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Brothers and sisters
The language of relationship transforms impersonal address into a bond of responsibility.Using "brothers and sisters" establishes a personal, familial connection, whereas "ladies and gentlemen" maintains a formal distance. This cultural practice, observed in traditions like India's, is meant to be realized in daily life, fostering care and … read more »
Pitras - Our Ancestors
The Pitraloka is where ancestors reside until receiving a signal to proceed to their next life.Some depart quickly, while others wait a very long time, alongside those who have committed suicide. It is the prime duty of children to perform all required religious ceremonies to free their parents from this realm. … read more »
Become a part of the ashram
The āshram is the right place for spiritual practice, where every action is intensified a thousandfold, for good or ill.Being there means integrating fully into its life, not just meditating. A saint once prayed to be reborn even as a dog at an āshram's door to receive blessings. The mother of the sage Nārada, after … read more »
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Naham Karata - God is the Doer (from Upanishads)
The world exists within the presence of the omnipresent Almighty.Nothing belongs to you; it is given for your use, not abuse. The creator, protector, and liberator is one. Do not think you are the doer, for all happens only through His power. Life itself is … read more »
Living from Guruvakya
The community sustains itself through daily engagement with spiritual teachings despite limited direct contact.A group in a distant country actively practices, gathering in temples and collaborating during visits. They rely on recorded guidance throughout the year, meeting their teacher only briefly annually. This infrequency is noted as a challenge, … read more »
What do you take with you?
Everything originates from sound, and all matter contains sound.Practicing universal mantras unites individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness. Solitude is essential for spiritual practice, allowing time for mantra, meditation, and reflection. Utilize such periods to remember the divine, as a life without this remembrance passes … read more »
Asanas as meditation
The morning practice harmonizes body, mind, and soul through a specific sequence.The program begins at 4:30 a.m. with prayer, followed by āsanas, prāṇāyāma, and meditation. Practicing āsanas is itself a form of meditation, a cosmic dance that purifies. Beginning early is proper to counteract tamo guṇa, the … read more »
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Meditation, part 1 (introduction)
Meditation prioritizes comfort over rigid posture, as liberation arises from knowledge and devotion, not physical positions.A still body supports a calm mind, like a stable glass allowing liquid to settle. Close the eyes to focus inward. Chanting Oṁ engages the primordial sound of creation, existence, and dissolution. The vibration originates at … read more »
About human fear
The world's state is both troubled and hopeful.Fear pervades human life, arising from illness, conflict, and insecurity. This fear damages the psyche, and all troubles are created by humans themselves. Pollution threatens the planet, and the human mind is also polluted. Ancient teachings … read more »
Meditation for World Peace
Meditation is a universal tool for peace, not reserved for ascetics.Through meditation, spiritual figures attained energy and became unifying forces, preaching universal love and harmony. Worldly people, observing this, sought the same power but found their minds cluttered with daily stresses—family, work, financial, and health problems—unlike … read more »
Wishing on the new moon
The new moon is a holy day, a time to connect with divine light.Upon first sighting it, greet it with folded hands. After looking at the moon, you may repeat a wish; it will be fulfilled. Then, look at your palms and send this light into your hands. Your … read more »
Cosmic family
Our family is Yoga in Daily Life, a global spiritual family united by practice and devotion.These days together are a divine blessing. We are one family, helping each other. This family has many rooms and branches across the world. It does not matter if you are here or in another country. … read more »
Now is the best time to begin
We must learn to find spiritual nourishment amidst life's constant noise.A rider and his thirsty horse find a well requiring a noisy generator. The frightened horse refuses to drink. The farmer states the horse must learn to drink with the noise or remain thirsty. This illustrates … read more »
Commitment
The spiritual path requires enduring the master's rigorous discipline to be transformed.Disciples possess different qualities, but must commit to one path without constant change. A strict master's harsh grace is necessary. The disciple is like hot iron in a forge; the master's teachings are the hammer, and … read more »
Rishi consciousness
In this age, the path to protection is to withdraw and limit your needs.This inward focus is the true protection for all. Your daily practice and study contain the necessary wisdom. Understanding this teaching from the heart is essential; only with understanding can you act. I am testing your … read more »
