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.

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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.

Register by FEB 21 to be able to join Swami Divyananda and Ram Wiener as they guide you through meditations, Hatha Yoga classes, and enlightening discussions on yogic teachings during an Integral Yoga Norwegian Fjords cruise, July 26–August 2. The cruise will take you to stunning landscapes, charming coastal villages, and serene crystal bays.

The post Spend July 2025 in Norway with Integral Yoga! 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!

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To Know Your Self is based on the essential teachings of Swami Satchidananda, founder of Integral Yoga. When you know yourself—your true Self—then you know everything, and you understand everyone.

The post New Audiobook Release: To Know Your Self appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Photo: Samples of items now available in the new Integral Yoga Etsy Shop!

From inspiring art to spiritual gifts, the Integral Yoga Etsy Shop features unique items that embody the inspiration and joy of Yoga. To celebrate our 2025 launch, we’re offering the first 25 customers who make a purchase by January 11th automatic entry into a raffle to win a free Audible audiobook by Swami Satchidananda. Five lucky winners will enjoy this timeless wisdom, and those who have already made purchases are automatically entered. Visit today to explore and shop for a chance to win while supporting Integral Yoga.

QR CODE BELOW:

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Photo by Mikhail Nilov via Pexels.

The United Nations General Assembly has set a powerful intention for global harmony by unanimously declaring December 21st as World Meditation Day. This landmark resolution on December 6, 2024, invites the world to pause, reflect, and embrace the transformative practice of meditation—a timeless tool for cultivating inner peace and collective well-being. May this annual day — and all days — remind us to come together as one human family to nurture our hearts, uplift our spirits, and envision a future rooted in unity and understanding.

World Meditation Day now joins the other observances on the UN website, with the official page as follows:

What is meditation?

Meditation is an ancient practice that involves focusing one’s attention on the present moment. Rooted in religious, yogic, and secular traditions across cultures, meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, it is embraced worldwide, transcending its spiritual origins to become a universal tool for personal well-being and mental health.

The most recognized definition of meditation generally describes it as a practice where an individual uses techniques such as mindfulness, focused attention, or concentrated thought to train the mind and achieve a state of mental clarity, emotional calmness, and physical relaxation.

There are diverse types of meditation, each offering unique approaches to achieving calm, clarity, and balance. Research underscores its ability to reduce stress, improve focus and emotional balance, alleviating anxiety and depression, and enhance sleep quality. It also contributes to better physical health, including lowering blood pressure and managing pain.

Technology has further expanded access to meditation, with apps and online platforms enabling individuals to practice anywhere and anytime.

Benefits of meditation

Beyond individual benefits, meditation fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose, contributing to collective well-being. Celebrated for its universality, meditation is practiced across all regions of the world by people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the significant benefits of meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation. WHO’s discussions on stress management underscore the importance of learning coping mechanisms, such as meditation, to support mental and physical well-being.

According to WHO, meditation can be a powerful self-care tool to support treatment and enhance overall well-being, particularly in managing symptoms of anxiety. Incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine, even for just a few minutes, can help you achieve a sense of calm and focus.

Additionally, WHO acknowledges the mental health benefits of practices like yoga, which often incorporate meditative elements. On the International Day of Yoga, WHO highlighted yoga’s contributions to lifelong health and well-being, emphasizing its role in promoting healthier populations and a more equitable and sustainable world.

Photo by Darina Belonogova via Pexels.

World Meditation Day

To raise awareness about meditation and its benefits, the General Assembly proclaimed 21 December as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

Additionally, the General Assembly acknowledged the link between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being.

Cultivating peace and unity through meditation

At the United Nations, meditation holds a special place, exemplified by the Meditation Room at UN Headquarters in New York. Opened in 1952 under the guidance of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, this “room of quiet” symbolizes the essential role of silence and introspection in achieving global harmony. As Mr. Hammarskjöld put it, this house, dedicated to work and debate in the service of peace, “should have one room dedicated to silence in the outward sense and stillness in the inner sense.”

