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...
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...
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...
“Nirvana Shatakam” : A Gateway to the Infinite
The profound Nirvana Shatakam stotra (hymn of praise) was composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the great 8th-century philosopher and sage, who stands as one of the most profound spiritual figures in India’s history. His teachings revitalized the understanding of Advaita...
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...
“Sri Guru Gita” Digital Download Now Available!
Sri Guru Gita is a Sanskrit hymn, that illuminates the mystical relationship between a Satguru and a disciple. This divine dialogue takes place between Lord Shiva (the primordial Guru) and Goddess Parvati (his consort and Shakti, creative power) on Mount Kailash....
Is Yoga Hindu?
Questions about the origins of Yoga and whether Yoga is a part of the Hindu religion have arisen over the years in Yoga classes, teacher training programs and universities. In this interview, Dr. Graham Schweig, a scholar and a yogi, tackles these perennial questions....
Is Yoga Hindu?
An Interview with Graham M. Schweig, PhD Questions about the origins of Yoga and whether Yoga is a part of the Hindu religion have arisen over the years in Yoga classes, teacher training programs and universities. In this interview, Dr. Graham Schweig, a scholar and a...