Kriya Yoga Today with Yogacharya O'Brian: Recent Episodes
Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Dive into the soul-nourishing stream of timeless wisdom for the spiritually awakened life. Discover insights and practices for Self-realization and complete well-being to meet the challenges and opportunities of our times.
Journey into the art of cultivating ease amidst life's challenges. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of yoga and meditation, as taught by ancient yogis. Learn how connecting with our essential Self can bring resilience, wholeness, and balance into our lives. As we navigate the tumultuous waters of modern existence, discover the profound stillness that exists within, reminding us that even in the midst of chaos, we can find peace.
Dive into the profound depths of meditation, exploring its true essence beyond the pursuit of enlightenment. Drawing inspiration from Dorgan, the Buddhist meditation master, this episode challenges foundational understandings of meditation, guiding listeners through layers of silence and awareness. Discover the distinction between external noise, internal noise, the sound of 'Om', and the silence that transcends all. Embrace the transformational power of a conscious breath and embark on a journey to the true Self.
Discover the profound inspiration that upholds the steadfastness in walking the spiritual path and explore the transformative power of grace. Learn the 11 timeless practices that infuse vitality into your spiritual journey, from charting your daily course to cultivating a heart of gratitude. Embrace the dance between the mundane and the divine, finding joy, purpose, and growth along the way.
Explore the profound wisdom of working in harmony with higher principles and making conscious choices to substitute higher inclinations over lower drives. Gain insights from teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads, which use the metaphor of the chariot to illustrate the relationship between the body, mind, senses, and the essential Self. Understand the influence of the gunas, the qualities of nature, on the mind. Learn the seven components of a sattvic lifestyle and the three immediate actions to take that bring luminosity and peace to the mental field. Embark on a path that purifies the mind, supports spiritual growth, and leads to greater harmony and Self-realization.
Explore the transformative power of yoga practices and their ability to redirect attention, alter thought patterns, and create a luminous and calm mental atmosphere. Discover how yoga helps us gain clarity, live authentically, and find happiness by quieting the mind and mastering our thoughts. Drawing inspiration from the ancient teachings and the practice of meditation, we uncover the profound impact of stillness, discernment, and the sacred sound of OM. Join us as we unravel the levels of the mind and explore the profound influence of yoga on our consciousness.
Explore the essential conditions for spiritual realization and the qualities that support a steadfast spiritual path. Discover how arranging conducive conditions and purifying the mind and body can pave the way for experiencing one's true nature. Uncover the transformative power of discernment, detachment, calmness, and a burning zeal for liberation. Gain insights into the practice of mental restraint, control of senses and actions, cessation of desire, imperturbability, faith, and steadiness. Use these qualities as a diagnostic tool to navigate challenges and cultivate a purposeful and liberated way of living.
Learn how to be steadfast on your spiritual path. Explore the significance of having a teacher and a spiritual path to guide you on this transformative journey. Shift your focus from external pursuits to the depths of your inner truth. Gain insights into the purpose of life, the joy of self-discovery, and the impact of intense practice in aligning with your soul's calling. This episode invites you to embrace your eternal nature and prioritize your spiritual growth.
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through the integrated path of Kriya Yoga. Explore the wisdom, devotion, and selfless service found in the classical paths of yoga that form the foundation of this profound practice. Discover how yoga reorients your attention and awareness, leading to conscious union with your essential nature. Dive into the power of meditation and the skillful living that arises from awakening to the truth of your being. Join us as we delve into yoga's path to rediscovering wholeness and unlocking your highest potential.
Embark on a transformative journey as the profound teachings of enlightened sages illuminate the path to liberation. Delve into the yearning for freedom and explore the obstacles that hinder progress on this profound journey. Learn about the three fundamental desires of a human being that guide the quest for fulfillment and the four reasons we seek a spiritual path. Unveil the radiant joy of Self-knowing and witness how the path of yoga reveals the inherent blissful nature and divine knowledge within.
Delve into the profound teachings of ancient sages and uncover the extraordinary significance of your human birth and the rarity of having the capacity to awaken and choose your path in life. Uncover the obstacles that hinder our progress on the path and learn how to nurture your burning desire for liberation. With a steadfast commitment and an understanding of the fleeting nature of time, you can embrace a grace-filled life and live as the divine soul that you truly are.
Immerse in the profound essence of Guru Purnima, the spiritual new year revered by global devotees. This journey reflects our collective search for the 'Eternal Friend', an unfailing companion of unconditional love and wisdom. Insights from the Bhagavad Gita, Hindu prayers, Guru teachings, and the Taittiriya Upanishad guide towards the ultimate realization of the divine Self within us. Experience this transformative path to greater God-awareness and the joyful awakening to our internal Eternal Friend.
