The yogic masters describe prana as the subtle current that sustains body, mind, and spirit. For most, it remains hidden beneath the surface of breath. But for those who practice deeply, prana is revealed as the very thread of consciousness itself. To know prana is to...
The life of a seeker is marked not only by radiant moments of revelation but by encounters that test the very fiber of discernment. For the young Ramaswamy—who would one day be known to the world as Swami Satchidananda—one such turning point came through his meeting...
At the close of our morning meditation, the residents of the San Francisco Integral Yoga Institute reaffirm the intention we hold for our spiritual growth while living together in community. Last month, we chose a phrase from this affirmation as our focal practice:...
There is a saying, “Marriages are made in heaven.” Heaven is wherever the spirit is expressed. In this sense, a true marriage is not only on the physical level. The couple temporarily rises to a lofty height. We could say that their wedding is a celestial gathering....
Why do we gossip? This question might appear trivial at first, but when examined deeply, it opens a window into human psychology, social dynamics, and the level of spiritual evolution or lack thereof. Gossip is not merely idle talk, it is more. It is both idle and...
Prejudice exists not only in the world around us but also, often unconsciously, within us. Whether we see it or not, it shapes how open—or closed—our hearts are to others. Recognizing the subtle ways prejudice arises in us can be a powerful step toward living with...
If you deny thoughts and emotions or try to get rid of them by suppressing them they will just reemerge. When negative thoughts come there are three things you can do. You can ignore them the same way that the blue sky ignores the gray clouds that appear in it. The...
The world has lost one of its most steadfast voices for the voiceless: Dr. Jane Goodall. Her life was nothing short of a living hymn to compassion, curiosity, and courage. Integral Yoga Magazine, steeped in the ideals of harmony, nonviolence, and the unity of life, we...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Carry inspiration with you every day! Our Integral Yoga iPhone cases blend timeless wisdom with vibrant, uplifting designs that both protect your phone and nurture your spirit. Choose from mandalas that illuminate the Yamas and Niyamas, reminders of the ultimate goal...
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...
“If you ask me ‘What is Yoga?’ the only reply I can think of is: Yoga is a state of grace.” These words by Narayana Kiekens distill a life wholly devoted to the spirit of Yoga and the teachings of his Gurus. For more than six decades, Narayana—alongside his wife...
“Possession are okay, as long as you possess them, and you don’t allow them to possess you.” ~Sri Swami Satchidananda It’s ironic how as youngsters all we want to do is play with our toys. As children, we must learn to share at home with our siblings and at school...