The dictionary definition of warm up is the act of preparation for a game, performance, or workout, involving gentle, loosening exercises. To perform the best on the field, stage, tennis court, even on a yoga mat, warm ups are absolutely essential. Although many in the yoga world agree warm ups are important, the push for …
Category: raja yoga
The teachings of gulob jamoon
Just hearing the words gulob jamoon, a delicious dessert from India, could make one salivate. And if this means you have one foot out the door to the nearest Indian restaunt for an all-you-can-eat buffet, I don't blame you. This dessert, as popular as it is, can be a cause for sorrow which we happened to discover …
Chair Surya Namaskar
"Since my illness, I'm not able to get down to the floor to do my Surya Namaskar practice. When you come to India next week can you show me yoga poses to get back to my previous level of fitness?" This was my mother's query approximately 10 years ago. This gave me an opportunity to …
Yoga Day 2017
Many of us live most of our lives in suburban homes or apartments where our eyes barely see nature's green. Our ears are accustomed to reacting to honking or announcements as we spend long hours in cars or riding the trains. Often our noses catch the whiff of spice coming from the kitchen or a …
Shavasana – Corpse Pose
A soft voice floated upon my ears. "Please don’t get up; (pause) not just yet. Continue to breathe and let the earth hold your body." Without hesitation I settled right back on the yoga mat breathing deeply. The melodious flute blending with the pitter-patter of the raindrops on the roof soothed my being. No cares at this …
Daily Pranayama
Thinking back to the beginnings of my pranayama feels like a different lifetime. It is interesting how the body and mind can be harnessed once you commit to this training. Now, a day of missed practice feels unbalanced; more than one day feels like I can't breathe. Not in the literal sense of course. What I …
How to study the YogaSutras
Scriptures or religious texts may be used for many reasons; mostly to provide meaning and purpose, and to evoke a deeper connection with the Divine. Many look to these texts to the convey sacred truths and use them to promote ritualistic practices and moralistic experiences that foster communal identity. But the YogaSutra is not a religious text; notice …
The YogaSutra
There are people who say that most texts - scripture or academic can be a tedious read. While some knowledge can be gained from studying these texts and their various interpretations, they realize that 'true' understanding is largely intuitive - a continuous outpouring of 'aha' moments. Others while enquiring about the phase of life you are in …
gurus and teachers
There are many designations provided to the one who instructs - teacher, lecturer, instructor, professor, and so on. Similar words in Samskritham (Sanskrit) are अध्यापक, adhyapak, शिक्षक, shikshak, उपाध्याय, upAdyaya; specifically for a spiritual teacher are धर्मोपदेशक, dharmopdeshak, बोधक, bhodhak, आचार्य, Acharya, etc., to list a few. Although the hierarchy among the above listed words …
surya namaskar asanas
Surya Namaskar is a graceful sequence of twelve asanas, poses performed as one continuous exercise. Components of Surya Namaskar Surya Namaskar is composed of three main elements - asana form (alignment), energy and rhythm (breath) and manthras (japa/bija). Chakras, energy centers and bandhas, locks, are not addressed in this post. Twelve Asanas This version begins and ends with Samastithihi - translated as Even …
