Goddess Saraswati is a manifestation of Adhya Shakti, the divine feminine power of all creation, affectionately viewed by Her devotees as Divine Mother. Among Her many qualities and manifestations, She is the source of all knowledge, science and art.

The following are some practical techniques and words of wisdom for dealing with fear, from the one who has guided me through life’s challenges more effectively than any other: Paramahansa Yogananda.

Thousands of years ago, beyond the scope of scholarly research, the rishis (seers) of ancient India created a society and culture wherein religion, art and science thrived in harmony, without any competition or need of comparison.

Rather than give judgment, I share the following method that I have found most helpful in my quest for divine sugar amidst the sands of this world. A new teacher, a new technique, a new remedy, a kirtan style, a conference, a guru, an astrological reading or a quote from the Vedas on Facebook—all of this is a mixture of sand and sugar, all looking alike.

I said, “Jyoti, I’d love to, but I’m busy. I have to get this important project done.”

“Busy?” His tone was strong and confronting, but the undercurrent of his love and respect for me did not change.

“I’m sure in your past lives you were busy, maybe even a monk working on all sorts of projects for the Church. Yes, busy, all the time busy for something ‘important’. And look where that got you! Not very far. How many more lifetimes do you want to be busy? Busy doing what?”

La última vez que vi a Jyoti (Brahmachari Francis) fue hace aproximadamente un año cuando vino de visita a Kali Mandir en Laguna Beach. Llegó acompañado de otros monjes de SRF, queridos amigos míos, quienes querían verme y conocer el santuario de la Madre. Me sentí muy conmovido. Cuando llegaron, cada uno entró al templo donde Dakshineshwari Kali ha sido ritualmente adorada desde 1993, sin parar un sólo día.

Nirvana Shatakam is attributed to the great Adi Shankara. In this short treatise he defines all that we are not (neti, neti—not this, not that), and positively affirms that we are Spirit. This declaration, "I am He" or "I am Spirit" is a common interpretation of "Shivohum" which has several literal meanings in Sanskrit…

Feet are beautiful, full of character and extremely useful. They also are often the most dirty part of the body because of their contact with the ground. Did you know that there is an important etiquette regarding feet in India?