Yoga Wisdom With Swami Satchidananda

Sri Swami Satchidananda, Divine Life Society, Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 28 December 1975. © 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org (F694)

Part 2 of an interview of Swami Satchidananda by Lex Hixon on WBAI radio in New York in 1975. Hixon’s “In the Spirit” program included many spiritual luminaries. In this episode, Swamiji talks about how and why we forgot who we really are. This leads into a discussion of the nature of the Divine, the mantra “Om,” and the difference between good and evil. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Sri Swami Satchidananda, Valencia, Venezuela, 5 October 1975. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org (F644)

Sri Swami Satchidananda, Kyoto, Japan, 30 March 1980. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Sri Swami Satchidananda, Venezuela, 2 October 1975. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Sri Swami Satchidananda, Raja Yoga Centre, Antwerp, Belgium, 6 May 1975.

Sri Swami Satchidananda, Raja Yoga Centre, Antwerp, Belgium. 6 May 1975.

Sri Swami Satchidananda, talk at Monastery, Rixensart, Brussels. 3 May 1975. Partie 2.

Sri Swami Satchidananda, Dharma Yoga Center, Belgium, Brussels. 2 May 1975.

1. சிவவாக்கியர் பாடல் Searching the Almighty, running Hither and thither; not realising He is with us in our every pulse, Crores have died in tiredness! 2. Neither inside; nor outside nor lean on anything: Belongs to none; Neither Here nor there; Neither big nor small; that which can't be fathomed; And Yet stand on it's merit only those upright, can see! 3. I wonder our match, oh: God This match, none on earth, could get, My body, mind and soul belongs to you; When I think of days, you occupied me I cry.. and the tears wet my body. 4. Oh; God; Have none to hug me: But for you I have none to receive kindness, Even to saints of heaven, you are the God. Other than you, my 'Lust' is on no objects. 5. I get goosebumps when I think of your blessing; Like appetite gone after eating a meal.. And my love on you increases; Disproving words of Thirunavukkarasar only Love can bring Godliness; You showered me your love for me Not even showing a speck of it on you. தொயுமொனெர் ெொடல் 6. If I but control my way the

In this episode, Lex Hixon interviews Swami Satchidananda on WBAI radio in New York in 1975. Hixon’s “In the Spirit” program included many spiritual luminaries. Hixon asks: “Who is Satchidananda.” Swamiji begins by explaining that it’s not necessary to become a sannyasi, a swami like him in order to reach one’s spiritual goals. He speaks about the real monkhood is really about renouncing one’s selfishness and that is the key to inner peace and even world peace. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

In this archival talk from 1975 given in Orlando, Florida, Swami Satchidananda explains what the essential teachings and goal of Yoga—and every spiritual path—are. He gives an overview of what the Yoga path aims to do through the practice and why it’s essential to have a clean and healthy lifestyle and to keep the mind selfless, thus peaceful. He closes with a beautiful message of peace for the world. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda is asked a series of questions that leads into a discussion of the nature of good and evil, the importance of selflessness, the cycle of life, and the value of sexual moderation. This recording is vintage archival audio from 1974 during a talk Swami Satchidananda gave at Esalen (the personal growth facility in Big Sur, California). (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

In this vintage archival audio from 1974, recorded during a talk Swami Satchidananda gave at Esalen (the personal growth facility in Big Sur, California), he is asked many questions about esoteric topics all the rage at the time & still incredibly relevant. The first question is about Swamiji’s experiences with Sri Ramana Maharshi, which he rarely spoke about. Questions continue and range from the nature of reincarnation to figuring out our past lives.

In this episode, Swami Satchidananda visits a Montessori school in the mid-1970s. While there, he is asked questions about educating children, which leads to a discussion about the conditions necessary for spiritual growth, evolution, and Self-realization. He also discusses the drawbacks of our current educational system in America and the ideal values we should raise our children with, and with which we can all realize our unity. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

A student asks Swami Satchidananda about their spiritual growth or lack of. He explains the meaning of real spiritual growth and communion with God. He says that it is really applying spirituality in every minute of our lives, not just on a Yoga mat or meditation cushion. Another question is asked about the role of a Guru in one’s spiritual growth. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda speaks about how our very lives are not in our hands, but are in the hands of a Higher Force that functions within us and around us. He goes on to explain the philosophy and science behind the static energy and dynamic energy that causes everything to function. This is the Siva-Shakti principle. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda answers a question that leads to a discussion of the difference between the ego (lower self) and the Higher Self. He explains how the easiest way to experience who we truly are—beyond the whims, moods & limitations of the ego—is to follow the path of Bhakti Yoga. The path of Bhakti is a path of love, devotion & surrender to something greater than our little egos. Then we realize the true Self. This is what is meant by “I and My Father are the same.” (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

One July 4th (Independence Day) Swami Satchidananda is asked several questions about spiritual life. He talks about how to achieve real independence and spiritual liberation. He points out how the mind can create obstructions on the path and how to overcome these. A brilliant talk on what is required for Self-realization and how to navigate the path toward it. He closes the program with a quote from Swami Vivekananda: "Stop not, till the goal is reached." (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda is asked about a human birth and whether we have free will and if there are humans on other planets. He discusses the blessing of having a human birth and the desire to know the truth, as well as the obstacles to spiritual growth. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org