound influence during this formative period was the life and...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 8: Surrender and Grace–The Mystical Poetry that Transformed a Seeker

In Part 7 of this series, Ramaswamy (Swami Satchidananda’s birth name) had expressed his deepening spiritual yearnings to his parents and they agreed to not pressure him into remarriage. Instead, they gave him time to devote himself to religious study and meditation...

Official Journal of Integral Yoga® International

Founded in December 1969, Integral Yoga Magazine is a free monthly eMagazine featuring “Weekly Words of Wisdom” and all the same great content

it has for over 50 years: inspiring articles, program info, the latest news—and videos

Introduction to Integral Yoga®

An inspiring introduction to Integral Yoga: the wisdom teachings, global community, and international organization

 

Featured Posts

The Greatest Victory

Gurudev Sivanandaji used to say that we should watch our thoughts because they create habits. Once you develop a habit, it becomes your character. And then your character becomes your destiny. So, it all originates with your thinking. That is why it is so important to...

A Bridge Between Christian and Hindu Mysticism

It was 1995, and I had just arrived at St. John’s University in New York, fresh from a summer spent at a Hindu monastery. I was on a spiritual quest—a journey sparked, in part, by post-traumatic symptoms I had only just begun to name. Perhaps they were gifts in...

A Life in Service: Remembering Fr. Christie A. Joachimpillai, OMI (1931–2025)

On August 30, 2025, the world lost a devoted priest, scholar, and bridge-builder between faiths. Fr. Christie A. Joachimpillai, OMI—affectionately known as Fr. Pillai to many in the Integral Yoga community—passed away peacefully in Toronto, surrounded by loved ones....

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 19: When Breath Becomes Light – The Legacy of Swami Badagara Sivananda

When tracing the spiritual roots of Sri Swami Satchidananda’s extraordinary life and mission, one finds a constellation of saints, Siddhars, and sages who shaped his vision. Among these was a yogi of remarkable attainment and discipline: Sri Swami Sivananda...

Exploring Karmic Relief

In a special episode of the Spirit Matters podcast, the tables are turned as regular host Philip Goldberg steps into the guest’s chair. Taking over the microphone is guest host Rabbi Rami Shapiro, who engages Goldberg in a lively and illuminating conversation about...

A Heart-Opening Yoga Journey in Norway

In July 2025, Integral Yoga Norway director, Arjuna Gangdal organized and hosted an Integral Yoga meditation retreat in Norway. We're grateful that he has shared this short report from the retreat. I’m delighted to share the heart‑opening journey of our five‑day...

Be Unshakeable

When you make a spiritual commitment—what kind of commitment is it? And why do you make it? A spiritual commitment doesn’t have to be to become a swami, a minister. Particularly in the spiritual field, what are you committed to? Not to an organization or an ashram,...
Featured News
Journey to the Heart of India: Tour & Retreat January 2026

Journey to the Heart of India: Tour & Retreat January 2026

In January 2026, join Integral Yoga for a rare opportunity to experience the sacred landscapes, ashrams, and spiritual heart of India in the uplifting company of fellow seekers. This special journey will be led by Swami Divyananda, senior Integral Yoga swami and...

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Explore Practice
The Greatest Victory

The Greatest Victory

Gurudev Sivanandaji used to say that we should watch our thoughts because they create habits. Once you develop a habit, it becomes your character. And then your character becomes your destiny. So, it all originates with your thinking. That is why it is so important to...

read more
How to Practice Viveka

How to Practice Viveka

Viveka is the spiritual practice of discrimination—distinguishing between the real and unreal, the eternal and temporary, the Spiritual Presence and ego-identity. Here are some ways to put viveka into practice. See which of these resonates with you and supports you to...

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Swami Sivananda’s Sampoorna Yoga for Modern Seekers

Swami Sivananda’s Sampoorna Yoga for Modern Seekers

If you asked Sri Swami Sivananda what a busy person in the West should actually do each day to grow spiritually, he would likely point you to a deceptively simple framework: do a little meditation, a little prayer, a little study, a little service—every day—with...

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Explore Lifestyle
A Unifying Theory of Lifestyle Medicine

A Unifying Theory of Lifestyle Medicine

In this featured hybrid program, at the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco, Dr. Dean Ornish will explain why a whole foods plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management techniques, and love/social support are so beneficial in treating and preventing a...

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Finding Peace in Chaos

Finding Peace in Chaos

In this inspiring conversation led by host Avi Gordon (director of Integral Yoga Teachers Association), Swami Ramananda (senior monk and president of the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco) shares profound insights on finding peace in chaotic times through...

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Living On Purpose

Living On Purpose

As we enter a new year, we can make good use of this landmark in time to reflect on the way we make decisions and choices in our lives. Is there an overarching purpose behind the way we use our time and energy, or are we “going with the flow?” Are we acting on the...

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Explore Philosophy
Exploring Karmic Relief

Exploring Karmic Relief

In a special episode of the Spirit Matters podcast, the tables are turned as regular host Philip Goldberg steps into the guest’s chair. Taking over the microphone is guest host Rabbi Rami Shapiro, who engages Goldberg in a lively and illuminating conversation about...

read more
Understanding the Ego

Understanding the Ego

God or Infinite Consciousness is That through which our own egos move. Unfortunately, the ego tends to overlook the fact that its capacity to function is from that Source, and instead it comes up with the notion that I am doing everything by myself. But it would be a...

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Ways to Foster Jnana Yoga Consciousness

Ways to Foster Jnana Yoga Consciousness

• Remember the Truth — above all, the spiritual path is about remembering, since all the problems originate with forgetting Who You Are! • According to Sri Swami Satchidananda, the best way to overcome the bondage of delusion is to “Always remember and din into your...

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Explore Education
200-hour Integral Yoga Teacher Training – October 2025

200-hour Integral Yoga Teacher Training – October 2025

Join the 200-hour Integral Yoga Teacher Training starting October 5, 2025 at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville with Saci Murphy, E-RYT 500, Amy Daya Eberhardt, Narada Williams and Swami Priyaananda, E-RYT 500. This training runs from October 5 - November 2, 2025. The...

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Befriending Your Nervous System: October 23-26, 2025

Befriending Your Nervous System: October 23-26, 2025

Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville is hosting "Befriending Your Nervous System" with Rachel Raji Jensen, RYT-500 from October 23 - 26, 2025. The workshop aims to help participants build a practical toolbox for navigating their nervous systems.  We will combine nervous...

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Explore Health
Finding Balance: Taoist Wisdom for Holistic Healing

Finding Balance: Taoist Wisdom for Holistic Healing

In this enlightening episode of the Integral Yoga podcast, Paul Olko, a practitioner of Taoism and Chinese medicine, shares his passion with Avi Gordon (director of Integral Yoga Teachers Association) for introspective personal healing. He explores health through the...

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McDonald’s: The McVeggie™ Sandwich

McDonald’s: The McVeggie™ Sandwich

Good news for plant-based eaters: McDonald’s Canada has announced the national rollout of the McVeggie™ sandwich, beginning September 16, 2025 at participating locations across the country. After a successful test run in British Columbia, Ontario, and New Brunswick,...

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Ishvara Pranidhana: The Psychology of Surrender

Ishvara Pranidhana: The Psychology of Surrender

On the journey of self-growth, one of the central concepts in yogic philosophy is Ishvara Pranidhana, or the act of surrendering to a Higher Power. Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras, describes it as a foundational practice that leads us toward liberation and inner peace....

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