Looking for some inspiration? The Integral Yoga Etsy Shop has you covered—literally! Our Woodstock collection is a blast from the past reminding us it’s time to “Get Ourselves Back to the Garden!”

All our Integral Yoga Shop offerings bring you fun and uplifting designs, timeless wisdom for daily life, greeting cards & perfect gifts for every occasion. Explore the shop and please spread the word! Every purchase helps support Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville and Integral Yoga Magazine. Thank you for your support!

The post Get Yourself Back to “the Garden” – the New Integral Yoga Woodstock Collection appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Cover of Victoria Moran’s latest book.

Aging is often viewed as something to resist, delay, or even fear. But what if, instead of dreading it, we embraced aging as a sacred passage—an opportunity to deepen our wisdom, refine our spirit, and live with greater joy? This is precisely the perspective that Victoria Moran offers in her inspiring new book, Age Like a Yogi: A Heavenly Path to a Dazzling Third Act.

Victoria, a longtime practitioner of Integral Yoga, beautifully weaves together the spiritual depth of Yoga with practical wisdom for aging with grace, vitality, and meaning. In her introduction she shares that “If you want to know what I do, Integral Yoga is the lineage closest to my heart and I take two classes a week.” Her approach is not about defying age but about redefining it—living in a way that keeps the body strong, the mind clear, and the spirit luminous.

Yoga as the Secret to Radiant Longevity

At the heart of Age Like a Yogi is the understanding that aging is as much a spiritual process as it is a physical one. Moran invites us to see growing older not as a decline but as a transformation, an evolution into a wiser, freer, and more radiant version of ourselves. With insight and humor, she shares stories of remarkable elders—many of them yogis—who exemplify the beauty of aging consciously.

The book is structured as a practical and deeply philosophical guide to this stage of life, divided into ten parts. It explores essential themes such as maintaining physical vitality, the importance of breathwork, the power of plant-based nutrition, and creating a sacred daily routine. In these pages, readers will find an abundance of yogic wisdom on:

• Pranayama: How conscious breathing can revitalize our energy and calm the mind.
• Ahimsa: Embracing nonviolence in thought, word, and deed, including a compassionate approach to diet and lifestyle.
• Santosha: Cultivating contentment and embracing where we are in the present moment.
• Ishvara Pranidhana: Surrendering to a Higher Power and trusting the flow of life.

Moran also explores Ayurveda, Yoga’s sister science, sharing how its timeless principles can support balance and vitality as we age. She offers accessible and enjoyable practices—ranging from morning rituals to seasonal self-care—that help us move through life’s later chapters with grace.

A Call to Elevate Everything

Beyond personal wellness, Age Like a Yogi is a call to serve, to uplift, and to contribute meaningfully to the world. Moran encourages us to step into our dharma—our life’s purpose—at every age, reminding us that our most impactful years may still be ahead. She inspires readers to see aging not as a process of retreating from life but as an invitation to deepen our presence and our contribution to the world.

One of the book’s most powerful sections, Warrior Challenges, dares readers to live fully, do their dharma, make peace with mortality, and elevate everything they touch. This aligns seamlessly with Integral Yoga’s philosophy—that life itself is the Yoga practice and that every stage offers opportunities for growth and Self-realization.

Why This Book Matters Now

In a culture obsessed with youth, Age Like a Yogi offers a refreshing, much-needed perspective. Rather than prescribing an anti-aging formula, Moran provides a pro-living guide. She reminds us that aging is not something to fear but something to befriend—an opportunity to refine our light and share it more brilliantly.

For those who practice Integral Yoga, this book will feel like coming home. It echoes the teachings we hold dear and affirms that Yoga is a lifelong path, one that supports us through every stage of our journey. Whether you’re already deep in your Yoga practice or just beginning, Age Like a Yogi will inspire you to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose, vitality, and joy.

Victoria Moran has gifted us with a roadmap for radiant aging—one that is filled with wisdom, humor, and heart. Through her words, she assures us that, indeed, the light within us only grows brighter with time. And that, perhaps, is the greatest secret of all.

