Dada Veda's Yoga Blog

A Spiritual Approach to Economics: The Progressive Utilization Theory

dadaveda — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:43:32 +0000

Here is a video that I did about the Progressive Utilization Theory. It points to an economic system that is based on spirituality and can help humanity bring about a just and democratic social order.

Kiirtan: Divine Singing and Dancing

dadaveda — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:07:21 +0000

500 years ago a great saint in Bengal popularized the singing of God’s name as a way to reach spiritual fulfillment. His name was Caetanya Mahaprabhu. Ever since that time this divine chanting (kirtan, or kiirtan) has been a huge part of devotional or bhakti yoga.

Here is a video of some inspired kiirtan at the recent winter retreat held near Austin, Texas

Preparing for a fasting day

dadaveda — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:49:28 +0000

I just finished a full-moon fasting day and was very happy that I had prepared for it. How does one prepare for a fasting day?

There are two factors. First you have to prepare yourself mentally. The day before you should determine that “tomorrow I am going to fast.” This may sound silly, but it is not. If you wake up in the morning and then have to decide whether you are going to fast, then you may start to fast but after a while you will find a hundred reasons why you should eat. However, if the night before, you have already decided, then you will wake up with the idea firmly in your mind that you will be fasting. Your body will cooperate too, and you will have less of an urge to eat.

Experienced fasters find that their body somehow kicks into “fasting mode” and they just do not feel hungry the day of the fast.

This mental preparation can only bear fruit if the person also makes physical preparation for a fast, and this is the second major factor. In order not to be hungry the day of the fast, one must eat adequately the day before. Adequately does not mean to overate but simply to eat your regular amount of food. It is also important to take enough liquids the day before the fast, especially if you are going to be doing a dry-fast.

I have found that the best food to take on the evening before a fast is a vegetable soup. It fills you up and provides plenty of liquids. The worst foods to eat (in my experience) before a fast are sweet and starchy.

So, prepare yourself mentally and physically and then do a one day fast. Do it regularly on the eleventh day of the lunar cycle (11 days after the full or new moons) and you will find it a great way to maintain your physical health and mental balance.

Concert-Lecture at Sana Vida (Austin, TX)

dadaveda — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:53:51 +0000

I gave a concert-lecture on yoga and meditation at the Sana Vida Spa in Marble Falls, TX (near Austin) today. Here are some photos:

Everyone sings along on "Love is the Best"

Benefits of Meditation

dadaveda — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:08:32 +0000

Here is a video that I made a few years ago. It explains what benefits you might get if you begin practicing meditation.

Getting Ready for the Winter Retreat

dadaveda — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:04:09 +0000

I am about to go to Austin, Texas where we are having a huge Winter Retreat. The retreat will feature yoga class, chanting, meditation, classes and workshops, cultural programs and lots of good company and vibrations. If you are interested in attending visit http://www.tantricfutures.org

New Podcasting Site

dadaveda — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:20:08 +0000

I recently set up a new site with podcasts on various spiritual topics. You can visit it at www.dharmacast.com . The first two podcasts are online now. One is on the origins and nature of Tantra, and the other is an explanation of the eight parts of yoga (ashtanga yoga).

Still more radio play and new photos

dadaveda — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:06:19 +0000

“Make Me Humble,” a track from the CD “As the World Spins Around” was played on WCVF-FM, a college radio station in Fredonia, New York (they are the station of SUNY Fredonia). An Internet station based in England has also added tracks from “As the World Spins Around” to their playlist as well.

During a recent visit to Greensboro, NC I sat and stood for a photo-shoot with photographer Gary Warnimont and will be using these photos in upcoming publicity.

Here is one of the new photos:

Some more radio play for “As the World Spins Around”

dadaveda — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:28:04 +0000

Two tracks from the CD “As the World Spins Around” were played on KZGM in Cabool MO and WAZU Peoria IL. The tracks that were played were: As the World Spins Around and It’s the System. Live streaming available at www.mykz88.com (broadcast times Wed 10/12 at 10am CT and repeats Sun 10/16 at noon CT).

Food for Thought: Interview on WEFT FM Radio

dadaveda — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:42:43 +0000

Recently I was interviewed on the vegetarian program of the radio station WEFT in Champaign, Il We had a good conversation about meditation, yoga, vegetarianism and music. I played two songs live: “A Better Deal” and “I Don’t Eat Meat.”

In case you missed the live program you can now listen to it here: