Light of the Spirit Podcast: Recent Episodes
Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri)
Podcasts by Abbot George Burke of Light of the Spirit Monastery on meditation, yoga, practical spiritual life, and remarkable spiritual people he has known. Podcasts will include talks on Original Christianity and Original Yoga, Soham Yoga Meditation, the necessity for vegetarianism in spiritual life, Jesus in India, and much more.
Spiritual seekers often assume that enlightenment requires increasingly complex methods, secret practices, or extraordinary experiences. In this August Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri explains why the opposite is true.Answering a wide range of questions, he discusses:• why spiritual realization is fundamentally simple• the true purpose of yoga and meditation• Soham meditation and why he considers it one of the most direct practices• sacred imagery and its place in spiritual life• miracles, siddhis, and why they are not the goal• karma, death, rebirth, and liberation• patriotism, duty, and the yogic life• practical advice for overcoming obstacles in meditationThroughout the discussion, Swamiji repeatedly returns to one essential truth:Realization comes through awakening consciousness—not accumulating techniques.If these teachings are meaningful to you, please Like, Subscribe, and share this video with others seeking authentic yoga and Self-realization.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:38 Two recommended books on Nityananda of Ganeshpuri04:31 New book: Immortal Words of Anandamayi Ma06:23 No such thing as a stupid question08:05 Why is there confusion in spiritual systems?16:17 A story of Kabir and Tulsidas21:53 About the desire to leave the body at will at the time of death28:21 Sri Ramakrishna’s homely story31:15 Yogananda quote: the desire for God is the Way to God32:37 Where is the best place for religious imagery?41:37 Will all mantras lead to the same result?42:42 Tips on avoiding dozing off in meditation46:35 More about sacred imagery56:00 How is Soham japa done? What is the difference between japa and meditation?59:47 If all is an illusion, can a yogi support a country?1:09:01 Karma: the kids story of the echoOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this July Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri speaks on the real help we can offer the world: becoming a yogi, working on our own consciousness, and awakening the divine Self within.Beginning with reflections on America, freedom, and the divinity of the individual, Swamiji then turns to deeper questions of yoga and spiritual life: the yugas, Soham meditation, group meditation, society, Atman and Jiva, karma, positive thinking, mantra, and the necessity of direct experience.A central theme of this satsang is that the world is not truly helped by argument, agitation, or trying to remake others in our image. The real help comes through the individual who meditates, practices sadhana, and manifests the divinity within. As consciousness is uplifted, the whole world is helped.Question Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:17 Inner meaning of Independence Day05:30 Christ of India Audiobook06:18 Soham plaques from Etsy09:15 What is the Kali Yuga, and yugas in general?15:42 Experience in longer meditations24:30 Is group meditation better than individual meditation?26:43 How to fix the mind on God27:17 Is there spiritual hope for American society with all its problems?33:12 Satsang or spiritual study? (or something else?)35:52 What is the difference between Atman and Jiva?40:48 About the Ribhu Gita43:16 Do Buddhism and Advaita teach non-existence upon Realization?43:55 Is time linear or cyclic?44:04 How can I cure the habit of negative thoughts?46:15 Are there individual Atmans?48:45 Is Consciousness an attribute of the Self, or the Self itself?49:30 Can only initiated people practice yoga?56:39 Sin and asking for forgiveness of sin–different perspectives59:24 How karma is in the mind#satsang #SpiritualAwakening #VedantaOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
How can we help a troubled world? In this satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri explores a surprising answer: become a yogi.Topics include:• The spiritual power of sacred images• Why thoughts are things• The meaning of Soham meditation• How yoga transforms consciousness• Whether meditation is selfish• Karma and spiritual awakening• Why peace is contagious• How inner transformation benefits the entire worldDrawing on the teachings of the yogic tradition, Swamiji explains how sincere spiritual practice changes not only the practitioner, but also the environment and people around them.“You have no idea the good you are doing every moment and every step when you are doing the sacred japa.” Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:37 The benefit of sacred imagery for yogis10:15 Living the Yoga Life–Perspectives on Yoga11:21 Where is the soul located in the body?15:29 Was Siva’s original bodily form female?18:17 What is hatha yoga?21:26 Does the unconscious ever clear up or do we evolve beyond it?27:21 Does Christianity feed the ego by saying Jesus died for them?29:11 Are we responsible for our thoughts, or only what we focus on?30:43 How does yoga sadhana affect karma?32:14 What should the mental attitude be during Soham sadhana?33:25 What is a “hungry ghost”?34:44 What is the physical part of yoga?36:34 Overcoming materialism and becoming emotionally strong.39:28 Do you advise reading the Book of Enoch?40:14 About the Nath Hatha Yogis.44:55 A letter from a successful yogini51:32 Elevate yourself, then you elevate the world58:09 Why Americans were attracted to yogis called “Baba”#satsang #SpiritualAwakening #SelfRealizationOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this satsang, Swamiji answers spiritual questions and shares illuminating stories of great masters such as Paramahansa Yogananda and Swami Sivananda. Topics include prayer, despair, spiritual stagnation, mantra practice, and the nature of the Ultimate Reality.This talk blends practical guidance with timeless wisdom for seekers on the path.#satsang #anandamayima #yogananda TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction00:35 Polaraid health disk (polaraidhealth.com)03:30 Eternal Wisdom of Anandamayi Ma09:51 An odd reaction to a spiritual event16:29 Do masters from the past hear prayers and help us? (with stories of Yogananda)25:45 Avoiding despair over world situations31:39 The past enslaving of India35:15 Stories of Sivananda40:46 Soham Yoga practice42:17 Why does Hinduism speak of hells?50:31 About stagnation in spiritual life53:00 About “seed mantras”54:55 Is the Ultimate personal, impersonal, both, or beyond?57:16 Family stories: Talking contests OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this April 2026 satsang, Swamiji answers a wide range of practical and philosophical questions on spiritual life, including Soham japa, karma, prayer, meditation, brahmacharya, fasting, reincarnation, the Atman, and the struggle at the time of death. #Satsang #Spirituallife #spiritualgrowth Satsang Topic – Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:19 Etsy holy images – Etsy.com/shop/SacredVisionsHQ02:38 Holy images and living presence05:23 Thoughts of Anandamayi Ma10:51 The benefits of fasting14:52 Dealing with religious extremists18:13 Constant japa of Soham20:54 God’s will and karma29:48 The value of prayer32:21 Surrendering faith to the will of God?33:20 Reincarnation in the same family?34:46 India, religion, and poverty?37:50 Is initiation necessary?39:00 Contradictions in spiritual scriptures42:20 Defending yourself from religious “wingnuts”46:05 Best time to meditate47:47 Maintaining brahmacharya50:32 Where is the Atman in the body?54:06 Eyes open or closed in meditation?54:50 Doubts about spiritual ability56:40 Atma, prana, and chitta59:06 Meditation and moral sensibility1:01:23 Different Easter datings1:04:58 The struggle at the time of deathOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri answers a wide range of spiritual questions related to Sanatana Dharma, yoga, and practical spiritual life.Topics include the spiritual value of incense, the meaning of Sri Ganesha, the rationale of a vegetarian diet, the nature of karma, whether a guru is necessary, and reflections on kundalini, devotion, and the immense diversity of Hindu spiritual paths.Swamiji also discusses how to live in the world without attachment and how sincere spiritual effort can be offered to God.Swami Nirmalananda Giri is the spiritual head of Atma Jyoti Ashram and the author of many books on yoga, Vedanta, and the universal teachings of Sanatana Dharma.#Satsang#Kundalini#GaneshaQuestion Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:32 The value of incense in spiritual life06:24 Who is the Hindu God Sri Ganesha?16:47 More about incense18:03 About those who feel attraction for different spiritual paths24:33 Do what you can do and offer it to God26:02 The spiritual rationale of a vegetarian diet29:39 Violating the rules of sannyasa31:33 What is the point of worshipping the Divine Forms of God?33:48 Is Saguna worship meant for developing concentration?34:34 Observations about Kundalini36:51 Krishna: a real person or a symbol?39:58 Gaudia Vaishnava ideas vs. Advaitic ideas41:45 Feeling lost in the immensity of Sanatana Dharma45:48 Take a chance: Learn46:41 Those who blame God for the problems in the world51:55 How belief affects or doesn’t affect karma57:26 Can you follow a spiritual path without a guru to initiate you?58:20 How can you live in the world without desire?58:54 About abstract “what if” questions1:01:52 a footnote about astrologyOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this February 2026 Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri explores the true value of yoga as a path of discernment, independence, and personal responsibility.Topics include psychic self-defense, spiritual protection, the use for protection of the Saint Benedict Medal and rudraksha beads, and how yoga sharpens discrimination (viveka). Swamiji also addresses divination and Tarot from a yogic perspective, the restless nature of the mind, and what it truly means to be a yogi.The satsang continues with reflections on spiritual evolution, karma and rebirth, objections to meditation, and