Self-Realization

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In the realm of the mind, three afflictions reside, Kama, Krodha, Lobha – in darkness they hide, Born of desire, passion’s fiery embrace, They weave their illusions, a treacherous chase. Kama, the first, desires uncontrolled, A thirst for pleasures, a tale so old, Chained to cravings, seeking endless gain, Lost in the mirage, true peace

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We’re starting a new year and a lot of people are making their new year resolutions such as losing weight, eating healthier or making more money. Others strive for better relationships, less stress or more happiness. Still others, resolve to increase their spiritual practice in whatever form it might be, in order to attain to

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By Rudra Shivananda There are diverse reasons for seekers to pursue a spiritual path – some are striving for liberation from pain and suffering, others are seeking knowledge of their their true nature and reason for being, and yet others want freedom from death and to achieve immortality. Of course, it may be reasoned that

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By Rudra Shivananda What are your hands doing when you are trying to meditate? When a seeker enters the stream and take a path of spiritual insight, he or she will pay a lot of attention to the sitting position and body posture. However, not much attention is paid initially to the position of the

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By Rudra Shivananda A few days ago, we commemorated the life of a great leader for the freedom movement. Martin Luther King took up the mantle of Mahatma Gandhi and became a beacon of light not only for black Americans but for people all over the world. We need not discuss his heroic application of

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By Rudra Shivananda Yoga is not a religion. It is an experiential movement towards higher states of consciousness. Yoga is more of a way of being and living than about beliefs or practices. Yoga is about personal experience and not about scriptures or the teachings of others. Yoga is not a philosophy. There are many

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By Rudra Shivananda Every year, most of us experience a day of remembrance called the birthday. Yet, as we celebrate surviving another year of life, we wonder if there is any deeper significance beyond the cake, laughter and champagne. It is wonderful to be surrounded by those who care about you. When you are young,

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By Rudra Shivananda I was meeting with a student and her family last night and she was very concerned that her peers at the local university were undermining her belief in rebirth and therefore she was doubting the whole necessity for spiritual practice. In her mind, the two seemed to be linked. First off, these