by Krishna Prakash Antar Mouna is a clear set of six stages to allow us to enter deep meditation and beyond. It was brought out by the wonderful living tradition of the Bihar School of Yoga. This article gives you an overview what to expect. If you say YES to one or more to any…
Read MoreAccording to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Yoga is governed by a series of ethical principles known as Yamas and Niyamas. These principles are the first two limbs of the eight limbs (ashtanga: ash = eight, anga = limbs) of Yoga. Aparigraha and Brahmacharya are both Yamas, two universal moral principles. Besides, these two codes are part…
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BY KRISHNA PRAKASH Nidra means sleep and Yoga Nidra is its antonym! Although appearing to be a practice of deep stillness, Yoga Nidra is a practice that allows one to rest, relax, rejuvenate, manage stress, understand oneself, realize desires consciously. With the word Yoga most of us predominantly associate postures, neglecting the true origin and complexity…
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by Chétana Jessica Torrens with insight from Yogrishi Vishvketu Recently, there have been discussions and writings suggesting that Yoga postures, other than seated meditation poses, are really no older than the modern era or the late middle ages. It is said that earlier spiritual practices did not include a wide variety of yogasana. This is…
Read MoreBY FRANZISKA The first feedback I received from Acharya Venkatesh was, “Your body will change, your face will change, your mind will change. The secret lies in the eyes, within”. And here I am! Three years later. Three years full of practice, study, and self-inquiry. Three life-enhancing winters with my teachers, every year leading me…
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By Inna Costantini With ample choices of teacher training courses branded ‘Ashtanga TTC 200hrs’, it can be difficult for new practitioners to differentiate and navigate the world of yoga qualifications. The home of Ashtanga Vinyasa is Mysore, India. The practice is often referred to as ‘Mysore style’ because of the way it is taught –…
Read MoreBY SUSHANT PANDEY Concept of Asana Asana (posture) and Pranayama are the 3rd and 4th limbs in the text of Patanjali Yoga Sutra. Asana literally means ‘seat’. In the text of Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Asana is described as a seat of meditation. In the second chapter, verse 46; Patanjali defines asana as ‘sthiram sukham asanam’.…
Read MoreBY ANGELA MCHARDY Becoming diagnosed with PD meant I lost my many skills in multi-tasking, I could no longer keep apace of my demanding job in education. I tried to fulfil the role but couldn’t function with the speed of thought I used to. It became too hard. With a heavy heart, I took retirement…
Read MoreBY SUSHANT PANDEY Raja yoga is understood as one of the classical branches of the yoga tradition. Literally, the term ‘Raja Yoga’ connotes, the culmination or highest state of yoga. Raja means royal; it is so named because it enables the yogin to reach the illustrious king within oneself, the supreme self or atman. In…
Read MoreBY ANASTASIA I often get approached by people, who ask for recommendations of ashrams in India where they can study yoga. At some point in time, both beginners in yoga and experienced yoga practitioners long to come closer to the source of knowledge. Before suggesting a concrete place to go, I always ask, what is…
Read MoreBY ANGELA McHARDY There’s a band in Scotland, ‘Del Amitri’ sing the tune ‘Driving with the Brakes On’. The title resonates with my journey with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is described as a ‘degenerative neurological condition, caused by impaired dopamine levels, affecting physical, cognitive and emotional functioning.’ It feels a bit like ‘Driving with the…
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