the importance of clarity and strength in the spiritual life — especially in a world filled with misinformation and negative influences.This satsang is especially valuable for those seeking:• A clear understanding of the yogi’s responsibility• Discernment instead of blind belief• A mature view of spiritual protection• Insight into karma, evolution, and self-improvement• A grounded, intelligent defense of yoga and meditation TOPICS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction00:24 Psychic Self Defense01:19 The Saint Benedict Medal08:35 Rudraksha beads for protection14:49 Discerment through yoga practice16:23 About Tarot divination 19:24 How to Read the Tarot, by Swami Nirmalananda25:22 Why is the mind continually talk26:30 What is being a yogi?30:16 Zen Buddhist story33:06 What are the gods?34:27 [About Spiritual Evolution]47:13 Can we become better without knowledge of past lives?50:14 How can we improve ourselves if we incarnate in lower forms?55:32 Negative propaganda about meditation58:11 Negative groups in India1:03:04 The value of yoga#YogaPhilosophy#Satsang#SpiritualDiscernment OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this January 2026 Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Swamiji) reflects on the teachings of Anandamayi Ma, the nature of meditation, and the necessity of direct spiritual experience rather than belief alone.Topics include the meaning of satsang as the association of the holy, the role of mantra as a living seed of realization, meditation in nature and city life, and whether belief in God must be tied to formal religion. Swamiji also addresses questions about Jesus, including his teachings on non-resistance and possible contact with Greek philosophy.Personal stories, traditional wisdom, and practical guidance are woven together, offering clarity for sincere seekers drawn to meditation, Soham Yoga, and the universal core of spiritual life.This satsang is especially valuable for those seeking:• Practical understanding of meditation• Insight into Anandamayi Ma’s life and sayings• A universal approach to God-experience beyond dogma• Guidance on meditation practice, timing, and environment Chapters / Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:40 A saying of Anandamayi Ma01:27 Satsang: the association of the holy10:09 Those who challenge you to prove God exists12:05 The necessity of experience12:31 A mantra as a seed to something bigger15:52 Yoga: the flight of the alone to the Alone17:22 Did Jesus have contact with Greek philosophers18:47 Jesus’ saying “resist not evil”22:16 How long and at what times should one meditate26:49 Is meditating in nature beneficial?28:30 Meditating in the city: the story of Luthur McKinney32:15 Is it OK to believe in God but not follow a religion?34:13 Is there benefit to meditating with others?35:42 From Eastern Orthodox monastic life to Soham Yoga37:41 Anandamayi Ma identified as a sannyasini — Dr. Ghosh40:19 What is meditation?44:06 Your life is your own — not determined by others’ opinions45:27 Would a self-realized person still meditate?49:53 Commentary on the sayings of Anandamayi Ma50:45 About Brahmacharini Atmananda51:33 Anandamayi Ma’s multi-language capacity54:51 Getting Ma to answer definitely57:56 Anandamayi Ma and the black magician#AnandamayiMa#Meditation#SatsangOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Swami Nirmalananda Giri answers a wide range of spiritual questions in the November 2025 Satsang.These monthly Q&A sessions explore meditation, karma, reincarnation, the afterlife, authentic yoga practice, and the universal truths found in all great spiritual traditions.This satsang includes reflections on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the nature of thought-forms, the practice of Soham sadhana, Jesus as a yogi, the destiny of animals, Vedanta, idolatry, and the deeper purpose of spiritual life.Swamiji also speaks about discouragement on the path, synchronicity, and what it truly means to seek God beyond theology or dogma. Chapter Markers00:00 Introduction00:33 News about the Ram Temple in Ayodhya04:33 About thought-forms06:51 Soham answering questions11:04 Inner mental dialog during meditation12:25 Someone who bought An Eagle’s Flight13:18 About synchronicity14:33 Was Jesus a yogi?17:42 Idolatry and worshipping a deity or saint21:22 What happens to a pet when it dies?26:18 Does hell exist?29:38 What is Vedanta?37:20 How much does the afterlife concern a yogi?39:11 How important is a belief in karm and reincarnation?40:00 What about a belief in heaven and hell?40:36 How important is theology or formal philosophy?41:54 Can the Infinite God really be known?44:35 What is the difference between the Spirit and the Soul?45:05 What determines who is born as one’s children?47:50 Is knowledge learned in one life carried to the next?48:10 Discouragement in spiritual life49:24 Does true spirituality still exist in India?53:35 Concern about drifting from a Christian background54:36 How can we become better if we don’t remember our past lives?#Satsang #YogaWisdom #VedantaOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
This month Swamiji introduces a new book: An Eagle's Flight: A Yogi's Spiritual Autobiography (https://amzn.to/4ojXlAg), and reflections on Spirit & Life: Commentaries on the Four Gospels questions on karma, diet, Neem Karoli Baba, Soham japa, and more. Highlights and Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:39 Spirit & Life: Commentaries on the Four Gospels02:20 An Eagle’s Flight: A Yogi’s Spiritual Autobiography06:29 The “crazy” yogini — The Daughter of the King11:48 What karma does the “deliverer” of karma have?14:57 Eggs and a vegetarian diet18:10 Nath Yoga and Tamil Siddha traditions18:46 Black or African Yoga traditions?20:58 Those around Anandamayi Ma who became something27:35 Swami Sivananda on milk and ahimsa30:27 Variations of the Soham mantra34:32 Does time exist outside the human mind?35:14 Meeting Neem Karoli Baba43:41 A question about Gnosticism46:14 Are there inappropriate times for Soham japa?47:44 Oliver Black and Babaji — a spiritual story52:18 Can prarabdha karma obstruct sadhana?59:30 Rudraksha beads in meditation1:05:34 How to deal with predators in small communities#satsang #spiritualstories #spiritualjourney OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this month’s online satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) answers questions from seekers on diverse spiritual topics—ranging from the practice of Soham sadhana and the meaning of Navaratri, to karma, diet, compassion, and what is a guru.#Satsang #YogaPhilosophy #SohamMeditation Highlights include:00:00 Introduction00:44 What is Navaratri?02:29 What is the goal of Soham Sadhana?12:36 The book “Philosophy of Gorakhnath” on Soham and Om14:29 Tinnitus and meditation15:50 About “finding a guru”17:26 Thoughts about a “fish diet”21:59 Benefit of bathing in the Triveni27:33 Dealing with a horrible person in your life28:16 “Attunement ceremonies”28:29 About the Essenes35:05 When did karma begin?37:43 Pantheism and Panentheism, and philosophy in general42:21 Yoga sutras and compassion?44:05 About the antichrist46:02 How do I know I am progressing in meditation?55:10 How to “save ourselves from satan”57:47 What makes a holy scripture either holy or a scripture?1:07:25 About everyone being on the path to GodOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) for the September 2025 Satsang, offering practical and profound answers to spiritual questions sent by seekers around the world. Topics include:• The newly released Spirit & Life volumes• Karma, meditation, and spiritual awakening• Babaji’s Cave and Yogic science• The Cathars, astrology, and the science of yoga• Soul origins, free will, dreams, and more Order the new book “Spirit and Life: The Four Gospels for Awakening” now on Amazon:https://amzn.to/4mPXkCRSkip to the topics that interest you with these timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:35 New books: Spirit and Life03:54 Points for success: making yourself an individual07:16 About Brahmamuhurta08:51 How many stages are there in spiritual awakening?11:48 Story of a spiritual man in Vrindavan)15:51 A question about early retirement and spiritual dedication17:43 Narayan Das and Ma Anandamayi20:18 A question about the Cathars21:53 Sources of negative dreams25:45 Is it necessary to engage in “intimacy” to get rid of the karma?29:33 Yogananda and the annoying vegetarian33:12 Babaji’s Cave34:38 About Universal Spiritual Core Values35:58 Will God sometimes mitigate karma?43:30 Do all religions lead to the same goal?46:39 Why is yoga considered a science rather than a religion?49:43 How long must I meditate to see God?51:25 Theresa Neumann story57:00 Where do new souls come from?1:01:49 About free will1:03:30 Can a swami be released from his vows?1:10:47 Did Lahiri Mahasaya say no one should become a sannyasi?1:13:05 Is yoga good for mentally ill people?1:15:42 About astrologyOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this illuminating August 2025 Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri responds to deep spiritual questions with insight, humor, and clarity. Topics include:• How to recognize the voice of God vs. ego• Yogananda’s surprising experience with Divine trickery• The value (or not) of past-life recall• Dharana, Dhyana & Samadhi in Soham Yoga• Life after death, and what the soul truly journeys through• Astrology, dreams of saints, and spiritual chants• Marriage vs. monastic life—and what Ramana Maharshi reveals• How to live with gratitude without griefIncludes stories of Anandamayi Ma, Ramana Maharshi, and Yogananda, plus reflections on India, the Ganga, and the ever-present Self. Chapters are included for easy navigation.00:00 Introduction00:23 A story of Anandamayi Ma03:04 The nature of spiritual questions03:58 Is it possible for God to speak to you in your mind in English?05:33 God plays a trick on Yogananda07:05 How do you distinguish God’s voice from your ego?12:03 Is there spiritual value in trying to remember your past lives?16:58 Progress in Soham Yoga: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi?18:37 Where is the safest place to bathe in the Ganga?21:39 The nature of India31:31 Does the sun cause cancer?32:21 Being thankful for people and pets without being overwhelmed at their passings?37:11 Is it possible to be blissed-out all the time?40:58 What is the process and journey of the soul after death?43:01 Can one listen to spiritual chants during meditation?44:06 Marriage or monastic life?44:13 A story of Ramana Maharshi50:13 “Enlightenment” that goes away52:23 Are dreams of sages of the past of any value?54:05 Is astrology beneficial in spiritual life.55:57 What does a liberated soul do in the afterlife58:16 What decides where a person goes after death?59:50 Should we try to keep in mind that we are ever perfect?#SpiritualQuestions #Satsang #spiritualteachingsOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
About Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)Swami Nirmalananda is a monk of the ancient Swami Order and founder of Atma Jyoti Ashram (Light of the Spirit Monastery). With deep roots in both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, he has authored over 30 books on meditation, Vedanta, and the mystical life of Christ. His teachings reveal the essential unity of Sanatana Dharma and original Christianity, drawn from decades of contemplative experience, pilgrimage in India, and study with great spiritual teachers such as Swami Sivananda and Anandamayi Ma. In this month’s satsang, Swamiji answers questions from students on a range of spiritual topics, including: Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:29 New book: Christian Non-Dualism03:22 Gita Talks Project (GitaTalks.ocoy.org)04:22 Are there hierarchies of souls?08:30 Thoughts on magnetic and vibrational therapy13:12 The greatness of Lalla Yogeshwari22:21 The correct pronunciation of Soham24:45 A typical day at Atma Jyoti Ashram47:37 A saying of Anandamayi Ma49:51 Can a guru take away karmas?54:24 The war of good and evil: what lies ahead?1:02:05 Jesus: “Greater things shall you do…”1:07:11 Sanatana Dharma in the West1:15:00 The Gita Mahatmyam (Glory of the Gita)1:16:28 Dharma, organ transplants, and the subtle body To learn more, visit:https://ocoy.orghttps://gitatalks.ocoy.orghttps://lightofthespiritpress.com Books by Swamiji: https://amazn.so/9FN0kcrFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) for the June 2025 Satsang, a deep and wide-ranging spiritual conversation flowing from Soham meditation to the mysteries of saints, sannyas, the caste/purushartha connection, the question of virgin birth, and the soul’s entry into the stream of Sanatana Dharma.Swamiji speaks on: • Cremation or Burial: the pros and cons of both • The four castes and purusharthas as inner archetypes • How and why spiritual masters incarnate • The value of dying consciously and holy company (satsanga) • Whether meditation affects dreams, and moreWith his signature clarity, Swamiji weaves together insights from Eastern and Western mysticism, sharing stories from saints he knew and teachings from scriptures he lived. Timestamps for Key Topics00:00 Introduction00:33 Why is cremation better than burial?06:01 Satya Sai Baba and the Soham mantra06:40 Soham mantra and sannyas initiation07:40 The St. Thomas cross07:31 The Triadic heart of Siva08:05 What is the best way to help others?10:23 The correspondence of the four castes and pursharthas15:27 Why do masters come into the world?19:52 About the “thoughtless state”23:44 Entering the stream of Sanatana Dharma33:09 Would a virgin birth be against natural laws?38:38 Dying in an unconscious state47:02 What is the value of holy company?51:38 Does meditation affect dreams? 54:18 Can you recommend a Gita translation?56:18 GitaTalks.ocoy.org56:33 What is a “master”?1:00:18 Light of Soham#spiritualawakening #satsang #sohamOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this May 2025 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bbIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.#satsang #hindudeity #spiritualawakening Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:31 New book: Christian Non-Dualism01:32 Interview with Narendra Modi by Lex Hixon04:42 Hindu Deities: imagery and symbology06:47 Recommended book: Hinduism–The Universal Religion07:44 The meaning and symbolism of Sri Ganesha09:20 The meaning and symbolism of Brahma, the Creator11:46 The meaning and symbolism of Vishnu14:56 The meaning and symbolism of Siva23:39 The meaning and symbolism of Saraswati25:33 The meaning and symbolism of Lakshmi27:57 The meaning and symbolism of Durga34:44 The meaning and symbolism of Kali41:46 The meaning and symbolism of Krishna[43:25] Krishna’s flute-mantra [end 44:25]45:10 The meaning and symbolism of Rama52:26 Differences between Theosophy and Rosacrucianism?57:13 The difference between Supreme Father and Supreme Soul1:03:39 Is the 5th dimension emerging?1:08:31 What is the difference between hypnotism and meditation1:13:19 Soham or Sa Ha?OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this April 2025 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bbIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.#satsang #spiritualityyoga #spiritualawakening Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:21 Easter, Yogananda, and the King of Kings04:42 Book recommendation: Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception09:28 Was Swami Sivananda married?10:17 Sound and Breath for yogis18:17 Soham Yoga Meditation metholology21:39 Attitudes during Soham Meditation?25:48 A question about dreaming26:57 The difference between Sanatana Dharma and the Bible regarding prophecy28:49 “Forget and Forgive” in the Shastras?32:50 Spelling of Soham: Soham or Sohum?34:55 Are there real yogis and saints in India today?44:30 Experience with a sadhu at a railway station50:30 Meditation sickness?54:17 Regaining an experience in meditation55:06 What happens to the soul in the afterlife?1:00:27 Discovery of Gajanana Maharaj and Soham Yoga1:03:08 Light of Soham and Inspired Wisdom of Gajanana MaharajOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Here is a summary of the talk "Qualities of Brahman" by Swami Nirmalananda Giri, based on the 13th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita:
In this talk, Swami Nirmalananda Giri explores the nature and qualities of Brahman, the all-encompassing divine reality, as described in the Bhagavad Gita. He emphasizes that Brahman is the essence of everything—both animate and inanimate—permeating all existence as the sustainer, creator, and absorber of life.
The talk highlights the need for a yogi to refine their consciousness to perceive Brahman’s subtle presence, which is both near and far, undivided yet appearing divided. Brahman is presented as the source of all light, knowledge, and existence, beyond darkness, and seated in the heart of all beings.
The discussion also touches on the interplay of Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (vibrating energy or material creation), the inevitability of karma, and the importance of self-realization through practices like mantra repetition (e.g., "Soham") and meditation.
Main Points:
- Brahman as All-Encompassing: Brahman exists both outside and inside all beings, encompassing everything—animate and inanimate—since all is composed of living, moving particles, embodying life itself.
- Subtlety of Brahman: Brahman is incomprehensible due to its subtlety, requiring a yogi to refine their consciousness to perceive its presence, which is both far and near.
- Unity and Multiplicity: A true yogi perceives both the unity of Brahman and the apparent multiplicity of existence simultaneously, aiming for omniscience as the ultimate goal.
- Sustainer of Beings: Brahman is the foundation of all existence, sustaining everything, shining as the life within all, without which nothing could exist.
- Creator and Absorber: Brahman generates and withdraws all creation cyclically, as exemplified by Krishna’s statement in the Gita about sending forth and retracting beings helplessly within this process.
- Light of Light: Brahman is the source of all light, enabling existence and manifestation, existing beyond darkness as the singular, eternal light.
- Knowledge and the Known: Brahman embodies wisdom, being both the process of knowing, the knower, and the object of knowledge, seated in the heart of all beings.
- Spiritual Practice: The yogi uses practices like "Soham" meditation and japa (mantra repetition) to align with Brahman, recognizing it as the primal word or sound of creation.
- Purusha and Prakriti: Creation arises from the interplay of Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (material energy), both eternal aspects of Brahman, with Prakriti driving action and manifestation.
- Karma and Responsibility: All experiences, including pleasure and pain, stem from individual karma, reflecting personal choices and actions, not external blame; self-awareness dissolves karmic ignorance.
- Self-Realization: True knowing comes from experiencing Brahman, not just theorizing about it, and devotees who comprehend this approach the divine state of being.
- Humility in Learning: Swamiji critiques superficial knowledge, encouraging persistent effort and humility in the spiritual journey, rather than assuming mastery from minimal understanding.
The talk concludes with a call to deepen understanding of the Gita through Swami Nirmalananda’s book, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening, emphasizing practical spirituality and self-awareness.
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this March 2025 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening.
Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bb
In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.
In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York. #satsang #spiritualityyoga #spiritualawakening
Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 What is satsang?
01:59 Good spiritual books to read
03:21 About Mabel Collins
10:17 What is the soul, and where is it located?
16:31 Questions about the caste system
23:46 Reflections on Gandhi
29:08 Do all religions and wisdom traditions lead to the same goal? 33:48 Do we need a master to give the soham mantra?
39:35 Do you pray or only do Soham sadhana?
41:00 How does one navigate the intersection of this world and the next?
42:15 A technical question about Soham sadhana
43:25 A question about the teachings of Emmanuel Swedenborg
45:04 A question about Swami Muktananda on Soham
46:16 Were Buddha’s original teachings atheistic?
