Ishvara Pranidhana – ईश्वर प्रणिधान – is the last of the five Niyamas given by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. The word "pranidhana" means total surrender or letting go of the individual ego in favor of a higher Self. The word Ishwara has been defined by Patanjali in sutra 1.24 as " Isvara is the supreme Purusha, unaffected by any afflictions, actions, fruits of actions or by any inner impressions of desires." When loosely translated, Ishwara means God. However, we need to constantly keep Patanjali’s definition in mind while we are discussing the sutras related to Ishwara Pranidhana.
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Social media and social networking have become a powerful means for connecting and interacting with each other. I have so far paid scant attention to this powerful medium. However, in recent months many of my students have suggested that I become more involved with social networks like Facebook and Linkedin. This will help me establish stronger connection with my yoga students as well as other yoga friends. It will also provide a platform for discussion among the members who join my networks.
Utthita Hasta Padangushthasana ( उत्थितहस्तपादाङ्गुश्ठासन) (Extended hand to big toe pose) is an intermediate level one-leg balancing pose. Like most other standing balancing poses, it develops strength in the legs, focus, concentration, balance and stability. Step-by-step
Continuing our discussion of the concepts from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, in today’s post I would like to focus on Swadhyaya (study of the self) which is the fourth of the five Niyamas. The word Swadhyaya (स्वाध्याय) is a composite of two words – the prefix ‘swa’ and ‘adhyaya’. The word ‘swa’ is often used as a reflexive pronoun and, depending upon the context, could mean ‘one’s own’, ‘belonging to oneself’, ‘inherent’, ‘natural’, ‘self’ etc. The word ‘adhyaya’ means to study or to learn. So, Swadhyaya is usually translated as ‘study of the self’ or ‘study of the scriptures’ or a combination of the two. Study of scripturesAs we know, the purpose of yoga is to understand the intricate functioning of the mind and learn how to calm the mind to the point that we get a revelation of our true nature. This is also called self-realization. How do we understand the functioning of the mind? This is where the study of scriptures comes in. Many of our ancient scriptures discuss not only the mind but all aspects of this material world which directly impact the mind. Continue reading » I am pleased to announce the next 21-day Yoga Challenge program. The past programs have been very well received by all the participants. For most of them, it has been truly a life-transforming experience. I invite you to join me on this exciting and deeply rewarding 21-day yoga journey. Here are the particulars:
The first sutra of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali states (sutra 1.1): अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥ "Here, now (I present to you) the exposition of Yoga" Vyasa, who is the most revered commentator of the sutras, defines the word yoga as being in the state of samadhi. It comes from the root word "yuj" which depending upon the context in which it is used, can mean either "in samadhi" or "union, yoking" etc. In the context of the yoga sutras, given the definition and objectives of yoga, Vyasa has decided to use the meaning "in samadhi". Samadhi refers to a state of the mind wherein the mind is calm, free of any agitation, free of affliction (stress-free) and can stay in an undisturbed state under the most trying circumstances. In that state, as per sutra 1.3, the spiritual self (Purusha) is established in its own natural state which is considered unalterable and immutable. I am pleased to announce the next pranayama/meditation intensive: 12-day Pranayama/Meditation IntensiveCome and join me for this life-transforming experience where you will learn two of the most important aspects of a complete, integrated yoga practice – pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. In this program I will introduce you to many of the breathing techniques that are mentioned in our ancient yogic texts. I will also introduce the concepts and techniques of meditation. No prior pranayama or meditation experience is required.
Defining and Understanding TapasTapas is listed as the third of the five Niyamas in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The word Tapas (तपः) means heat or fire. As a verb (from the root तपॠ– ‘tap’) it can also mean to cause pain or suffering or to heat something up. Some of the common translations of Tapas are asceticism, austerity, self-discipline, determination, mortification etc. This niyama implies that we are putting the body through intense heat with the purpose of purifying it. The action is similar to that of a goldsmith who puts gold through intense heat in order to make it of a purer grade. Through the practice of tapas, one can become "tough" both physically and mentally so that one can withstand hardships that one faces in life.
Trataka (त्राटक) is one of the six cleansing techniques mentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the classical text on the practices of Hatha Yoga. The six techniques are: Neti (nasal cleansing), Basti (yogic enema), Dhauti (digestive tract and intestinal cleansing), Kapalabhati (breathing technique involving forced, short bursts of exhalation), Nauli (abdominal churning) and Trataka (eye cleansing and concentration). Santosha (संतोष) is the second of the five niyamas given in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The word santosha is derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘tush’ which means "to be satisfied, pleased, or delighted,†as well as “become quiet or calm.†We can find the meaning of tush “in any pleasurable situation – pleasure, joy, gladness, satisfaction, friendly disposition, kindness, favor, grace, amity, affection, love." Santosha is defined as the elimination and absence of craving, being satisfied with whatever comes one’s way. When the guna sattva is dominant, a person becomes desireless (nish-kama) and contented. |
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