I. What are the Yoga Sutras? The Yoga Sutras are a collection of ancient Indian texts that serve as a guidebook for living a meaningful and purposeful life. Composed by the sage Patanjali, the Yoga Sutras are considered one of the foundational texts of yoga philosophy. The word “sutra” translates to “thread” in Sanskrit, indicating … Read more
I. What is Pranamaya Kosha? Pranamaya Kosha is the second layer of the five koshas, or sheaths, that make up the human being according to yogic philosophy. The term “Pranamaya” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “prana,” which means life force or vital energy, and “maya,” which means composed of or made of. Therefore, Pranamaya … Read more
I. What is Siddha (Accomplished One)? Siddha, which translates to “accomplished one” in Sanskrit, refers to a perfected being who has attained spiritual enlightenment and mastery over their mind and body. In the context of yoga philosophy, a Siddha is someone who has reached the highest level of spiritual realization and has transcended the limitations … Read more
I. What is Asmita (Egoism)? Asmita, also known as egoism, is one of the five Kleshas in yoga philosophy. It refers to the sense of self or “I-ness” that we all possess. Asmita is the identification with the ego, the belief that we are separate from others and the world around us. It is the … Read more
I. What is Avidya (Ignorance)? Avidya, often translated as ignorance, is a concept in yoga philosophy that refers to a lack of knowledge or understanding of the true nature of reality. It is considered one of the fundamental obstacles to spiritual growth and enlightenment. Avidya is seen as a veil that clouds our perception and … Read more
I. What is Rajas in Yoga Philosophy? In Yoga philosophy, Rajas is one of the three Gunas, or qualities of nature, that are said to influence all aspects of our existence. Rajas is characterized by activity, movement, and passion. It is associated with the energy of change and transformation. When Rajas is in balance, it … Read more
I. What is a Jivanmukta? In Hindu philosophy, a Jivanmukta is a liberated soul who has attained spiritual enlightenment while still living in a physical body. The term “Jivanmukta” is derived from Sanskrit, with “Jivan” meaning life and “Mukta” meaning liberated. This concept is central to the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of … Read more
I. What is Nirvana? Nirvana is a concept that holds great significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is often described as a state of ultimate peace, liberation, and enlightenment. The word “nirvana” itself comes from the Sanskrit language and can be translated to mean “extinction” or “blowing out.” In essence, nirvana represents the extinguishing … Read more
I. What are the Upanishads? The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian texts that form the basis of Hindu philosophy. They are considered to be some of the most important scriptures in the Hindu tradition and are often referred to as the “Vedanta,” which means the end of the Vedas. The Upanishads are believed … Read more
I. What is Kumbhaka (Retention)? Kumbhaka, also known as breath retention, is a key component of pranayama, the yogic practice of controlling the breath. In Sanskrit, “kumbh” means pot or vessel, and “ka” means to hold. Therefore, kumbhaka refers to the act of holding the breath, either after inhaling (antara kumbhaka) or after exhaling (bahya … Read more
