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Category: Swami Sivananda

1400 Articles

Devotional India Team 5647 Posts

July 8, 2025

Places for Meditation

Places for Meditation “One should perform his Yogic meditation in concentration on a level place, free from pebbles, fire, wind,...

Spiritual guru wearing red robes and flower garland peacefully seated

Meditation Room

Meditation Room Have a separate meditation room under lock and key. This is a sine qua non. Convert a room...

Swami Sivananda with disciples beside river discussing spiritual psychology together

Brahmamuhurta-Best Time for Meditation

Brahmamuhurta-Best Time for Meditation O Aspirants! Get up at Brahmamuhurta and practise meditation. Do not fail at any cost. Brahmamuhurta...

Portrait collage of Swami Sivananda with inspiring moments from his spiritual life and teachings

Halasana (Plough Pose)

Halasana (Plough Pose) When this pose is practised, it gives the exact appearance of a plough. Hala means a plough...

Swami Sivananda studying sacred scriptures surrounded by books and spiritual literature

Fruits of Meditation

Fruits of Meditation Even Indra, the Lord of the Devas, who is rolling in abundant wealth, cannot enjoy that bliss...

Swami Sivananda playing veena peacefully

Necessity for Meditation

Necessity for Meditation Meditation is the only way for attaining Immortality and Eternal Bliss. Those who do not concentrate and...

Person performing Surya Namaskara yoga posture outdoors

Sarvangasana (All Member’s Pose)

Sarvangasana (All Member’s Pose) This is a mysterious Asana which gives wonderful benefits. This is termed “all-members’ pose,” because all...

Swami Sivananda inspiring meditation and mind control

What Is Meditation?

What Is Meditation? “Dhyanam nirvishayam manah”:-That state of the mind wherein there are no Vishayas or sensual thoughts is meditation....

Swami Sivananda smiling peacefully inspiring prayers devotion wisdom and meditation

Sirshasana

Sirshasana TECHNIQUE Spread a fourfold blanket. Sit on the two knees. Make a finger-lock by interweaving the fingers. Place it...

Sathya Sai Baba with spiritual leader picture

Trataka or Gazing

Trataka or Gazing Trataka is steady gazing. Write the word OM in black on the wall. Sit in front of...

Spiritual master seated on garden swing image

Concentration on Anahata Sounds

Concentration on Anahata Sounds Dharana is the intense and perfect concentration of the mind upon some interior or exterior object...

Swami Sivananda meditating before serene Himalayan mountains

Sukhasana

Sukhasana Sukhasana is sitting at ease with the body erect. Spread the legs forward. Fold the left leg and place...

Swami Sivananda sitting outside and reading book.

Concentration on a Chair

Concentration on a Chair The subject of concentration is disgusting and tiring for the neophyte. But it is the most...

Jivanmukti and Videhamukti spiritual teachers standing with devoted disciples together

Svastikasana

Svastikasana Svastikasana is sitting at ease with the body erect. Spread the legs forward. Fold the left leg and place...

Exercises in Concentration

Exercises in Concentration I. Ask your friend to show you some playing cards. Immediately after the exposure, describe the forms...

Spiritual guru with disciples teaching Rules for Japa and devotion

Siddhasana

Siddhasana Next to Padmasana comes Siddhasana in importance. Some eulogise this Asana as even superior to Padmasana for the purpose...

Swami Sivananda with devotees and disciples at a spiritual gathering

Gist of Yoga of Concentration

Gist of Yoga of Concentration It is very difficult to say where concentration ends and meditation begins. Meditation follows concentration....

Concentration in Every Walk of Life

Concentration in Every Walk of Life Concentration is a very important qualification for a beginner in the spiritual path. Concentration...

Attention

Attention You must evince good interest in the practice of concentration. Then only your whole attention will be directed towards...

Spiritual guru meditating beside riverside wearing sacred shawl and garlands

Practice of Concentration

Practice of Concentration by Swami Sivananda Fix the mind on some object either within the body or without. Keep it...

Gurudev teaching devoted disciples beside peaceful riverside

padmasana

padmasana Padma means Lotus. When the Asana is demonstrated, it presents the appearance of a Lotus, in a way. Hence...

Swami Sivananda playing veena with joyful devotion

Tap All Powers

Tap All Powers 1. In all man’s struggles and attempts at achieving any desired end, there is in reality no...

Swami Sivananda playing veena on tiger skin.

Reduce Mind-Wandering

Reduce Mind-Wandering A scientist concentrates his mind and invents many things. Through concentration he open the layers of the gross...

Swami Sivananda seated in meditation beneath a tree, radiating peace, wisdom, and spiritual serenity

Know the Ways of Mind

Know the Ways of Mind Dharana is practised for stopping the modifications of the mind. Concentration is holding the mind...

