
H. H. Sri Swami Satchidananda (Sri Gurudev) born C. K. Ramaswamy Gounderis respected worldwide as one of the major pioneers of the interfaith movement and as one of the most respected Yoga Masters of our time. Sri Gurudev's teachings and spirit guide us toward a life of peace and to religious harmony among all people. Invited to come to the West in 1966, Sri Gurudev was quickly embraced by young Americans looking for lasting peace during the turbulent 1960's. In 1969, he opened the Woodstock Festival. The peaceful atmosphere that prevailed throughout the event was often attributed to his message and blessings. Sri Gurudev founded and is the guiding light for Integral Yoga® International. Integral Yoga, as taught by Sri Gurudev, combines various methods of Yoga, including Hatha Yoga, selfless service, meditation, prayer, and a 5,000-year-old philosophy that helps one find the peace and joy within. Integral Yoga is the foundation for Dr. Dean Ornish's landmark work in reversing heart disease and Dr. Michael Lerner's noted Commonweal Cancer Help program. Today more than 50 Integral Yoga Institutes and Integral Yoga Teaching Centers throughout the United States and abroad offer classes and training programs in all aspects of Integral Yoga. In 1979, Sri Gurudev was inspired to establish Satchidananda Ashram—Yogaville®. Based on his teachings, it is a place where people of different faiths and backgrounds can come to realize their essential oneness. Yogaville is the home of The Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). This unique interfaith Shrine honors the Spirit that unites all the world religions, while celebrating their diversity. People from all over the world come there to meditate and pray. For more than fifty years, Sri Gurudev sponsored interfaith worship services and conferences. His teachings advocate respecting and honoring all faiths and he was invited to share his message of peace with many world leaders and dignitaries. Over the years, Sri Gurudev received many honors for his public service. Among recent awards: the 1994 Juliet Hollister Interfaith Award presented at the United Nations and in April 2002 the prestigious U Thant Peace Award. In addition, he served on the advisory boards of many world peace and interfaith organizations. Sri Gurudev is the author of many books, including Integral Yoga Hatha, To Know Your Self, The Living Gita, and The Golden Present. He is the subject of three biographies, Apostle of Peace, Portrait of a Modern Sage, and Boundless Giving. In August 2002, Sri Gurudev entered Mahasamadhi (a God-realized soul's conscious final exit from the body). Chidambaram, his Mahasamadhi shrine in Yogaville is open for prayer and meditation. “Swami Satchidananda enriched the lives of countless others and his efforts made a positive difference to our world and our future.” —President and Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton “I have met some truly great men in my life, but none greater than Swami Satchidananda, for his life is dedicated to service and the cause of peace--both individual and universal--and to fostering religious harmony among all people.” —Dean Ornish, MD “Swami Satchidananda has been and continues to be our great teacher and God’s special messenger.” —The Very Rev. James Parks Morton “I consider Swami Satchidananda one of the greatest spiritual teachers of our time.” —Richard Gere “There are teachers who guide their students to mystical experience. There are others, too, who inspire their students to loving service. What I admire in Swami Satchidananda is the consistency with which he bonds these two together.” —Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB.
This valuable book provides a complete manual for the study and practice of Raja Yoga, the path of concentration and meditation. This new edition of these timeless teachings is a treasure to be read and referred to again and again by seekers treading the spiritual path. The classic Sutras (thought-threads), at least 4,000 years old, cover the yogic teachings on ethics, meditation, and physical postures, and provide directions for dealing with situations in daily life. The Sutras are presented here in the purest form, with the original Sanskrit and with translation, transliteration, and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, one of the most respected and revered contemporary Yoga masters. In this classic context, Sri Swamiji offers practical advice based on his own experience for mastering the mind and achieving physical, mental and emotional harmony.
by Satchidananda
Rating: 4.4 ⭐
• 2 recommendations ❤️
The Bhagavad Gita tells the story of how Arjuna, the great warrior, is seated in his chariot about to engage in battle, when he sees his own kinsmen and his revered teacher arrayed in battle against him, and feels that he cannot fight. It is then that Krishna, the Cosmic Lord, comes to counsel him. Arjuna represents the human soul seated in the chariot of the body and Krishna is the inner Spirit, the God within, who is there to consel him. Today we see humanity divided against itself and threatened with nuclear war and mutual destruction. No political means are adequate to deal with this problem, and many are driven to despair. It is then that the message of the Gita comes to teach us that it is only when we rise above human schemes and calculations and awake to the presence of the indwelling Spirit that we can hope to find the answer to our need.
These daily inspirational readings contain Swami Satchidananda's teachings on the spiritual life—how to serve others and realize peace, truth, and union with the divine. Culled from twenty-five years of lectures to spiritual seekers in the West and the East, these readings are expressed with the simplicity and authority of one who speaks from his own experience. What is purity of heart? It’s a heart full of tranquility and peace. Having a steady mind, a balanced mind, is what you call purity of heart. You must be well balanced between the dualities: the ups and downs, the pleasure and pain, the profit and loss. If the mind is free from turbulence, then the seer can see its own nature. If your heart is pure and steady, you can see God reflected in that steady heart.