About Victoria Moran:

Victoria Moran has written 13 books about well-being, spirituality, and vegan living. VegNews magazine listed her among the Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors, and she was on Oprah twice. Victoria is a passionate animal person and longtime vegan, honored in 2024 with induction into the Vegan Hall of Fame.

The post Age Like a Yogi: Victoria Moran’s Guide to Living Radiantly at Any Age appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

We live in an age characterized by an increasing sense of uncertainty.  We are exposed daily to a world in crisis, from natural disasters to political upheaval, from tremendous violence to widespread injustice. Maintaining our well-being, living by spiritual values and finding genuine fulfillment can seem impossible when surrounded by a workaholic culture, rampant with greed, deception, and “image is everything” messages.

Swami Ramananda will present the distilled wisdom of the Yoga teachings as practical principles essential for building immunity and resilience, and creating a fulfilling life. Together we will reflect on how to empower ourselves and how a spiritual practice attunes our hearts and minds to the spiritual consciousness we share.

Together, we will explore:

• How the practice of asana, pranayama and meditation can heal and build physical and psychological resilience
• The integration the Yogic teachings into every aspect of our lives
• How group practice supports and deepens a sustainable spiritual practice
• The use of guided reflection to create a focused spiritual lifestyle
• Understanding painful life experiences as an opportunity to deepen our connection to the natural, unchanging source of peace within

More info and registration here.

The post Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty: April 18–20, 2025 appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Satchidananda Ashram is offering a Spring Silent Retreat: Reconnect, Renew, Restore from April 24 –27, 2025 led by senior Integral Yoga teachers. As spring breathes new life into the world, embark on a journey of personal renewal at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville.

This silent retreat offers a unique opportunity to align your inner growth with the rebirth of nature around you. Just as the earth awakens from its winter slumber, you’ll have the chance to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit in a serene environment.

Take a few days to step back from your regular routines. Lift the spirit and refresh the body and mind. Through stillness, silence, and Yoga practices, become reacquainted with your true nature of ease and peace.

This retreat offers:

• Workshops on yogic lifestyle and philosophy led by senior Integral Yoga practitioners
• Meditation for connecting with one’s inner peace
• Hatha Yoga practices for cleansing and rejuvenation
• Delicious, vegetarian meals for an enhanced immune system
• Guided Exploration of the Yogaville hiking trails
• Opportunities to practice Karma Yoga (selfless service) in various service areas*, including the Yogaville Kitchen, Farm, and grounds

Integral Yoga, developed by Swami Satchidananda, promotes an easeful body, a peaceful mind, and a useful life. This comprehensive approach uses every aspect of life as a stepping stone to one’s supreme goal—lasting happiness and inner peace.

As you immerse yourself in the practices of Integral Yoga, you’ll also have the chance to spend time in nature, witnessing the renewal of the earth firsthand. This beautiful time at the ashram allows you to synchronize your personal growth with the blossoming world around you, creating a profound connection between inner and outer renewal.

Whether you’re seeking relaxation, instruction in Yoga practices, or support in your personal practice, the Integral Yoga Silent Retreat provides the perfect foundation for your journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. More info and registration here.

The post Spring Silent Retreat: Reconnect, Renew, Restore: April 24 – 27, 2025 appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Vyas describes this album as “an offering—a sacred call to awaken the heart through sound.” Every track on Vedic Invocations is infused with meticulous authenticity, guided by Brahmin priests who have trained in the revered Gurukul system, ensuring the pronunciation and intonation remain pure, just as they have been for millennia.

A Sacred Compilation of Transformative Prayers

At the heart of this album is a selection of powerful hymns and invocations from the Vedas and Upanishads, carefully chosen to invoke divine energy, purify the mind, and elevate spiritual practice. These include:

• Ganapati Atharvasheersham – A sacred Sanskrit text from the Upanishads, describing the nature and worship of Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and the source of wisdom.
• Durga Dwatrinshna Nama Mala – A hymn listing 32 names of Goddess Durga, a divine warrior who safeguards devotees from suffering and evil forces.
• Amogh Shiva Kavacham – A powerful shield of mantras from the Skanda Purana, invoking Lord Shiva’s protection and bestowing a halo of divine energy.
• Shree Devi Atharvasheersham – A Vedic hymn dedicated to Goddess Durga in her supreme cosmic form, emphasizing strength, wisdom, and spiritual fortitude.
• Narayana Atharvasheersham – An invocation of Lord Narayana, the sustainer of the universe, offering deep insight into divine consciousness and the path to liberation.

