“Anything that is fermented becomes alcohol. That fermentation is an acid. Alcohol is used very well to preserve dead bodies, but it’s not for the living.
Be careful what you put into your body.”–Swami Satchidananda
During 9/11, many devotees and students reached out to Sri Swami Satchidananda to ask his advice about how to not only understand what happened on September 11, 2001, but also what they could do during that time to help relieve the suffering. The evening of September 11th, Sri Swamiji invited those living in Satchidananda Ashram and the surrounding Yogaville community to gather in the satsang hall. He then addressed the events of earlier that day. Here is what he said... MORE
Let us try to understand that large-hearted person who as it were, at one stroke showered unutterable good fortune on all the seekers. Gurudev [Sri Swami Sivanandaji] was a person on whom honor, homage, tribute, high praise, veneration, respect, etc., were no burden. They were showered on him without affecting his inner simplicity, serenity and humility. They rested lightly on his personality. He did not like to sit on a heavy cushion seat. MORE
The Ashram will reopen for guests registered for a Sadhana Weekend on September 16. Whether you are registered for this program or anticipating a future visit, here's a flashback to 2017 when this episode "Conscious Living" aired. It features a beautiful tour and overview of life in Yogaville. Enjoy this virtual visit!
In August 2001, I was part of the staff for the one month Integral Yoga Hatha Teacher Training being conducted at Satchidananda Ashram in Virginia. I had planned to stay a few days after the training ended and then go on to New York where I was supposed to visit some friends for two weeks. For some reasons, that I do not remember now, my departure was postponed. Every day, I would meet Gurudev and he would say, as if he were really surprised and amused, “Oh! You are still here?” MORE
The vivid uncertainties of the world have had an impact on us mentally and physically. It’s important to put energy into taking care of ourselves so that we can show up in a healthy, conscious way that makes the world a better place. By incorporating a few simple Ayurvedic practices into your life, you can help to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. 1) Seasonal cleansing, 2) Dry brushing, 3) Drink Tulsi tea, 4) Spice it up! and 5) Meditation. MORE
This short video gives an overview of the science behind temple construction and how it is precisely based on the vastu and shilpa sastras. Powerful vibrations emanate from temples constructed in this way. The location and design of the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine was also planned in this way, so it could be in alignment with these same principles.