In print constantly since 1970, this large format Hatha Yoga instruction guide is now recognized as a classic in its field. Over 160 large photographs show Hatha expert Sri Swami Satchidananda performing more than 80 postures, breathing practices, relaxation, cleansing and concentration techniques. Instructions are easy to follow and describe how the body and mind benefit from each pose. Practice routines for beginning, intermediate and advanced students are suggested.
Based on the principles of Integral Yoga--living a life that is easeful, peaceful and useful - this very readable book presents the essential teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda. It is a practical, lucid guide to peaceful living. All aspects of life--physical, mental and spiritual--are covered. The presentation is light, lively and entertaining; the ideas, illuminating. A fountain of wisdom that readers return to again and again.
Beyond Words presents the essence of Sri Swami Satchidananda's teachings, including his gentle humor, practical wisdom, profound insights and deep vision. Through stories, puns, parables and examples, he enables his readers to discover for themselves the peace and joy that is within us all.
Sri Swami Satchidananda gives a remarkably thorough overview of the various techniques of meditation in relatively few pages. The booklet describes the use of mantras, yantras, and specific breathing practices.
This pocket edition offers a convenient format for this ageless guide and companion to the student on the Yogic path. Includes the full text of this classic Yoga work, along with brief commentary from a revered master of Raja Yoga.
According to the yogic scriptures, "Breath is the life of beings and so is called 'the life of all.'" In Yoga, this intelligent, creative life force is known as prana. This booklet provides a clear and concise presentation of the proper role of breath control, or pranayama, in the practice of Yoga. It includes a discussion of basic theory, a description of benefits, and specific illustrated guidelines for practice.
Based on the principles of Integral Yoga--living a life that is easeful, peaceful and useful - this very readable book presents the essential teachings of Sri Swami Satchidananda. It is a practical, lucid guide to peaceful living. All aspects of life--physical, mental and spiritual--are covered. The presentation is light, lively and entertaining; the ideas, illuminating. A fountain of wisdom that readers return to again and again.
This] collection of stories and parables is of immense value and significance for any reader irrespective of age, religion or faith...The book proves the ancient Sanskrit dictum ... Nothing is purer or more sacred than knowledge.
The Healthy Vegetarian discusses, in clear simple terms,the contribution that a vegetarian diet can make to one's physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Both new and long-time vegetarians can benefit from information on matters such as when and when not to eat, how to eat, the properties of food, handling compulsive eating, the effects of food on the mind, and healing through diet. A seven-day selection of menus and recipes for delicious vegetarian meals is included. The book also contains a forward by Dean Ornish, M. D. (author of Reversing Heart Disease).
Kailash Journal is the true story of a rare physical experience and an even rarer spiritual one. This is a narrative written in Sri Swami Satchidananda's own words and illustrated with photographs he took during his pilgrimage to Holy Mount Kailash in Tibet—an eight-hundred-mile journey, on foot, to an altitude of 19,000 feet. Within the heart of this thrilling travelogue, however, lies another story: the quest for direct knowledge of God and the result of that quest.
Sri Gurudevs teachings are true gems of wisdom and even a single one of them sincerely applied will bring great achievement in every area of life. The sayings here are selections on a particular subject. For more in-depth study, the seeker may read any and all of Sri Gurudevs books. This booklet, through small in size, is certainly jewel-like in its quality. May each of us who reads and reflects upon these words come closer to reflection that gem-like quality that is our True Nature.
One's whole life is an obstacle course. The more obstacles you overcome, the bigger the prize. If you avoid the obstacles, then there is no prize. Without those obstacles, you would never discover your capabilities. So instead of cursing the obstacles on your path, or the people who placed them there, try to find ways that will help you face them and overcome them. And when you do, a great joy will arise within you and you will bless the obstacles instead of cursing them. This quote from Overcoming Obstacles captures the flavor of total positive thinking with which Swami Satchidananda teaches us to approach life's inevitable challenges and convert all to opportunities for victory, fun, fulfillment, and joy. Overcoming Obstacles is full of practical and priceless guidance.
One of Swami Satchidananda's greatest, compact works, The Key to Peace shows clearly that peace is what really matters in life and explains how to be in that peace always by not disturbing our real nature. When our supreme inner peace is undisturbed, we are automatically in joy, in love, in light. It inspires us to lead a life of balance, contentment, above likes and dislikes-a life where everything comes to you. Topics include the forbidden fruit, selflessness, use but don't possess, be always happy, the greatest mantra, just keep giving, real service, joy is your reward, God's business, love to serve. If you call it a spiritual practice or service or Karma Yoga, it should give you the maximum joy. If it doesn't, it's just a selfish act.
Adversity and Awakening is a treasury of core teachings for facing life's biggest challenges with peace and equanimity. Topics include the nature of suffering, finding peace and joy in a chaotic world, faith and fear don't go together, natural disasters, terrorism, why anger won't help us, facing death and loss, religion doesn't teach violence and hatred, comforting victims of disaster, how to pray, and what you can do. Swami Satchidananda affirms, The Future is Bright. Adversity and Awakening includes clear instruction in three easy yet powerful stress busters-deep breathing, guided deep relaxation, and Om Shanti meditation. It offers solace and practical wisdom for inner victory over challenging times in today's world.
