Kriya Yoga Today with Yogacharya O'Brian

Explore the profound wisdom of working in harmony with higher principles and making conscious choices to substitute higher inclinations over lower drives. Gain insights from teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads, which use the metaphor of the chariot to illustrate the relationship between the body, mind, senses, and the essential Self. Understand the influence of the gunas, the qualities o...

Explore the transformative power of yoga practices and their ability to redirect attention, alter thought patterns, and create a luminous and calm mental atmosphere. Discover how yoga helps us gain clarity, live authentically, and find happiness by quieting the mind and mastering our thoughts. Drawing inspiration from the ancient teachings and the practice of meditation, we uncover the profound im...

Explore the essential conditions for spiritual realization and the qualities that support a steadfast spiritual path. Discover how arranging conducive conditions and purifying the mind and body can pave the way for experiencing one's true nature. Uncover the transformative power of discernment, detachment, calmness, and a burning zeal for liberation. Gain insights into the practice of mental restr...

Learn how to be steadfast on your spiritual path. Explore the significance of having a teacher and a spiritual path to guide you on this transformative journey. Shift your focus from external pursuits to the depths of your inner truth. Gain insights into the purpose of life, the joy of self-discovery, and the impact of intense practice in aligning with your soul's calling. This episode invites you...

Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through the integrated path of Kriya Yoga. Explore the wisdom, devotion, and selfless service found in the classical paths of yoga that form the foundation of this profound practice. Discover how yoga reorients your attention and awareness, leading to conscious union with your essential nature. Dive into the power of meditation and the skillful...

Embark on a transformative journey as the profound teachings of enlightened sages illuminate the path to liberation of consciousness. Delve into the yearning for freedom and explore the obstacles that hinder progress on this profound journey. Learn about the three fundamental desires of a human being that guide the quest for fulfillment and the four reasons we seek a spiritual path. Unveil the rad...

Delve into the profound teachings of ancient sages and uncover the extraordinary significance of your human birth and the rarity of having the capacity to awaken and choose your path in life. Uncover the obstacles that hinder our progress on the path and learn how to nurture your burning desire for liberation. With a steadfast commitment and an understanding of the fleeting nature of time, you can...

Immerse in the profound essence of Guru Purnima, the spiritual new year revered by global devotees. This journey reflects our collective search for the 'Eternal Friend', an unfailing companion of unconditional love and wisdom. Insights from the Bhagavad Gita, Hindu prayers, Guru teachings, and the Taittiriya Upanishad guide towards the ultimate realization of the divine Self within us. Experience...

Chapter 3, v. 10-12 As we deepen our understanding of the interconnectedness between our thoughts, actions, and the karmic imprints they create, we uncover the importance of conscious, selfless action. Delve into the concept of sacrifice (yajna) as a means of participating in the abundant energy of life and nurturing the divine powers that sustain us. Discover the beauty of living beyond the confi...

Chapter 3, v. 8-9 Explore the power of skillful action and its role in liberation. Understand how our thoughts, speech, and actions shape our destiny and the importance of conscious, non-binding engagement. Learn about the concept of sacrifice as a way to participate in the reciprocal energy of life and contribute to the uplifting nature of the universe. Embrace the wisdom of letting go, non-attac...

Chapter 3, v. 3-7  Explore the delicate balance between contemplation and action. Discover the profound insights that guide us in harmonizing our inner perception with our outer engagement. Learn practical strategies for controlling the senses, achieving equilibrium, and surrendering to the power of divine grace. Embark on a transformative journey of Self-discovery, aligning your actions with your...

As Arjuna, the seeking soul, grapples with confusion, we explore the path of knowledge and action on the spiritual journey. Discover how the guidance of Lord Krishna sheds light on the twofold approach to life and liberation. With insights into the interplay between contemplation and active engagement, we uncover the key to skillful action and the true nature of non-action. Tune in to explore the...

Spiritual and religious teachings from many traditions caution the seeker against desire by declaring if you want freedom, you must free yourself from desire. But is that even possible? Is it a reasonable goal? What do we know about the power of desire? Paramahansa Yogananda spoke about desireless desire and the one desire that leads inevitably toward freedom.

Chapter 2, v. 69-72  The final verses of chapter two offer insights into the inner journey. The significance of detaching from desires and egoism is discussed, leading to inner peace and joy. The journey from darkness to light is reflected upon, revealing the path to living a liberated life and experiencing the divine bliss, despite life's challenges. Join this journey from darkness to light as th...

Chapter 2, v. 65-68  Explore the secrets of cultivating a serene and resilient mind, unshackled from the chains of attachment and aversion. By unraveling the profound wisdom behind the power of our senses and mastering the art of self-navigation, we unveil the path to divine guidance, Self-realization, and the ultimate liberation from suffering. Prepare to embark on a journey of self-discovery, se...

Chapter 2, v. 62-65   We are given a step-by-step description of how one loses contact with the divine Self by indulging in sense attraction. Dwelling on objects of the senses leads to attachment, which leads to desire, anger, delusion, loss of memory, and ultimately the destruction of discrimination. This downward spiral causes one to lose touch with their conscience and their connection to spiri...

What are the road maps or indicators of what spiritual progress looks like? How can we tell if we are progressing? Learn four indicators that will guide and support your journey.

Chapter 2, v. 60-62   The teachings highlight the importance of developing self-control and focus in spiritual practice. The verses emphasize the need to withdraw the senses from external distractions and remain centered on the divine. Four key practices for spiritual growth are outlined: discernment to distinguish between thoughts and desires that lead to suffering or freedom, commitment to freed...

Chapter 2, v. 58-59 The teachings in these verses suggest that suppressing physical and mental urges is not the best approach to overcoming temptations. Instead, withdrawing sensory awareness from tempting circumstances and being centered in the soul and dispassionate can help us develop intellectual discernment and regulate sensory inclinations and desires. The benefits of consistent practice of...

Chapter 2, v. 55-57 These verses discuss the obstacles that impede spiritual progress and the means to overcome them. Lord Krishna explains that the senses are naturally attracted to external objects and can distract us from our spiritual path. He advises that by cultivating a sense of detachment and equanimity towards the objects of the senses, we can overcome these obstacles and attain inner pea...

Chapter 2, v. 55 This verse emphasizes the importance of cultivating a steady mind for spiritual progress. According to Lord Krishna, a person with a calm and composed mind can attain perfect peace and contentment, which are essential for spiritual growth. This verse teaches us that a steady mind is the foundation of all spiritual practices and can lead to the realization of the Self, enabling us...

Life’s powerful questions arise from our soul’s yearning to realize our true nature and actualize its divine potentials in our life every day. How is that actualization possible, we wonder? What does enlightenment look like? How does life change with spiritual awakening?

Chapter 2, v. 54 Arjuna asks Lord Krishna about the description of a sage of awakened, steady knowledge who is immersed in Samadhi. Lord Krishna explains that this state is a permanent change in the mental field that enables one to remain aware of ultimate reality, even in the midst of worldly activity. The verse challenges us to reflect on how our own consciousness is revealed in our words, actio...

Chapter 2, v. 51-53 These verses describe the importance of equanimity and detachment in achieving inner peace and freedom from sorrow. Lord Krishna explains that one who is steadfast, remains equanimous in pleasure and pain, and treats them alike, becomes free from the bondage of karma. He further emphasizes that a person who is established in equanimity attains the state of supreme bliss, which...

Spiritual practice prepares us to live in the world with wisdom and compassion. Learning how to do that is an art and a science. We study the science and develop insights and clarity. We master the art of living through participating in life every day with faith and dedication.