By Rudra Shivananda When a spiritual seeker chooses a particular path for personal development, he or she may not be aware that there are significant life-changing differences between the powerful yogic systems that can affect one’s ability to maintain a family and function in society. The yogic systems that were developed and flourished during the
By Rudra Shivananda A primary yogic practice is the use of breath to control the life-force energy and direct it to awaken our potential divinity. A spiritual path such Kriya Yoga is structured such that most of the practitioner’s sadhana is based on the pranayama according to the principle that prana and mind are
By Rudra Shivananda There is an image of a spiritual practitioner as one who performs esoteric techniques of mind, energy or body control – one who practices meditation, yoga, tantra etc. However, this is only a partial picture. The mark of a spiritual practitioner is the degree that he or she can raise consciousness
by Rudra Shivananda We all like to watch movies or read a book about the heroic figure that battles against all odds and wins through by defeating formidable enemies. This can be the lone cowboy battling foes amidst the lonesome prairie or the space cadet fighting pirates in the starry void. It can be a
Rudra Shivananda Everyone is constantly looking for the better or best healing methodology because we all get sick at some time or the other and we want to feel better all the time. Some look to the modern medical infrastructure to get the newest wonder drug to eliminate whatever they are suffering from while others
By Rudra Shivananda There is one advice that I give to all sincere seekers irrespective of their path or progress and that is to persevere and never give up. The spiritual path is long and arduous and has many pitfalls and obstacles. We are often befuddled by our delusions and fall prey to illusions, thinking
By Rudra Shivananda In a previous post, I explained about the structural barriers that prevent the spiritual seeker from engaging in an effective mantra practice. There was a request to give some examples of the foundation mantras that are needed to transform a busy or lethargic mind into a calm state. Below, I’ve given
By Rudra Shivananda One of the most hidden treasures of yogic knowledge is that of Soma or Amrita – the nectar of immortality and bliss. There are lots of misinformation and confusion on this subject and unfortunately very little in the way of clarity because of the sacredness of the knowledge. It is sacred
By Rudra Shivananda The 2nd energy center or swadhisthana chakra is the center for attraction and aversions. We are attracted to certain things and people and have an aversion for others. The specifics are governed by our present and past karmic patterns – our urges and compulsions. The 2nd center is responsible for the instinct
By Rudra Shivananda The spiritual path is long an arduous and has many pitfalls and obstacles. We are often befuddled by our delusions and fall prey to illusions, thinking a true path is false or that we have achieved something when we have not. Why does this happen? It is because of our karmic tendencies