Meditation of the Holy Ones
Meditation is a divine practice that awakens spiritual consciousness.It is often associated with religious individuals who seek connection with God and life's ultimate purpose. A meditator's consciousness becomes pure, filled with mercy, compassion, and love. All beings have a place on this planet, yet … read more »
Education through example
True education is being the living example, not giving instructions.Parents must embody harmony for their children, as a family's happiness is foundational. The world is temporary, so focus on creating a joyful home inclusive of neighbors. Yoga teachers globally must also connect, sharing wisdom and … read more »
Master dissolves revenge
Fear is a mighty force within us, born from ignorance, guilt, and the fear of death.We have not realized our immortal nature in practice, remaining below the clouds of circumstance. To overcome fear, analyze it clearly and systematically. A healthy fear protects life, requiring discernment. The answer to all weaknesses is … read more »
Yoga
Yoga is the balancing principle of the universe, harmonizing all visible and invisible elements.Two forces exist: divine power and destructive power. Yoga balances these, creating harmony that leads to union. Our physical body, a temple, is composed of five elements that must also be balanced. The mind, consciousness, and … read more »
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Will I see God? (a story from Ramayan)
The essence of spiritual practice is constant readiness for the divine.A woman deemed unattractive sought liberation and asked her master if she would see God. He assured her she would in this life and asked how she would welcome Him. She described preparing flowers, fruits, and … read more »
Spiritual guidance
Life is a river flowing between the banks of happiness and unhappiness.We all seek happiness but often lack spiritual guidance. A true master, or guru, leads from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. Material possessions cannot grant lasting happiness; only love, understanding, and respect … read more »
Wishes, part 4
Anuṣṭhāna is a personal, disciplined vow to fulfill a wish through sustained observance.One performs a specific practice directed toward the divine. For example, fasting on particular days aligns with specific intentions: Monday for Lord Śiva, Tuesday for health and Hanumān, Wednesday for Gaṇeśa and harmony, Thursday for spiritual … read more »
Mal, vikshepa and avran, part 2
Trāṭaka develops concentration, memory, eyesight, and the power of will.Through focused gazing, one can send or receive energy via the eyes. This practice must be done carefully, as excessive gazing can cause disturbances in consciousness or lead to hallucination. It purifies mental fluctuations and, combined … read more »
Mal, vikshepa and avran, part 1
To attain healing or wish-fulfilling power, we must purify three obstacles in consciousness: Mala (impurity), Vikṣepa (disturbances), and Āvaraṇa (the curtain of ignorance).First, remove physical and mental impurities through purification practices and pure nourishment. A key technique is mauna, or silence, to conserve the energy wasted in speech and negative talk. Observing silence allows you to witness your … read more »
The Path of True Yoga
True yoga leads to a perfect, healthy life and cosmic consciousness.Many places and teachers offer yoga; go where you like, but practice real yoga. Danger lies in expecting miracles. Do not wait to fly or see supernatural feats; the real miracle is being healthy and happy. … read more »
Wishes, part 2
The human mind's power makes every thought a potential reality, including fears.Therefore, ultimate freedom lies in liberation from all wishes. Before wishing, one must purify the motivation, ensuring it is not born of greed, selfishness, or ego. This purification of desires is the core practice. Since wishes … read more »
Know thy self
To realize life's purpose, know yourself.This human body is a precious, unique gift. You are not merely the body or mind, but the one who possesses them. The core questions are: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am … read more »
About vedas
The Vedas are a divine science of universal knowledge, not merely read but contemplated to be understood.They describe cosmic creation and natural harmony, guiding life accordingly. True understanding requires a pure environment like an ashram for focused study and satsang. Knowledge deepens through selfless service, karma yoga, which awakens devotion and removes … read more »
Sant bhava
Cultivate a saintly disposition of peace and forbearance to cleanse, change, or stop disruptive feelings and thoughts.Saints possess inner peace, contentment, forgiveness, and equal vision toward all. The aspirant's attitude is to remain a practitioner, not a perfect one. Daily spiritual practice is essential. Peace, contentment, forgiveness, equal vision, an attitude of … read more »
Saying good bye
Live in truth through God consciousness while fulfilling your worldly duties.Be guided by divine truth. Serve society and lead a happy, normal life without excessive withdrawal. Your obligations as a parent, child, partner, or colleague are your dharma; neglecting them creates negative karma. Practice your daily … read more »
Why we are here?
