Swami Shivapadananda on the power of Integral Yoga. With satsang Q&A.
Swamiji speaks about Sri Ramakrishna preaching 'Integral Yoga' and not being 'one-sided' when it comes to Yoga. He says that's why all five yogas are represented by the form of Sri Hanumanji on Arjuna's flag (at the battle of Kurukshetra). Showing that if they're all integrated and brought to bear, there will be success.
Swamiji says we can't properly or fully function using just one arm of the various yogas, being 1. Raja yoga (regarded as 'the royal path' or the 'King' of the yogas, 2. Gyana/Jnana (knowledge), 3. *Karma (selfless work or service), 4. Bhakti (path of devotion, love), and 5. Hatha (physical exercises and postures designed to develop concentration). [*Different from karma – as in 'cause and effect' from previous births.]
Our mood and state of being changes throughout the day and we will and must have shifts from one yoga to another. So we must adapt it. Swamiji wraps up the thought by referring to the undefeated nature of Mother Amba.
Following what I think was the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa (not part of the recording), Swamiji tells the satsangis that when they sing they 'must taste the spirit of the words' which they sing. Not to just sing words, but focus on the sweetness and meaning.
Swamiji suggests to the officials of the branch that they start taking the weekly children's services to the homes of different devotees.
The people and children attending this satsang were so blessed. Swamiji covered several topics of such relevance to daily and spiritual life – including a general knowledge 'quiz' on the holy books of the different religions. Please do listen to the recording and see if you would have got them right, first time. 😉
There are some simply-explained examples of how the Hindu holy scriptures have been distilled down by the Wise Ones, into a practical, usable, every-day form for us.
Please click on the link below to listen. Jai Ramakrishna!
Duration: 12:25
The original audio recordings of these posts were made by close Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa and Swami Shivapadananda devotee, Mother Radha. The audio editing and noise reduction of the original 1970s tapes has been lovingly crafted, over many years, by her son and our gurubhai, Brother Tim. May Sri Ramakrishna and Swamiji bless them both.
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Links to broaden your knowledge: Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Sri Sarada Devi ashram, Durban