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Agya Chakra - the third eye
The Āgyā chakra is the eye of wisdom and self-mastery, not a physical eye.Its opening burns away all ignorance and negative energy, bringing clarity. You realize your true nature as immortal, blissful Brahman, beyond body, mind, or intellect. In that state, you need nothing—no mantras, no tools. However, merely … read more »
How to deal with your desires
Stress arises from modern information overload, not from life's inherent conditions.A century ago, communication was slow and life was peaceful. Now, constant digital bombardment agitates our consciousness. In meditation, you direct your mind to the mantra to calm this agitation. Asking darkness to leave is futile; … read more »
Questions & Answers with Swamiji - Tantra, the 3 Gunas, Yoga & God
Tantra means expanding consciousness to achieve liberation, yet it is widely misunderstood.Haṭha Yoga is not merely physical exercise but consists of six specific techniques, though what is commonly practiced is actually Rājayoga. The three guṇas—sattva, rajas, and tamas—must be managed: tamas is purified through rajas, and rajas … read more »
What are the expectations and commitments involved in taking Mantra?
The commitment within a mantra is to practice with unwavering consistency for the ultimate aim of Nirvāṇa.Every being, like an animal, has a threefold spiritual, astral, and physical relation to existence. The profound instruction is simply to do what you want. However, if you desire only a fragmented, drop-by-drop relation—seeking ritual and … read more »
Universal Love is Bliss
The essence of Nāga Yoga is its spiritual understanding, distinct from mere physical practice.Among many paths, Nāga Yoga succeeds only through this embrace. Physical ritual without spirit yields temporary bodily success. The body's purpose is to allow the inner growth, which is the Sahasrāra. Every chakra possesses its own … read more »
The sign of enlightenment
Spiritual growth requires balancing inner development with compassionate action in the world.Do not ignore difficult inner states or become narrow-minded. Suffering exists, so sometimes let your quest for Self-realization wait to extend a helping hand and cultivate higher values. Fanaticism creates a selfish ego, which is an … read more »
Importance of the Guru
A master is essential for spiritual progress, as yoga without guidance is a body without a soul.In all worldly and spiritual matters, a master provides the necessary authority and initiation. Just as a student learns to drive from an instructor, gaining a new alertness without physical change, spiritual knowledge transforms one internally. … read more »
Mind is like a river flowing
Unfulfilled desires retreat into the subconscious, unresolved and ready to reemerge.Even fulfilled desires return there, becoming a formless psychic residue that retains its pain. Meditation can clear mental disturbances, but blocking your inner flow is fatal. For your life's aim, self-discipline is key. It means directing … read more »
Satsang
The incomparable value of true satsa g is revealed through an ancient story.A great sage performed intense spiritual practice for 60,000 years but was still troubled by anger. He offered the fruits of this immense effort to another sage. That sage offered in return only the fruit of … read more »
Welcome your destiny
Life is a school where we learn from troubles, welcoming destiny with inner grace.We must empty negativity, trusting that difficult events will one day bring joy. Each evening, offer all experiences to the divine, clearing the day's account to avoid overload. Unintended harms occur, like hitting an animal or … read more »
Be merciful to yourself -- practice!
Practice is essential; intellectual knowledge alone is insufficient.Your life passes without remembering God, so remember now. Excessive reading provides only information, not realization. Practice is vital. A story illustrates this: two brothers became ascetics—one a devotional practitioner, the other an intellectual scholar. The … read more »
Gyana Yoga: simple life and high thinking
The practice of Śama and Dama is the foundation for controlling the mind and senses.Śama is the withdrawal of the senses from external objects, not through hatred or escape, but through careful avoidance, like skillfully passing another car. The world itself holds no inherent bondage; you must learn to refuse … read more »
If you practice Yoga, you will be far away from Roga
Yoga is the practice that separates you from illness and negative states.Where there is bhoga, or sense enjoyment and desire, there is roga, or illness. Where there is raga, meaning quarreling, jealousy, dualities, aversion, and attachment, there is also roga. These three—bhoga, raga, and roga—always go together. … read more »
Sattvic life is the first step towards self realization -- teaching of the Rishis
The purpose of human life is to realize the Self.All creation has meaning. Other beings fulfill their purpose through destiny alone, without choice. Humans also have destiny but possess intellect and choice, granting a greater obligation. Merely eating, sleeping, and procreating makes human life no … read more »
Wake up!
