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Given the imminent presidential election and corresponding Party Convention politics, I felt it might be useful to examine the process of voting and national governance in light of spiritual principles; in this case the Yamas and Niyamas which Patanjali codified in his Yoga Sutras. The same kind of ethical application could be derived from any legitimate religion because Truth is universal, but, as a yogi I’m familiar with this material and present it accordingly. First, it’s always important to  … [Read More]

The forth step toward achieving divine union according to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is Pranayama. Pranayama, aka pranayam, in Sanskrit means ‘life force (prana) control (yama).’ Most people familiar with the term believe it refers to yogic breathing exercises and, since life force and breath are intimately related, breath techniques are used to cultivate energy control – but only until it can be governed by mind alone. Paramahansa Yogananda explained that “pranayama is a condition, not a technique.” Its purpose  … [Read More]

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras outline eight steps which collectively foster spiritual illumination or the state of divine union otherwise known as Yoga. Having addressed the first two steps in preceding posts, I turn to the third one which is simply called ‘Asana.’ It does not imply various hatha yoga postures commonly deemed “Yoga” these days but, rather, references what hatha yoga was meant to cultivate: the capacity to sit completely immobile in a comfortable, straight-backed but relaxed position for 3  … [Read More]

In my last post I summarized the Yamas or first “Limb” of Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of yoga, as specific forms of physical, mental and emotional self-control aligned with universal spiritual laws to facilitate manifestation of the soul’s innate divine virtue. In this follow-up entry I address Patanjali’s second “Limb,” Niyama, which pertains to spiritual observances. Not dogma associated with any particular creed, Niyama stresses – as did Yama – attitudes and actions that harmonize with and bring forth enduring  … [Read More]

To fully comprehend the nature of yoga and advance meaningfully on the road to Self-Realization for which it was developed, one should become acquainted with, and adhere to, the Eight-fold or Eight-Limbed Path of Yoga expounded by Patanjali in his work, the Yoga Sutras. This masterful series of aphorisms or ‘wisdom nuggets’ are timeless directives for all who seek God scientifically – vs. blindly – regardless of faith affiliation. Not philosophic musings solely relegated to Hinduism, they codify universal  … [Read More]

Meditation is often included in modern hatha yoga classes in a relevant-but-not-essential way. Many who utilize meditative elements do so by drawing upon Buddhist Mindfulness practices without realizing that Buddhism arose out of yogic tradition and that the latter is steeped in vast meditative wisdom. A long-time disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda (author, Autobiography of a Yogi), I encourage hatha practitioners to re-investigate classical yogic meditation methods and start ‘bringing the pillow to the mat.’ Meaning and Purpose of Yoga  … [Read More]

With social unrest percolating at a furious, oft-fanatical bubble these days, many pause to reflect on what is happening, why, and their potential culpability in creating, or contributing to, the issue array confronting them. Let there be no mistake, there is always value in becoming aware of and correcting societal or global injustices, of exercising compassion in the face of distress, and of seeking to mitigate the suffering of others. Yet there are subtle forces at play that factor  … [Read More]

Meditation is my thing, plain and simple; teaching it, my ‘Calling.’ Fortunately I’ve been trained in a tradition empowered by an unparalleled lineage and body of wisdom. For years I’ve been steeped in these inner sciences and dedicated myself to helping people understand the deep significance and relevance of these matters. Fortunately, people in general are gradually beginning to “get” it. Yet, despite the steady proliferation of meditative activities, such skills are frequently diluted through Western filters of commercialism,  … [Read More]

Until relatively recently, yoga, meditation, and non-traditional spirituality – as opposed to classical religious practices – were widely perceived in the West as esoteric pursuits with little to offer mainstream society. Now they are highly-valued, prominent fields of endeavor with massive cultural buy-in. Having dedicated 40+ years to this “questionable arena,” it is rewarding to note the positive shift in public opinion, and, the appreciable enhancement such activities have made on so many lives. In fact, writing an article  … [Read More]

While not Catholic, or Christian for that matter, I found myself appreciative of Pope Francis’ recent comments introducing the current Holy Jubilee as a Year of Mercy. He said, “How much wrong we do to God and his grace when we speak of sins being punished by his judgement before we speak of their being forgiven by his mercy,”….”We have to put mercy before judgement… Let us set aside all fear and dread, for these do not befit men  … [Read More]