In the view of yoga, it is the eternal soul which expresses as light and consciousness through our thoughts, feelings and physical body. The confusion and delusion of maya, however, often keep us unaware of the soul. Yogis seek to discover the reality beyond maya and have developed many wonderful practices to contact soul and Spirit. Your life can be enriched and fulfilled by knowing and abiding in the immortal, blissful true self.

Yogis have found that a focus on goodness is the secret to a fulfilling life. Daily we have the choice to seek pleasure or goodness. Swami Chidbhavananda in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita writes that the choice of goodness is a turning point on the spiritual path and a prerequisite for enlightenment. Explore how to become more fulfilled through a life focused on goodness. It not only advances spiritual growth but also leads to increased happiness.

Yogis and spiritual people around the world seek to become awake to the Divine. They endeavor to live in a state of grace no matter what is going on in the world. Their hearts are flooded with love, the essence of the Infinite Spirit. It helps them to choose to do the right thing and to build community wherever they are. Ups and downs come into every life and often bring crisis. You have the choice to live in crisis or in a state of grace and love.

Yogis describe life as a lila, a divine play. Practicing the Stage Light technique as described in the Panchadasi helps us become aware that the light of the soul is always shining on our lives. This develops into the realization that life is a divine play and we are individual lights interplaying with the Infinite Light. We behold the material world as a manifestation of Spirit. Living with an awareness of the soul and its gifts of light and consciousness can bring great joy, bliss and love into your life.

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.