SATCHIDANANDA
THAPOVANAM
ABOUT INTEGRAL YOGA
Timeless Teachings in a Changing World
“The goal of Integral Yoga®, and the birthright of every individual, is to realize the spiritual unity behind all the diversities in the entire creation and to live harmoniously as members of one universal family. This goal is achieved by maintaining our natural condition of a body of optimum health and strength, senses under total control, a mind well-disciplined, clear and calm, an intellect as sharp as a razor, a will as strong and pliable as steel, a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, an ego as pure as a crystal, and a life filled with Supreme Peace and Joy.”
– HH Sri Swami Satchidananda
The word “Yoga” means union or yoke in Sanskrit. Integral Yoga synthesizes the various branches of Yoga into a comprehensive lifestyle with the aim to promote the harmonious development of every aspect of the individual.
The six branches of Integral Yoga are each powerful tools to gain self-mastery. When combined to effect the whole being, the results are at once subtle, profound, and measurable.
Hatha Yoga
Focuses on the physical aspects through asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), mudras, kriyas, yogic diet, and deep relaxation.
Raja Yoga
Balance and control of the mind through ethical practices, concentration, and meditation.
Bhakti Yoga
The path of devotion, through constant love, thought, and service of the Divine. Bhakti Yoga can be practiced by anyone. All that is needed is faith and constant remembrance of God.
Karma Yoga
The path of action and selfless service. Serving without attachment to the fruits (or results) of the action.
Jnana Yoga
The intellectual approach or the path of wisdom. Through the knowledge of what is Real (the unchanging) the jnana yogi realizes Oneness with the entire universe.
Japa Yoga
Japa means repetition of a mantram – a sound structure of one or more syllables that represents a particular aspect of the Divine.
Interfaith Path
Sri Gurudev was a leading proponent of interfaith understanding. His motto, “Truth is One, Paths are Many,” has been celebrated around the world, and is represented symbolically in the Integral Yoga yantra. He organized many interfaith programs, retreats, and conferences. He developed the Yoga Ecumenical Service (now known as the Light Of Truth Universal Service), in which representatives of different faiths gathered together around a circular altar and performed a worship service to a central light. This light—in the form of a lit candle—was adopted as the universal symbol of the Divine. Performing the service were celebrants representing their respective faiths, and offering worship to the central light from their own faith tradition. Learn more at: http://lotus.org/.
Yoga in Daily Life
Sri Gurudev taught us how to be "easeful, peaceful and useful." His teachings are highly practical for finding peace in everyday life. For a daily inspirational reading from Sri Grudev's book, The Golden Present, please visit: http://www.thegoldenpresent.org/ or download The Daily Guru app for iOS.