In this article we will study the next step of the Ashtanga Yoga, “Asanas”. After understanding & practicing the Yama-Niyamas, an aspirant starts focusing on the clarity of the physical body with Asanas. In the journey of Yoga, physical body is a medium to realise the access to energies. Sage Patanjali quotes, स्थिरसुखमासनम् | “Sthira Sukham Asanam” Sthira means steadiness or feeling grounded…
With the Yamas being in place a Sadhak or a disciple moves forward to the next limb of Ashtanga yoga–Niyamas. Sage Patanjali states Niyamas as, शौचसंतोषतपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि नियमाः॥ The constituents of Niyamas are: Shauch-Purity: Shauch is basically personal hygiene and Purity of thoughts! So deeply propagated by Sage Patanjali, where-in he talks about being pure and clean inside out. To follow Shauch: a) Empty your bowels timely, ideally first thing…
As we move into the next decade, we have seen the progress of technology all around us and its made our lives so simple. So simple that we have got used to such a lifestyle and now we are leading a life that’s lowered the activity levels of our body. As we evolved from the natural jungles to the concrete…
Dusshera or Vijaya Dashami is celebrated across India as the day of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. The traditions and rituals across the country are different but the underlying message and symbolism stays the same: The victory of Good over the Evil. As propagated by Hindu philosophy, every person has both Rama and Ravana in him. The seeds of Good or…
“Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra devata, yatraitaastu na pujyate sarvaastatra falaah kriyaah” A shloka from the revered Manu Smriti says “The divine are extremely happy where women are respected ; where they are not, all actions (projects) are fruitless.” Over the last decade or so, I have been reading the Mahabharata, one of the greatest Indian Epics written. In its…
Indian philosophy is vast and profound. Many Sages have devoted their lifetime in systematizing the philosophies for the greater good of human race. Hindu Darshan Shastra or Indian Philosophy refers to philosophical school of thought for the civilizations that originated in Indian sub-continent. In total there are 6 Darshan Shastras in Hinduism (the Vedic Hindu religion) The goal of all these Darshanas is the removal of ignorance…
We get to hear about yoga through various discussions all the time. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Yoga’? Some twists, some stretches, some postures, some breathing patterns ! The answer is a thumping No ! ! Lifestyle management is something that the scriptures on Raja Yoga/Ashtanga teach us. It’s extremely relevant from the first thing…
