“As long as we are involved in this material world, with our limited conditioned understanding, we will divide everything into dualities. When we transcend these limitations, then we will know it’s all One.”–Swami Satchidananda
How does Yoga help us to achieve equanimity? First, by helping us to recognize that, at the outset, it’s hard to handle or control the mind directly. Just imagine that I tell you, “Don’t think of chocolate cake.” What is the first thing your mind will do? Think of chocolate cake! This is the reason why, in Yoga, we take a step-by-step approach. The Yoga Sutras give us an 8-step process. First, we establish an ethical foundation upon which to take each step.MORE
Negativity is insidious. I had been slipping imperceptibly into a ruder kind of communication. I grew tense and snapped at loved ones. I caught myself up in the world’s failings, my own shortcomings and powerlessness to change anything, and the small, daily annoyances of people around me. I broiled with indignation at just about anything—assaults on the environment and civil rights, or the car driving too slowly in front of me. MORE
I like to read a little Sri Ramakrishna, do some pranayama. I do the thousand names of Ganesh and maybe another morning I do the thousand names of the Divine Mother. In other words, it’s all about getting on the God train; just staying in the Divine Light. Just let your day begin this way. I think it’s very, very powerful. And then take breaks throughout the day and do japa. I recommend getting a mala, getting it blessed, and using it. Then, watch your life transform. And it will. MORE
“Jai Radha Madhava” is a classic bhajan from the early 1970s sung by Bhagavan Das, a trailblazer of the American kirtan movement. Bhagavan Das brought the sounds and spirit of India to western shores after he spent six years living in India and at the feet of his Guru, Neem Karoli Baba. We hope you enjoy this blast from the past for those who were inspired by Bhagavan Das's early kirtans and a real treat for those new to his devotional style.
Integral Yoga will commemorate International Day of Yoga with a number of programs on June 21st. This day is a testament to the profound impact of Yoga on our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Each year, this day is assigned a theme that reflects the global significance of Yoga. This year's theme is “One World, One Health,” resonating with the ancient Indian principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which promotes the interconnectedness of all living beings. MORE
This yearPutumayocelebrates its 30th anniversary. Known for its joyful compilations of international music, Kirtans and bhajans became a staple of their offerings. As part of their 30th anniversary offerings, they just released African Yoga. This new album features beautiful voices and soothing melodies for Yoga and relaxation drawn across the African continent and was co-curated by Putumayo World Music founder, Dan Storper, and New Orleans musician and Yoga instructor, Seán Johnson.MORE
As Yoga has spread around the world, the soundtrack for contemporary yogis and Yoga teachers has broadened to include many genres of music from diverse cultures. This sample from Putumayo Presents: African Yoga features Vieux Farka Touré and Idan Raichel. Touré and Raichel met in an airport in Berlin while on tour, and they struck up an instant musical and personal connection that has led them to touring and recording together, including for the song "Mon Amour."