The foundation of practice is purifying body and mind.Change is required. Practice at home for health first; spirituality follows automatically. The body inherently produces illness and the tamasic quality. A sattvic body has no illness. Unhealthy bodies produce negative thoughts, which dull the intellect … read more »
Sayam and Niyam
Liberation depends on discipline and control, not merely postures.The way you live and speak, through śayama and niyama, is crucial. We mark the passing of a master of perfect discipline and self-control. Such a departure is a profound loss. Our observance is but a … read more »
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Sat - Cit - Ananda (Part 2)
The man-made world is imperfect, born from an unsteady mind of desire and greed, which is the root of conflict and suffering.The perfect, divine reality is within. Do not trust the changing mind with its selfish cravings, which are the five imprisoning demons. True peace is found not in external pursuits but by turning inward through prayer … read more »
When to practise
Guidelines for practice require mindfulness.Practice on a somewhat empty stomach, allowing hours after a meal. Choose a time of personal convenience, integrating practice without neglecting obligations to family and society. Do not become individualistic, as neglecting duties creates unhappiness. Within … read more »
Smile
The body is a natural temple requiring rest and peace.Restlessness and tension shorten lifespan, while happiness increases healthy cells. A global laughter technique involves dedicated group laughter, transforming participants' appearance and vitality after a weekend. A speaker illustrated that smiling engages only a few muscles, … read more »
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Two Types of Maya (Part Two)
Māyā manifests as siddhis, or miraculous powers, which are a great temptation for the practitioner.These powers become accessible and pleasant but are the best friends of the ego. Using them creates a pattern of distraction, causing a fall from the yoga path. Spiritual awakening is often accompanied by such miracles, … read more »
What the Awakening of the Kundalini Really Is
The true nature of Kuṇḍalinī awakening is not a problem.The feeling of having a problem is a wrong, fixed idea. A genuine awakening is a pleasant rise of consciousness and wisdom; you do not feel it as a problematic energy. Disturbances arise from incorrect practice, … read more »
Inspiration to start the day
The sacred rhythm of daily life begins with conscious first impressions and intentional actions.Upon waking, direct your first gaze toward a beautiful or sacred object to set a positive tone for the day. Before rising, offer your body and mind in dedication. Determine which foot to place first by … read more »
Meeting Fatima Meer and Swami Sahajanand
We gather to honor service and spirit in this community.A spiritual leader was appointed to guide humanitarian work here, providing aid without discrimination. Daily, thousands receive free food and medicine. This service has been recognized with a national humanitarian award. Today we also acknowledge a … read more »
Saraswati
The grace of Sarasvatī and the necessity of self-effort define the spiritual path.Sarasvatī is the goddess of wisdom; her grace grants eloquence and knowledge, making her adored by all. In spirituality, all are supreme and equal, a principle reflected in human rights concepts originating from ancient texts. True … read more »
Lagan
Lagan is the concentrated power of intention and love that directs one's entire being toward a single aim.Without this focused interest, one cannot achieve success in studies, work, or family life. When your effort is merely duty, it lacks this force. True lagan makes you unwavering, like a mountain, undisturbed by changing circumstances. … read more »
Theory and practice
The peril of mere intellectual theory is that it creates hollow argumentation, not devotion.Theory has destroyed many, making them empty-headed and dead-hearted. In contrast, a devotee knows only love and surrender. As one develops theoretical knowledge, one tends to criticize and argue more. A story illustrates this: a master … read more »
You are me and I am you
The core teaching is the non-dual unity of being, where apparent separation is an illusion born of physical attachment.You feel separate because you identify with the body; this perceived distance is the source of all suffering. In truth, there is no separation. The divine speaks through this form, not from a separate self. The … read more »
Tyaga and vairagya
The path to enlightenment is rooted in the inseparable practices of inner renunciation and dispassion.The banyan tree symbolizes this enduring spiritual truth, as it was under such a tree that Buddha attained enlightenment through a life of tyāga and vairāgya. These two qualities are mutually dependent; the presence of one … read more »
Vyaspurnima
The day commemorates the birth of Vedavyāsa, who preserved divine wisdom for humanity.He foresaw that human memory would decline, leading to the loss of this cosmic science. To prevent this, he dictated the Vedas to Gaṇeśa under a strict condition: his speech would not stop, and the scribe … read more »
What is the Carana?
The Mangala Caranam is the auspicious invocation of the holy feet.This initial step is a prayer for the divine presence. The holy feet, or lotus feet, represent the Guru's grace. We pray for the Guru to enter and reside within our home. Wherever the Guru is, … read more »
What can we do for our passed away loved ones?
