What are the Upanishads?

Books in a forest

The Upanishads represent the loftiest heights of ancient Indo-Aryan thought and culture. They form the wisdom portion or Gnana-Kanda of the Vedas, as contrasted with the Karma-Kanda or sacrificial portion. In each of the four great Vedas—known as Rik, Yajur, Sama, and Atharva—there is a large portion which deals predominantly with rituals and ceremonials, and … Read more

Jiddu Krishnamurti on what is spiritual enlightenment

Jiddu Krishnamurti

In the following Interview, J Krishnamurti uses his sharp wit to give his opinion on what is spiritual enlightenment. Questioner: All so-called religious people have something in common and Isee this same thing in most of the people who come to hear you. They are alllooking for something which they variously call nirvana, liberation, enlightenment,self-realization, … Read more

What is the value of semen retention?

In the following excerpt, Swami Sivananda gives the answer on the virtues of semen retention: My dear brothers! The vital energy, the Veerya that supports your life, which is the Prana of Pranas, which shines in your sparkling eyes, which beams in your shining cheeks, is a great treasure for you. Remember this point well. … Read more

Yoga Sutra Of Patanjali (3.1 – 3.56) – On Vibhuti (Divine Powers)

Patanjali Yoga Sutra Part 3

Below are the 56 translated verses from the third part of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. The third chapter of the Yoga Sutra starting with verse 3.1 deals with the concept of Vibhuti or Divine Powers. In this chapter, Patanjali tells the secret of how vibhuti can be obtained through Yoga. Vibhuti also means glory, prosperity, and siddhi. So … Read more

Pranayama & Breath Retention

women holding breath in water

In the previous article, it was shown how the breath and the mind are linked. In this article, we will discuss how practicing pranayama affects our breathing. When it comes to Pranayama, unlike popular belief, it is the duration of breath retention that is the main focus of interest. When the breath is retained, we … Read more

Mind control through breath retention

Image of left side of brain

Our mind or consciousness is always buzzing with thoughts, fears, anxieties, and dreams. There is always a constant influx of impressions on the mirror of our awareness. Sometimes all we want is to have some quiet and calmness. In certain situations when by coincidence we manage to become thoughtless, we experience an incredible lightness. We … Read more

Sitkari Pranayama (hissing breath) – Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

Sitkari Pranayam or Sheetkari pranayama is also called the hissing breath. While performing it the sound of “see” or “seet” is made during inhalation. Kari is a Sanskrit word that means “that which produces” [1]. Thus, this practice is named so because it produces the see sound. Sitkari pranayama has a strong effect on cooling … Read more

Bhastrika Pranayama – Procedure, Precautions, Warnings

In the previous article, we have talked about the benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama and its mention in the scripture. In this post, we will tackle the correct method to perform this practice. It is vital to first prepare the body before bhastrika pranayama can be performed exhaustively. Bhastrika is a strong practice and requires a … Read more