In times of global challenges, such as armed conflicts, climate crises, and rapid technological advancements, meditation offers a powerful means to cultivate peace, unity, and compassion. World Meditation Day reminds us of the importance of nurturing human consciousness to address these issues and create harmony within ourselves and our communities. By fostering inner peace through meditation, individuals contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable world for current and future generations.

 Good health and well-being

Meditation is increasingly recognized for its contributions to mental health — a fundamental human right — and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasize health and well-being as central to achieving sustainable development. Goal 3, “Good Health and Well-Being,” aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, addressing key challenges such as maternal and child health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and access to essential medicines and vaccines. This target also highlights the importance of mental health, universal health coverage, and the reduction of health inequities to build resilient and inclusive societies.

Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/meditation-day

The post United Nations Declares December 21st as “World Meditation Day” appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Experience Inner Peace

This annual retreat is designed for those seeking to escape the noise of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. Through the powerful practices of mouna (silence) and Yoga, you will rediscover your inherent nature of peace and joy in a peaceful oasis. Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and mindfulness.

More information and registration here.

The post New Year’s Silent Retreat: December 27, 2024 – January 1, 2025 appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

YogaUOnline.com

Our thanks to Sarah Bell for this great review! Read it here. Practicing the Yoga Sutras  is available in softcover and Kindle editions.

The post YogaU Reviews “Practicing the Yoga Sutras” appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Photo: Just a few of the over 100 items in the new Integral Yoga Etsy Shop!

From inspiring art to spiritual gifts, the Integral Yoga Etsy Shop features unique items that embody the inspiration and joy of Yoga. To celebrate our 2025 launch, we’re offering the first 25 customers who make a purchase by January 11th automatic entry into a raffle to win a free Audible audiobook by Swami Satchidananda.

Five lucky winners will enjoy this timeless wisdom, and those who have already made purchases are automatically entered. Visit today to explore and shop for a chance to win while supporting Integral Yoga.

Your purchases directly support the service of Yogaville and the LOTUS so we can continue to make available the wisdom and interfaith understanding that they are dedicated to share. More new items coming soon! May these creations uplift your spirit and inspire your journey.

The post Integral Yoga Etsy Shop + Raffle! appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Paramaguru Sharath Jois

Sri R. Sharath Jois, Paramaguru (lineage holder) for the Ashtanga Yoga tradition passed away on Monday, November 12, 2024 in Charlottesville, Virginia where he was teaching a course for Ashtanga teachers. Prashanti Carroll Friedmann, a disciple of Swami Satchidananda and senior student of Sharathji’s beloved mother Saraswathi, informed Integral Yoga Magazine of his passing from cardiac arrest during a hike on a trail just outside of Charlottesville.

Jivamukti Yoga co-founder Sharon Gannon shared this tribute:

The post Sri R. Sharath Jois 1971 – 2024 appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.

Join Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville for the Jayanthi (birth anniversary) Celebration of our beloved founder, Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji! This year we will celebrate Jayanthi on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Born in South India on December 22, 1914 Sri Gurudev entered Mahasamadhi on August 19, 2002.

We will celebrate the auspicious occasion of Sri Gurudev’s 110th Birth Anniversary with a morning worship service and an evening program of offerings from his devotees. All are welcome to attend as we express our gratitude for Sri Gurudev’s continued spiritual presence and blessings in our lives.

• 10:30 am: Puja and Program in SSH at followed by festive meal (complimentary for those who attend the program)
• 4:00 pm: Guru Gita in Guru Bhavan
• 7:30 pm: Jai Gurudev Program

• 9:30 am: Special Puja in Chidambaram
• 11:00 am: Blessing of LOTUS
• 4:00 pm: Darshan at Ananda Kutir (sign up prior in SH lobby)

For those unable to attend in person, please join us for parts of the celebrations via our new Vimeo livestream.

The post Swami Satchidananda 110th Jayanthi Celebration: December 21 – 22, 2024 appeared first on Integral Yoga® Magazine.