Each of these invocations has been carefully arranged with reverence, allowing listeners to be transported into the sanctity of an ancient temple, where these prayers have echoed for thousands of years.

The Power of Vedic Sound

The magic of Vedic Invocations lies not just in its lyrical content, but in the profound impact of Sanskrit’s vibratory force. Vyas notes,

“These prayers are not only invocations to these magnificent, powerful, gracious deities, but also a tool to cleanse and purify the energy fields in and around you. They can remove obstacles, create a shield of protection, and invite abundance, peace, and truthfulness into your daily life.”

Unlike conventional music, these chants are designed to shift energy, aligning the listener’s awareness with the higher chakras. This quality makes Vedic Invocations an invaluable companion for Integral Yoga practitioners seeking to deepen their meditation, strengthen their devotion, and cultivate inner stillness.

A Devotional Offering to the Seeker

The purity of this album is a gift for all lovers of sacred sound, from dedicated yogis to those new to the transformative power of Vedic mantras. As Vyas so beautifully expresses,

“If we’re sensitive enough, Vedic knowledge systems give us the inner knowledge of the profound energies of life that govern the universe, allowing us to access them in our daily lives.”

With its celestial chants, precise recitations, and soul-stirring instrumentation, Vedic Invocations is an invitation to step into the river of ancient wisdom, to bathe in the sound current of the eternal, and to awaken the divine presence within.

For those who seek to enrich their spiritual practice with the power of sacred vibration, Vedic Invocations is a portal into the divine, a sacred echo of the timeless wisdom that continues to guide seekers toward enlightenment.

The post Manish Vyas’s “Vedic Invocations”: A Gateway to Sacred Sound appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

This training explores:

• Adaptations of asanas (postures) 
• Chair Yoga (helpful for students with limited mobility or space)
• Gentle warm-ups and stretches
• Safe and effective prop use

Adaptive Yoga gives us the tools to reach various populations that may not have had access to the benefits of Hatha Yoga. In addition to Yoga studios, Adaptive Yoga classes can be offered in senior centers, rehabilitation facilities, recreation centers, hospitals, churches, and community centers.

An Adaptive Yoga class provides all the benefits of the basic Integral Yoga class at the level that the individual student is capable of practicing. You will learn to create safe, comfortable Yoga sessions and study how to accommodate people with limited mobility, students in private classes, and practitioners of various levels in group classes.

More info and registration here.

The post Adaptive Hatha Yoga Teacher Training – June 2025 appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

The post Is Vedanta Hindu? appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Painting of Siddhar Bhogar, blessing his devotees.

High above the verdant landscape of Tamil Nadu, atop the sacred Palani Hills, the echoes of devotion resound through the ages. The Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple—one of the six revered abodes of Lord Muruga—stands as both a beacon of spiritual transformation and a repository of ancient wisdom.

It was here that a young Ramaswamy, the future Swami Satchidananda, deepened his sadhana, absorbed in the presence of saints, sages, and Siddhars. Among these, one figure loomed large, not in the flesh but in spirit—Bhogar, the legendary Tamil Siddhar (Siddha in Sanskrit) whose alchemy, yogic mastery, and devotion infused the very air of Palani.

For those who have followed this series, we left off with Ramaswamy’s life as a sadhu in Palani, immersed in meditation, service, and the austere path of renunciation. Now, we step into the realm of mysticism that surrounded him, exploring the influence of Siddhar Bhogar—the enigmatic sage whose presence was palpable even centuries after his physical departure.

