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Yama and Niyama Sadhana: A Pathway to the Guru Within by Pandit Tejomaya  Establishing an intimate relationship with the Guru within is one of the greatest benefits of a life of Sadhana; with such a Divine Friend, a Sadhaka is truly never alone!   In the eight years I have lived as a Vanaprastha, off grid in the literal and figurative forest, far from the gross presence of Lineage, this sacred friend has become my steadfast companion, guide, teacher, corrections officer, comforter.   Not only do we sit together in the meditation hut each morning where I can formally offer my prayers and devotion, but we speak together throughout the day in the way that a parent and infant speak, with a knowing that is beyond words.    Guru is within each of us. This is the reality of our Lineage.   If that Truth seems illusive or mysterious, there are practices which can help us to illuminate this sacred relationship.   I would like to share a simple, yet transformat...

Trinidad and the Himalayan Tradition: A Small Island, A Vast Spiritual Legacy by Vasant Basdeo   Nestled at the crossroads of the Caribbean and South America, Trinidad is more than just an island of sun-kissed beaches and vibrant festivals. It is a land of deep spiritual magnetism, where seekers have long been drawn to its sacred soil. The Mother Divine expresses herself here in the restless mud volcanoes that bubble with primordial energy, in the heated eruptions of the Pitch Lake—the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere—and in the ancient rhythm of the endangered leatherback turtles, who return year after year to nest on our shores, as if guided by an unseen force. This is a land that calls souls to its embrace, a place where seekers of truth have found refuge, wisdom, and a spiritual home. Yet, beyond its physical beauty and geological wonders, Trinidad embodies something far greater: the Lotus Principle in Yoga. Like the lotus, which blooms in the midst of murky wate...

  WHAT CAN WE OFFER — A CALL FOR PEACE   Creating a pleasant mind and a meditative voice is essential for bringing peace to our troubled world. When we cultivate our own states of gentle, joyful mindedness, we naturally develop a desire to help others. This allows us to soothe those who may be feeling anxious or worried.   Even if we feel powerless in the face of global challenges, we can still make a difference. Much like the butterfly effect, where the movement of a butterfly's wings can influence the weather across the globe, by our efforts to become the witness to our thoughts, calming our own minds and connecting to our innate wisdom within, we can thereby create ripples of peace in our surroundings.   Swami Veda’s teachings, through the Himalayan Yoga Tradition, encourage us to continually affirm that our personal spiritual growth, nurtured through the practice of meditation, serves as a vital foundation for cultivating peace ...

  Journey to the Inner Cave of the Self: Recurring Experiences of Full Moon Meditations   by Dowlat Budhram    Meditation has been a spiritual practice among Himalayan sages for millennia, passed down through the guru-shishya (guru-disciple) lineage. The Himalayan Mountains of India have long been home to these enlightened sages, who have shared their profound wisdom on various processes, disciplines, and practices with those eager to learn. These sages embodied the great spiritual teachings and imparted their knowledge of yogic principles to their disciples, who eventually became masters in the lineage. The wisdom of the Himalayan masters is not attributed to any single individual; rather, it is the culmination of thousands of years of divine inspiration from the Rishis—our first human scientists—who have enriched our understanding of life, human existence, and the cosmos.   Many spiritual paths and practices have evolve...

  In India, the birthplace of yoga, travelers on narrow, forested roads often find themselves face-to-face with elephants, particularly under the cover of night. In such moments, drivers—whether navigating cars, auto rickshaws, or buses—know to stop and maintain a respectful distance. This mindful pause prevents startling the majestic creature, which could provoke a charge. Patience becomes a virtue for both drivers and passengers, who, in the dim light, watch the gentle movement   of the elephant's rear as it moves slowly and deliberately back into the embrace of the forest. Himalayan yoga teacher and retreat leader Silvia Baratta recounted waiting behind one such elephant while living in India. Observing its rear end blocking the road, she envisioned what this mighty creature might be doing with its trunk. She imagined the sweeping motions and the rhythmic sway of the elephant's trunk, considering whether it could be removing debris. In that moment, a pr...