I. What is Pratyahara? Pratyahara is the fifth limb of yoga, following Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama. The word “Pratyahara” is derived from Sanskrit, with “prati” meaning “against” or “away” and “ahara” meaning “food” or “nourishment.” In the context of yoga, Pratyahara refers to the withdrawal of the senses from external stimuli. It is the … Read more
I. What is Brahmari Pranayama? Brahmari Pranayama, also known as the Humming Bee Breath, is a breathing technique that involves making a humming sound while exhaling. The word “Brahmari” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Brahma,” which means the creator or the divine consciousness, and “ari,” which means enemy. This pranayama is said to have … Read more
I. What is Surya Bhedana (Right Nostril Breathing)? Surya Bhedana, also known as Right Nostril Breathing, is a pranayama technique in yoga that involves breathing through the right nostril while closing off the left nostril. In Sanskrit, “Surya” means sun, and “Bhedana” means piercing or passing through. This practice is believed to activate the pingala … Read more
I. What is Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutation)? Chandra Namaskar, also known as the Moon Salutation, is a yoga sequence that is designed to honor and connect with the energy of the moon. Just like the more commonly practiced Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), Chandra Namaskar is a series of yoga poses that flow together in a … Read more
I. What is Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose)? Gomukhasana, also known as Cow Face Pose, is a seated yoga posture that stretches the hips, thighs, shoulders, and chest. The name “Cow Face Pose” comes from the resemblance of the legs to a cow’s face when the knees are stacked on top of each other. This asana … Read more
I. What is Ashwini Mudra? Ashwini Mudra is a powerful yogic practice that involves the contraction and relaxation of the anal sphincter muscles. The term “Ashwini” is derived from the Sanskrit word for horse, as the movement mimics the action of a horse’s sphincter muscles when it defecates. This ancient practice is believed to have … Read more
I. What is Aakash Mudra (Sky Gesture)? Aakash Mudra, also known as the Sky Gesture, is a hand mudra or gesture that is commonly used in yoga and meditation practices. The word “Aakash” in Sanskrit means “sky” or “ether,” and this mudra is believed to help connect the practitioner with the energy of the universe. … Read more
I. What is Yantra Yoga? Yantra Yoga is a form of yoga that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to help practitioners achieve a state of balance and harmony. The word “yantra” comes from Sanskrit and means “instrument” or “tool.” In this context, it refers to the various physical poses and movements that are … Read more
I. What is Uddiyana Bandha? Uddiyana Bandha is a powerful yogic technique that involves the contraction of the abdominal muscles to create a lock or seal in the abdominal region. The word “Uddiyana” means flying up or rising, while “Bandha” means lock or seal. When performed correctly, Uddiyana Bandha can help to stimulate and strengthen … Read more
I. What is Raja Yoga? Raja Yoga, also known as the Royal Path, is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. It is considered the path of meditation and self-discipline, aiming to bring the practitioner to a state of enlightenment or self-realization. Raja Yoga is often associated with the sage Patanjali, who is … Read more