Chapter 3, v. 10-12
Discover the beauty of living beyond the confines of the ego and embracing our cosmic inheritance. As we deepen our understanding of the interconnectedness between our thoughts, actions, and the karmic imprints they create, we uncover the importance of conscious, selfless action. Delve into the concept of sacrifice (yajna) as a means of participating in the abundant energy of life and nurturing the divine powers that sustain us. Let go of attachments, awaken gratitude, and experience the joy and fulfillment that arise from living in harmony with the universal flow.
Chapter 3, v. 8-9
Explore the power of skillful action and its role in liberation. Understand how our thoughts, speech, and actions shape our destiny and the importance of conscious, non-binding engagement. Learn about the concept of sacrifice as a way to participate in the reciprocal energy of life and contribute to the uplifting nature of the universe. Embrace the wisdom of letting go, non-attachment, and surrender for lasting happiness, bliss, and Self-realization. Embrace your assignments, practice self-discipline, and offer your best to the world with gratitude and joy.
A practical look at the mystery of karma and a few strategies for overcoming obstacles on our path that we can begin right away.
Nothing compares to the power of gratitude and love to transform our lives. Clarity about our divine purpose connects us to that power and sets us on the path of ultimate freedom.
By seeing ourselves and the context of our life clearly, we can live skillfully with equanimity, discernment, and faith.
We can draw our strength, wisdom, direction, and perspective from the soul (our essential Self) even while we attend to multiple demands of the day. Learn to float with the grace and ease of timeless omnipresence in the time-bound ocean of change.
Space allows all the other elements to arise. It is the most subtle, invisible field—an opening for possibility on all levels, physical, mental, and spiritual. Our need for space is fundamental, it allows us to accommodate all that arises and passes away. To be spacious is to be open to what is without undue attachment or aversion. In that space, is the soul’s joy.
Air Element of Nature: As we notice what air makes possible, we begin to see how it supports healing and what it can teach us about openness and clarity. This subtle, pervasive, and essential support for life teaches us how to connect with, and honor, our connection to Spirit.
The fire element is associated with our ability to see—both through the physical light that illumines things around us and the spiritual light of consciousness that removes the darkness of ignorance. Fire in our hearts and in our wisdom-guided will can provide the energy we need for right action. Learn how to prepare for Love’s transforming fire.
Water purifies, heals, and transforms. Our thirst naturally draws us to its life-supporting power and our soul is soothed by its energy as rain, mist, ocean waves, or river songs. In nature, water flows to low places, gathers its power, and nurtures life. As a guru and divine companion, water shows us how to realize our soul power and become a nurturing presence. Its message: learn how to let go
Begin your healing journey of soul renewal by entering the auspicious shrine of earth. Be present to earth’s teachings and discover the transforming mystery of stability and yielding.
How do we do that, what does it mean, and what can such a way of being make possible?
By standing exactly where we are in this moment and opening to the innate imperative to bloom, we learn how to connect with the divine power of nature to restore the soul.
This episode is focused on what Yogananda’s autobiography reveals about the path of Kriya Yoga, the journey of discipleship, and the way of mastery.
We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. How can we set ourselves up for the highest success?
Join Yogacharya O’Brian for a joyful and practical exploration of our capacity to discover the happiness that endures.
We belong only to God and are restless like a river until we find our way to the ocean of divine Reality. When we are ready and hear the truth of our existence proclaimed, we recognize it and wake from our slumber of separation. Then, how shall we live?
Spiritual realization opens the heart, purifies the mind, and empowers our visionary capacity. This intuitive, visioning power is what we need now to heal, both individually and globally.
The omnipresent Lord of Love is auspiciousness itself. Contemplate your life as auspicious. Open to it. Discover the way to experience it. Don’t miss it!
The spiritual path is always illumined by the grace of the guru—the Eternal Friend patiently awaiting our arrival. Discipleship is our step on to that path and our return to our true Self.
The power of our creative imagination rests on the divine cosmic Word. It takes form through our speech. Like a chariot that rides from the heavens and traverses the earth, our truthful words light up life and bring healing to a broken world.
Learning to attend, to listen deeply, to what stirs the heart with divine remembrance infuses our days with hope and profound well-being. Pay attention to the lighted path.
What does it take for us to live a divine life and contribute to a just and merciful world?
Discover three steps for embracing the highest good for your life and our world.
There is a natural harmony to the universe that brings forth healing and the fulfillment of divine potential. To cooperate with that principle of harmony, we must open our mind beyond what has been and make space for possibility.
Be an Upstanding Human Being.
With courage and commitment, live the simple, straightforward truth of your divine life. Uprightness unlocks our highest potential. Arise!
When we free ourselves from the stronghold of anger, we gain access to the transforming graces of love—a far greater power.
Perseverance, steadfast dedication, and commitment to the goal are hallmarks of success. With firm determination and joyous anticipation, keep moving toward mastery. Do not look back.
True humility, wisdom, and greatness are inseparable. Those who are wise cultivate humility.
With access to superconsciousness, self-restraint is easy and natural. Learn how to function on a higher plane and naturally express your higher Self.