Antarmukha and Bahirmukha Vrittis

Antarmukha and Bahirmukha Vrittis Antarmukha-Vritti You will get Antarmukha-Vritti (inward-moving mind) only after you have destroyed all the externalising powers...

Swami Rama Tirtha meditating peacefully seated

Aids to Concentration

Aids to Concentration Concentration or Dharana is centering the mind on one single thought. During concentration the mind becomes calm,...

Swami Sivananda teaching disciples during outdoor spiritual study session

Where to Concentrate?

Where to Concentrate? Concentrate gently either on the lotus of the heart (Anahata Chakra) or on the space between the...

Swami Sivananda and Paramahansa Yogananda collage image

Asanas for Dhyana (Meditation)

Asanas for Dhyana (Meditation) by Swami Sivananda Four Asanas are prescribed for the purposes of Japa and meditation. They are...

Ancient Indian yogi meditating in peaceful posture

What is Concentration?

What is Concentration? by Swami Sivananda “Desa-bandhas-chittasya dharana”:-Concentration is fixing the mind on an external object or an internal point....

Swami Sivananda meditating beneath sacred trees

Stotras – Prayer for Meditation

Stotras – Prayer for Meditation ॐ!! शिवध्यानम् !!शान्तं पद्मासनस्थं शशधरमुकुटं पन्चवक्रं त्रिनेत्रंशुलं वज्रं च खड्गं परशुमभयदं दक्षिणांगे बहन्तम् !नागं पाशं...

Surya Namaskara

Surya Namaskara The Suryanamaskara or offering prostrations to the Sun, is practised in the early morning or evening, facing the...

Concentration and Meditation

Concentration and Meditation by Swami Sivananda Concentration and meditation are the royal roads to perfection. Concentration leads to meditation. Fix...

Swami Sivananda with disciple beside Ganga at Rishikesh

Consequences Of Anger

Consequences Of Anger by Swami Sivananda A terrible fit of anger shatters the physical nervous system. It produces a lasting...

Swami Sivananda blessing devotee beside sacred food offering

Root Out Attachment

Root Out Attachment by Swami Sivananda Atman is Brahman or absolute or infinite or supreme being. It is existence absolute,...

Divine Life Society Rishikesh guru wearing flower garland seated peacefully

Special Instructions

Special Instructions by Swami Sivananda SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. Asanas should be practised in a well-ventilated, clean room where there is...

Swami Sivananda receiving Padma Shri national honor

Subtle Desires

Subtle Desires by Swami Sivananda The summum bonum of existence is the attainment of knowledge of the self, the realisation...

Swami Sivananda meditating in peaceful solitude

Annihilate The Ego

Annihilate The Ego by Swami Sivananda Study the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi. He never made any difference between menial service...

Swami Sivananda seated during Samyama meditation outdoors

Ignorance

Ignorance by Swami Sivananda The mind is a creation of avidya! (ignorance) and it is the effect of avidya. The...

Swami Sivananda with flower garland spreading love and goodness

Difficulties Strengthen You

Difficulties Strengthen You by Swami Sivananda Difficulties come to test you and thereby to help you by strengthening your will,...

Brave All Trials

Brave All Trials by Swami Sivananda Trials, difficulties, troubles and sufferings are necessary for your purification and to strengthen your...

Swami Sivananda teaching Karma Yoga principles

Good Vision

Good Vision by Swami Karunananda Lost in the never-ending and ever-increasing distractions and sensual excitement of modern living, man is...

Swami Sivananda meditating peacefully beside a sacred river

Words of Wisdom

Words of Wisdom by Swami Sivananda One’s individual ego, preconceived notions, pet ideas prejudices and selfish interests should be given...

Swami Sivananda blessing devotees with raised hand

The Glimpse and The Goal

The Glimpse and The Goal by Swami Sivananda When you get a flash of illumination, do not be frightened. It...

Swami Sivananda wearing garland symbolizing self-surrender

Supreme Peace Is Your Goal

Supreme Peace Is Your Goal by Swami Sivananda Every man in the world is restless and is striving after something....

Swami Sivananda with devotees during satsang image

Strive

Strive by Swami Sivananda Strive. Strive to realise God. This is the purpose of human birth. The perfection of the...

Swami Sivananda with disciple in peaceful pose image

Depression and Devotion

Depression and Devotion by Swami Sivananda Every aspirant in the spiritual path becomes a victim to the mood of depression...

Swami Sivananda with fellow monks photograph image

Persevere in Sadhana

Persevere in Sadhana by Swami Sivananda Let the sadhana (spiritual practice) always be regular, continuous, unbroken and earnest. Not only...

Soul Power

Soul Power by Swami Sivananda O man! Do not be discouraged when sorrows, difficulties and tribulations manifest in the daily...

