Category Archives: The Yamas & Niyamas

Surrender (Part 2)

In his poem called Tripping Over Joy, the poet Hafiz gives us much to reflect on regarding surrender. He portrays life as a chess game with the Divine. Most of us, he notes, take playing the game much too seriously. … Continue reading

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Surrender (Part 1)

“Don’t look for peace. Don’t look for any other state than the one you are in now; otherwise, you will set up inner conflict and unconscious resistance. Forgive yourself for not being at peace. The moment you completely accept your … Continue reading

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Self-Study (Part 2)

“Know yourself as a breathing being.” -Pandit Rajmani Tigunait What comes to your mind as you hear these words from Pandit Rajmani? I am taken back to my years in seminary, sitting in my Old Testament class. The story that … Continue reading

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Self-Study: Who Am I? (Part 1)

“Who are you God, and who am I?” – St Francis of Assisi I would like to share a poem written by a fifth grade girl that I know well and who brings joy and wonderment to my life. She … Continue reading

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Tapas: the Heat of Self-Discipline [Part 2]

“Take your medicine first.” – Narvada Puri  The word medicine conjures up many unpleasant memories from my childhood. I can almost taste the medicine my parents gave me when I was sick so that I would feel better. They always … Continue reading

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Tapas: the Heat of Self-Discipline (Part I)

“Practice that ignites our inner fire, brings out our inner radiance, and makes us vibrant and energetic is tapas.” -Pandit Rajmani Tigunait Who of us would not like to have more vibrancy and inner glow? After all, isn’t this the … Continue reading

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Contentment, are You Kidding? [Part 2]

We must forgive reality for being what it is. – Richard Rohr [paraphrased] When we are constantly embracing the moment or fighting against it, we turn this world into a problem to be solved. Think about this. Our constant tactic … Continue reading

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Contentment, Are You Kidding? [Part 1]

“We are confused about what is going to make us happy.” -Sam Harris The times we live in seem like an impossible place to find contentment. There are outer voices luring us to buy, to fear, to despair. There is … Continue reading

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