“The entire universe is nothing but sound vibrations. God’s body is a sound body—a body of vibration, a mantra body. Most every scripture says something similar about God as sound or the Word.”–Swami Satchidananda
During the Apollo 13 space mission to the moon, I was asked what I thought about going to the moon and the significance of such a mission. My immediate response was: I would like to go if they would take me! These explorations signify the restlessness and curiosity of the human mind. The mind wants to know more and more, even without knowing whether or not the knowledge will be an advantage or a disadvantage. MORE
The saints and sages of many faiths are dynamic examples of how spiritual awakening is accompanied by a natural impulse to serve humanity. After experiencing the interconnection of all of life, many of these great beings were moved by a profound compassion to dedicate their lives to the relief of suffering. All of the many faith traditions also recognize seva (selfless service), as one of the primary means by which we grow on the spiritual path and experience that full awakening. MORE
Mirabai Moon singssutra 1.33 from the Yoga Sutras. The four keys are: maitri (friendliness), karuna (compassion), mudita (delight), and upekshanam (disregard/equanimity). Patanjali reminds us that there's a yogic way of approaching all people, no matter what "locks" (behaviors and attitudes) they may be exhibiting. Known as the "Four Immeasurables" in Buddhism, these qualities enable one to achieve citta-prasadanam—the blissful and peaceful state of citta (mind). MORE
I have come to see that mental states are also ecosystems. These sometimes friendly and at times hazardous terrains are natural environments embedded in the greater system of our character. I believe it is important to study our inner ecology so that we can recognize when we are on the edge, in danger of slipping from health into pathology. And when we do fall into the less habitable regions of our minds, we can learn from these dangerous territories. Edges are places where opposites meet. MORE
In Ep. 14, our two yogis discuss the study of foundational texts in the Yoga tradition and how to work with these in a way that engages them as “literary incarnations” filled with living wisdom. They also explore what the teachings of the Gita have to tell us about balancing selflessness with keeping our own cups full, among other vital points. Swami Asokananda, well-known for his teachings on the Gita, shares his personal journey with the text.Listen onSoundcloud, iTunes, Spotify & other podcast apps.
A recent-award winner for her organic farming advocacy, this 105-year-old is from a village close to Swami Satchidananda's own birth village and she's still going strong!
“Have a fruit, will you? Help yourself, there’s plenty. Get him a sweet from that shop. Don’t send anyone away without giving them something to eat. Have some water first.” It is nearly impossible to hold a conversation with 105-year-old R. Pappammal while she welcomes a steady stream of relatives, friends, and journalists to her home in Thekkampatti village near Coimbatore. MORE