50:00 Vivekananda story and yogi’s having integrity
55:43 Swami Sivananda’s marriage before he took sannyasa
56:28 How to dispose of old rudradksha and tulsi malas
58:26 Balancing spiritual duties and social interaction
1:00:39 Appraising Yogananda’s wisdom and the meditation methods ascribed to him
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Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this February 2025 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bbIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction02:02 A long question on karma21:49 What is Swadharma?26:00 Is taking pain medicine avoidance of karma?31:18 Difficulty having a positive attitude towards all35:07 Can humans reincarnate as humans or plants?42:48 How much does Grace figure in spiritual development?44:29 What are your favorite quotes from Anandamayi Ma?52:04 Mental pronunciation of the Soham mantra.1:02:49 Overcoming sexual and drug addiction to walk the spiritual path1:07:48 Yogananda’s most important teaching1:11:45 A question about dreams (unanswered)1:13:32 Closing remarksOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this January 2025 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bbIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:50 Does God pay personal attention to our needs?06:18 Is God a He, a She or an It?07:36 What is the Atman?09:46 Being overwhelmed by how little one knows spiritually10:18 Is it possible to help others through prayer?15:43 What is your opinion of suicide?20:27 Can others really help us, or is it just up to us?21:50 Did Jesus learn much of what her taught in India?27:26 Were Jesus, Buddha, and Krishna only myths?31:05 What if I have no faith in yoga?32:40 Yogananda meet Charlie Chan38:14 What are visions?40:30 What are miracles?45:10 Is it necessary to be married or single to succeed in yoga?47:21 What does the Gita mean by “devil, asura”?#satsang #spiritualgrowth #spiritualawakening OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this December 2024 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://gitatalks.ocoy.orgIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:38 Gita Talks notice01:40 The body’s need for water04:00 Book–Hinduism, the Eternal Religion05:37 Reminders for spiritual living09:07 A question about vegetarianism14:07 Is it possible to change after years of a wasted life?15:59 Eye position in meditation19:36 Can people refuse to reincarnate?24:21 Is image worship wrong?38:01 Is Yoga just stopping thoughts in the mind?41:44 Can God be realized by meditation without ritualistic worship?43:34 Are Advaita and Monism the same?45:21 Can past mistakes be erased?49:31 Can scriptures be fully trusted?1:02:50 Stories of Anandamayi Ma, and her mother, Didi Ma#satsang #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this November 2024 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://gitatalks.ocoy.orgIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:48 Notice: Talks on the Bhagavad Gita02:50 Avoiding the distractions of family life05:27 Sri Ramakrishna’s parable of the snake09:52 Story of Mother Krishnabai13:33 Pursuing spiritual life while living with an agnostic spouse21:18 A philosophical question22:27 What is Shakti and how does it affect us?25:05 What is the difference between Iswara and Parameshwara?33:51 How can I attain samadhi?37:52 How does one know whether to lead a monastic life?41:16 Gurus and their supposed infallibility45:43 What do you advise for a daily spiritual routine?48:48 Leading a spiritual life in a family situation49:47 Learn Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism)52:48 Praying for departed souls56:20 How to understand the teachings of Jesus better#satsang #spiritualgrowth #sanatandharma OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this October 2024 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bbIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:28 Notice: Talks on the Bhagavad Gita01:21 Sanatana Dharma: The Eternal Religion02:34 Hinduism The Universal Religion05:27 Yogananda and the Candles story17:38 A special thanks to our friends25:00 Ahimsa & Satya: handling conflict resolution33:00 The difference between Spirit and Soul35:51 Stories of Mahatama Gandhi39:02 Karma Yoga in our daily lives40:57 Long hair vs. shaving the head for the yogi45:32 Why do monks wear a monastic habit?56:28 “Emptiness” in the Heart Sutra58:23 Asking personal advice1:03:10 Question about pranayama1:04:30 Question about Gajanana Maharaj1:06:38 Stories of Swami Nirmalananda’s healing grandmother1:23:07 What is the difference between Jiva and Atman?1:25:00 What is the Witness Consciousness?1:28:13 Does the personality survive death?#spiritualawakening #satsang #spiritualgrowth OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this September 2024 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bbIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:20 Recommendations03:31 Gita Talks05:09 What are the gunas?13:36 Soul contracts?14:33 Humor in spiritual life (tag link to referred Gita talk in youtube)25:54 Is it OK to teach others Soham Yoga?28:12 Comment on Jesus’ words in the Gospels36:18 Is it OK to skip japa?37:52 Who is the Supreme Being, Krishna or Siva? (short 38:15-38:41)39:32 Stories of Warren Vickerman, Yogananda’s early disciple43:20 Why would a practicing yogi reincarnate?50:20 Sri Ramakrishna’s story51:53 Tapah lokas–world’s for spiritual discipline56:47 Saying of St. John Vianney#satsang #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this uplifting August 2024 Satsang. Elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Also, watch his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bbIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:27 The book “Hindu America”03:38 Talks on the Bhagavad Gita04:05 Sacred Places (Pithas)14:38 Reincarnation in the Gita and Buddhist teachings17:17 Maya vs. Mara29:47 Life as a training film31:30 Imagining God?33:30 Soham as Nirguna Brahman36:20 How to pray42:44 About mantras44:29 Continuing spiritual practice in the next birth50:37 What is a Sad Guru?1:07:57 Being free from karma1:09:09 Defining the Second Coming#satsang #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this uplifting July 2024 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bbIn his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:36 The use of incense in meditation02:23 New talks on the Bhagavad Gita03:24 The Importance of a sense of humor08:29 Appreciation for the questions09:25 Can you explain the law of rebirth?16:05 Will the "world" ever get better?20:04 How to maintain self awareness during conversation22:41 Like minded communities around?23:19 Can you progress spiritually with parents who are not spiritual?26:20 The best amount of time for meditation31:49 What is Buddhi? And What is Buddhi Yoga?38:36 The story of Matsyendranath, Gorakhnath, and the Nath Yogis48:58 Is Brahman, the formless, active or passive?50:42 A question about Brahmacharya54:01 What are the different levels of our being?55:10 What is the difference between intellect and emotions?56:52 What separate man from God?59:50 Some observations about Astrology1:06:04 Observations about Soham Yoga practice#satsang #spiritualrealization #spiritualawakening OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
July’s online satsang with Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) will be held on Saturday, July 6th, at 12 noon, EST. You can go to the registration page and sign up using this link, or use the signup button below. When registering, you can submit any questions which you would like Swamiji to answer during the satsang.
Podcast and Video: Living (and Dying) as a YogiIn a podcast interview with our friend Jonathan Mahoney, Swami Nirmalananda discusses the kind of life we need to live in order to die as yogis, and have a real spiritual boost in the afterlife. Listen to the podcast here, or watch the Youtube podcast below. The podcast is 53 minutes long.
(The podcast player will not show if you get this by email, so you can listen to Living (and Dying) as a Yogi here.)
Please make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel – which doesn’t just ensure you’ll see our videos when they are posted; it also encourages YouTube to show our videos to more spiritually oriented people, and is the best way to support our channel.
The post July Online Satsang Signup | Podcast: Living and Dying as a Yogi appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this uplifting June 2024 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha.In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York.#satsang #spiritualrealization #spiritualawakening Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang:00:00 Introduction00:16 Christ of India recommendation07:01 Raising the Kundalini12:01 About the Gnostic Texts12:42 How to break free of mental and spiritual bondage to those in my life?15:35 Insights on the death experience and aftermath17:20 Thoughts about St. Germaine18:10 About a scandalous yogi in the Nath tradition20:39 Soham Meditation or Om Meditation?21:48 About "God helps those that help themselves."25:55 About certain "tamasic" foods28:37 Kashmir Saivism and Advaita Vedanta29:20 "if the world hates you..." 43:23 Carl Jung and mental conditioning (samskaras)48:34 What is the difference between the subtle and causal worlds?51:34 About the "Maha Mantra"58:21 Practices regarding Sri Saraswati 1:02:15 Thoughts on Astrology and DivinationOCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signupFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
In this recording of the May 2024 online satsang with Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke), Swamiji answers questions submitted by the attendees (see the timestamps below for the topics discussed).To get word of future online satsangs and get a FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more, sign up at: https://ocoy.org/signup00:00 Introduction 00:20 About Orthodox Pascha (Easter)04:15 Soham Meditation and the breath07:33 The Origins of the Hebrews from India12:47 About Brahmacharya13:35 Meditating on Divine Forms15:15 Dealing with pain due to emotional trauma18:28 Forgiving one’s self18:56 How do I practice the yoga of Jesus Christ?19:17 How do I forgive people who have hurt me?22:30 Are you part of ISKCON?23:22 About Vairagya25:35 Becoming aware of Pure Consciousness experientially28:53 Lower consciousness when higher consciousness attained35:02 Spiritual practice and monastic life40:24 Swami Vidyananda Giri, sannyas guru of Swami Nirmalananda50:17 Jesus: Son of God, Son of Man52:23 What does “dwija” (twice born) mean?55:37 Bishop Leadbeater and his “Science of the Sacraments.”56:31 Using our books for studies56:56 Spiritual links of photos of relatives1:00:46 Can we speak with God?#spiritualawakening #satsang #spiritualgrowth OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.orgA Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedomFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/
Our May online satsang with Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) will be on Saturday, May 4th, at 12 noon, EST. To attend, register using this link or the Register button below. Swami Nirmalananda will answer questions submitted on the registration page.
Podcast and Video: Religious Imagery and the YogiThere are a number of important reasons why spiritual imagery is valuable for the aspiring yogi. In a recent online Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri explained the value of holy imagery in the practical spiritual life of those wishing to grow their inner life. He shows the imagery at Atma Jyoti Ashram (Light of the Spirit Monastery) and how the presence and symbolism of such sacred images effects us on a day-to-day basis.
