Students often ask me questions like, “Why am I here on this earth?“ “What am I to do here?“ and “What is the purpose of life?“ The answer is that we are here to fulfill our part of the work in the great universal mission. There is one universal plan, a cosmic plan,...
In the real world, there are all kinds of things you hear about meditation if you listen to people who have busy, active lives as well a thriving meditation practice. When people grab a few minutes to meditate, the impulse toward action continues. There is an...
We tend to identify with the body-mind because it is concrete, easily experienced and appears to be permanent, thus dependable, giving us a sense of security and control. Yoga teaches us that we are much more and that to center our lives around body-mind will be...
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....
In this conversation, Heike Farkas (director, Integral Yoga Germany) and Avi Gordon (director, IYTA) discuss how to shift our attitude toward challenges, the practice of humility, and the importance of having fun. Heike Amma Farkas has been practicing Yoga since the...
The calendar year has ended and people all over the world are ready for a fresh start. All of us in the Northern Hemisphere are now seeing the return of light to our days, which is an ideal time to recommit ourselves to awakening the inner spiritual Light. In...
Once you become the master of your body, mind, and senses, you truly become the master of everything. If you are unable to curb a negative thought, at least try not to speak the thought. And if you can’t control the thought or the speaking of the thought, control the...
One can appreciate Yoga, and be a yogi, without disturbing one’s own faith. There are Yoga centers all over the world. Often, students begin with Hatha Yoga, the physical side. Gradually, when they understand the true essence of Yoga, they want to go more deeply into...
I sit looking at my Christmas tree, which for the first time since I moved to Yogaville (several decades ago!) was not decorated by the swamis (monks) who live here. It was a strange and sad experience (due to the pandemic) doing it myself, but a sweet, tall angel...
As a young girl, I spent part of my summers with my grandparents in Deal, New Jersey. My days were spent at the beach, where I reveled in the violent surf. The undertow on the Jersey shore can be quite dangerous, so there were lifeguards on duty. Even on days when it...
As human beings, we have beautiful clothes, nice cars, and we are very fond of many things. We think we are so great, but much of what we do is also done by many animals. They eat when they’re hungry and they have nice houses in which to live. Are your houses as nice...
This 8th century CE text describes a conversation between the Lord Siva and his wife, the Goddess Parvati, in which she asks him to teach her about the Guru and liberation. Siva answers her by describing the Guru principle, the proper ways of paying homage to the...
In 2021, Integral Yoga International continues to deliver it's highly praised and comprehensive professional trainings online. Trainings are offered through most Integral Yoga centers globally. To find a 2021 training program, visit the Integral Yoga Virtual Studio...
In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, Swami Ramananda (director, Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco) talks with Avi Gordon (director, Integral Yoga Teachers Association) about adapting to challenges, how compassion follows naturally from meditation, and...
In the morning and evening, take some time for your personal physical and mental Yoga practice. This should include a little pranayama, meditation and some asana. The entire thing need not take more than an hour, or an hour and a half. You can always find some time in...
In this video, Swami Karunananda (senior monk and chair of Integral Yoga's Spiritual Life Board) gives a Thanksgiving talk that stresses the healing power of forgiveness, which is an oft-overlooked aspect of gratitude. Through Yoga teachings, stories and parables, she...