When someone departs, the appropriate prayer is the Mahāmṛtyuñjaya Mantra.This mantra is a powerful invocation for the soul's journey. It is a prayer to God for the forgiveness of the departed's deeds. Its purpose is to guide that person towards the divine light. The focus … read more »
Satsang makes the man god-man
The summer program is a dedicated time for spiritual practice and stabilization.Throughout the year, life's fluctuations create unstable mental patterns. Daily situations cause constant changes in thoughts and emotions, preventing a steady state of being. This instability is like electrical fluctuation, requiring a stabilizer. Spiritual practice, like … read more »
Everyone have a share according to his or her capacity
The Guru Upaniṣad is the wisdom heard by a disciple sitting near the master.Different sages instructed their disciples, creating the Upaniṣads. The teaching is a flowing river; aspirants collect its water according to the capacity of their vessel, their own consciousness. Those with pure hearts receive much, while those … read more »
Control your destiny, do not wait for the change idly
Kriyā practice transforms destiny by purifying stored karma and cultivating a new, protective power.If you cannot help others, at least do not harm them, for destiny does not forgive. Understanding mantra is understanding destiny, recognizing the human as the center of cosmic energy. Kriyā purifies the bodily systems by … read more »
Celebration days should remain on their place
The observance is a remembrance, not a celebration.It is a time to pay homage through prayer, song, and good acts in the name of the departed. For a worldly person, prayers are offered for liberation or for the well-being of the departed soul. … read more »
The precious does not praise itself
A spiritual practitioner's ego obscures true attainment.A man meditated for decades, lamenting he gained no powers. A bird's dropping angered him; his glance coincided with its death, inflating his pride. He journeyed to a village to proclaim his greatness. A girl drawing … read more »
Slower breathing -- longer life
Every breath is a precious diamond, for its total number in a lifetime is fixed by destiny.You cannot increase this count, but you can slow the rate of breathing. Those who practice prāṇāyāma and meditation are not ruled by fear, jealousy, or anger. A person who is angry or jealous breathes too … read more »
Take your destiny into your hand
Ultimately, you are the one who must help yourself by remaining steadfast under the shelter of the Guru's grace.The most difficult spiritual practice is to observe your mental modifications. You must ensure no thoughts enter that weaken your willpower for practice or create doubts in your devotion. All other disciplines are not as important … read more »
Guruvakyam
The rarity of true disciples necessitates a path of absolute purity.Guru-vākya is rare, understood only by devotees. Rare disciples exist, so one must be careful when becoming a guru. Disciples are tested; most are fall overs, not true jewels. The supreme self as sound resides everywhere … read more »
Anusthana
Destiny, the product of one's own karmas, is the greatest obstacle.To remove obstacles, one undertakes anuṣṭhāna, a disciplined resolve involving renunciation and ritual. Something must be offered to achieve a desired aim. Mantra is essential; without it, practice is lifeless. This discipline requires pure thought, body, … read more »
Bhava
Bhāva is the inner value determining all spiritual gain or loss.Bhāva signifies devotion, love, emotion, and the inner relationship you hold sacred. Without it, nothing happens. Consider gold: its weight remains constant, but its market price fluctuates. Your financial gain or loss is in that changing … read more »
The Light of knowledge
True knowledge is the knowledge of the Self, which ends all suffering and karma.This Self-realization is the ultimate answer, like a light that reveals everything clearly, making one the knower of all time. However, this absolute Self cannot be realized while one remains attached to unreality. Duality is ignorance; … read more »
YIDL - the perfect system
Yoga in Daily Life is a complete system, not merely physical exercise.We care for our world, environment, and humanity's future, and we are responsible. Do not let practice be influenced by selfish critics. Cultural and religious differences have caused suffering. We are civilized and can reach Mars, … read more »
Khatu Pranam
Khatu Praṇām is a vital yoga series for holistic harmony.I designed this sequence, which research and practitioners indicate strengthens the immune system and regenerates the body. After work, three to four rounds relieve fatigue and stress, bringing new energy. Practice a minimum of five rounds … read more »
My Gurudev gave me a hint
The spoken word is a universal arrow, understood individually.Sacred texts resonate because they address our inner needs. We all carry burdens to resolve, often silently. Satsa g provides the hints for this inner awakening. You cannot have enough of it, for each gathering is … read more »
Tulsidas: The company of a saint is rare in this world
True spiritual wealth, not worldly attachments, is the real and lasting fortune.Satsang and divine discourse are rare. Worldly riches like family and wealth are common and do not bring true happiness, as even sinners possess them. Spiritual richness, however, accompanies the soul across many lifetimes. This is … read more »