In this heartfelt introduction to Yoga World, Ramakrishna Ananda shares how authentic yoga harmonizes body, mind, and spirit, leading one from stress into peace, joy, and levels of higher awareness. Drawing from his own journey and the wisdom of a number of prominent yogis, you are invited to explore Yoga World and discover yoga’s power to reveal the true self.

Yogis have found that bliss, joy and love are at the core of our being. Yoga practices allow us to discover and abide in the joy that is the true self. The canvas technique is one way of getting to know the soul. Through it you can begin to sense the true self within and in all people. Getting to know yourself as a soul brings more joy and fulfillment into your life.

When we are hurting, our pain often feels so strong that we disconnect from God. Yogis recommend that in these times we recognize the reality of the Divine Principle, the ultimate source and cause out of which everything comes. As we tune in with the Lord, His attributes can manifest, bringing powerful inspiration and change. Explore three actions to take when you feel powerless. You can rise above the pain and chaos by living with an awareness of the Divine Principle.

Meditation is based on the Latin term meditari, meaning to center in your true nature. Meditators use one of two general approaches, both which can bring marvelous experiences of higher awareness. Allow your nature to guide you — pick the one which is easiest for you. Either approach can lead to ecstatic experiences of higher consciousness and the discovery of your true self.

Yogis seek joy and the source of joy. They have found that all delight comes from the atman (soul) even though it may appear to come from people and events in the outer world. You can find and abide in the bliss of the soul by focusing on the joy found in daily life and tracing it back to its source. This experience of direct enjoyment is a major theme in yoga. You can follow the flow of joy home and live in the peace, love and bliss of the soul.

The yogic view is that the soul is our true nature. It is the abode of bliss, love and light within us. Retreats provide an opportunity to contact and align with our inner self. Here you can find various teachings and practices from yoga, as well as a series of reflections about the meaning, goal and purpose of your life. Retreats provide opportunities to discover and live from the joy of the inner self.

We all seek happiness and become fulfilled when our true needs are met. The question is:  what are our true needs and how are they met? Mystics tell us that one secret to finding lasting satisfaction is to receive. To do this we need to make room in our lives, opening ourselves to the good which we seek. We can learn how to prepare for more joy, peace and happiness by making space to receive.

Formless meditation is a jnana (wisdom) yoga practice which enables one to transcend the limitations of the false sense of self and discover Spirit within and everywhere. Explore eight formless meditation techniques to help you enter into soul awareness and contact with the Infinite Spirit. Formless meditation may become your favorite way to experience the peace, joy and freedom of the soul.

Dedicated yoga practice leads to bliss and ecstasy. Yogis realize that life is a lila, a divine play or dance. They aspire to be instruments through whom Spirit moves and expresses. Enjoy insights from a jazz pianist as he demonstrates how to be a conscious instrument. Discover your inner sense of harmony and sing your love and light to the world.