Sutras

Svadhyaya — the Study of Spiritual Teachings

by Kia Meaux

This month, we have chosen Svadhyaya—the sacred practice of self-study through spiritual teachings. More than simply reading spiritual texts, Svadhyaya invites us to seek wisdom that reveals our deepest nature, and then to bring that wisdom fully into the way we live, think, and serve. As Sri Swami Satchidananda often reminded us, it is far better to study a little and truly live it than to read extensively without allowing it to transform us.

I often find myself highlighting passages that deeply resonate—words that seem to speak directly to something within. Yet the real gift of such moments is not simply in recognizing truth, but in embodying it. When a teaching touches us deeply, we can turn it into an affirmation—a simple, heartfelt phrase in our own words that reminds us of what is true. In this way, wisdom becomes more than inspiration; it becomes a living force that gently reshapes old patterns of thought.

We can also bring teachings into action. Contentment becomes real when we pause each day to write down what we are grateful for. Compassion comes alive when we consciously offer one or two acts of kindness. The teachings begin to move from the page into our relationships, our choices, and our everyday moments.

While recently studying the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, I was deeply struck by the insight that so much of our suffering arises from how completely we identify with our thoughts. Then I remembered a suggestion that Asokananda shared during his visit last year. He encouraged us to begin meditation simply by welcoming whatever thoughts arise, witnessing them with openness and without judgment—a practice of gently loosening our identification with the mind. As I’ve begun working with this practice, I’ve found it profoundly helpful. It has brought a little more spaciousness, a little more freedom, and a little less getting lost in the changing currents of the mind throughout the day.

At the end of a full day, the thought of studying may sometimes feel like one more thing to do. But even a few paragraphs from The Golden Present can reconnect us with the truths we most want to live by. Each return to wisdom—however brief—plants another seed. And over time, those seeds quietly reshape not only the conscious mind, but the deeper layers of our being.

May you discover your own joyful and meaningful way to practice Svadhyaya, allowing the wisdom you study to become the wisdom you live.

Meditation for Mental Purification

by Diana Meltsner, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, YACEP

“A person can rise up through the efforts of his own mind; or in the same manner, draw himself down, for each person is his own friend or enemy.”
– Bhagavad Gita, 6.5 chapter The Yoga of Meditation

Yoga offers a method for purification of the body, the energetic field and the mind.

Most are familiar with the physical asana practice which conditions the body to make it a better functioning vehicle in our lives. Asanas help develop strength and flexibility. They improve circulation, function of the internal organs and balance the nervous system. Purification of the body and toxin elimination is part of the process. We let go.

Pranayama, breathing practices help to purify the energetic field. This is a more subtle region which is perceived with clarity by only a few. The process usually brings a little level of disturbance that is hard to pinpoint. When continued, pranayama starts to “clear the waters” and we begin to feel lighter and yet grounded. We start to think with clarity.

Mental purification comes indirectly from the practice of these two mentioned methods of yoga. The most direct path is through meditation. Some would say the mind is also purified through other paths like selfless service, prayer or spiritual study and inquiry.

What happens when meditating?
We cultivate attentiveness in two forms, concentration and open-awareness state. Practice of concentration creates a one-pointed mind which allows us to stay present with what we choose rather than a mind which is being constantly distracted and tossed around like a leaf in the wind. On the other hand, the developed broad sense of awareness allows many aspects of our being to coexist; the perception of the body’s sensations, the input from the senses and the mental world of thoughts and emotions.The practice of meditation gives us the ability to move with life while being aware of what is happening within us and around us with clarity. It gives us an opportunity to stay focused on what is important to us, what gives our life meaning.

What is this mental purification process in meditation?
As we meditate, we direct our attention to a chosen point generating positive and steady vibrational states. The ancient yogic text, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, recommends focusing on something that is uplifting. As we focus, the mind comes in with stories and narratives. Such thoughts distract us. As soon as we realize it, we recover our point of focus. We do this over and over again. In this process, the mind starts releasing echoes of old emotions and thought patterns. Some meditations can be very relaxing, soothing, even blissful, and some will expose our unconscious mental tendencies which can be startling to us and unpleasant. We let them out and let them be.

Just as detoxification of the body brings a bad taste to the mouth and perhaps some body odor, as we start purifying the mind, there is debris of the old, which we need to release. We also get a view of our current mental patterns. We expose fears and discontents and recognize how they affect our life. We learn to accept them and let them go.

Our developed one-pointed mind allows us to stay focused, and the broad, all encompassing awareness helps us to find clarity of the big picture. It is from this place of clarity that we have a choice to cultivate new mental tendencies, such as joy, wonder, compassion and tranquility. We invite these positive emotional states to accompany us in life.

Tara symbolizes pure compassion and is believed to possess the ability to guide followers, like a star, on their spiritual path.

Please join me for upcoming online meditation programs:
●      weekly online Guided Meditation on Sundays, 5:30-6pm PT,
●      celebration of World meditation Day online on Sunday December 21st all day
●      21-day Meditation Challenge online, Monday, January 6 – Sunday, January 25 2026 –  21-days @ 7:15 – 8:00am.