“Prana is the vital energy or force that causes movement. All movement everywhere—even the movement within the atom, even the movement of thought—is caused by prana, the cosmic energy.”–Swami Satchidananda
The idea of Cosmic Consciousness is spoken of in both scriptures and in scientific journals. If we only quote the scriptures some may not accept this idea of a universal, all-pervading Consciousness. If we quote a scientist, all are ready to accept it! Modern science has found and shown that there is Consciousness, even within an atom. Without Consciousness, the atom could not function; the electron would not be running around the neutron. That is why we say that God is Omnipresent... MORE
The practice of Yoga and the science of Yoga, or Yogabhyasa and Yogavidya, are two of the traditional ways that Yoga is described. Yoga is a practice (abhyasa) and a science (vidya). While asanas and pranayama are immensely popular and currently the most visible expressions of the practice of Yoga, the science of Yoga has a deep and ancient history, though it has not enjoyed the same recent popularity on a public scale as postures have. MORE
This excerpt, from the full-length documentary film, was shot and produced in Lucknow, India. It includes interviews with Papaji (H.W.L. Poonja) along with rare footage of Sri Ramana Maharshi. There are also testimonials from some of the many people who have attained freedom through Papaji's presence and grace. The full version of the film with English subtitles may be viewed here.
How do we live in this time? It is a question I ask myself again and again. For many, there is little choice. It is a time of such anguish for uncounted millions around the world. But what of those of us who have a sufficiency? Food, a roof over our heads, a bed, a safe place. What of those of us whose primary suffering, other than the sorrows of our own personal lives, is grief at the fate of the earth? How do we live? There can be no single answer. MORE
When we take Cat/Cow pose and choose to mindfully push our hands, shins and tops of the feet into the ground, the earth will push back with the same force. This is the opposite and equal reaction. We can let the feeling of this force travel up our limbs and use it to maximize the flexion, or forward bend cat stretch, of our spine. We are literally drawing forces from the earth to help us in our movements. The Earth’s atmospheric pressure is another area of physics that we use unknowingly in Yoga. MORE
Pamela Seelig began practicing Yoga more than 25 years ago when an illness interrupted her Wall Street career. She started meditating as a complementary therapy which led to a lifelong pursuit of perceiving yogic wisdom. Pam is certified to teach Integral Yoga Hatha, Raja and meditation instructor. In this conversation, she talks about her transition from studio owner to author of a new book, Threads of Yoga.
Pamela Seelig, Integral Yoga-trained teacher and author, has a new book out that is an ideal guide for both practitioners and teachers who want to connect with the spiritual wisdom of Yoga, deepen their personal practice, or develop and support a theme for a Yoga class. Each short chapter introduces a foundational yogic theme, such as the breath, the yamas and niyamas and the chakras. Each theme is accompanied by practices and quotes to contemplate. Available now!