Religious imagery can be found on many sites online, and we have also collected a wide range of sacred images which can be bought as prints, plaques, and framed art for your altar, home or office, available at Sacred Vision Art (https://sacredvisionsart.com/)
If you do not see the podcast player above, you can listen by using this link: Religious Imagery and the Yogi.
The podcast length is 22 and a half minutes.
Watch over 100 videos of Satsangs, pilgrimages, and other spiritual topics at our Light of the Spirit Youtube Channel.The post May Satsang Signup – Religious Imagery Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Podcast and Video: Reminiscences of Anandamayi Ma by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (with archival film and photos)In this recent satsang excerpt, Swami Nirmalananda shares unique perspectives about Ma from his own experience. Here are some of the topics discussed in the podcast and video:
- A yogi’s experience of the inner side of Ma.
- Problems with institutions.
- How Anandamayi Ma guided our ashram.
- Dr. Ghosh takes Catholic nuns to meet Ma and what Ma said to the nuns; Ma’s love of monastics.
- What Ma said when she was asked: Can a Westerner become a Hindu?
- The nature and openness of real Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism).
If you don’t see the player above, listen here to Reminiscences of Anandamayi Ma by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (about 28 minutes long).
Watch over 100 videos of Satsangs, pilgrimages, and other spiritual topics at our Light of the Spirit Youtube Channel.
The post Anandamayi Ma Video and Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Listen to the podcast and watch the related videos below.The new Rama Temple in Ayodhya was consecrated on January 22nd, 2024. The grand ceremony, known as the Ram Mandir Prāna Pratishtha, marked a significant moment in Hindu history.
For centuries, Hindus have revered the site in Ayodhya as the birthplace of Lord Rama, the Divine Incarnation embodying righteousness and dharmic governance. Following Indian independence in 1947 many Hindus hoped for and worked for the return of many traditionally Hindu religious sites to Hindu control, including the site in Ayodhya, which had been stolen from the Hindus, and a mosque erected there instead. But the secular government worked against such aspirations for years.
The popular uprising resulting in the destruction of the Babri Masjid mosque at the site in 1992 and subsequent legal battles were the expression of the growing movement for recognition of Hindu rights. The consecration of the new temple marks the culmination of a decades-long struggle and the fulfillment of a deeply held desire to see a grand temple dedicated to Rama built there.
This event is more than the building of a place of worship. It is part of the revival of the Ancient Bharatian (Indian) culture.
Indian Prime Minister Modi, who participated in the Prāna Pratishtha, had this to say from his historic speech after the consecration:
“After centuries of unprecedented patience, countless sacrifices and penance, our Lord Ram has arrived. Many congratulations to all of you and all the countrymen on this auspicious occasion. Our Ramlalla will no longer live in a tent. Our Ramlalla will now live in this divine temple. January 22, 2024, is not a date on a calendar. This is the origin of a new time cycle. A nation rising up after breaking the mentality of slavery, a nation taking courage from every bit of the past, creates history in this way. A thousand years from now, people will talk about this date, this moment. These are indelible memory lines being inscribed on the wheel of time.”
“Today, the land of Ayodhya is asking some questions to every Ram devotee, to every Indian. The grand temple of Shri Ram has been built, what next? Today, I feel that the cycle of time is changing. From this sacred time, we have to lay the foundation of the India of the next thousand years.”
In the following podcast and Youtube video, Swami Nirmalananda discusses the “World Significance” of the establishment of Ramlalla (the boy Rama) in his new temple in Ayodhya.
Listen and Watch here.
[If you do not see the podcast player above, you can listen to “The World Significance of the New Ram Temple” here. The podcast duration is 12:38.
Ramlal Darshan Video and Devotional MusicRam Murti Sculptor Arun Yogiraj Reveals Ramlala Murti’s Face Has Changed After Pran PratishthaArun Yogiraj talked about the changes to the murti on the Odisha TV website. He said the following:
“I spent around 10 days in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum and also during the installation day for some marking.. Lord Ram had completely transformed after the Alanakaran (ornamentation). I was sitting there and realised that it was not my work,” said Yogiraj.
According to Yogiraj, Lord Ram changed after Alanakaran ceremony and he even shared that with others who were present there. The expressions, face and eyes of Ram Lalla changed as soon as the idol was taken into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, he said.
The post The New Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: Podcast, News, and More appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In this podcast, Swami Nirmalananda discusses how to deal with the decline of a loved one from a spiritual perspective. Illness and death can bring immense sadness, but if we become strong spiritually we can bring comfort and help to ourselves, others, and those who are dying during such difficult times. Swamiji shares advice on how to gain this inner strength and personal stories of how this has helped others.
If you do not see the player above, click here to listen to How to Deal with the Decline of a Loved One. The podcast is 4 minutes 30 seconds long.
Watch the Youtube video of this podcast here:
The post Podcast: How to Deal with the Decline of a Loved One appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Previous Satsangs now OnlineWe have now posted all of our past satsangs on our Youtube Channel (YouTube.com/@LightoftheSpirit) where you can view both full satsangs and excepts, as well as other spiritual videos (we now have 96 videos!)
Below is our latest upload, from the follow-up to the October satsang, where Swamiji addressed the following topics not covered in the live satsang. We include the timestamps on the video so that you can find what interests you:
- 00:30 The symbolism of the Cross
- 12:16 Some insights into Royalty
- 15:34 Reminiscences of Anandamayi Ma
- 48:11 Stories of Mahavatar Babaji
- 51:47 Kriya, Bhakti, and Jnana Yogas
- 56:23 Coping with the decline of a loved one
Below the Podcast (the audio version) and the video, you will find links to the most recent satsangs.
(If you do not see the podcast player above, listen here to the October Satsang Q&A Session with Swami Nirmalananda. The podcast length is 1 hour and 2 minutes.
Watch Earlier Satsangs* December 2023 Satsang * November 2023 Satsang * October 2023 Satsang * September 2023 Satsang
The post Podcast and Video of Q&A Session appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Podcast: What Happens to the Soul After Death?The afterlife of any individual depends on the life of that individual. Each life is unique, and what happens afterwards depends on how a person lived that life, and the lives before. Learn how our karma (our actions) will determine where we go after death, and more in this podcast and video.
If you do not see the player in the email, listen to the podcast here: What Happens to the Sould After Death?
Youtube video of the podcast:The post Podcast: What Happens to the Soul After Death? appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
At our monthly online Satsangs (the first Saturday of each month–sign up here to get notices, and much more) there are many more questions that can be answered in an hour. So we are going to be regularly posting answers to the extra questions. Here are Swami Nirmalananda’s answers to the questions left over after the September Satsang. You can listen to the audio podcast or watch the Youtube videos below.
To see previous satsangs, visit our Video Satsang page.
The post Questions & Answers with Swami Nirmalananda from September appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
The September monthly online satsang with Swami Nirmalananda (Abbot George Burke) will be on Saturday, September 2nd at 12 noon EST.
The post Register for the September Online Satsang – and More! appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
The August monthly online satsang with Swami Nirmalananda (Abbot George Burke) will be on Saturday, August 5th at 12 noon EST.
The post Register for August Online Satsang (and More) appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Today, we share both an audio podcast and a video podcast made from a recent Zoom Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda (Abbot George Burke).
In this podcast, Swami Nirmalananda answers the question, “Can you talk about how Jesus is the Savior, knowing that our liberation is our personal responsibility?”
First, he talks about what a Savior is, and what they do. And he speaks about our own personal responsibility for our own spiritual welfare and advancement.
Among the stories he tells are:
- The Greek elder and the surprising response he gave to someone asking for his prayers.
- The remarkable healings he witnessed.
- Different Saviors and the effects they had.
- His experience with Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, including the story of the woman who wanted to clean her glasses with his clothes.
- The unusual changes in appearance of Anandamay Ma.
If you don’t see the podcast above (it won’t show in emails), here is a direct link to the Podcast: Saviors, or Personal Responsibility?. The Podcast is just under 21 minutes long.
YouTube Video:Further Listening and Watching:* Visit our Podcasts page, with dozens of spiritual podcasts. * Explore our Youtube Channel. * Discover our Video Satangs page.
The post Podcast (and Video): Saviors, or Personal Responsibility? appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In our effort to continue to make OCOY.org a true “practical resource for the spiritual student,” we have added more valuable content which we hope you will explore, with our new articles, new videos, new books in our free eLibrary, and in our monthly Zoom satsangs, starting with a new Podcast from a recent satsang.
Satsang PodcastPodcast of Satsang Excerpt: Great Yogis I have Known
Here is a direct link to the Podcast: Great Yogis I Have Known.
ArticlesFirst, we have added two useful articles:
- Vibrational Medicine and the Yogi: The body and mind are profoundly interrelated. This is especially important for the yogi to realize. Health of mind and body are also profoundly interrelated. Swami Nirmalananda wrote this to share with you information about what he considers a most appropriate and effective form of therapy for a yogi: vibrational medicine.
- Astrology and Divination: Astrology and divination are very real and valuable tools in the yogi’s life. They are not superstition, but metaphysical science.
VideosNext, we have been adding videos of our Zoom online satsangs with Swami Nirmalananda to our Youtube channel. A number of videos posted in the past months have gone viral. Our channel has had over 500,000 views in the past ninety days! You can subscribe to our Youtube Podcast here.
