The Memory Bank

In this satsang talk, Swami Radhananda reads an excerpt from her upcoming book, sharing how she followed the signs to live at Yasodhara Ashram.

Yoga Talks from Youth Meditation Retreat in Gurumaa Ashram 2/2

Gurumaa speaks with youngsters in Youth Meditation Retreat about yoga, yoga poses, benefits of yoga and right way of doing yoga. Visit www.gurumaa.com for more videos…

Yasodhara Ashram: Young Adult Program

Practice focus, discipline and independence in a supportive spiritual environment. As a valued member of the Ashram community, you join other young people in exploring options and in opening your mind to new possibilities. Supported by donation and available to youth ages 18-30. Located in Kootenay Bay, British Columbia, Canada. For more, visit: WWW.YASODHARA.ORG or [...]

Practicing the Light

In this satsang video, Swami Radhananda leads us through a guided meditation on relaxation and Light. She stresses the power of choice that we have to use spiritual practices like this to create space in our daily lives and in challenging situations.

ashramchic™ on Vipassana ~ India

Starting from the Beginning

In this satsang talk, Swami Radhananda reads from the manuscript of her upcoming book. The book is based on reflections from her diary, spanning the time she has spent at the Ashram, including her first arrival in the 1970’s and the years of learning with her guru, Swami Radha.

Yoga

Yoga Ashram for yoga, yoga therapy, vedanta, philosophy, echo farming on beach and on hills.

Sivananda Yoga Farm – asanademo

Short demonstration of Yoga Asanas at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm

Ideal practices

Sacred texts and scriptures teach the means for salvation. The path is arduous, demanding constant practice and determination and not easily attainable. Yet the state of liberation is described to be blissful (Brahmananda) and definitely worth the attempt on the part of the Jivatma. The nature of this bliss is calculated on the basis of human enjoyments and it is shown that human joys are mere raindrops in the blissful ocean of Brahmananda. While Karma, Jnana and Bhakti are shown to be ideal practices in this quest, the text Yoga Vasishta champions the path of Jnana, said Sri S. Srinivasa Sarma in a lecture. The Kaivalya Upanishad states that the highest knowledge or immortality is attained not by work or action (Karma), progeny (Praja) and wealth but only through renunciation. In Yoga Vasishta, Lord Rama, Himself the essence of Jnana, is a disciple in search of enlightenment and is advised the path of meditation and renunciation by Sage Vasishta. But Rama leads his life to fulfil the purpose of His incarnation. Those caught in samsara have to strive to attain the realised state. That is why in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna assumes the role of the preceptor and hails the path of Karma Yoga as a stepping stone to Jnana. Even Bhakti is seen as part of Karma Yoga and this is a preparation to Jnana. Karma Yoga helps us to evaluate the impact of the Gunas — Satva, Rajas and Tamas — and guide us to transcend their effects gradually. Only then can Jnana be practised. The desire for happiness is innate in all of us. Happiness and joy are the result of our Karma. Trying to find happiness in worldly gains and objects is always a mixture of pleasure and pain. All material gains will be lost. Even one’s earned period of life in Indra’s realm as a result of Karma is not going to last forever. It comes to an end when the Karma is expended. Hence Vasishta emphasises the pursuit of knowledge that can release one from the bond of samsara. Both Karma and Jnana are equally important for liberation. They are as important as the two wings a bird needs for flying.

Yoga for Stress Reduction at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm by Dr. Timothy McCall

Dr. Timothy McCall describes the health benefits and stress reduction that comes from practicing Yoga.