The very heart of Palani’s temple beats with a mystery that has captivated seekers for centuries. The murti (sacred statute) of Lord Murugan enshrined within is no ordinary statue—it is believed to be an alchemical masterpiece, created by Siddhar Bhogar from an amalgam of nine poisonous substances, navapashanam. Bhogar, a master of Siddha medicine and divine chemistry, labored intensively on the statue, perfecting its features with a sculptor’s devotion. It is said that he spent the most time on the face, giving it an ethereal grace, while the rest of the body remained simple and unembellished. The result was a murti not merely carved but manifested—a consecrated presence that radiates energy to those who seek it with faith.

Ancient traditions speak of this alchemical blend, where poisons, when combined in a precise formula, transmute into a powerful elixir, exuding divine energy and with extraordinary healing properties. This is why, to this day, the abhishekam—the ritual bathing of the deity with honey, ghee, jaggery, a sweet mixture of fruits, milk, and other natural substances—at Palani is revered for its curative potency. Devotees receive the sanctified abhishekam infused with the essence of the deity, as charanamrita—a blessing that is said to restore health and vitality and to purify the soul. As Ramaswamy immersed himself in his daily worship in the temple, he would have witnessed the endless stream of devotees receiving the sacred charanamrita—and, in time, he would come to understand the deeper mysteries behind Bhogar’s spiritual and scientific genius.

Depiction of Siddhar Bhogar creating the Palani temple murti from 9 poisonous substances.

Bhogar was no ordinary saint. A master of alchemy, Yoga, and esoteric wisdom, he was said to have been a spiritual scientist who seamlessly blended mysticism with tangible transformation. While many Siddhars sought liberation through asceticism, Bhogar’s path embraced the world—his was a path of transmutation, turning the material into the spiritual, the poison into the panacea. His example would begin to shape Ramaswamy’s later path as Swami Satchidananda.

The Samadhi Shrine of Bhogar: The Mystical Seat of Worship

Nestled within the southwestern corridor of the Palani temple complex is a shrine dedicated to Siddhar Bhogar, an entryway into the depths of his spiritual legacy. To the uninitiated, Bhogar’s legacy might seem confined to the navapashanam murti. But hidden within the temple’s corridors lies another layer of his mystical work—a shrine dedicated to his worship of Shiva and Shakti. In a sanctified chamber, accessible through a winding passageway, rests the Maragatha Lingam—an emerald Shiva Lingam, pulsating with the energy of Divine Consciousness. Unlike ordinary lingams carved from stone, this one is said to contain the vibrations of lifetimes of intense sadhana, infused by Bhogar’s tapasya (austerities) and devotion.

Ancient lore whispers that beneath this shrine lies a network of subterranean tunnels, one of which leads to a hidden cave deep within the hill—where Bhogar is said to still be in samadhi, eternally meditating in communion with the divine. For the young sadhu Ramaswamy, the presence of this shrine was more than a historical relic—it was a living source of spiritual power and he spent many hours meditating at this shrine, drawn by the energy that seemed to flow directly from Bhogar’s presence into the hearts of those receptive to it.

One day, as Ramaswamy sat near Bhogar’s samadhi, repeating his mantra, something extraordinary happened. His consciousness became absorbed in deep meditation, the temple and its surroundings fading from his awareness. In that moment, he felt a presence—Bhogar himself. The ancient Siddhar appeared before him, luminous, his eyes radiating the timeless wisdom of one who had traversed the realms of existence.

Bhogar reached out and placed his palm on Ramaswamy’s head. A surge of energy coursed through his being, dissolving his sense of self. He felt as if his body had melted into light, the boundaries between form and formlessness vanishing. Time stood still. There was only peace—vast, unshakable, beyond words. When he returned to normal consciousness, Bhogar’s form had disappeared, but the experience remained. It was not merely a vision; it was more than a moment of spiritual revelation—it was a transmission of energy, a silent yet potent initiation that would subtly shape the future course of Ramaswamy’s path. Whenever Swami Satchidananda traveled to India from America, he always visited the temple at Palani, had darshan of the deity, and then spent time in silent meditation at the samadhi shrine of Siddhar Bhogar.

The Real “Emerald City”

Photo: Exterior of the Samadhi Shrine of Siddhar Bhogar at Palani Temple.