Swami Sivananda guiding devotees during outdoor meditation session

Body Is Not I

Body Is Not I by Swami Sivananda This is a world of diversity. Intellects are different; faces are different; sounds...

Swami Sivananda with disciples beside a riverside

World Is the Body Of God

World Is the Body Of God by Swami Sivananda The universe is a mirror in which is reflected the being...

Learn from Sleep

Learn from Sleep by Swami Sivananda Study the condition of deep sleep, where there is neither the play of the...

How Impressions are Formed

How Impressions are Formed by Swami Sivananda An experience in the sense plane sinks into the depths of the subconscious...

Swami Sivananda portrait with flower garland and peaceful expression

Flexibility

Flexibility by Swami KarunanandaThe grasses bow before the gale and again raise their heads to the midday sun. The proud...

Devotees gathered around Sri Swami Sivananda during a spiritual discourse and devotional gathering

Be Firm in Wisdom

Be Firm in Wisdom by Swami Sivananda Viveka (wisdom) gives inner strength and mental peace. A viveki (wise one) gets...

Swami Sivananda seated in peaceful meditation outdoors

Rise Above the Two Moods

Rise Above the Two Moods by Swami Sivananda In vedanta there are only two kinds of moods – joy, exultation...

Swami Sivananda blessing Swami Sivananda Radha outdoors

Your Real Nature

Your Real Nature by Swami Sivananda Do you know who you are? I shall tell you. Hear me. You are...

Am I The I?

Am I The I? by Swami Sivananda You say, “This is my body” this indicates that you are different from...

Treacherous Mind

Treacherous Mind by Swami Sivananda Mind is very treacherous. It will hurl you down into the abyss of ignorance. It...

How to Cultivate Right Thinking

How to Cultivate Right Thinking by Swami Sivananda Every thought has an image, form, dimension, weight, shape, colour, etc. Thought...

Swami Sivananda giving Vedantic sadhana guidance

Change Your Habits

Change Your Habits by Swami Sivananda Mind is a bundle of habits. Bad habits and prejudices, hidden in one’s nature,...

Swami Sivananda wearing beautiful flower garlands

Training of the Mind

Training of the Mind by Swami Sivananda If a pebble in our shoe torments us, we expel it. Once the...

Swami Sivananda teaching Maya and Avidya

Discipline of the Mind

Discipline of the Mind by Swami Sivananda You must have a pure mind if you want to realise the self....

Perfection

Perfection by Swami Sivananda The essential qualification for a sadhu (man of renunciation) is that he should adapt himself to...

Sri Swami Sivananda meditating peacefully beside a river in serene surroundings

Self-Realisation

Self-Realisation by Swami Sivananda There is no other duty for man except meditation on the self. Dismissing all else, one...

Persevere in Sadhana

Persevere in Sadhana by Swami Sivananda Let the sadhana (spiritual practice) always be regular, continuous, unbroken and earnest. Not only...

Sri Swami Sivananda with fellow monks and disciples near a peaceful lakeside

What is Satyam?

What is Satyam? by Swami Sivananda God is truth. He can be realised only by speaking truth and observing truth...

Introduction to Yogasanas

Introduction to Yogasanas by Swami Sivananda I bow with folded hands, crores of times, to Brahman, the destroyer of all...

Spiritual master blessing devotees during Become a Jivanmukta spiritual gathering

The Six Darshanas

The Six Darshanas These are the intellectual section of the Hindu writings, while the first four are intuitional, and the...

The Agamas

The Agamas Another class of popular scriptures are the Agamas. The Agamas are theological treatises and practical manuals of divine...

The Puranas

The Puranas The Puranas are of the same class as the Itihasas. They have five characteristics (Pancha-Lakshana) viz., history, cosmology...

Vedantic guru meditating before Himalayan mountains inspiring spiritual wisdom peacefully

The Itihasas

The Itihasas THE FRIENDLY TREATISES AND THE COMMANDING TREATISES There are four books under this heading: The Valmiki-Ramayana, the Yogavasishtha,...

Goswami Tulsidas seated in peaceful meditation pose

The Smritis

The Smritis Next in importance to the Sruti are the Smritis or secondary scriptures. These are the ancient sacred law-codes...

Swami Sivananda radiating divine light and universal goodness

Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers Q. Is it right to say that Pranayama is unnecessary in the practice of Raja Yoga? A....

The Srutis

The Srutis The Srutis are called the Vedas, or the Amnaya. The Hindus have received their religion through revelation, the...

Swami Sivananda joyfully blessing devoted young disciple

Dharana (Concentration)

Dharana (Concentration) CONCENTRATION ON SOLAR PLEXUS Solar plexus is often called the abdominal brain. It is an important centre of...

Swami Sivananda holding sacred spiritual books

Resources

Resources In this section, you will find articles that are grouped on taking and transcending the first steps in your...

