The teaching is “you are the whole, whole is Bhagavan, parameśvara”. The guru who is teaching this is not looked upon as different from what s/he is teaching. S/he is teaching “you are the whole” therefore s/he is the whole. Guru is the whole, he or she. The whole is Brahman. The whole is parameśvara. He is teaching that oneness, wholeness. It is the content of the teaching that makes the link as a guru. Just a link for this knowledge to flow. That is the only knowledge available. Tad eva jñānam.

“Reflecting on these few thoughts, may we remember the lessons learned this year and take them into the new year. Let us make a special effort not to carry over the negative behaviors of 2020. Let us transfer all the worthwhile behaviors that we developed; like yoga, japa, meditation, quiet time observing nature, and practicing a healthy diet into the new year. And most of all, may we continue to work with each other regardless of our differences. One thing we definitely learned is that we have in our minds many perceived enemies developed by our biases, and Covid didn't care for any of it. Covid treated us all the same. Covid was dangerous for all of us, regardless of our differences of opinion and biases. In fighting Covid, we found some commonality. Let that commonality, neighborliness, empathy, care, and kindness lead us into the New Year. May you all have a happy and prosperous new year!”

“Bhagavad Gita has influenced many thinkers, including Mahatma Gandhi, Aldous Huxley, Henry David Thoreau, J. Robert Oppenheimer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Carl Jung, Bulent Ecevit, Hermann Hesse, Heinrich Himmler, Nikola Tesla, and many others.

When the first atomic bomb was successfully detonated on July 16, 1945 in the Trinity test in New Mexico, Robert Oppenheimer, "the father of the atomic bomb," quoted verses from the Bhagavad Gita (this can be found on YouTube).

Sunita Williams, the American astronaut who holds the record for longest single space flight by a woman, carried a copy of the Bhagavad Gita with her during her space flight.”

“Today, the word Guru is commonly used in everyday language for many other reasons. There are words like Stock Guru, Cooking Guru, Martial Arts Guru, Yoga Guru, and many other titles different from its original meaning and importance. However, the original use of the word Guru represents a spiritual tradition that transfers knowledge from teachers to students, but with an important variant. The knowledge that the authentic Guru passes down to the Shishya (student) was not originated or discovered by him or her. The knowledge that the authentic Guru transmits came from his Guru; he received it from his Guru, who received it from her Guru, who received it from her Guru, and so on, until finally we get to the “original Guru.” You may ask, “Who is the first Guru?”

Happy Pride Month all over the world! Universal Philosophy and Religion is proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ community.

"Arrived late for class. My instructor shouted at me to get my Asana Mat."

"Anne was struggling with basic yoga, but remained determined. And where Anne Hatha-Will, Anne Hatha-way."

and my favorite...

"A cartoon bear on TV taught me to breathe. He was a Yogi."

Universal Philosophy and Religion wishes you a Happy, Healthy, and Holistic International Yoga Day this June 21st, 2020!

Now, how do we cross the bridge towards equality? Isn’t it bizarre that we are actually debating why we should be treated equally? We have gotten so caught up with our own lives, our own progress, that we turn away when someone else is in need of help. We judge others based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc., and maintain that we are superior to others in some way. Therefore, other people’s concerns and cries for help become unimportant and insignificant to us.

What happened?

Have you looked at the lives of the wonderful people who “give back” or “pay it forward”?

They are much happier, aren’t they?

What is their secret?

Their secret is Seva.

“Replace your negative and limiting thoughts with positive self-empowering thoughts.”

"I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. He taught me that if you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it at full speed ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good.” - Ronald Dahl

“Dream big & expect great results. Think it, believe it, and watch it happen.” -Sri Rajaji

We have so much to be grateful for that it’s amazing some people go about their day without expressing gratitude. Every one of us receives many benefits daily without asking for them. Somehow, we tend to forget how fortunate we are as receivers which is very unfortunate.

Here’s an idea:

Try this when you feel like things are not going in your favor…

"Spend more time by yourself, impressing yourself. You are already impressive.” -Sri Rajaji

Observe, analyze, and then act, instead of reacting based on your programmed emotional response.

Today, we are facing a crisis.  How does one get the mental strength to face this crisis and other future crises?  The very word “mental” gives a hint to the solution. When I refer to “mental fortitude”, I am referring to an internal and emotional strength of mind.  The goal is to make your “mental” attitude strong like a fort. To accomplish this, you have to change your mindset and thinking patterns. You have to change the way you currently think if it’s not helping you handle your crises, whatever they may be.

We are all going through a very stressful time due to COVID-19. And with the daily news of the catastrophic effects of the virus, we become more anxious and scared. Since there is no immediate solution to this pandemic at this time, fear and frustration enter the mind and can overpower us. Quarantine makes it even more difficult as each day unfolds.

Pranayama strengthens the respiratory system, and as a result, makes the lungs stronger to withstand viruses, the common cold, and other respiratory diseases.

Your enjoyment of peace is always disturbed. And your search for peace is constantly challenged.