Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Bihar School of Yoga When people think of yoga, they think about asana (physical postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques). If meditation is directly associated with yoga, it might be a repetition of a mantra, or some short guided visualization, or deep relaxation. Serious meditation is associated with Buddhist practices, not “yoga.” This... Continue Reading →
Moola Bandha: The Master Key
The importance of moola bandha should not be underestimated for its perfection leads to a spontaneous realignment of the physical, mental, and psychic bodies. The physical contraction of the perineum has the beneficial effects of: maintaining hormonal balance and stimulating and regulating the nerves that innervate the lower pelvic region, thereby regulating all the internal organs…
Practical Yoga Psychology
As we collectively get saturated with the anatomy of hatha yoga, it is helpful to look at the anatomy of the mind and yoga psychology. The more in-depth look is a natural progression from yoga physiology to the philosophy and psychology of a more encompassing yoga.
Raja Yoga: Conquering the Internal Nature
Swami Vivekananda, Advaita Ashram Swami Vivekananda is credited with bringing yoga to the West and America. Swami Vivekananda, along with Swami Rama and Swami Satyananda, presents a scientific yet spiritual and practical reading of yoga and meditation. All these renunciates or sannysins were part of old and respected continuous lineages. They all bridged the divide... Continue Reading →
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Swami Muktibodhananda, Bihar School of Yoga Hatha Yoga Pradipika is the oldest surviving text on hatha yoga, written possibly in 15th century CE by Swatmarama. The most-widely cited and quoted text on yoga, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, was written several centuries earlier. Hatha Yoga Pradipika is as essential as the Yoga Sutras. This translation and commentary... Continue Reading →
God Talks with Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita
The genealogy of the Kauravas and Pandavas parallels the descent of Spirit into man. Yoga is the process by which the descent can become the ascent back to Spirit.
Four Chapters on Freedom: Yoga Sutras
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Bihar School of Yoga Anyone who is truly interested in yoga, and that includes meditation, has to read the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. The sutras are widely regarded as the soul of yoga. The writing also goes by the name of Patanjali Yoga, or raja yoga (royal yoga or path), or the... Continue Reading →
Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm
Thich Nhat Hanh, HarperOne Is there anyone without some fear? With the experience of fear comes a constant search for a way out of it. There is no instantaneous relief. But the enlightened Ones state there is a path to freedom from fear. First we must understand our fears and their source. Then the fear... Continue Reading →
Exercises for Joints and Glands: Simple Movements to Enhance Your Well-Being
Swami Rama, Himalayan Institute Press If you are looking for non-intimidating yoga that will gently stretch you and relieve tension, this book is worth looking at. Written by a great adept of yoga, the book is well illustrated with simple, easy-to-read text. The instructions are clear. The seated exercises chapter includes massage and movements for... Continue Reading →