Human life is a divine duty to fulfill one's dharma, guided by an ever-present God.Life is a divine opportunity to fulfill a karmic duty. God observes all thoughts and actions. Unfulfilled dharma brings suffering. Humans are protectors and instruments of cosmic love; giving and protecting realizes life's aim. Yoga begins … read more »
About Patanjali
The path of a true seeker is to follow the master's wisdom without comparison.A genuine master possesses experiential knowledge and can articulate it to guide you. Do not assess a master by appearance, age, or tradition, for holy wisdom is limitless and for all. There are two kinds of … read more »
Practise this kriya
This year's special sa kalpa is to consciously purify the inner instrument through a specific kriyā.This practice is for advanced yogīs nearing samādhi, where a door closes, but it is beneficial for all. The kriyā has two points: do not think negative and do not speak negative for one week. This … read more »
Patanjali: About Sradha
Śraddhā, or confidence, is the essential foundation for spiritual practice and realization.Without śraddhā, all is lost. This confidence sustains practice and prevents the mind from becoming disturbed by anger and laziness. A practitioner's love for their practice must increase daily. A lack of confidence is the sole … read more »
About Kevaliya
Kevaliyā means "only one," the oneness realized when light merges into light within the heart.There are many ways to attain this. A disciple served his master for sixty years, performing simple tasks, expecting a special technique. One day, the master gave him a piece of bread as prasāda; eating it, … read more »
Patanjali: Brahma Abhyas
The aim is the unbroken practice of Brahman and detachment.Brahmābhyāsa is the constant practice of knowing "I am Brahman," not the body. This requires vairāgya, an unbreakable detachment from all temporary things. Pure detachment is not neglecting the world but engaging with it selflessly. One … read more »
Patanjali: Five Vritti
The five vṛttis, or mental modifications, are categorized as either afflicted (kliṣṭa) or non-afflicted (akliṣṭa).Correct knowledge (pramāṇa) arises from direct perception, inference, or scriptural testimony. Misconception (viparyaya) is incorrect perception, like mistaking a rope for a snake. Imagination (vikalpa) is conceptualization based on words without a real object. Sleep (nidrā) … read more »
About yoga exercises
The body is the temple of the soul, requiring care through balanced practices.Āsana and prāṇāyāma are psychosomatic exercises that calm the mind and improve self-knowledge. The temple needs nourishment, exercise, and fresh air. Exercises where the head is lower than the belly increase cerebral circulation, benefiting memory and … read more »
About memory, wisdom and comparison
Memory and its impressions, or vṛttis, shape our spiritual path.When a memory arises, it creates a vṛtti. If it supports your practice, it is a positive akliṣṭa vṛtti. If it disturbs your faith, it is a negative kliṣṭa vṛtti that must be purified through positive … read more »
About Vikalpa Vritti
The third mental modification is vikalpa, a concept formed from words and sounds that refers to an empty reality.Words are formless sound. The mind then creates a form based on its conditioning. Hearing "you are beautiful" or "you are stupid" triggers a mental construct of beauty or stupidity from memory, causing immediate happiness or … read more »
Donate
The practice of donation and prasāda in āshrams is a spiritual act of sharing and karmic purification.Satsa g is often sponsored by devotees for special occasions or as a meritorious deed, financing meals or gatherings where prasāda is distributed. This sharing is a way to spread joy and alleviate personal karma. A … read more »
Patanjali: Four points
Patañjali provides four essential questions for understanding and overcoming suffering.First, concretely identify the exact form of your suffering. Second, determine its origin and cause. Third, find the way to constantly overcome it. Fourth, learn the techniques to always solve such problems. This analysis involves three … read more »
How to practice
A complete technique of yoga begins with harmonizing foundational habits.One must first correct conduct, thinking, and environment. Diet profoundly influences body, mind, and consciousness. The physical practice starts with postures, emphasizing slow movement and counter-positions. Breath control is a primary technique for eliminating stress and … read more »
Asanas
Yoga requires lifelong, systematic practice, not merely performing postures.Neglecting practice is neglecting the body, leading to preventable issues. Knowledge alone is insufficient; theory must become physical action. Master all foundational practices under guidance first. Then, design an individual program based on personal time and … read more »
How to overcome suffering
Satsa g is the supreme path for understanding life, achieving happiness, and attaining freedom from karma and suffering.Every being desires happiness, but we must inquire: who within us feels this desire? That seeker is our true Self, our essence, which is a part of God, whose nature is happiness itself. We often search … read more »
Gurupurnima Message
Human life is for self-realization and protecting creation, not destruction.A part of the universal One is within you; realize this. Time is the most precious commodity; it passes relentlessly and waits for no one. You cannot buy or stop it. Utilize it wisely for spiritual … read more »