Within the samadhi shrine of Bhogar lies something extraordinary—an emerald lingam, known as the Maragatha Shiva-Shakti Lingam. Unlike traditional lingams carved from stone, this one is said to contain the vibrations of lifetimes of intense sadhana, infused by Bhogar’s tapasya (austerities) and devotion. This lingam embodies both the Shiva and Shakti principles, pulsating with the union of cosmic masculine and feminine energies. This sacred lingam was central to Bhogar’s worship, accompanied by the yantra of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, another powerful representation of Goddess Shakti.

Bhuvaneshvari (a form of Sri Lalita Tripurasundari, also known as Raja Rajesvari) the Queen of the Universe, was Bhogar’s chosen deity. She is the embodiment of primordial energy, the force that breathes life into existence itself. To worship her is to embrace the Infinite, to dissolve all boundaries and limitations. The presence of her yantra—a geometric representation of divine energies—at Bhogar’s shrine speaks to his deep understanding of the subtle, vibrational forces that govern all. By invoking both the masculine and feminine aspects of divinity, Bhogar exemplified the non-dual realization that is at the heart of the Siddhar tradition: that all existence is but a dance of Shiva and Shakti, matter and Consciousness, intertwined in eternal unity. His worship was not merely ritualistic; it was an act of alignment with cosmic forces, an invitation for the seeker to transcend the ordinary and merge with the Infinite.

The Eternal Call of Palani

We have spent the last few parts of this series exploring Palani and its temple, a main abode of Lord Muruga. Hopefully, we now understand that the temple itself is not merely a temple; it is a force, a portal into the transcendental. Those who step onto its sacred grounds find themselves immersed in an atmosphere charged with Shakti, the divine power that permeates everything. The rituals, the mantras, the very air seems to pulse with an unseen current, drawing the sincere seeker into its transformative embrace.

For those attuned to its frequency, Palani does more than inspire devotion—it initiates inner alchemy. Just as Siddhar Bhogar turned poison into medicine, the energies of this holy place transmute the restless mind into one of peace, the scattered heart into one of unwavering faith. Those who come with sincerity receive diksha, a spiritual ignition that accelerates their evolution. The mind stills, the emotions settle, and a profound integration takes place within.

This is the blessing of Bhogar, the hidden current beneath the visible form of Muruga’s temple. It is the unseen force that awakened something deep within Ramaswamy, planting the seeds that would later blossom into a life dedicated to guiding others on the path of Yoga and Self-realization. The energy of Bhogar, the living presence of Lord Muruga, and the mystical sciences of the Siddhars all played a role in shaping the young sadhu’s spiritual path. This deep connection to Bhogar would continue to influence his journey, rippling through his later teachings and the tradition of Integral Yoga itself.

In our next installment, we will go still deeper into how the the vibration of Bhogar’s presence, the power of the Maragatha Lingam, the resonance of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari—Her mantra and yantra, all wove themselves into the tapestry of Ramaswamy’s unfolding destiny.

The post Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 14: Bhogar’s Mystical Legacy and a Sadhu’s Initiation appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Photo: A view of the Palani hill and temple.

In our last installment, we journeyed back to 1942, when Ramaswamy (later known as Swami Satchidananda) traveled to Palani, a sacred pilgrimage site steeped in centuries of spiritual significance.

This holy place in Tamil Nadu has long been a sanctuary for saints and siddhas (also known as siddhars in South India)—yogis who attained extraordinary spiritual accomplishments. Even today, devoted seekers sense the presence of these enlightened beings in the sanctified atmosphere of this ancient site.

During his time in Palani, Ramaswamy and his fellow sadhus (wandering monks) often experienced visions of these enlightened beings as they traversed the path to and from worship and meditation at the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thirukoil, the renowned hill temple dedicated to Lord Muruga.

