The advent of Sri Ramakrishna was a phenomenon of extraordinary mystery and wonder. As a large ship leaves an immense wake long after it has passed, the reverberations of the Kali avatar’s appearance is, to this very day, continually unfolding. One means of understanding Sri Ramakrishna is to examine the lives of his direct disciples. Each of the disciples is …

Next in the series of Essential Indian Philosophical Teachings: Manasana – The Superlative Art of Mental Posture by Babaji Bob Kindler 132 pages 22 charts $15 Available in August, 2015 order now In the sacred Sanskrit language, “manas” means mind, while “asana” refers to both a physical position for the body as well as the cushion upon which one sits …

The Subtle Intrusion and Recognition of Maya in Daily Life The five-fold Maya, consisting of name, form, time, space, and causality, as defined by Swami Vivekananda can be abstract, inscrutable, and difficult to recognize in daily life.  The aspirant may hear of it repeatedly from the guru, and through study and contemplation, yet still fail to recognize its subtle presence …

And Mother Claps Her Hands During Babaji’s last Visit in May, we celebrated the holy day of Phalaharini Kali Puja, which is particularly auspicious to the devotees of Master and Mother, and also welcomed our newest sangha sister who took initiation that night. Crusita Corral received the precious name of Sita, the ever pure, patient, forbearing, and devoted consort of …

Manasana Retreat Notes and Reflections Over Memorial Weekend, Babaji gave a retreat on Manasana, or mental posture.  The main chart used for this retreat placed manasanas (manas-asana) into three categories: Salubrious – manasanas that heal; Spiritual – manasanas that purify the mind; and Sempiternal – those representative of Eternal Truth.  In August, Babaji’s latest book on essential teachings of Indian …

Panchadasi and Panchakarana Retreat in Seattle February 26 – March 2, 2015 Over the years, Babaji has presented India’s cosmology from various perspectives.  First, via Sankhya and the 24 Cosmic Principles, then via Patanjali’s 8-Limbed Yoga system that takes each cosmic principle up for analytical contemplation for the purpose of involution to attain states of samadhi.  In synthesis mode, he …

Embracing Calm Equanimity Namaste, and heartfelt greetings to the SRV Sangha and its many friends and supporters: A message for any issue of Munda Mala is always a joy to write, for one of the best aspects of life entails finding and experiencing an authentic Guru, sincere aspirants, and dharmic teachings along the spiritual path.  Lord Kapila, early on in …

In conjunction with our occasional Mundamala feature, “And Mother Claps Her Hands,” which introduces the sangha to newly initiated members, this new offering “Birth in the Dharma,” celebrates the arrival of souls born into the SRV sangha.  The strengthening of the householder ashrama through the practice of dharma and its various sadhanas in this age is crucial for the highest …

The monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna are each a unique spiritual personality, representing the Master and carrying his message throughout India and the world. They all were of exemplary character, vast spiritual depth, and they widely influenced many souls in their own lifetime, as well as those of future generations. After the great light that was Sri Ramakrishna left this …

Getting over the “How” of Spiritual Life (Just do it) by Annapurna Sarada Recently, I have been part of some conversations concerning the desire of sangha members to know exactly “how” to put particular teachings into practice.   Of course, we love to have this modeled for us, but it seems that we forget that we have that at hand.  For …