Janaki
We keep being reminded of the fragility and transience of life. A month ago, our dear satsang sister, Janaki Polden passed away. She understood the ephemeral nature of life, while at the same time being full of life – walking,…
Karma Yoga. . . A Path of Inner Development
As we explore the path of yoga, we discover there are millions of methods that will take us in the direction of our goal. Purification of the body, perfection of posture (asana), samadhi meditation, selfless service (karma yoga), and devotion…
Seasons of Life
“Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a song made popular by the Byrds in the 60’s, the lyrics of which come from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. The chorus says, “To everything – Turn! Turn! Turn! – there is a…
The Role of the Teacher, The Role of the Student
We have many teachers throughout our lives, beginning with our parents, even if they’re not particularly skilled at parenting. As children we begin to learn about life in the world, and based on our experiences with family, school, friends and…
Book review: Myths of the Asana
Myths of the Asanas The Stories at the Heart of the Yoga Tradition Written by Alanna Kaivalya and Arjuna van der Kooij Book review by Kenzie Pattillo “Yogic myth has a genius to clothe the infinite in human form.” Eknath…
Life at the Centre
The opportunity to live in a spiritual community is a great blessing. It is also an opportunity to learn about yourself, what is important to you, and how to live with other people. Many years ago, when Dharma Sara Satsang…
Paris, Climate Change and the Bhagavad Gita
When pondering humanity’s role and responsibilities in addressing climate change, we see the issue touches many elements from the teachings of yoga. At the most basic level, our shared atmosphere reminds us that we are all one. Every carbon dioxide…
Householder Yoga
‘The yoga of householder is a very hard yoga. Not for everyone. Be householder saints.’ Ten years ago, just as I was trying to figure out who and how to be in the world as both a spiritual aspirant and…
Kindness and Forgiveness
Babaji says, “Love is a universal religion” and the Dalai Lama says, “My religion is kindness.” Kindness is the outer face of love, and forgiveness is a form of kindness to oneself which touches everyone around us. The first two…
Questions and Answers with Babaji
(From Offerings of summer 1998) Q: How does one know if he or she is on the right spiritual path? B: When the mind gets calmer and reduces its attachment to the world, that indicates that the path is right.…