By Rudra Shivananda As we learn of the passing of a true hero, that of Neil Armstrong who took a small step on the Moon and expanded the boundaries of humanity, I’m reminded of the significance of the moon as a powerful symbol in the yogic tradition. Just as the effect of Armstrong’s feat will
By Rudra Shivananda In a previous post, I explained about the structural barriers that prevent the spiritual seeker from engaging in an effective mantra practice. There was a request to give some examples of the foundation mantras that are needed to transform a busy or lethargic mind into a calm state. Below, I’ve given
By Rudra Shivananda Every four years, a large part of the world takes time out of their busy lives to cheer on the athletes that have made it into the Olympic Games. Four years ago, we watched the spectacle of the opening ceremony in Beijing, China and it was indeed awe-inspiring. The beauty and scale
By Rudra Shivananda The 2nd energy center or swadhisthana chakra is the center for attraction and aversions. We are attracted to certain things and people and have an aversion for others. The specifics are governed by our present and past karmic patterns – our urges and compulsions. The 2nd center is responsible for the instinct
By Rudra Shivananda The spiritual path is long an arduous and has many pitfalls and obstacles. We are often befuddled by our delusions and fall prey to illusions, thinking a true path is false or that we have achieved something when we have not. Why does this happen? It is because of our karmic tendencies
By Rudra Shivananda Too often I hear from sincere seekers that they are trying their best and putting in persistent effort but nothing seems to be happening with their meditation. It gets very boring and they are tempted to give up. Doubts arise that maybe the meditation is not right for them or maybe they
By Rudra Shivananda There are many different types of yoga systems and according to their proponents, each must be the best. This can be very confusing to sincere seekers but there may be no easy solution to differentiate these various paths in their minds. It is the nature of the mind to be confused due
By Rudra Shivanananda In ancient times the sages emphasized the development and practice of ethics above all as the pre-eminent spiritual practice. However, in present times this has become unfashionable and there is much greater emphasize on the Guru’s grace or in the effectiveness of techniques. It is understandable because the effect of grace or
By Rudra Shivananda Money is a form of energy. It is earned by work or some other effort and is useful as a standard means of exchange. The possession of money or material wealth is not counterproductive to spiritual progress. It is the attachment to or obsession with money that is a great hindrance. Wealth
By Rudra Shivananda Clear skies, sunny day I’m happy, sunlight and life. Clouds roll in, pouring rain I’m happy, cooling breeze. Job well-done, praise comes I’m happy, Divine work fun. Blame comes, results disappoint I’m happy, best effort done.