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...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 7: Turning Point–The Premonition

During the time Ramaswamy (Swami Satchidananda’s birthname was Ramaswamy) served as the manager of the Perur Temple in 1937, he had become well-acquainted with one of the families who was very active and helpful in the management. In fact, the head of the family had...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 6: The Cosmic Dancer

When asked to reflect upon his life, Swami Satchidananda once said, "It’s hard to summarize a long life in a few words. But I can just say I am fortunate, in a way, to be born in a family of pious parents. They were my first Gurus. They instilled faith in God in my...

Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 5: Guided by the Thirukkural

As a young boy, Ramu (Swami Satchidananda’s birthname was Ramaswamy, Ramu for short) was deeply immersed in Tamil culture and spirituality. One of the most significant influences in his life was the Thirukkural, a revered Tamil text written by the celebrated poet and...

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Introduction to Integral Yoga®

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

 

Featured Posts

The Spiritual Power of Good Company

The purpose of Yogaville is to live together to help ourselves and each other find the peace and ease. As individuals, we may find it hard to achieve that end; so, collectively, we are helping each other. That is the goal. Like-minded people living together, helping...

How Yoga Transformed a Brooklyn Kid into a Global Spiritual Leader

In this heartfelt and reflective conversation led by host Avi Gordon (director of Integral Yoga Teachers Association), Swami Asokananda (president of the Integral Yoga Institute of New York)  shares his incredible life journey—from his Brooklyn upbringing in a...

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...

One Among 650 Million – My Experience at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela

On one fateful Wednesday night in January, I texted a friend words I never thought I would say: “I just decided to go to Maha Kumbh. I’m leaving tomorrow.”  As a chronically over-working PhD student, my connection to my Indian Hindu roots was limited to saying a quick...

Beyond the Meditation Cushion

The great South Indian sage Thiruvalluvar said, “What is tapasya (penance)?” Tapasya doesn’t mean go and close your eyes and meditate. That’s easy, comfortable. Tapas means to burn. A spiritual seeker is supposed to practice tapasya.  Thiruvalluvar says, “The more you...

The Revolution of Tenderness: What I Learned from Pope Francis’ Witness and Life

Before my ordination into the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, I had this powerful dream. In the dream, I was visiting Pope Francis. We met. He welcomed me. There was a sense of connection, of communion. Then he gave me—or instructed his assistant to give me—a...

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...
Featured News
Integral Yoga Global Reunion:  August 21 – 25, 2025

Integral Yoga Global Reunion: August 21 – 25, 2025

Inspired by Integral Yoga Europe's reunions, the Integral Yoga Global Network is in the process of organizing an Integral Yoga Global Reunion in the USA. The reunion will take place from August 21 – 25, 2025 at Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville. This reunion is sure to...

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Special LOTUS Renewal Weekend – August 2025

Special LOTUS Renewal Weekend – August 2025

We cordially invite you to join us at Satchidananda Ashram—Yogaville to celebrate “LOTUS Renewal: Glory to the Light,” August 29 - 31, 2025. The Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) renovation is complete and the Shrine looks beautiful, welcoming all to the inner...

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Explore Practice
The Art and Science of Sacred Chanting

The Art and Science of Sacred Chanting

Thousands of years ago the rishi (seers) of ancient India created a culture wherein religion, art and science thrived in harmony. Music was known to be a divine art interwoven with the sciences of sound, psychology and mathematics. It was partially intended for...

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Beyond the Meditation Cushion

Beyond the Meditation Cushion

The great South Indian sage Thiruvalluvar said, “What is tapasya (penance)?” Tapasya doesn’t mean go and close your eyes and meditate. That’s easy, comfortable. Tapas means to burn. A spiritual seeker is supposed to practice tapasya.  Thiruvalluvar says, “The more you...

read more
How to Control Thoughts and Stop Vasanas?

How to Control Thoughts and Stop Vasanas?

In this short video, Swami Ramanacharana Tirtha answers this question. Sri Swamiji is an Acharya of Vedānta sampradāya. His discourses and writings are filled with the power of Atmajñāna and the fragrance of bhakti and one gets an intimation of one’s spiritual essence...

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Explore Lifestyle
The Spiritual Power of Good Company

The Spiritual Power of Good Company

The purpose of Yogaville is to live together to help ourselves and each other find the peace and ease. As individuals, we may find it hard to achieve that end; so, collectively, we are helping each other. That is the goal. Like-minded people living together, helping...

read more
A Spiritual Response to a Troubled World

A Spiritual Response to a Troubled World

Many people I know are searching for ways to actively respond to the chaotic events unfolding in the U.S. and a world filled with violence, suffering, and injustice. We don’t want to see our Yoga practice as a retreat from the world, nor do we want to simply shake our...

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Explore Philosophy
Awakening the Heart: Exploring the Yogic Texts

Awakening the Heart: Exploring the Yogic Texts

This weekend workshop at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville from July 25 - 27, 2025 will focus on "The Yoga of Love." Led by Graham Schweig, PhD (Garuda Das), sessions will focus on the purification and awakening of the heart, the divine call to transcendence through...

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The Recognition Sutras

The Recognition Sutras

The Pratyabhijñā-hṛdayam is one of the most profound sacred texts that illuminates a tradition that teaches that every human being is lacking nothing but the recognition of their Divine essence-nature. Christopher Hareesh Wallis, PhD, one of the foremost...

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Is Vedanta Hindu?

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...

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Explore Education
200-Hour Teacher Training, Module 1 – July 2025

200-Hour Teacher Training, Module 1 – July 2025

Integral Yoga Institute of New York is offering a 200-hour Teacher Training program this summer. Module 1 begins July 7, 2025. Join our internationally respected training program and learn essential skills for teaching Yoga. This training is also suitable for those...

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Restorative Yoga Teacher Training – Part 1: September 2025

Restorative Yoga Teacher Training – Part 1: September 2025

Learn to teach Restorative Yoga through the Integral Yoga Restorative Yoga Teacher Training. Part 1 will be held September 18 - 23, 2025 at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Virginia. The training will be taught by Satya Greenstone, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT.  Restorative Yoga...

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Explore Health
Yoga & Wellness Retreats

Yoga & Wellness Retreats

The Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco offers 3-day Yoga & Wellness personal retreats throughout the year. Experience deep renewal of body, mind, and spirit with a personal retreat at Integral Yoga Institute. Nestled in San Francisco’s Mission-Noe Valley,...

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Yogic End-of-Life

Yogic End-of-Life

The Integral Yoga End-of-Life Project and its website offers a free resource filled with profound guidance inspired by the teachings of Integral Yoga. The Project blends timeless spiritual principles with practical approaches. Central to this initiative is a...

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Ayurveda’s Path to Well-Being

Ayurveda’s Path to Well-Being

In this episode, Hannah Levin discusses her mission to alleviate unnecessary suffering through Ayurveda and Yoga, drawing from her personal health crisis with high-grade cervical dysplasia. She explains how Western medicine offered surgery as the only option, but...

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