Yoga Wisdom With Swami Satchidananda

Swami Satchidananda begins talking about how each of us is unique in life and should live a life of worth and contribution. He continues by answering a question about what is meant by "false gods." He also answers a question about the importance of vows. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda says that at the root of every want, of every desire is one goal: the desire to be happy. If you had happiness once, how did you lose it? He explains our expectations and wants don't bring us happiness but rather the more wants we have, the less joy we'll find. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

During an Integral Yoga retreat in Santa Barbara, California, students ask Swami Satchidananda questions including the use of creative visualization as a meditation method, how to let go of past relationships, and how to be more loving. His answers contain an analysis of the nature of the mind, how to work with the mind to calm and focus it leading to a meditative state and even to samadhi, and how to cultivate qualities that lead to healthier and more loving relationships.

Swami Satchidananda talks about those who are known as Jivanmuktas: living, liberated people. He describes what it means to walk through the world in a liberated state. The way jivanmuktas react to the world is very hard to fathom for an average person. Nothing is a surprise to them because an awakened person has a very large worldview and accepts everything because they live at the highest level of consciousness. Swami Satchidananda also answers a question about the purpose of life and if it is only to help us to spiritual unfold and become Self-realized. (c) 2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda gives a talk at a Unity Church and this inspires an explanation about how Yoga is the Sanskrit for unity. He goes on to talk about the unity behind the diversity in life and that it is in the spirit we can best understand our unity. Then, he goes onto answer questions on overcoming challenges in meditation and on the spiritual path. (c)2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda explains that how we experience the world depends largely on our own perception. Using stories from the Indian epic The Mahabharata, he explains how the world is colored by our own projections. He also discusses Sri Swami Sivananda’s teachings.

Swami Satchidananda speaks about the pitfalls of egotism, the benefits of humility, and the rewards of recognizing oneself as an instrument in the hands of the divine. Reciting a poem in Tamil by the South Indian saint, Sri Ramalingam, he illustrates the highest wisdom that leads to constant peace.

During this Guru Poornima talk, (a day in which the spiritual teacher is specially honored annually) Swami Satchidananda explains that the goal of spiritual life is to find out who you are. The purpose of life is to seek the kingdom within. He highlights how the practices of Yoga, and any spiritual path, help us to find out who we are—aside from what we do, what we possess, and other misidentifications. He stresses the privilege it is to have a human birth and how that enables us, as opposed to other parts of the creation, to seek the Truth. (c)2018 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda answers a question on why it’s sometimes difficult to focus the mind and meditate. He explains how to handle challenges during meditation and how the world and nature play a role in helping us find the peace within. This talk was recorded during the Yoga and Stress Management program held at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville soon after 9/11. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda explains the deeper purpose and meaning of Yoga—beyond the physical part of Yoga poses. Aside from the physical benefits, Yoga’s greater purpose is to enable the mind to be calm and balanced. Meditation is the main Yoga practice that enables us to cultivate the ability to witness, to be mindful. He illuminates the importance of cultivating the witness in order to not be emotionally reactive when challenges arise in life. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

In this talk, Swami Satchidananda explains what the essential teachings and goal of Yoga, and every spiritual path, are essentially. He goes on to quote from various sages who have taught the essence of Yoga, spirituality, dharma, and religious truths. He also illustrates, through a parable, how children exemplify the heart of these essential teachings.

Recorded during a Christmas program at Satchidananda Ashram, Swami Satchidananda speaks about the lessons Jesus taught by his life—lessons of universal love, unconditional love, compassion and forgiveness. He also used the occasion to stress that we should learn to recognize ourselves and each other as the pure Self—sparks of the divine. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda is asked a question about the benefits of pranayama (yogic breathing). He explains how these practices increase the prana or vital force in the body, bringing increased energy and vitality and this explains its healing effects. In addition, it has benefits for the mind and emotions leading to a calmer, more balanced state. He also speaks about the koshas, vital bodies, and how the yogic practices help one to connect to divine energy. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

In a talk from the mid-1970s, Swami Satchidananda addresses an issue that has never had more relevance in today’s world: How can we find unity? How do we stop fighting in the name of religion or country or race? If we don’t find what unites us, we fight about our differences. He explains how to find the unity within our diversity: our spiritual oneness. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda answers a question about whether remembering one’s past lives is detrimental or beneficial. He cautions listeners about dwelling on past lives or worrying about the past, and encourages us to focus on the golden present and learning the lessons life is now bringing. Also, he answers a question about ahimsa (nonviolence). (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

This talk opens with a student asking Swami Satchidananda a question about Self-realization. He explains the nature of the higher Self and explains a very profound and complex philosophical concept: how one can realize the Ultimate Truth, Self, or God. He gives many analogies to help the listener understand the process of awakening. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda answers questions and clarifies some foundational concepts in Yoga philosophy, including the witness attitude, the Self, and the jivanmukta (living liberated soul), and mastering our minds. He explains that in order to realize the true Self, we need to learn who we essentially are—not the mind or the body. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda talks about our spiritual origins, the spiritual goal of dissolving into the Divine, and the obstacles. He explains subtle philosophical and spiritual concepts through the story of the “salt doll” and the challenge of the ego. He also leads “Om Shanti” peace chanting & meditation.

Swami Satchidananda explains how to apply the philosophy of Vedanta to problems we face when we identify with our minds, our bodies, or our circumstances in life. He shows how in a statement such as “I know my mind is crazy today” we can extract ourselves from the misidentification that can lead to depression and anxiety. We are not our minds, our bodies, our problems. We have minds, bodies, and challenges in life. He also explains the beauty of Yogaville’s vision: to be an oasis—a village of people living together harmoniously and celebrating the unity in their diversity. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org

Swami Satchidananda answers a variety of questions on spiritual topics. He explains that all spiritual practice isn't to give you enlightenment but to reveal the inner light that is there. He is asked about the many benefits of pilgrimage. During his answer he mentions the shrine in Yogaville named for the famed Mount Kailash. He compares the practice of Yoga and its benefits to taking a pilgrimage. He answers a question on how to maintain one’s balance. (c)2017 Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, Inc. / www.integralyoga.org