In the yoga sutras Patanjali describes two guiding concepts: abhyasa and vairagya as a key to yoga and to gain control of the mind. Abhyasa refers to persevering practice: a spiritual practice which is regular and constantly practices over a long period of time. Vairgaya can be described as non-attachment or abandonment, in particular from […]
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Raja Yoga is also called the classical yoga. The word Raja means King and therefore Raja Yoga can be translated into the ‘King of Yoga practices’. You can consider your mind as the king. Raja yoga concerns with this king and its fluctuations through meditation. Intense meditation is the focal point of Raja yoga, while
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Patanjali described yoga asana as “Sthira Sukham Asanam” or ‘a steady, comfortable posture.’ Sthira refers to steadiness and firmness in your yoga practise and sukha involves gentleness, softness and ease. Cultivating steadiness and ease in each pose requires a combination of effort and release. These two Sanskrit words are opposite, but equally important. It are
Balance you life and yoga practice with Sthira and Sukha Lees verder »
If your yoga practice starts to deepen, for sure you will come across Sanskrit: the oldest language known to man. During my regular yoga classes I have learned several Sanskrit names for commonly practised asanas (poses). For example: Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose), Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Utkatasana (Chair Pose), Garudasana
Sanskrit – the yoga and ancient language from India Lees verder »
Iyengar yoga is created by B.K.S. Iyengar and characterized by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. He has developed an innovative and inspired approach to classical Hatha yoga. Iyengar yoga teachers have completed at least two years of rigorous training through a world-wide standardized system of instruction. The Iyengar yoga style
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In the western world, Hatha yoga is one of the most commonly practiced form of yoga. It is also called the Yoga of Postures, since it is mainly focused on asana and pranayama, the third and the fourth limb of yoga. Hatha yoga is described by Yogi Swatmarama, a Hindu sage of 15th century India.
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The final limb is samadhi, a spiritual state of consciousness. Samadhi means ‘to bring together, to merge’. It refers to absolute bliss, in which you and the universe are one. In this state your body and senses are at rest, as if asleep, yet your mind is aware and awake. You have gone beyond time,
Dharana is the sixth stage or limb of Patanjali’s Eight-fold Yoga path. It may be translated as ‘concentration of the mind’ or ‘single focus’. You could define dharana as: ‘the mind thinks about one object and avoids other thoughts’. It is the initial step of deep concentrative meditation. The essential idea is to hold your
Pranayama is derived from two Sanskrit words: prana (life force) and ayama (control). So, in its broadest description, pranayama means ‘the control of the flow of life force’. Through the practice of pranayama you can achieve a healthy body and mind. Pranayama is the fourth limb within Patanjali’s Eight-fold path of Yoga. Patanjali says that
After writing about the first two limbs of Patanjali’s Eight-fold path of yoga, I would like to continue with the other limbs: – Asanas (yoga postures) – Pranayama (control of the breath) – Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) – Dharana (concentration) – Dhyana (meditation) – Samadhi (absolute bliss) These limbs are Patanjali’s suggestions or guidelines for living a meaningful and purposeful life
Patanjali’s Eight-fold path of Yoga Lees verder »
