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Parshvottanasana – Standing Side Stretch

Parshvottanasana (पार्श्वोत्तानासन) (standing side stretch) is a beginning to intermediate level pose which is great for the health of the legs as well as the spine. It provides an excellent stretch for the entire back side of the legs, hamstrings in particular. [...]

New Year Greetings!

As we come to the end of calendar year 2011, I would like to extend my good wishes to you and your family for a healthy and joyous 2012 ahead. As I look back, the year 2011 has been a good one for me, my family and most importantly for the yoga classes that I [...] [...]

Asteya (Non-stealing)

In today’s discussion, I will be talking about the third of the five yamas – asteya (non-stealing). Defining Asteya The word Asteya (अस्तेय) is derived from the Sanskrit root word "steyn" which means ‘to steal’ to ‘to rob’. The word for a thief is "steynaH". "Steyam" is the word for theft. By adding the prefix [...] [...]

Recipes for Tofu Sramble and Enfrijoladas

Organic Tofu Scramble Enfrijoladas At the end of the last 12-day pranayama/meditation intensive, as per our tradition, all the participants got together over a potluck breakfast. These breakfast get-togethers provide a great opportunity for everyone to socialize and meet each other in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Moreover, we all get to sample some of [...] [...]

Introduction to Ashtanga (Eight Limbs) Yoga

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 [...] [...]

Padangushthasana (Tiptoe Balance)

So far I have written about balancing poses which are done in a standing position – for example the Tree Pose or the Dancer Pose. Today’s post is about the Tiptoe balancing pose ( – Padangushthasana – पादाङ्गुष्ठासन ), a balancing pose done from a squatting position.  This is an intermediate level pose and it [...] [...]

Ardha-chandrasana (Half-moon Pose)

The Ardha-chandrasana (अर्धचन्द्रासन) (Half Moon pose) is one of the intermediate level one-leg balancing poses. It is an excellent pose for developing strength in the legs and especially for stretching the hamstring and the gluteal muscles. In my own practice, I try to include Ardha-chandrasana in my routine about once or twice a week. When [...] [...]

Understanding Asana (Yoga Posture)

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 [...] [...]

21-day Yoga Challenge – July 2011

Due to the overwhelming response for the 21-day challenge that is currently going on (June 13-July 3, 2011), I decided to offer another one in July. The next 21-day challenge is scheduled for July 11-July 31, 2011. Once again, I’ve had a very positive response and all the spots for this program are now filled. [...] [...]

Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

The word "trikona" is  composed of two words – "tri" meaning ‘three’ and "kona" meaning ‘angle’. So Trikonasana – त्रिकोणासन ( (click on the blue arrow to the left to hear the name in Sanskrit) is normally translated as "Triangle Pose". Trikonasana is one of the basic standing poses and has benefits for the legs, [...] [...]