Author: Lavanya Waechter

Bhakti and Upasana

Bhakti and Upasana

Nov 25, 2018 | |

Bhakti and Upasana Editor’s Note: Swami Amritageetananda Puri, one of Amma’s senior-most disciples, gives us valuable insight into Amma’s teachings. Swamiji addresses the question, “what does it mean to express our love for God by worshiping a form of God?” Through his rich stories and metaphors, he describes the play of God between form and the formless and deepens our understanding of form worship in Indian culture. (The term ”upasana” will be explained farther below.) He also helps us see what values are important to remember when worshiping God in any way, shape or form. Values such as seeing God...

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IDY 2018 – A Celebration of Authentic Yoga

IDY 2018 – A Celebration of Authentic Yoga

Oct 15, 2018 | |

IDY 2018 – A Celebration of Authentic Yoga On June 21st 2018, International Day of Yoga was celebrated the world over. This celebration of authentic Yoga was initiated at the United Nations General Assembly on December 11th 2014 by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The proposal reminded the world that Yoga is a gift from the India to the world, one that unifies all people in harmony. As he stated: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a...

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Amma’s Birthday; A Celebration of Divine Love

Amma’s Birthday; A Celebration of Divine Love

Sep 30, 2018 | |

Amma’s Birthday; A Celebration of Divine Love Amma’s birthday celebrations are over.  In a sense though, they are only a series of spiritual, cultural and charitable activities. Elaborate pujas and yajnas begin in puja rooms and yajna shalas but they don’t end there. Our gurus and scriptures have taught us that God almighty Himself has manifested as the entire creation, and true worship is serving the entire creation, realizing its entire cosmic form. This is why Amma taught us to give equal importance to worship and service. (“Yajna” refers to Hindu rituals and offering ceremonies normally done in front...

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MA OM Meditation and Mantra Japa

MA OM Meditation and Mantra Japa

Sep 23, 2018 | |

MA OM Meditation and Mantra Japa A bright blue-green sea with the sun going down was the view facing Amma, where She sat under the palms, encircled by her devotees on the sand. After leading a short meditation, Amma answered a question from a brahmachari: “What is the difference between mantra japa and the Ma Om technique as sadhana (spiritual practice)?” Amma responded, “All these practices are for us to go deep inside ourselves. God and Guru are within, but the mind perceives the external world and misses the Truth. Amma remembers the story of a crow from her...

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Yoga Retreats at Amritapuri

Yoga Retreats at Amritapuri

Sep 16, 2018 | , |

Yoga Retreats at Amritapuri “Amrita Yoga has opened me to the real feeling of the deeper journey into my purpose. I feel a new connection with myself, with my heart and my body.”  – Anthony Irles ​In India, it is believed that the greatest gift is knowledge. Yoga and meditation were divined in ancient India by rishis (sages or seers) to help people achieve a healthy balance in mind and body. They work together to help us gain higher consciousness. It is in this spirit that Amrita Yoga retreats are offered. Classes are taught by longtime ashram monastics, residents...

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