This is the first in a series focusing on the words and teachings of a number of spiritual giants:  Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Sarada Devi, Jesus Christ and Krishna. Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886) was a great yogi whose teachings changed the world. Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902), Sri Ramakrishna’s leading disciple, brought the teachings of yoga to the West.

Those practicing sannyas seek to release the ego and selfish life in order to free the soul to express. The renunciation practice of sannyas is a pivot point in spiritual evolution from a selfish, animalistic motive and attitude to a spiritual, loving and giving way of life. It is essential for anyone seeking to evolve from an ego focus to soul expression.

Our relationship with truth is a primary factor in our happiness and success on the spiritual path. When we compromise the truth through our thoughts, feelings and actions, we create negative karmas (causes and effects). As we practice truthfulness, we become willing to examine our mistakes and learn from them. Discover how you can live a happy, fulfilled life through the practice of truthfulness.

Yogis through the ages have retreated to the Himalayas to meditate and focus on spiritual growth. Every day from 4 to 6 AM for most of their lives, these Himalayan yogis meditate for the benefit of humanity. They send out their love and light to bless the world. You can also attune with them, be uplifted and share in their mission of worldwide love, peace and understanding.

There are two types of brooding — positive and negative — and they bring widely varying results. Brooding on Spirit and Its attributes of love, light, joy, harmony and abundance brings upliftment. Dwelling on negative objects only increases the turbulence of mind and emotions.

We have been given the gift of life and one day our bodies will pass away. During this life we have the opportunity to realize and express spiritual values. Yoga provides practices which can help us grow on the spiritual path.

There are signs in meditation which can serve as hints or guideposts. These signs encourage and help us correct our course. There are five sheaths which serve as layers or veils covering the soul. The practices of yoga are designed to help us progress through the sheaths and beyond.

Meditation is an excellent tool for discovering the inner self. Yogis seek to center in their true nature and abide in that consciousness. While there are many ways to meditate, there are four main approaches. Try each of these basic approaches and see which one works best for you.

Blissful brooding is a method of reflection and attunement which can lead to spiritual awareness. Through brooding, we seek to rise beyond the constant thoughts and feelings which block our awareness of Spirit. The practice is to calmly watch our part of the world while we keep our attention centered in the heart chakra (inside the spine in back of the heart).

An important function of being alive is the ability to learn. Through life’s experiences, we learn and create samskaras (impressions in our nervous system) which become habits. Yogis seek to create new samskaras and form beneficial habits which lead to happiness and fulfillment.