Yoga Wisdom with Swami Satchidananda

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,...

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 sel...

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 wo...

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....

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...

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 w...

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. / w...

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 realiz...

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 fr...

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

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 ho...

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...

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....

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 misidentifica...

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,...