Traditional Tales
Be inspired and uplifted by these traditional stories from Sri Lanka, retold to us by one who heard them as a child and has loved them ever since. They are offered here, recorded in English and in Tamil, originally published as blogs in YogaMysticism.Today, offered by Svaroopa Vidya Ashram. You will find more stories there.
Listen on:
Thank you to Nirooshitha Sethuram, Yogaratna in the Svaroopa Yoga tradition. Her offering of these treasured stories comes from her deep heart as well as her expansive knowledge of the tradition. Gurudevi Nirmalananda partners with her in polishing the English presentation, while preserving the foundation in devotion to the Gods.
Our team of narrators are all Svaroopa Yogis, offering their time as a gift to you. May you be enriched by their storytelling - a community effort, just the way the tradition has survived through time.
For more stories, visit www.YogaMysticism.Today.
Episodes
Jul 29, 2018
Jul 1, 2018
Jul 1, 2018
Jul 1, 2018
14 min
Jaya and Vijaya were the doorkeepers guarding the abode of Lord Vishnu. They loved Lord Vishnu and felt honored to be serving him. One day, they mistakenly turned away the sons of Lord Brahma. Despite their apologies, one of the sons cursed them to be sent away from Lord Vishnu. They sobbed uncontrollably. Lord Vishnu was touched by their great devotion and gave them two choices…
Read the blog: Varaha Avatar | YogaMysticism.Today
Jun 3, 2018
Jun 3, 2018
7 min
Lord Indra and the Devas were without their strength, radiance and wealth. Indra, with the other Devas, approached Lord Vishnu for advice. Lord Vishnu said the only way to regain what they had lost was to churn the ocean of milk, to drink of amrit (nectar of immortality). This would make them immortal and restore their lost strength, radiance and wealth…
Read the blog: Kurma Avatar | YogaMysticism.Today
Jun 3, 2018
Apr 8, 2018
Apr 8, 2018
8 min
The Creator of the universe is Brahma. When his day is over, he goes to sleep. Utter darkness prevails and the earth is submerged in water. When Brahma wakes up, the worlds slowly come out of the water and life begins all over again. The asura (demon) Hayagriva knew that the Vedas were the breath of the devas (gods), sages and all virtuous people. Hayagriva conspired to take away the Vedas during Brahma’s sleep. Without the Vedas, Brahma would not be able to create the universe, and thus, the asuras could rule the hidden worlds. Learn how Lord Vishnu saved the worlds and returned the Vedas to humankind.
Read the blog: Matsya Avatar (Vishnu’s first Avatar) | YogaMysticism.Today
Apr 8, 2018
Mar 11, 2018
Mar 11, 2018
6 min
Lord Vishnu is the sustainer and protector of this world. Whenever the universe is endangered, he incarnates to set things right again. This story serves as an introduction, outlining the nine incarnations of Lord Vishnu which have already occurred. Each incarnation is described in detail in the stories that follow. As Gurudevi states in her introduction, “When the universe is in need, God comes to help. Not just once, but as many times as needed.”
Read the blog: One Incarnation? Or Ten? | YogaMysticism.Today
Mar 11, 2018
Feb 11, 2018
Feb 11, 2018
8 min
The king, Indra, was offered a sacred garland of flowers by the great sage, Durvasa. In his arrogance, Indra destroyed the sacred garland. This enraged Durvasa and he cursed Indra, which led to dire consequences. This tale explains how Lord Shiva received the name “Neelakantha,” which means Blue Throated (neela=blue, kantha=throat).
Read the blog: Kurma Avatar & Neelakantha | YogaMysticism.Today
Feb 11, 2018
Jan 14, 2018
Jan 14, 2018
Jan 14, 2018
8 min
Ganga was the eldest daughter of Himavan, the king of the Himalayas. She was not only beautiful, but also had the power of purifying anything she touched. This quality made her a favorite among all, especially the Gods. Lord Brahma requested that Himavan let Ganga go with him to the heavenly realm. He agreed. In her absence, it became impossible for people to live peacefully on the earth. This tale is about Ganga descending back to earth for the greater good. Her earthly body as a river still flows today, purifying everyone who comes to her.
Read the blog: Story of Ganga | YogaMysticism.Today
Dec 17, 2017
Dec 17, 2017
9 min
“Death is not a thing for wise people to dread. It is as natural as birth.“ This is the story of how a wise boy conquered death. He was a very gifted child, but predicted to live only 16 years. When he found this out, he asked his parents' blessing to go perform deep meditation. Lord Yama, the Lord of Death, came for him…
Read the blog: Markandeya: The Deathless Boy | YogaMysticism.Today
Dec 17, 2017