Sanskrit Literature

Sanskrit Literature Sanskrit literature can be classified under six orthodox heads and four secular heads. The six orthodox sections form...

Swami Sivananda holding young child lovingly

Pranic Healing

Pranic Healing Those who practise Pranayama, can impart their Prana in healing morbid diseases. They can also recharge themselves with...

Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda beside the sacred Ganges

Importance and Benefits of Pranayama

Importance and Benefits of Pranayama “The illusory Samsaric Vasana, that has arisen through the practice of many lives, never perishes...

Spiritual master reading sacred scripture image

Main Obstacles in Yoga Sadhana

Main Obstacles in Yoga Sadhana by Swami Sivananda Real aspirants who thirst for Self-realisation should be absolutely honest in every...

Swami Sivananda sharing simple living and wisdom daily

Light on Yoga Sadhana

Light on Yoga Sadhana by Swami Sivananda Question: In “Practical Lessons on Yoga” it is stated that Bandha Traya can be...

Meditating spiritual master writing sacred teachings image

Inner Yogic Discipline

Inner Yogic Discipline by Swami Sivananda I Yoga is the discipline of the mind, senses and the physical body. Yoga...

Spiritual teachers beside peaceful lakeside image

Practical Yogic Instructions

Practical Yogic Instructions by Swami Sivananda Control your senses. Calm your mind. Still the bubbling thoughts. Fix the mind on...

Relaxation

Relaxation The practice of relaxing the muscles of the body will bring rest to the body and to the mind...

Two revered Hindu monks standing together image

Practice of Yoga Sadhana

Practice of Yoga Sadhana by Swami Sivananda Meditate regularly on your ideal. Strive to live in it. Weed out the...

Swami Sivananda seated peacefully beside sacred riverbank meditating

Sivananda’s Pranayama

Sivananda’s Pranayama Technique: Sit comfortably on a chair, sofa or easy-chair. Draw the air through both nostrils, as long as...

Swami Sivananda with disciples group photograph image

Structure of Yoga Sadhana

Structure of Yoga Sadhana by Swami Sivananda Ethical discipline is incumbent for success in Yoga. Ethical discipline is the practice...

Swami Sivananda seated with flower garland smiling peacefully

Need for Yoga Sadhanav

Need for Yoga Sadhana by Swami Sivananda Why should you prolong your bondage unnecessarily? Why should you not claim your...

Swami Sivananda the benevolent spiritual master inspiring seekers with compassion

Kevala Kumbhaka

Kevala Kumbhaka Kumbhaka is of two kinds, viz., Sahita and Kevala. That which is coupled with inhalation and exhalation is...

Swami Sivananda walking with devotees under umbrella

An Essential Condition

An Essential Condition by Swami Sivananda In the Upanishads the Atman is described as beyond the mind and speech. In...

Swami Sivananda with disciples beside a peaceful lake

Eight Fundamentals of Raja Yoga

Eight Fundamentals of Raja Yoga by Swami Sivananda The eight fundamentals or accessories of Raja Yoga, as it has been...

Swami Sivananda with disciples historic group photograph image

Raja Yoga Sadhana

Raja Yoga Sadhana by Swami Sivananda The earliest Seers who realised the Truth have explained the cosmic process as the...

Swami Sivananda addressing devotees with compassion

Plavini

Plavini Practice of this Pranayama demands skill on the part of the student. He who practises this Plavini can do...

Swami Sivananda blessing a seated devotee

Manasic Puja

Manasic Puja by Swami Sivananda Manasic Puja or mental worship is more powerful than external Puja of the Murti with...

Murchha

Murchha Sit in your Asana and inhale. Retain the breath. Do Jalandhara Bandha by pressing the chin against the chest....

Swami Sivananda with devotee smiling together image

Bhramari

Bhramari Sit on Padmasana or Siddhasana. Inhale rapidly through both nostrils making sound of Bhramara, the bee, and exhale rapidly...

Swami Sivananda seated peacefully symbolizing God's existence

Idol Worship

Idol Worship by Swami Sivananda Idol or Murthy (Vigraha), Sun, Fire, Water, Ganga, Saligram, Linga are all symbols or Prateekas...

Swami Sivananda with disciple during spiritual guidance and meditation

Bhastrika

Bhastrika In Sanskrit Bhastrika means ‘bellows’. Rapid succession of forcible expulsion is a characteristic feature of Bhastrika. Just as a...

Swami Sivananda blessing devoted disciple with compassion

The Gist of Bhakti Yoga Sadhana

The Gist of Bhakti Yoga Sadhana by Swami Sivananda Select an Ishta Devata either Siva, Krishna, Rama, Vishnu, Dattatreya, Gayatri...

Swami Sivananda inspiring love service meditation

Sitali

Sitali Protrude the tongue a little away from the lips. Fold the tongue like a tube. Draw in the air...

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