Page-long essays on such timely topics as how to have a peaceful life, how to meditate, how to understand suffering and how to be a good parent.
In Yoga, you don't need to get something to make yourself happy. You are only to realize that you already are happiness personified. Swami Satchidananda explores the core teaching of yoga that our natural state needs only to be uncovered in order to experience life as total joy. Topics include purity of heart, how to succeed in yoga, selflessness and karma yoga, self surrender, a courageous mind, a better world, the safest simplest and happiest life, and the necessity for a guide. First, know who you are. Then, all the other knowledge will have a magnified effect. Know that you are That. Be silent and find inner knowledge. To realize, go into deep, deep silence.
This book tells the exciting story around the inner transformation of a young pilgrim named Vishvambhara, who, in the company of his guru and one mysterious saint, rediscovers his faith in chanting the divine names. Deeply spiritual and at the same time highly relevant for modern practitioners of bhakti.
The Gayatri book is a comprehensive manual and a source of inspiration on the mystery of the gayatri-mantras, their meaning and practice. A book not only for brahmana initiated practitioners but for aspiring candidates as well as for inquisitive nectar seekers.This edition includes a new section of study questions that help you test and deepen your understanding of each chapter. Also, the text has a complete new layout and is printed in two colors making it easy to read. A definite must in every spiritual bookshelf!Krishna-Kshetra Swami on the Gayatri “If Vaishnava culture is to take root and carry on indefinitely, surely practitioners need to have a thorough understanding of their adopted tradition. The Gayatri Book aims to fullfill this need. Those who know Sacinandana Swami personally will recognize the imprint of his expertise and concern as a teacher. The Gayatri Book is both a practical manual and a carefully woven explication, thoughtfully structured as an unfolding blossoming flower, revealing one after another the layers of significance to this important aspect of brahmana practice.”
The Life-force of ChantingJust as the five life airs animate the body with life, the five powerful practices in The Living Name can enliven the chanting of the Holy Name and turn it into a dynamic and transformative experience.In this guidebook, one will first learn how to align body, mind, and heart (Yojana) to overcome distraction and thus embark on the path of full absorption. From here chanting in deep connection (Sambandha) can be easily practiced, which brings one to the essence of chanting in the mood of service (Seva). Hereafter, one learns to imbibe their chanting with the right mood (Vipralambha) and with surrender (Saranagati). The chanter can either go systematically through these five practices or apply whichever they feel attracted to.The Living Name has been churned from the teachings of our great Acaryas, sacred shastra, and the experiences of exalted sadhus. The result is a comprehensive guidebook that takes you to the heart of the most accessible form of the Lord – His Holy Name.
Although the author is considered by hundreds of thousands of seekers and devotees throughout the world as their beloved and revered Gurudev, it may be noted that he never refers to himself as a Guru. With the true Catholicism of a genuinely spiritual person, he does not limit the Guru either to any one person or anyone tradition. In fact, ultimately he says, The Guru is the inner Light or Spirit or consciousness within each person. We hope this small book proves inspiring and instructive, not only to disciples of Sri Swamiji, but also to students of other Masters, to those who have yet to discover their own Master, an to all spiritual seekers everywhere.
by Satchidananda
Rating: 4.4 ⭐
Subtitled Jewels from the Teachings of Swami Satchidananda, this booklet collects hundreds of this great Yoga Master s seminal teachings in pithy aphorisms in his own words like You are happiness personified and Renounce the selfishness and you will be in Bliss. Each of these gems is capable of guiding a lifetime. Organized into 28 topics including Happiness and Fun, Faith, Love, Mind, Spiritual Practice, Meditation, Mantra, Marriage/Relationships, Prayer, Renunciation, Divine Will, Emotions, Willpower, Beauty & Art, Pranayama, Yoga of Wisdom, Guru, Body & Health, and Life and Death. Essential wisdom for all aspects of life inner and outer.
Inspirational short passages on a variety of topics. The Body-Mind Connection, Selfless Service, Self-Healing, The Path of Marriage, and Karma.
Kirtan is the chanting of Divine sounds or names. The entire Integral Yoga ecumenical kirtan is presented here with translation, pronunciation guide, and notated melodies. Also included is a section giving helpful guidelines to leading a chanting sessions.
The words of wisdom from Swami Satchidananda emphasizes the importance of knowing true happiness and to free yourself by not depending on people, possessions, and events to bring happiness.
In this new book, Swami Satchidananda and his senior students offer information and guidance on our food choices and their effect on our Yoga practice, lives, and our planet. Swami Satchidananda taught that the manner in which we eat can create a body and mind that is sattvic (pure, balanced, yogic). In addition to proof of the positive effects of a clean, wholesome, plant-based diet on our bodies, minds, and lives, The Yoga Way discusses how to eat for maximum health and vitality. Both new and established vegetarians/ vegans will benefit from information on when to eat, when too fast, the properties of food, as well as a sample 7-day meal plan with recipes. Includes a foreword by Dean Ornish, M.D.