Here are a couple of the most recent videos:
BooksWe continue to publish new books, including three this year. We make them available in paperback, ebook, as free PDF’s in our eLibrary, and as web pages.
In our eLibrary, you can download these new free PDF titles:
- The Inspired Wisdom of Sri Gajanana Maharaj–A Practical Commentary on Leading an Effectual Spiritual Life
- The Inspired Wisdom of Lalla Yogeshwari
- The Benefits of Brahmacharya: A Collection of Writings About the Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Benefits of Continence
You can also read these books here online:
- The Inspired Wisdom of Lalla Yogeshwari
- The Benefits of Brahmacharya
These books are also available as paperbacks and ebooks on Amazon and other online bookstores:
- The Inspired Wisdom of Sri Gajanana Maharaj
- The Inspired Wisdom of Lalla Yogeshwari
- The Benefits of Brahmacharya
SatsangsThe next online one-hour Zoom satsang with Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George) is Saturday May 6th at 12:00 noon E.S.T.
[This has now past, but next month we will have another satsang. Stay tuned.]
The post Podcast: Great Yogis I Have Known, plus New Articles, Videos, & Books appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Swami Sivananda composed many songs in English to convey his teachings, the most famous being the Song of Ities listing such virtues as Simplicity, Purity and Charity. Others were advice and inspiration for spiritual endeavor. This Song of Admonition is the best known. Below is a transcript of the song.
This podcast is 10:25 minutes long. If you do not see the podcast player above (it won’t show in emails), you can listen here: Swami Sivananda and the Song of Admonition.Song Of Admonition
By Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh(The quality of the audio is not ideal, so we include the transcribed text here. For unfamiliar Sanskrit terms, we recommend you see our Brief Sanskrit Glossary.)
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.
Radhe Shyama Radhe Shyama
Shyama Shyama Radhe Radhe
Radhe Krishna Radhe Krishna
Krishna Krishna Radhe Radhe
Gauri Shankar Gauri Shankar
Shankar Shankar Gauri Gauri
Uma Shankar Uma Shankar
Shankar Shankar Uma Uma
O My Jesus O Lord Jesus
Hail Hail Jesus O Father Father
O My Mary O Virgin Mary
Hail Hail Mary O Mother Mother
O My Buddha, O Lord Buddha
Hail Hail Buddha O Saviour Saviour
O My Allah, O Lord Allah,
Hail hail Allah, O Khuda Khuda
O My Sakti, O Adi Sakti,
Hail hail Sakti, O Mother Mother
Is there not a nobler mission
than eating, drinking and sleeping?
it is difficult to get a human birth,
therefore try your best to realise in this birth.
Fie on that wretch, woe to that man
who wastes all his life in sensual pleasures.
Time sweeps away kings and barons
Where is Yuddhistir? Where is Ashoka?
Where is Shakespeare? Where is Valmiki?
Where is Napoleon? Where is Shivaji?
Where is Gandhi, Where is Jinah?
Be up and doing yogic Sadhana
you will enjoy supreme bliss
Be up and doing in Brahma vichara
you will attain immortality, kaivalya moksha
Can you expect real shanti
if you waste your time in idle-gossiping?
Can you enjoy Supreme Peace
if you waste your time in novels, newspapers,
in fights and quarrels, in scandal, backbiting,
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.
When the mind melts in the silence,
you will have Self-realization.
What have you learnt, tell me frankly
from the Bihar and Quetta earthquakes?
Have you got now real Vairag?
Do you practise Japa and Kirtan?
Here is a challenge to non-believers
of the Hindu theory of transmigration:
Have you not heard the thrilling narratives
of Shanti Devi, of her past life?
Can you expect real shanti if you waste your time
in cards and cinemas ?
When your throat is choked at the time of death,
who will help you for your salvation?
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.
Dehonaham, Jivonaham,
Pratyagabhinna Bramaivaham,
Paripurnoham Paramarthoham
Brahmaivaham Brahmaivaham
Jagad Kalpa Natha, Jiva Kalpa Natha
All This Kalpa Natha, Dhiera Svapa natha
All This Jalam, all this Juggler deeds
All This Maya’s Street, All This Maya’s Thought
Nothing exist, nothing belongs to me,
I am neither my body, immortal Self I am.
Practice Ahimsa, Satyam Brahmacharya
This is the foundation of Yoga Vedanta
Practice [unclear] Japam
you will have Self-realization.
Eat a little, drink a little,
Talk a little, sleep a little,
Mix a little, move a little,
Serve a little, give a little,
Do Asanas a little, Pranayamas a little,
Reflect a little, Meditate a little,
Do Japa a little, do Kirtan a little,
Study a little, worship a little.
Do asana a little, pranayama a little,
Reflect a Little, Do Vichar a little.
[He varied the words from time to time, and frequently added: “Do a little of each; you will have time for all. God-realization is thus brought within your easy reach; and you are saved from the fear of a fall.”]
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.
More about Swami Sivananda:* Podcast: Swami Sivananda’s Humor (including a Video Podcast) * Podcast: Days with Sivananda * 10 Sagely Sayings of Swami Sivananda
The post Podcast: Swami Sivananda and the Song of Admonition appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today’s podcast, our friend Jonathan Mahoney asks Abbot George, “Could you tell us the difference between Satan and Mara, and how we should respond to outer and inner negativity and evil?”
Abbot George discusses:
- How both Satan and Mara are aspects of the cosmic force to get us to stop our spiritual quest.
- How resistance to negativity and evil make us stronger by developing our will towards spiritual growth.
- How we have to be constructive towards that which is positive and destructive towards that which is negative.
This podcast is 24:38 minutes long. If you do not see the podcast player above (it won’t show in emails), you can listen here: How Should We Respond to Outer and Inner Negativity and Evil?Further Reading:* The Divine and the Demonic: Negativity from the Gita View * Viveka: How to Walk Safely in the Jungle of Delusion, Illusion and Deception * Living the Yoga Life: Dedication to Spiritual Life
Grow Your Spiritual Library–This Week’s Recommendation:* The Dhammapada for Awakening The post Podcast: How Should We Respond to Outer and Inner Negativity and Evil? appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today’s podcast Jonathan Mahoney asks Abbot George, “What is Satan?” Though this is a topic some people find fascinating, it is one that we should not dwell on, for Abbot George says “talking about negativity can bring the mind into the orbit of negativity.” On the other hand, talking about spiritual topics has a positive influence on the mind.
But it is good to have a basic understanding of evil so that we can be on our guard against inner and outer evil.
Abbot George illumines these ideas with apt illustrations and stories.
This podcast is 18:28 minutes long. If you do not see the podcast player above (it won’t show in emails), you can listen here: What Is Satan?Further reading about dealing with evil:* Evil Spirits and Satan: Where Do They Come From? * Demons and Dunces, Part 2: Deluded Asceticism and Dispelling Evil Spirits * 3 Types of Supernatural Contact and the People Who Engage in Them * How You Can Overcome Negativity by an Effective Positive Attitude
The post Podcast: What Is Satan? appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today’s podcast our friend Jonathan Mahoney asks Abbot George “What is Maya?” Abbot George’s answer covers various aspects of Maya:
- Maya as the hypnotic power of creation.
- It is mistaking the Unreal for the Real.
- It is caused by our instinctive reactions to sense perceptions.
- He explains the common simile of mistaking a rope for a snake.
He stresses that the Shakti of creation is real, it is our perception or understanding that is unreal. Maya, illusion, is in our minds. Abbot George shares a number of stories to illumine these ideas.
This podcast is 11:15 minutes long. If you do not see the podcast player above (it won’t show in emails), you can listen here: What Is Maya?Further Reading and Listening about What is Maya?:* Living the Yoga Life: Many Answers About Maya * How You Can Break Through the Net of Maya * Podcast: The Means of Getting Beyond Maya: Leading the Yoga Life
The post Podcast: What Is Maya? appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In this podcast Abbot George discusses the "Great Power" (the meaning of Mahashakti) as the entire range of relative existence, composed of vibrating energy. There is nothing but Consciousness. But when Consciousness does not move, we call it spirit. When Consciousness moves, we call it energy or shakti or power.
The post Podcast: What is Mahashakti? appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In this podcast Abbot George continues his discussion concerning how Lucifer could stand to be in the presence of Jesus, and how the status of master yogis is often hidden. He begins by giving his own experiences with spiritual figures in India, and continues with what he had heard of others.
The post Podcast: The Hidden Status of Master Yogis, Part 2 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Recently our friend Jonathan Mahoney asked Abbot George Burke how Lucifer could tempt Jesus if evil spirits cannot stand high spiritual vibrations. In this first of two podcasts Abbot George answers this question, showing how the status of master yogis is often hidden, giving examples from the lives of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, Ananadamayi Ma and others.
The post Podcast: The Hidden Status of Master Yogis, Part 1 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today’s podcast, Abbot George Burke talks about how diet affects consciousness, and the importance of a pure diet for the yogi.
