Smadhi is last step of Ashtanga yoga. When we succeed in becoming so absorbed in something that our mind becomes completely one with it, we are in a state of samadhi. Samadhi means “to bring together, to merge.” In samadhi our personal identity-name, profession, family history, social security number, driver’s license number etc.-completely disappears. In […]
The objective in dharana is to steady the mind by focusing its attention upon some stable entity. Dhr means “to hold.” Literally, the word dharana means ‘immovable concentration of the mind’. The essential idea is to hold the concentration or focus of attention in one direction. This is not the forced concentration of, for example, […]
This limb of Ashtanga Yoga deals with the preparation to meditation. Pratyahara means drawing back or retreat. The word ahara means “nourishment”; pratyahara translates as “to withdraw oneself from that which nourishes the senses.” In yoga, the term pratyahara implies withdrawal of the senses from attachment to external objects. What does this mean? It means […]
Pranayama is all about the breathing and concentrating the mind. It is the measuring, control, and directing of the breath. Pranayama controls the energy within the organism, in order to restore and maintain health and to promote evolution. Pranayama gives control of breathing processes and control of vital force. When the inflowing breath is neutralized […]
The practice of physical postures is called Asana. It is the most commonly known aspect of yoga for those unfamiliar with the other seven limbs. The verbal meaning of ‘Asana’ is staying or abiding. Asana is one way in which a person can experience the unity of body and mind. Asana is defined as that […]
The verbal meaning of ‘Niyama’, is rules or laws. These are the rules prescribed for personal observance. Like the five yamas, the niyamas are not exercises or actions to be simply studied. They represent far more than an attitude. Compared with the yamas, the niyamas are more intimate and personal. They refer to the attitude […]
The verbal meaning of “Yama” is “rein, curb, or bridle, discipline or restraints” In the present context, it is used to mean “self-control, forbearance, or any great rule or duty”. It can also be interpreted as “attitude” or “behavior”. Certainly a particular attitude can be expressed as discipline, which then influences our behavior. Patanjali’s Yoga […]
The practice of physical postures is called Asana. It is the most commonly known aspect of yoga for those unfamiliar with the other seven limbs. The verbal meaning of ‘Asana’ is staying or abiding. Asana is one way in which a person can experience the unity of body and mind. Asana is defined as that […]
Other Names Twisted Staff Pose, Tiriyaka Dundasana, Tiryaka Dunda Asana, Tiriyak Dund Posture, Tiryak dand Asan, Description While sitting in dandasana you have to twist your waist backward with your hands, this is called tiriyaka-dandasana. How to reach the stretch Start from sitting in Dandasana . Let your left arm move towards your left back. […]
Other Names Sun-Salute, Sun-Salutation, Surya Namaskar/ Namaskara, Surya Pranama/ Pranam Description For people with limited time, the Sun Salutation is excellent because it stretches and strengthens all the major muscle groups in the body and exercises the respiratory system. It is a graceful sequence of thirteen positions linked by a continuous flowing motion, and accompanied by five […]