General Articles 
Swami Rama on YouTube
27 August, 2016 @ 8:18 am
Swami Rama is on YouTube.
When it comes to Sannyasis, use of Samadhi appears to be a fashion. Is it a word used to refer to the death of a Sannyasi?
20 July, 2016 @ 10:19 pm
Mahasamadhi is the yogic process of consciously leaving the body at the moment of death, having gathered the pranas in the heart center and then utilizing the udana-vayu to conduct the pranas from the body through the “solar gate,” the brahma-randhra at the crown of the head. Such a yogi returns to rebirth only by choice.
Yoga Sutra 2.33, Part 2
5 July, 2016 @ 12:46 am
“Words Don’t Teach, but the Application of Words in Everyday Life Does” Yoga sutra 2.33 (vitarka badhane pratipaksha bhavanam)* vitarka = uncertainty, doubt, questionable badhane = opposing, removal, suspended, annulment pratipaksha = opposition, opposite, adversary bhavanam = thought, manifesting, producing, imagining Yoga Sutra 2.33 says, “When negative thoughts present themselves cultivate and think the opposite thoughts with feeling;”1 “To obstruct thoughts which are inimical to Yoga contrary thoughts will be brought. 2 And, Swami Veda says, “When misratiocinations (When logic and reason have gone haywire [Editors’ definition of misratiocinations]) and deviant thoughts present themselves one should counter these by cultivating and impressing upon oneself the opposite principles in contemplation.”
Is it possible to attain samadhi without having a guru?
27 June, 2016 @ 11:10 pm
Guru is not necessarily a separate physical being. Understanding the connection/immersion of the self with the greater Self is important as there is no separation when realization occurs. Guidance happens then when the connection is made because Ego disappears and that is what samadhi is about.
Applications Now Being Taken for the Gurukulam Program
19 June, 2016 @ 9:21 am
The Gurukulam, Swami Rama Institute of Meditation and Interfaith Studies, is a residential program based on a tradition that has perpetuated itself since the ancient Vedic times. As such it is developed to train and educate aspirants so that spirituality would permeate the whole of their lives. It was established in 2003.
Lucas, Bhishma, and Swami Veda’s Blessing
6 June, 2016 @ 12:19 am
It must have been 11 PM -Ecuadorean time- the 18th of August, 2012. We were at our dear friend Gisella’s wedding reception when I received an e-mail from Swamiji (he was writing from London): “Dear Gustavo and Cintamani: I am missing Lucas and often thinking of him. He received the 'blessing' I normally give to very young children. His mantra will come when he is between 8 or 9 if you can bring him to me even though I will be in silence. Thank you so much, for making my visit so comfortable, fruitful and enjoyable. With many blessings -- swami veda bharati now in London”
Yoga Sutra 2.33, Part 1
5 June, 2016 @ 12:23 am
“Words Don’t Teach, but the Application of Words in Everyday Life Does” Yoga sutra 2.33 (vitarka badhane pratipaksha bhavanam)* vitarka = uncertainty, doubt, questionable badhane = opposing, removal, suspended, annulment pratipaksha = opposition, opposite, adversary bhavanam = thought, manifesting, producing, imagining
Please tell me about sun gazing in the morning/evening as a practice of Tratak to improve steadiness of mind.
29 May, 2016 @ 11:18 pm
In the Himalayan tradition Trataka practice is done in steps where one starts the Trataka practice by gazing a reflection of a flame. Trataka practice is only done when one has learned basic breathing practices.
To which Guru am I linked? Do we need a physical presence to be guided, to receive eventually shaktipata when, of course we are ready?
25 April, 2016 @ 11:21 pm
The Guru is a force of consciousness (cit-shakti) that moves through people because we need form in order to comprehend. It is the same Guru that moves through Swami Rama, Swami Veda or a regular yoga teacher to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the degree of emotional purification and the degree to which there person can move their ego out of the way. In our tradition, it is Swami Rama that gives the mantras.
Art of Shavasana: Subtleties of Deep Relaxation and Meditation
16 April, 2016 @ 3:07 pm
Guided practices done in shavasana will be taught in proper sequence, so students can better absorb and assimilate the effects and awarenesses which the posture and practices have generated.