To explain the workings of the human mind, Yoga Science presents a simple, conceptual diagram: a wheel with four spokes that turn it. The rim of the wheel represents the body, and its hub is the Divine Super Conscious Wisdom that is our deepest nature. The four spokes represent the Four Functions of the Mind: Senses and Logic (Manas), Ego (self-preservation), Unconscious (habits and memories), and Conscience (Buddhi). Ideally, these four functions work together in formulating every decision, large and small; but it is the Conscience that needs to have the last word if we are to live well […]

These days almost every situation can trigger the fight-flight-freeze stress response. Life in the 21st century so far feels as if we’ve been hijacked into a bizarre Rod Serling “Twilight Zone” episode from the 1960s.

Suddenly, what once seemed stable and reassuring now feels uncertain and potentially threatening. Fear, anger, anxiety and depression are now commonplace in our minds, our homes, our politics, at work and school, in hospitals, concert halls, vacation resorts, on television and the internet—even in our sacred houses of worship.

Nothing feels quite as normal nor as optimistic as it once did. A clear, sobering indicator comes from […]

You learned in grade school science class that energy can appear in either the potential or kinetic form. The electricity in the wiring of your home is available for any use you choose. When you turn a light switch to the “on” position, energy appears in the form of light. This is the kinetic state because the energy is being used or expended. However, when you turn the light switch to the “off” position, the energy remains in the potential state—ready to be used at the flick of a switch.

The inherent power of fear, anger and self-willed desire can also […]

To lie or not to lie. That is the question. The internal dialogue that takes place while we decide whether or not to serve the Truth usually sounds like this: “If I lie, the outcome I fear will probably just disappear. If I speak the Truth, the outcome I fear is going to cause me pain.”

That’s how most human beings struggle with the ego’s desire for short-term, limited gratification versus the long-term benefit offered by the conscience. It’s the age-old conversation between the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other.

But the simple Truth is that a lie […]

Many voters are expressing their anger at elected officials who do not speak the Truth. From a yogic perspective, this sociological phenomenon is extremely interesting––especially since politicians have rarely, if ever, been standard-bearers of the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth.

Since the dawn of civilization, politicians have worked to serve the consciousness (aspirations, concerns and judgments) of the people they represent. Is it possible that our current surge of anger toward politicians portends a genuine change in the consciousness of humanity? Could this desire for truthful politicians signify the dawning of a deep-seated intuitive wisdom that knows […]