The post Podcast: Diet and Consciousness: The Importance of a Pure Diet for the Yogi appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
One of Yogananda’s early disciples was named Brahmacharini Radhalila. She was a person with a very strong personality. And she frequently would say, during the last years of her life, “One day I am going to write a book called The Real Yogananda.” She was living at the SRF headquarters, and everyone would panic at the thought of what she might write, because she was the type of person she was, and also because they wished that a public image of Yogananda be created that would supposedly fit in with people’s spiritual ideas. And just also with the image that they wanted people to have of him.
So there are a lot of stories that people have never heard, because of the intention that Yogananda be sort of a cross between St. Francis and St. Teresa of Avila, rather than the very unique personality that Yogananda had. So here are some things that were told to me by direct disciples of Yogananda who were there when these incidents took place that you might find interesting. Some devotees were visiting here at our monastery, and one evening I just started telling these stories. And here they are.
These include the following stories: * Brother Bimalananda’s story of how Yogananda surprised the young monks calling out to him at his window. * The special gift Yogananda gave to an overly-fervent “devotee.” * How Yogananda would have fun with the disciples at Mt. Washington and how things took a surprising turn. * How Yogananda would entertain visitors with a drunk act. * The story of Yogananda and the oversized tricycle in a department store in Los Angeles. * Yogananda’s mercy to a shop owner down on his luck. * The SRF nuns with Yogananda at a roadside watermelon stand. * Why Yogananda stopped driving a car. * How Yogananda worked a miracle when late for an event.
If you do not see the podcast player above, you can listen to The Real Yogananda–8 Stories of Mischief and Mercy here. The podcast is just under 15 minutes.
NOTE: This is the first of several podcasts from conversations with Abbot George about Yogananda, Gyana Mata, Sri Yukteswar, Babaji, Yogananda devotees, Anandamayi Ma, and other spiritual figures Abbot George has met or has stories about.
Listen to more instructive podcasts on our Podcast Page.
Here is our YouTube Video of the “Real Yogananda” podcast, with film and photos of Yogananda The post Podcast: The Real Yogananda – 8 Stories of Mischief and Mercy appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
“Am I more sensible, or less sensible, as a result of this practice and this experience?”
In this 4th podcast on Spiritual Experiences and Abilities, Abbot George delineates the very real and very extreme dangers of imbalancing experiences that fake yoga can produce, contrasting this with his observation of the cardinal qualities of real yogis he met.
If you do not see the player above, listen to Part 4 of What the Beginner Yogi Know About Spiritual Experiences and Abilities. This podcast is about 16 minutes long.
Listen to the earlier parts of this podcast: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
The post Podcast: About Spiritual Experience and Abilities–What Should the Beginner Yogi Know?–Part 4 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
“Have I learned anything? Has this spiritual experience changed my awareness, my meditation?” In the third part of the podcast series on Spiritual Experience and Abilities, Abbot George contrasts the effect of real spiritual experience with examples of people who were deluded by visions and dreams – like the American he met in India who “realized” that he was the king of India, and that his child bride would give birth to the next avatar (!).
If you do not see the player above, visit What Should the Beginner Yogi Know About Spiritual Experience and Abilities?–Part 3 to listen. This podcast is about 14 minutes long.
Listen to the earlier parts of this podcast: Part 1 and Part 2.
Podcast News! For our listeners’ convenience, we have added the Light of the Spirit Podcast to a number of popular podcast and music apps. Click on these links to subscribe on your favorite online apps.
Spotify – Gaana – Jiosaavn – iHeartRadio – Podchaser – Stitcher – Blubrry Podcast – Podcast Index – Android
as well as Apple Podcasts – Google Podcasts and Amazon Music.
And the podcast is FREE!
The post Podcast: What Should the Beginner Yogi Know About Spiritual Experience and Abilities?–Part 3 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
The state of perfected beings like Buddha, Krishna, and Jesus is far greater than most people’s concept of God. Abbot George tells the story of Catholic stigmatist and visionary Therese Neumann’s response to Christian who were overwhelmed with Christ’s miracles, as an example of how we are satisfied with so little in our aspirations. And how much is required to really trod the path to God, as shown in the story of encounter between Anandamayi Ma and the devotee who “wanted to know God.”
If you do not see the player above, click here to listen to Spiritual Experience and Abilities–What Should the Beginning Yogi Know?–Part 2
Also, listen to What Should the Beginner Yogi Know About Spiritual Experience and Abilities?–Part 1
The Light of the Spirit Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts! Click here to listen and subscribe.
The post Podcast: Spiritual Experience and Abilities–What Should the Beginning Yogi Know?–Part 2 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
“What should the beginner yogi know about spiritual experience and abilities?” Abbot George draws on a lifetime of study and personal experience and observation to present a many-facted answer to this important question.
Since the “yoga boom” of the 1960’s and even earlier, Western seekers have been regaled with and fascinated by all that glitters in fake yoga — a circus of thrills, chills, and supposedly higher states of consciousness.
In this four-part podcast Abbot George expounds on the attraction and many dangers of these kind of practices and the experiences they produce, and most importantly, presents the important questions the meditator needs to ask himself in assessing his spiritual practice and its effects.
Part 1 Abbot George speaks about the nature of the higher worlds — how vaster they are than the states of conscious that so many yogis aspire to and are satisfied with, and how the soul can get bogged down in these worlds during its long, long journey to the Absolute.
If you don’t see the media player above, visit What Should the Beginner Yogi Know About Spiritual Experience and Abilities? to listen. The podcast is just over 16 minutes long. (Parts 2 through 4 of this topic will follow shortly.)
Further Podcast Listening: * Introducing the Yoga Life: Laying the Foundations * The Symbolism of Christmas and Its Universal Message * Days with Sivananda
The post Podcast: What Should the Beginner Yogi Know About Spiritual Experience and Abilities? appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Soham Yoga is based on the science of spiritual sound. A mantra is a series of sounds whose effect lies not in an assigned intellectual meaning, but in an inherent sound-power that can produce a specific effect physically or psychologically.
The post Podcast: How to Pronounce the Soham Mantra in Meditation appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today's podcast, Abbot George discusses the inner mechanism of how the senses affect us, and how external connections influence our inner make-up, for good or ill. He begins by talking about the positive effect of darshan and satsanga, recounting his own experiences with holy people.
The post Podcast: The Esoteric Side of Good and Bad Association appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today’s podcast our friend Jonathan Mahoney asks Abbot George about the Bhagavad Gita, its story and its value for the spiritual seeker. Abbot George discusses Vyasa, the pivotal figure in early Hinduism, and the author of many works, including the epic Mahabharata, from which the Bhagavad Gita is taken.
The post Podcast: What Is the Bhagavad Gita, and Why Is It So Valuable? appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today's podcast our friend Jonathan Mahoney asks Abbot George about Jesus' role as guardian of the Earth.
Listen and you will discover:
How Lucifer fell and how it affected the earth; What was the special mystery of the Crucifixion; The Buddhist master who had two Saviors, And much more.
The post Podcast: Jesus as Guardian of the Earth appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today’s podcast, Abbot George is asked a question about Moksha. He then talks about arguments regarding levels of consciousness: are there seven levels of consciousness, or five levels, or fourteen levels? Then he discusses the seven levels of consciousness or lokas (worlds or main ... Continue reading
The post Podcast: Moksha, the Seven Levels of Consciousness, and Avatars appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Today our friend Jonathan Mahoney asks Abbot George, “How does a human being evolve into an angel in this lifetime? How do they ‘get out of the game’”? In this podcast Abbot George discusses the two paths of evolution: the natural path by “accumulating a lot of goodness,” and the deliberate path of evolution through yoga and meditation.