Ramaswamy diligently climbed the hundreds of steps leading to this sacred temple twice, sometimes three times daily, while staying at the ashram of his family’s Guru, Sri Sadhu Swamigal. This rigorous practice not only strengthened his body and disciplined his mind, but also deepened his spiritual resolve. Several decades later Ramaswamy, as Swami Satchidananda, recounted this teaching to his students: “When I was living with Sadhu Swamigal he used to tell me: ‘Don’t worry even if you can’t concentrate that much. It will all come by itself. Just learn to sit quietly. The control of the mind can come later because the mind is a lot subtler than the body.’ See, I can easily control my finger. If I want to close the fist I can easily do it and keep it closed as long as I want. But we can’t control the mind that easily. So apply the will to the physical plane first.” Though Hatha Yoga was not Ramaswamy’s main focus at this time, this teaching is a foreshadowing of how it would be emphasized as a starting point for his Western students and an aid to meditation practice.

He continued to elaborate on this teaching, “Sit quietly in any posture you like. But choose one position and see that you don’t move any part of your body, not even the eyelids. If you close the eyes, keep them closed; if open, keep them open; if halfway, then keep halfway. Any way is okay, but be steady. If you could stay in that one position for three hours, you could easily control the mind. Nothing else would be necessary for you.”

Photo: A view of some of the steps on the steep climb to the hilltop temple.

A Test of Stillness

Ramaswamy earnestly practiced this deep stillness at the temple during his daily meditations. On one such day, while seated in meditation on the veranda of the samadhi shrine of the great Siddhar Bhogar, a pilgrim approached. The man, carrying a bag of money meant for offerings, stood silently before the unmoving sadhu.

Observing Ramaswamy’s motionless form, the pilgrim grew impatient, hoping for some acknowledgment. Finally, he made a bold decision—he emptied the entire bag over Ramaswamy’s seated figure, the coins cascading down like an abhishekam (ritual pouring of liquids over a deity) of currency. He quickly prostrated and hurried away down the hill

The sudden clinking and jangling of coins broke Ramaswamy’s meditative silence. It took him a few moments to emerge from his deep absorption and open his eyes. The pilgrim was gone, but gold and silver coins glimmered in the temple light, scattered over his lap, feet, and the ground around him. Ramaswamy slowly stood up, letting the coins slide off his lap. First, he offered pranams (prayerful bows) to Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of prosperity, then to Dhandayuthapani Swami (Lord Muruga), before simply walking down the hill, leaving the coins behind.

The Sacred Legacy of Palani

The Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple has long been shrouded in spiritual mysticism and alchemy. Its history dates back to the Tamil Sangam period (2nd century BCE–2nd century CE), and its construction is attributed to the Chera dynasty (2nd–5th century CE) of Kerala. The temple’s presiding deity, Dhandayuthapani Swami, even faces Kerala, reflecting the historical connections between these two regions.

The legend of Palani is one of wisdom, renunciation, and divine insight. Swami Satchidananda often retold the story of sage Narada, who obtained the jnana palam—a fruit containing the essence of supreme knowledge. Narada decided to playfully present it to Lord Shiva, declaring that whoever consumed the fruit would gain unparalleled wisdom. Shiva wanted to divide the fruit between his two sons, Muruga and Ganesh, but Narada insisted that it must remain whole. To settle the matter, Shiva set a challenge: “Whoever circles the world three times and returns first shall win the fruit.”

Photo: Narada with Shiva, Parvathi and Ganesha as Muruga alights on his peacock.

Muruga, swiftly mounted his peacock and set off on the cosmic journey. Ganesh, however, pondered the deeper meaning of the task. Recognizing that his parents embodied the entire universe, he simply circled Shiva and Parvati three times, declaring that he had, in essence, traversed the whole world. This is the great recognition: that the world is nothing but an appearance of the Infinite. Pleased with his discernment, Shiva awarded the fruit to Ganesh.

When Muruga returned, exhausted from his long journey, he was deeply disappointed and felt betrayed. In his frustration, he renounced his family and left Mount Kailash, the family’s abode in a remote part of the Tibetan plateau at over 21,000 feet. Traveling as far away as possible from Mount Kailash, Muruga went south to Tamil Nadu, where he took refuge on a hilltop.

His mother, Parvati, went in search of him and when she found him she reminded him that he was a great yogi and his temper should not get in the way of his high-mindedness. In the yogic tradition, it is well known that Muruga, in the form of Skanda, is an impressive Yoga master. He is so remarkable that he is called Swaminatha, Lord of the swamis (those who have attained self-mastery) because he had taught his father, Lord Shiva, the meaning of the Pranava, Om.

