What is Yoga?
“Yoga” is a Sanskrit word that means “to join.” Yoga is both union and the way to that union. What do we join through yoga? First, we join our awareness to our own essential being: the spirit whose nature is pure consciousness. In yoga philosophy … Continue reading
Obstacles in Meditation and How to Overcome Them
From a photo by Tejo Coen. Part 10 in the Commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, by Swami Nirmalananda Giri 27. His designator [vachaka] is ‘Om’ [Pranava]. Usually, vachaka means that which is denoted by speech, in this case meaning that Ishwara is designated by the … Continue reading
A Practical Approach to Solving Meditation Problems
Q: I have been practicing OM meditation, specifically to get through some severe anxiety and panic I suffered after an accident (and to get closer to God). I believe I am plagued by some type of oppression and have been for a long time. I … Continue reading
Three Useful Meditation Tips
Meditate Daily “The self resides within the lotus of the heart. Knowing this, devoted to the self, the sage enters daily that holy sanctuary.” (Chandogya Upanishad 8:3:3) Meditation should be done daily, and if possible it should be done twice daily–morning and evening, or before … Continue reading
How to Become a Sage
A commentary on the verse from the Mundaka Upanishad which says, “Having known the Self, the sages are filled with joy. Blessed are they, tranquil of mind, free from passion. Realizing everywhere the all-pervading Brahman, deeply absorbed in contemplation of his being, they enter into him, the Self of all.”