The post Podcast: How to Become an Angel (and More) appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
(If you don’t see the player above, visit this link to listen to the podcast: Evolution (Material and Spiritual) and What It Means for the Yogi. The podcast is 40 minutes long.) In a new podcast, our friend Jonathan Mahoney asks Abbot George Burke ... Continue reading
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For our Christmas offering we share again a podcast from three years ago about Christmas, and about Christ being born in us. This podcast is from an interview of Abbot George Burke by our friend Bianca Vlahos of radio station FIVEaa in Adelaide, Australia. Listen to ... Continue reading
The post The Symbolism of Christmas and Its Universal Message | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
The subject of past life recall is a broad topic. So this interview of Abbot George Burke by our friend Bianca Vlahos of PBA-fm radio in Australia is a long one—just over 53 minutes. Among the questions Bianca asks is “What is the main value ... Continue reading
The post The Benefits of Past Life Recall | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In a followup interview with Bianca Vlahos of PBA FM radio in Adelaide, Australia, Abbot George discusses the importance of understanding karma as the basis of reincarnation. With this understanding, we can begin to comprehend our present situation in life, and we can become empowered to ... Continue reading
The post Understanding Karma as the Basis of Reincarnation | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Last month our friend Bianca Vlahos of the Australian radio station PBA-FM interviewed Abbot George Burke on the broad topic of reincarnation. They discussed the source of reincarnation (karma—our actions, both positive and negative) and the purpose of reincarnation: our spiritual evolution and growth. Abbot George likened ... Continue reading
The post Reincarnation: Its Causes and Consequences | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In part 2 of the recent interview with Abbot George about Buddha’s everyday wisdom as recorded in the Dhammapada, Bianca Vlahos of radio station PBA-FM in Adelaide, South Australia, inquired further about how to lead an effective and uplifting life in the world applying the principles ... Continue reading
The post Everyday Wisdom from Buddha: Part 2 of Bianca Vlahos’ Interview with Abbot George appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
How can Buddha’s wisdom as recorded in the Dhammapada be applied in our every-day lives? That was the topic of the latest radio interview of Abbot George Burke by Bianca Vlahos of radio station PBA-FM in Adelaide, South Australia a couple of weeks ago. Bianca ... Continue reading
The post Buddha’s Wisdom for Every Day: A Podcast Interview of Abbot George by Bianca Vlahos appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In a followup to the interview about vegetarianism that Bianca Vlahos (facebook.com/bianca.vlahos) did with Abbot George in late September on the radio station PBA-FM in Adelaide, South Australia, she again interviewed Abbot George last week on October 22nd. The subject was vegetarianism again, as the topic ... Continue reading
The post Vegetarianism: an Interview of Abbot George on Australian Radio, Part 2 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
About a month ago, Bianca Vlahos of Adelaide, Australia, became a vegan for a multitude of reasons. She researched the topic exhaustively and found several articles about aspects of vegetarianism on our website (See Spiritual Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet and Humans: Are We Carnivores ... Continue reading
The post Vegetarianism: an Interview of Abbot George on Australian Radio appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to How to Gain the Vision of God if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 20:34 minutes. When I was very young there was a television program called The Big Picture. Most people live in The Little ... Continue reading
The post How to Gain the Vision of God | Monastic Life Podcast 3 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to How to Become a Friend of God if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 17:48 minutes. “The first time I wrote to Mother Anandamayi, in her reply she referred to me as “my friend,” which ... Continue reading
The post How to Become a Friend of God | Monastic Life Podcast 2 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to Reflection on Monastic Life, Part 1 if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 16:46 minutes. Who should lead a monastic life and who shouldn’t, and what motivates a monk. I would like to share with you my reflections ... Continue reading
The post Reflections on Monastic Life – Part 1 | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to My Friend Jugavati, and the Vishnupur Train Platform Swami if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 6:35 minutes. The next treasure I want to tell you about lived right in the midst of the bustle of Delhi, but ... Continue reading
The post My Friend Jugavati, and the Vishnupur Train Platform Swami | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to Swami Rama of Hardwar (Ram Kunj) if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 11:06 minutes. Late one afternoon when I was staying for a while with Srimati Rani Bhan and her family in Delhi she told me ... Continue reading
The post Swami Rama of Hardwar (Ram Kunj) | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to Four First-Class Sadhus if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 16:00 minutes. Sadhu: a seeker for truth (sat); and a person who is practicing spiritual disciplines. Usually this term is applied to monastics. In this podcast, Abbot George ... Continue reading
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Click here to listen to The Healer, the Raja, Neem Karoli Baba, and the Unnamed Master if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 19:37 minutes. It might seem strange that I am writing about Neem Karoli Baba because I have no stories about ... Continue reading
The post The Healer, the Raja, Neem Karoli Baba, and the Unnamed Master | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to Three Remarkable Indian Saints if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 27:15 minutes. Swami Sivananda-Hridayananda The next heart-treasure I want to tell you about is Swami Sivananda-Hridayananda of Sivananda Ashram. Her name means Bliss of Sivananda’s Heart, and ... Continue reading
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Click here to listen to Memories of Sri Maitri Devi if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 15:03 minutes. My first trip to India I was always in walking distance of at least one saint. And sometimes I was living with them. Late ... Continue reading
The post Memories of Sri Maitri Devi | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to The Monk That Challenged Lenin: Yogeshwar Brahmachari if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 15:48 minutes. I first saw Sri Yogeshwar Brahmachari at the birthday celebration of Anandamayi Ma in 1971. He was sitting on the ... Continue reading
The post The Monk That Challenged Lenin: Yogeshwar Brahmachari | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to Raihana Tyabji, the Moslem Saint Who Worshiped Krishna if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 25:48 minutes. One afternoon in India in a conversation my friend Rani Bhan told me about Raihana Tyabji, a Moslem saint, an ... Continue reading
The post Raihana Tyabji, the Moslem Saint Who Worshiped Krishna | Podcast appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to Memories of Didima (Swami Muktananda Giri), Mother of Anandamayi Ma if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 16:55 minutes. Swami Muktananda Giri, the mother of Anandamayi Ma In America before I first went to India in 1962 ... Continue reading
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Click here to listen to Tips for Successful Meditation if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 18:28 minutes. In this the seventh podcast on the Yoga Life, Abbot George gives tips for success in meditation. You will hear about: how to ... Continue reading
The post The Yoga Life Podcast 7: Tips for Successful Meditation appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to How to Tell if You Are Making Progress in Meditation if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 15:20 minutes. Today’s podcast concerns how to gain a greater understanding of spiritual life through study of the Bhagavad Gita, ... Continue reading
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Click here to listen to Swami Sivananda’s Humility if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 9:45 minutes. This podcast is the last in the series of Abbot George’s Reminiscences of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, focusing on incidents showing Swami Sivananda’s humility. ... Continue reading
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Click here to listen to Days with Swami Sivananda if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 15:19 minutes. What was it like to spend time with a spiritual giant like Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh? In today’s podcast Abbot George shares ... Continue reading
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Click here to listen to Swami Sivananda and Jesus if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 14:24 minutes. “One of the most memorable experiences of my life was hearing Swami Sivananda sing every day in the evening satsang: O my ... Continue reading
The post Podcast: Swami Sivananda and Jesus (and More) appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Click here to listen to Swami Sivananda’s Humor if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 16:06 minutes. Swami Sivananda’s joyful sense of humor are evident in today’s podcast. This includes the following incidents: Sivananda’s riddle and the over-serious student. The ... Continue reading
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In this new series of podcasts about Swami Sivananda, Abbot George relates his memories in a much fuller form than in previous podcasts. Click here to listen to I Meet Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh if you do not see the player above. The podcast length ... Continue reading
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Click here to listen to The Yoga Life 5: The Importance of Vegetarianism for the Yogi if you do not see the player above. The podcast length is 15:41 minutes. Since we have considered shaucha in the last podcast which includes purity of diet, let’s ... Continue reading
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Having finished Yama, the “Don’t”s of Yoga, in the last podcast, we now consider Niyama: the “Dos” of yoga. Shaucha: purity, cleanliness Santosha: contentment, peacefulness Tapas: austerity, practical (i.e., result-producing) spiritual discipline Swadhyaya: introspective self-study, spiritual study Ishwarapranidhana: offering of one’s life to God Click ... Continue reading
The post Podcast: The Yoga Life 4: Niyama, the “Do”s of Yoga appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In today’s podcast Abbot George finishes the consideration of Yama, with its last three elements: asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha, and the sidesteps that people will take to avoid a strict adherence to these important principles. Then he considers the “Great Vow” of the Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. ... Continue reading
The post Podcast: The Yoga Life 3: Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha, and the Great Vow appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In this podcast Abbot George begins a practical and detailed analysis of the first of the components of Yama: Ahimsa (harmlessness) and Satya (truth), which it is essential for the aspiring yogi to understand. Ahimsa is not willfully causing any harm or pain whatsoever to ... Continue reading
The post The Yoga Life 2: a Practical Understanding of Harmlessness and Truthfulness appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
This podcast [see below for player] is the beginning of a series on how to lead the Yoga Life. Today Abbot George discusses what is lacking in the yoga practice of many, and why people fail or do not persevere in the path of yoga. ... Continue reading
The post Introducing the Yoga Life: Laying the Foundations appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
Why do we meditate? In this podcast Abbot George discusses the real reason to meditate as contrasted with wrong reasons. Then continuing with Patanjali’s instructions from the Yoga Sutras, he explains the obstacles to spiritual life and their effects. The obstacles Patanjali lists are as ... Continue reading
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The last podcast about God was philosophical, so in this podcast Abbot George will go into the practical side. It is the goal of every sentient being to evolve and attain union with God. Evolution takes place naturally as we move up the ladder from ... Continue reading
The post Yoga, God, and Gurus: an Important Perspective appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In this week’s podcast, Abbot George discusses who God is, and what man is, and the importance of making God an immediate reality in our daily lives. Abbot George bases his talk on Paramhansa Yogananda’s valuable book, The Science of Religion. Here Yogananda says: “We should ... Continue reading
The post Podcast: Plain Talk About God appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
In this week’s podcast, Abbot George Burke speaks of the necessity of experience in spiritual life, and the fact that too often mere theory is offered as a substitute. The talk is from a satsang in which he comments on the preface to Raja Yoga, ... Continue reading
The post Beyond Theory and Belief to Actual Experience appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
During his first trip to India in 1962 Abbot George Burke (Swami Nirmalananda Giri) was blessed to spend time with the great Swami Sivananda at his ashram in Rishikesh. In this three-part podcast Abbot George shares his memories of this saint with visitors to our ... Continue reading
The post Remembering Sivananda, Podcast Part 2 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.
With this post, we begin our new Podcast section, which will be added to on a regular basis. These will be talks on meditation, practical aspects of spiritual life, memories of remarkable spiritual figures Abbot George has met, and much more. During his first trip to ... Continue reading
The post Podcast: Remembering Sivananda, Part 1 appeared first on Original Christianity and Original Yoga.