Dear Feel Love Now Community,
We recently shared this video on YouTube, but wanted you to be able to have it on your Substack video player as well, in case you prefer that.
Having it on Substack makes it easy for you to see any other podcasts, videos, articles, or full meditation services that might be available in the Truth, Love, & Justice Series by clicking here.
In the video, Swami Nityananda and Acharya Kashi delve into scriptures, personal anecdotes, and teachings that affirm the beauty and perfection inherent in every individual, regardless of gender identity or expression.
As yogis, we are called to action—to live, think, speak, and act in ways that affirm and celebrate the divine light in every person, regardless of gender. By doing so, we contribute to a world where it is equally joyful and liberating to exist in any gender.
The yogic teachings encourage us to use our unique talents and perspectives to foster an environment of joy, acceptance, and spiritual growth.
Here’s one of our favorite quotes from Swami:
“What do the yogic teachings say about people who identify as LGBTQIA+? I’ll start by paraphrasing Swami Shankarananda, who was my teacher and he founded our meditation community, and in case this is helpful just to state this very boldly, Swami Shankarananda said: There is nothing sinful about being LGBTQIA+. It is no more a sin to be LGBTQIA+ than it is to be a straight person.
And so, just rejoice that the light in you is magnificent. The light in you is beautiful. The light in you is perfect. You are honored. You are loved. You are blessed. And so to fully allow yourself to stand in that recognition, to fully allow yourself to be seen in that light, to fully allow yourself to be loved exactly as you are. You are so beautiful and so perfect. You are so whole. You are so magnificent.”
If you have heard this teaching before, we invite you—as Swami so often invites us—to hear it as if you are hearing it for the first time. Often we receive these teachings right when we need them.
In loving service,
The Karma Yoga Team at AYM
P.S. If you are interested in joining the Karma Yoga Team to expand your practice of selfless service, love in action, please click here.
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What Yogic Teachings Say about LGBTQIA+