Ask A Swami - Devotion and Being a Disciple

In this podcast episode of Ask A Swami, Swami Matananda explores the challenges of relaxation and rest, including the guilt we might feel when we slow down. Why is it be so difficult to slow down in today’s world? How can we invite more relaxation into our daily lives?Swami Matananda reminds us that relaxation is more than taking time to rest; it is a practice. By viewing relaxation as an active practice, we can learn to recognize moments of tension, let go of the pressure to always be doing something and cultivate a greater sense of ease in our everyday lives.

In this episode of Ask a Swami, Swami Sukhananda reflects on the importance of understanding one's purpose in daily life. Drawing on the teachings of dharma and her experience in the Yoga Development Course, she explores how understanding and collaborating with your purpose through daily action can bring greater quality and ease into life. Got questions that need answers? Submit them to this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...The responses shared will be grounded in the personal experiences of our teachers, offered in the Yasodhara way – personal, symbolic and deeply meaningful. Please note that not all submitted questions will be responded to in the series.

In this episode of Ask a Swami, Swami Padmananda reflects on the lessons of grief and how spiritual practice can help us meet sorrow with compassion, presence and courage. Whether you're navigating a recent loss or carrying grief from years past, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into living with grief while remaining open to love, connection and meaning.Got questions that need answers? Submit them to this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...The responses shared will be grounded in the personal experiences of our teachers, offered in the Yasodhara way – personal, symbolic and deeply meaningful. Please note that not all submitted questions will be responded to in the series.

What does it mean to live at an ashram? In this episode of Ask A Swami, Swami Jyotihananda reflects on life in spiritual community and shares her hopes for the future of Yasodhara Ashram.Drawing on her experience with Swami Radha and the many stages of Ashram life over the years, Swami Jyotihananda offers insights into commitment, connection across generations and the deeper value of living in community.

In this episode of Ask A Swami, Swami Lalitananda reflects on what it means to walk the path as a disciple and the role that devotion plays in spiritual life.Drawing from her experience as Swami Radha's disciple, she shares insights into trust, discipline and the deep heart-longing that keeps one grounded on a chosen spiritual path.

In this episode of Ask A Swami, Swami Matananda, Ashram teacher and resident, reflects on the deeper spiritual dimensions of Love and Attachment. Drawing on her lived experiences, she speaks about how she has navigated attachment, emotions and competition within relationships.Inspired by the spiritual teachings of her guru, Swami Radha, Swami Matananda invites us to look more closely at our emotional reactions and the ways they can become opportunities for awareness and inner work:"Whenever I've had an emotional reaction and it kinda jumps on me like a snake, that is my warning that I'm heading to ego-land or attachment-land, and I want to investigate that. What is that? Where did it come from? And how do I work with it?" - Swami Matananda

In this new episode of Ask A Swami, Swami Samayananda discusses life inside and outside of the Ashram, and how Karma Yoga can be woven into everyday living.Reflecting on her own experience of working in the world, she shares the powerful teaching that "Yoga Is Now," emphasizing the importance of living the practice and integrating the teachings into each moment of daily life.

In this podcast episode of Ask A Swami, Swami RadhaTarananda, a disciple of Swami Radha, reflects on the advice she would give to her younger self at the beginning of her spiritual journey. She speaks about what faith means to her and the power of reflection, emphasizing her guru's example of living on faith as she built the Ashram.Swami RadhaTarananda invites Katie to reflect on the advice she would give to her younger self, and together they explore the "sparks" and "threads" that have guided them to where they are today.

n this episode of Ask A Swami, Katie sits down with Swami Matananda to explore how to be in a relationship while nurturing spiritual life and practice. Drawing on her lived experience, Swami Matananda reflects on being in a partnership, living at the Ashram and Swami Radha's guidance.Swami Matananda shares practices she's explored with her partner as ways to become more aware of attachments and patterns of dependence. She further highlights the importance of emotional independence and mutual support in any relationship. This conversation is insightful and warm, offering gentle guidance for anyone navigating relationships in spiritual life.

In this episode of Ask A Swami, Katie sits down with Swami Satyananda to explore how we can move through moments of crisis - both our own and those of our loved ones. They speak from lived experience, reflecting on the importance of acceptance and presence in navigating a crisis and supporting loved ones. Swami Satyananda shares insights into the first three cakras of the Kundalini System and discusses the importance of foundational spiritual practices, like breath and mantra, in offering steady support when life feels uncertain. This heartfelt conversation holds space for the vulnerability that comes with facing the unknown, and offers gentle reminders for anyone walking through difficulty.