Pranayama is a popular term now a days. But it is not just a breathing exercise!!! Let's see Pranayama from the eye of Patanjali Yoga Sutra. Maharishi Patanjali, the compiler of yoga sutras has enlightened the path of ashtanga yoga (the eightfold path of yoga). And Pranayama is the fourth limb of ashtanga yoga which comes after asana. He has mentioned some of the sutras about Pranayama in "Patanjali Yoga Sutra", one of the greatest work on yoga. The sutras are from chapter two, Sadhana pada starting from 49 to 53. In this blog the yoga sutras shares the knowledge about what is pranayama, stages of pranayama, goal, result and factors on which the practice depends. These five yoga sutras enlightens everything about the pranayama.
Act Or No Act – The Karma Yoga
Karma yoga is the union with God by doing. We can say it is "Yoga of Action". But what actions and how they need to be performed. In this context, the principle of Karma Yoga described in the Gita is most acceptable. Bhagavad Gita says that doing nishkama karma, the karma with non attachment, non desire, non intention is the way to attain yoga. What Lord Krishna says more on this, lets see.
Pratyahara & Its Fruit – Pearls Of Wisdom
The fifth limb of ashtanga yoga, the eightfold path of yoga, is Pratyahara प्रत्याहार. Maharishi Patanjali has complied two sutras for pratyahara. The sutras are mentioned in the classical work on yoga, Patanjali Yoga Sutra. The first sutra defines the pratyahara and the second one talks about the fruit of practicing it.
Matsyasana – The Fish Pose
'Mastysa (मत्स्य)' in sanskrit is Fish and 'asana (आसन)' is posture. This asana resembles the fish. Traditionally, it is done in padmasana. But variations are there for practitioners of different levels. In beginning it can be done with straight legs on the mat. It is a reclining back bend posture. So all the variations are designed focussing on this. Lets see how to perform the Fish Pose.
Need Of Meditation Asana (Meditative Posture)
Why it is always advised to sit in meditative pose for meditation. We have seen many hindu Gods and goddess in meditative postures in pictures. Buddha, Master in jainism, hindu sages and many saints are our spiritual heritage who has always been seen in meditative poses. WHY?
Are We Eating Right?
The diet which lacks in nutrition will lead to various sorts of diseases like intestinal diseases, less immunity making one more prone to infections, lack of energy etc. A well balanced diet having nutrition in right measure will keep one in good physical and mental health. A diet with extra nutrition which may not be needed by the body will also give birth to many diseases, extra load to liver and intestines. So a nutritious balanced diet at right time in right amount is the right choice.
Dharana (Concentration) – Pearls Of Wisdom
Dharana - The concentration. Maharishi patanjali has compiled the yoga sutra on Dharana as "Desha Bhandhashchittasya Dharana". Focussing the chattering mind is necessary whether it is day today life or spiritual life. No work can be accomplished without focus. So lets understand the sutra for better lifestyle.
Detoxification with Yoga – Shatkarma
Shat and karma are the two root words combined to make shatkarma, ‘shat’ means ‘six’ and ‘karma’ is ‘action or kriya’. These 6 actions (shatkriya) are Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Tratak, Nauli and Kapalbhati. Shakarma are the techniques for detoxification that should be performed whenever there is need to take out excessive vata, pitta, kapha and thus balance the doshas. And to take off all the impurities from the body.
The Yogic Diet (Mitahara) – Pearls of Wisdom
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the yogic text tells the concept of yogic diet (mitahara) in chapter 1 named Asana shloka (verse) 58. It clears what and how much should food is the right and healthy diet.
Pearls Of Wisdom – Dhyanam ध्यानम्
Patanjali Yoga sutra, the richest form of yogic text has given the sutra on meditation 'Dhyan'. The sutra is the second sutra of vibhuti paad (3rd chapter) of patanjali yog sutra.
Yoga Postures For Immunity #covid-19
Whether its corona lockdown or weather restricting outdoor activities and workouts, one can improve immunity, stay fit and can fight with diseases with yoga poses which can be easily done at home. Don't let bad entities like viruses enter into your zone and for this one needs to have a strong protective layer- a strong immune system. Listing some of the yogasana to boost immunity. Practice Practice & Practice.
Yoga – A Magic Pill To Modern Life For Healthy Life
Yoga is the way of life not only to have good physical health but to have sound mental health too. Ashtanga Yoga gives 8 limbs to manage the right living. How? Explained in this article. A peaceful and stress free life is guaranteed if we follow Ashtanga Yoga (Yama, Niyam, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahaar, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi). This article is an insight to modern lifestyle and a yogic lifestyle. Lets see how...
Who is Maharishi Patanjali from Patanjali Yoga Sutra
Maharishi Patanjali is one of the greatest sage of Bharat (present India) who has systematised yoga collecting all the sutras from the different vedic scriptures and compiled a book Patanjali Yoga Sutra. In the tradition of yoga we invoke Maharishi patanjali before starting the practice. योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचां । मलं शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन ॥ योऽपाकरोत्तमं प्रवरं मुनीनां । पतञ्जलिं प्राञ्जलिरानतोऽस्मि ॥
Surya Namaskar – Sun Salutation in Yoga
Sun salutation is a graceful and powerful combination of 12 asanas (postures) making a sequence. These 12 asanas (postures) are followed by the mantra of Lord Sun. Sun is the source of light and life. Light is the master which brightens the way and guide the person throughout the journey. So to remain energised and healthy we bow to God Sun with grateful heart.