Have you wondered there are some things we do daily which support the cultivation of yoga practices – like those that relax the mind into peaceful silence – while others do not? In the practice of Rāja Yoga, Yama and Niyama, are considered as the philosophies of right behavior and lifestyle, the dos and don’ts …
Tag: asana
Āsana Dozen – reminders for abhyāsa
The only instruction about āsana that Śri Patanjali has in the Yóga Sūtra is in the second chapter called Sādhana Pāda. Sūtra 46, Shithra Sukham Āsanam; states ‘that position which is steady and comfortable is āsana’. Practiced within this context, postures are meant to develop the ability to sit comfortably for long periods of time …
drishti
The word दृष्टि, ‘driśti’ comes from the Samskritham root 'to see'. In yoga, it means to hold a steady gaze. This steady gaze can be directed in two directions: Outward gaze using physical points called Bahir Driśti, बहिर्दृष्टि Inward gaze as in चक्र, chakra or मुद्रा, mudra called Antar Driśti - अन्तर्दृष्टि दृष्टि, driśti is used in आसन - āsana, प्राणायाम - prānayāma and धारणा …
warm ups
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 …
Preparation for Pranayama
Although first day of spring left us buried in snow this year, the only thing we can be sure of is that Mother Nature will prevail. She will arrive in all her colorful grandeur bringing with her a basket full of allergies for those privileged few. If you are one of those (un)fortunate people, this blog is …
asana – seat or pose
"Why can't you sit still?" I remember admonishing my daughter when she was little. Picture a 6 year old with two pigtails sitting on the stool ready to practice piano. Her legs hanging half way up and swinging. One hand disappearing from the keys every few minutes to brush her hair away from the face …
surya namaskar abhyasa
surya namaskar abhyasa Sunrise is one of the most beautiful sights of Mother Nature. Writers and poets near and far have sung its praises. Seeing the rising sun illuminate mountains and roof tops, places of work and worship is breathtaking. My best memory is a glorious ball of fire rising on a faraway shore as if …
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 …
surya namaskar salutations to the sun
The Sun. Topic of many a conversation. We complain when the Sun unleashes its glory - a scorching summer day. But we endure knowing it is shortlived at the approach of cold weather. We also complain that the Sun is not warm enough - a dark, freezing winter day. When a ray of sunlight cuts through the …
styles of yoga
It is interesting to see many different ways that yoga is being practiced. With instructors trained from various lineages, and multitude of classes to choose from, it can be confusing. When you see the class listings you ask a friend who has been taking the class: if the instructor is holding poses longer or is creating a …
yogajivan 