”When I say you are not the body, I am not saying not to feed the body; you have to feed it if it is hungry. But if you are attached to the body, you will overfeed it. There comes the trouble. If you are not clinging to the body, you’ll just give it what it needs. A yogic action means you raise above the dualities, including the extremes, and do what is balanced and appropriate.“ –Swami Satchidananda (photo: Rishikesh, India, early 1980s)
People sometimes ask me, “What has been accomplished by my practice of Yoga all these years? I haven’t realized God. I haven’t had any noticeable spiritual experience.” I don’t know what experience they want. They haven’t levitated up from the floor at least a few inches? They haven’t had some hallucinations? They haven’t had a “spiritual experience?” Yes, you may have some good visions, you may see some lights, hear some sounds. All right. That’s not the spiritual experience I want.MORE
Have a spiritual question? Get clear answers to life's big questions via our new website: Undoism.com. Inspired by Swami Satchidananda's teachings on the concept of "Undoism," this unique and innovative website provides a playful, yet profound, introduction to these teachings as well as offering a real-time question-and-answer option. "Undoism" is a term coined by Sri Swamiji that summarizes the practical spiritual approach he taught in order to undo everything that seems to veil or disturb our essential nature of peace and happiness. MORE
With over 18 million views, this video features Mr. Andy from Headspace teaching Sesame Street's Elmo a simple guided relaxation. Elmo is having a tough time settling down for bedtime but this clever video demonstrates how Yoga help even Elmo!
The first time I stepped into an Integral Yoga class as an adult, I was acutely aware of how others perceived and treated me differently based on my various social identities: Black, cis-woman, able-bodied, and so on. But within the four corners of my mat, as I moved through each of the elements of that Integral Yoga class, I experienced a profound awakening to my unconditioned beingness—spacious, timeless, perfect, clear, connected, complete, and inherently whole... MORE
Deepavali or Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It is the festival of lights: deep means "light" and avali "a row" to become "a row of lights." It is marked by four days of celebration. Historically, Diwali can be traced back to ancient India. It most likely began as an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali. Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, with Lord Vishnu. Read more here.
Village Preservation (the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation) recently celebrated 100 shops and centers in the Village, including the Integral Yoga Institute of New York (on 13th Street). Enjoy this video which features a fun look at the colorful spaces, people, and stories of Greenwich Village!
Join this online series hosted by the Integral Yoga Ministry. First in this series will be honored guest: L.J. Milone, Spiritual Director of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC., who will join Integral Yoga Minister Reverend Bhagavan Metro to explore the topic: “Christian Mysticism Meets Integral Yoga.” This online program will take place Saturday, November 11, 2023: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. ET.