Parvathi further elaborated this point as she explained that all the practices (sadhana) that yogis and seekers undertake is just so they can attain Muruga’s level of understanding. She then proclaimed this simple yet profound truth: “You are the very fruit of wisdom.” (Tamil: pazhani, transliterated as Palam Nee). This phrase—Palam (fruit) Nee (you)—became the root of the name Palani.

A temple was built upon the hill where Parvathi found Muruga and the temple deity installed was Muruga in the form of Arulmigu Dhandayutapani Swamy. The Tamil word “Arulmigu” means full of divine grace. Dhanda is the staff of renunciation and symbolized the authority he carries. Even today, many devotees tonsure (shave their heads) when visiting Palani, emulating Muruga’s vow of renunciation and his ascetic form. Lord Muruga as a renunciate symbolizes the divine grace and wisdom that flows from detaching one’s identity to the impermanent and staying rooted in the Self (Atman, Spirit).

Ramaswamy’s connection to Palani had grown since childhood. His grandfather, who was very orthodox, insisted his grandson keep his hair uncut during his youth. Ramaswamy’s hair grew almost to his knees, but when he wanted to have shorter hair like most of his schoolmates, he conceived a plan to have his uncle take him to Palani. There, Ramaswamy had his head shaved as an offering. What could his grandfather say in response?

A Spiritual Foundation

Both the Palani temple and the ashram of Sri Sadhu Swamigal played a vital role in shaping Ramaswamy’s inner devotional life. In an interview decades later, Swami Satchidananda reflected on how his mother asked Sri Sadhu Swamigal for a special mantra to be able to conceive a spiritual child: “Probably he was the cause for my existence itself. If not for him, I wouldn’t be here, probably.  He gave a sound‑form to my mother as a mantra, which converted me into a sound‑form and because of that, this so‑called ‘body and mind’ were born.”

He also spoke about his spiritual training during his time, “I learned a lot about mantra practices and devotional worship service and things like that from him. In Palani, every day we used to climb up the hill and attend the services, then come back and have our own small altar and repeat a lot of mantra japa. That’s an important practice. Sadhu Swamigal was a great Tantric Yogi—not in the modern misunderstood sense, but in the classical tradition. True Tantra Yoga is about invoking the deity within; the entire puja (devotional worship) happens internally. Purification is done within, not externally. You simply sit, awaken the inner shakti, and call forth any divine presence. If you seek Lord Shiva, he appears. If you seek Buddha, he is there.”

The devotional and meditative foundation of his time in Palani would later influence Swami Satchidananda’s holistic teachings, merging physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. The lessons in stillness, devotion, and inner awakening that he imbibed at the feet of Sri Sadhu Swamigal and in the sacred environment of the Dhandayuthapani Temple would become cornerstones of his later teachings as Swami Satchidananda.

Looking Ahead

In our next installment, we will explore the mystical Bhogar shrine, dedicated to the legendary siddhar who consecrated the murti (sacred statue) of Dhandayuthapani Swami and infused it with powerful alchemical properties. We’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Tamil spiritual traditions and how they influenced the young Ramaswamy on his path to becoming Swami Satchidananda.

The post Embarking on a Spiritual Odyssey, Part 13: Palani’s Sacred Legacy appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

The great Indian sage and proponent of Advaita Vedanta, Adi Shankara, realized his true nature and wrote the

The post Shivoham! appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

The post How to Control Thoughts and Stop Vasanas? appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Looking for some inspiration? The Integral Yoga Etsy Shop has you covered! Our new “Inspiring Quotes” collection offers timeless wisdom for daily life with these simple yet beautiful t-shirt designs featuring Yoga’s wisdom. Explore all of our Integral Yoga-inspired designs that we hope will uplift and inspire! And, please spread the word! Every purchase helps support Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville and Integral Yoga Magazine. Thank you for your support!

The post NEW in the Integral Yoga Etsy Shop! appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.