”The Cosmic Essence that gives rise to all the material world, to all the different names and forms, is called by many names: Brahman, Paramatman, the supreme Cosmic Consciousness, God, and so on. More important than the many names is recognizing that you are not limited as a separate self or body/ mind, or all the things with which you identify yourself. Then, you will realize that you are that never-changing Essence.“ –Swami Satchidananda
The secret of spiritual practice is not what you do but how you do—that is more important. Sometimes a newcomer who gets into spiritual practice will make a big list of resolutions, “I will practice half an hour every day in the morning, pranayama, three malas every morning, three malas every evening. I will write likhit japa. I will do this. I will do that. I will sleep only four hours a day.” I have seen a lot of resolutions like that. And probably they last only for a couple of days and then one by one...MORE
Tapas (self-discipline) is one of the five niyamas—Yoga’s ethical practices. Tapas is a Sanskrit term meaning “heat” or to “burn.” On the spiritual path, it refers to the purification process that removes impurities, toxicities, and obstacles. It also refers to the welcoming attitude we can cultivate toward pain, as part of self-discipline, rather than the usual reaction of resistance. We don’t need to look for pain, but when it comes, we accept its purificatory qualities. Incorporating this understanding... MORE
Ethan Sisser, a young man with terminal brain cancer started livestreaming his death journey. Thousands joined to celebrate his courage. Honoring Ethan's wish, his doctor Aditi Sethi transported him to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. What unfolded next is a story rarely glimpsed: how a community of strangers helps a young man die with grace. “The Last Ecstatic Days” reveals a man who will not let us forget him, even after his last breath. Visit Integral Yoga's end-of-life website for more resources on death and dying.
As a young boy, Ramu was deeply immersed in Tamil culture and spirituality. One of the most significant influences in his life was the Thirukkural, a revered Tamil text written by the celebrated poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. This text played a central role in Ramu’s family life and education. Though the exact dates of his life are debated, Thiruvalluvar is traditionally believed to have lived between the 4th century BCE and the 1st century CE. MORE
Parameshwari Dinsmoor, an early disciple of Gurudev, passed away on May 29, 2024, from cancer. As a true embodiment of love and selfless service, she leaves behind a legacy of devotion, dedication, and inspiration. Our hearts go out to her husband Andy (Parandhaman) and their two sons, Miles (Paramananda) and Scotty (Sadhu), as well as all who loved her deeply—and she was loved by so many. Over the years, she shared many a story about her early days with Gurudev and the IYI. Read some here.
The small commuter airplane swayed as it began its descent toward rural Virginia. I gripped the armrest. The seatbelt chime dinged and the engines droned. I closed my eyes and felt the twenty-thousand feet below me open like a chasm. I put my earbuds in and raised the volume. Guitar chords and drums pulsed. A filigree of cymbals wove around the melody as David (Durga Das) Newman’s earthy tenor sang “Love Peace and Freedom for Us All” in a call and response kirtan...MORE