The teaching archive

Guru Sri Subramanium (1929–2007) founded Skanda Vale in Wales and Somaskanda Ashram in Switzerland. This is the archive of his recorded teachings — kept in his own words.

Guru laughing in a doorway
  • PranayamaKiental seminars · May 1990

    Most people breathe like fish — shallow, hurried gulps. Guru on why proper breathing comes first: pranayama as the preparation for contemplation and meditation, and what happens when the breath finally slows.

  • Letting go of book knowledgeBern seminars · April 1992

    Books offer only second-hand knowledge. Surrender a pressing question to the Divine Mother and the answer comes, often through a person, a book, or a sudden inner knowing.

  • Making time for your childrenBern seminars · April 1992

    Giving children your time between five and fourteen builds a bond that lasts. Love means interacting with them, not showering them with things.

  • Be Divine!Bern seminars · April 1992

    Stop running yourself down. A greater, divine Self lives within you; greet it in the mirror each morning and let it carry you through your mistakes.

  • God & the Divine
    The nature of God · Divine consciousness · Unity of religions & Sanatana Dharma · Form & formlessness
  • Worship & devotion
    Puja & ritual · Prayer · Mantras & chanting · Bhajans & sacred music
  • Meditation & the mind
    Meditation practice · Concentration · Contemplation · Controlling thoughts
  • The spiritual path
    Spiritual evolution · Discipline & willpower · Surrender & obedience · The lower nature
  • Karma & rebirth
    Karma & cause and effect · Paying karma · Reincarnation & past lives · Destiny & free will
  • Death & impermanence
    Facing death · Fear of death · Grief & loss · Impermanence & change
  • Living with God
    Children & family · Marriage & relationships · Work, money & materialism · Food & cooking
  • Love & compassion
    Unconditional love · Loving God · Love between people · Compassion & kindness
  • Service & the sanctity of life
    Selfless service (seva, karma yoga) · Serving God · Care for animals & all life · Vegetarianism
  • Healing, energy & wellbeing
    Healing · Suffering & illness · Vibration & aura · Life force & energy