“The real way to celebrate the happy New Year is not to run after happiness outside. Try to find that hiding happiness within you. May this new year make you realize your own happiness and to celebrate not only the new year, but every new minute.”–Swami Satchidananda
(photo: Swami Satchidananda, mid-1980s, celebrating with small fireworks, Yogaville.)
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna talks about non‑violence to Arjuna and says, “You should be a good yogi following non‑violence, so get up, go and fight.” What a contradiction. But, here is the key: Even doctors cause violence when they operate. If doctors follow non‑violence and don’t want to hurt their patients, what will happen? The patients will die soon. So, the motive behind the action is more important than the action itself. What is a doctor’s motive? To save the patient, but the action of surgery causes violence. So we should understand the scriptures in that light. MORE
For many, George Harrison was just one of the Beatles and a musician, but there was so much more. This short video captures some of the spiritual wisdom that inspired his inner life and his spiritual journey. He explains how being anchored in the Yoga teachings and one's inner peace enables us to navigate the choppy waters of this world. The video also includes wonderful vintage footage, includes his visits to India.
As we enter a new year, we can make good use of this landmark in time to reflect on the way we make decisions and choices in our lives. Is there an overarching purpose behind the way we use our time and energy, or are we “going with the flow?” Are we acting on the persuasive words of friends or the mob mentality at work? Are we succumbing to the marketing messages of our culture that constantly assail us or are we standing firm in our own commitment to live by our spiritual values? MORE
As someone who enjoys crafting, the advertisement for the “Original Magic Mat” (a die-cutting crafting aid), suddenly took on an entirely new meaning after experiencing Yoga teacher training. I’ve seen this ad before, but I’ve never thought about anything more than crafting. The words began to resonate on a cellular level as I read and re-read this advertisement. The words like, innovative, game-changing, sturdy, self-healing, amazed, and cleanest cuts you’ve ever achieved... MORE
The Ashram continues to work toward full re-opening. It is currently open for pre-registered program and training participants. This short video offers an overview of some of the re-opening process and the renovations that were undertaken during the past year.
If you immerse yourself in your Yoga practice, you’ll undoubtedly notice many of your fellow yogis consume a plant-based diet. You may see your relationship with food changing, too. Why do so many yogis give up eating animals? While the practice deeply connects to Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, people from all faiths engage. Religious dietary restrictions may influence some, but it doesn’t explain the whole picture. Are you considering adopting a vegetarian or even a vegan diet...MORE
Yogaville community resident and environmental activist Heidi Dhivya Berthoud was honored with the Sierra Club's Earth Flag, in recognition of the extraordinary work she has been doing to protect Yogaville and other communities from fracked gas pipelines and polluting gold mining, while co-founding and serving as president of the Virginia Community Rights Network. VCRN guides and encourages local efforts to recognize and legally secure the Rights of Nature and Communities.
