As I mentioned in a previous post, I will be writing about the various aspects of Ashtanga Yoga ( अष्टाङ्ग योग – eight limbs of yoga) in my upcoming posts. The word Ashtanga is composed of two words – ashta, meaning eight and anga, meaning limbs. Ashtanga Yoga refers to the eight limbs of yoga [...] [...]
Until I went for my yoga teacher training at the Swami Satchidananda Ashram in Yogaville, VA in 1996, I had never heard of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Before that my yoga practice consisted of about a 40 minute session of a few asanas which I practiced, on an average, 3-4 times a week. The only [...] [...]
For most people practicing "yoga", the word yoga is synonymous with the physical aspect involving asana (yoga postures) practice. In most yoga classes taught in gyms or fitness centers, the entire duration of the class is usually spent in an intense practice of asanas. Many of these classes follow the yoga styles such as Ashtanga [...] [...]
The Buddha in his Four Noble Truths stated: Life is suffering (Dukkha) There is a cause for this suffering We can put an end to this suffering Here is the eight-fold path to follow to end suffering The Yoga system of Patanjali has a very similar concept of suffering or pain. In modern terminology, ‘stress’ [...] [...]
Up until recently, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was considered to be the best indicator of a person’s intelligence and consequently their success in personal and professional life. In the last few years, however, the concepts of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Emotional Quotient (EQ) have become popular topics of discussion and are now being considered a more [...] [...]
In a recent article titled "Hindu Group Stirs a Debate Over Yoga’s Soul", New York Times has brought into focus the question concerning the origins of yoga which is being hotly debated on various blogs and newspaper columns. The article highlights the recent "Take Back Yoga" campaign launched by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF). [...]
In his Yoga Sutras, Patanjali has defined yoga as "control of the fluctuations of the mind-field" (योगश्चित्त-वृत्ति-निरोधः) – sutra 1.2. In order to learn how to control the mind-field, it will be helpful to understand what this mind-field is and how the mind functions. In our ancient literature, especially the Vedantic texts, this mind-field is [...] [...]
I would like to start this discussion by quoting two of the yoga sutras which lay down the foundation and guidelines for the breathing practices (pranayama). "After mastering posture, one must practice control of the prana (pranayama) by stopping the motions of inhalation and exhalation" – Sutra 2.49 "The modifications of the life-breath are either [...] [...]
For most people, the word "yoga" brings to mind the image of someone twisted in the shape of a pretzel or some similar yoga pose. For the most part, yoga is associated with ‘asana’ (physical postures). In many of the fitness centers and gyms where ‘yoga’ is taught, it is the physical aspect that is [...] [...]
If you attend a yoga class, it is very likely that the teacher starts the class by reciting the sound of OM three times. Most teachers like to chant OM at the end of the class as wll. That’s how I start and end the classes tha I teach. So, the natural question that comes [...] [...]
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