Natural Breathing (Basic Meditation) – Yogic Technique to Be Mastered Before Any Pranayama

Before one jumps into the many ways of regulating breath through Pranayama, it is important first to first get familiar with your own respiratory system and breathing pattern through Natural Breathing. For the old and improper breathing pattern to be changed, it is crucial that this simple technique of natural breathing be performed to prepare … Read more

Siddhayoni Asana (Sexual Energy Sublimation for Women): Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

Mindful woman sitting in Lotus pose on river shore

The meaning of the word “yoni” in Sanskrit is ‘womb’ or the ‘source.’ Siddhayoni Asana is a special asana for women that according to the theory of Yoga, stimulates the sexual energy stored in the mooladhara chakra and directs it upwards towards higher energy centers. Mention In Scriptures The Siddha Yoni Asana is a female … Read more

Pythagoras views on celibacy

Illustration from 1913 showing Pythagoras teaching a class of women. Many prominent members of his school were women and some modern scholars think that he may have believed that women should be taught philosophy as well as men.

The following exercpt is taken from the book A History of Celibacy, page 43, The Influence of Greek Philosophy by Elizabeth Abbott. In this section of the book Elizabeth details the views Pythagoras had on the topic of celibacy and conservation of sexual energy. It is fascinating to understand the take of this great philosopher, … Read more

Ujjayi Pranayama (Easy Method) – Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

Smiling woman meditating on fitness mat

Ujjayi is a Sanskrit word that means ‘victorious.’ Its root word is ‘ji’ which means ‘to conquer’ [2]. The prefix ‘ud’ means ‘bondage.’ Therefore ‘ujjayi’ pranayama also means a pranayama that gives freedom from bondage. Ujjayi pranayama is very effective in unlocking the subtle states of the mind. Therefore, it is also called as the … Read more

What are the methods for preservation of sexual energy for the common sadhaka?

ttps://www.pexels.ctopless-man-in-gray-shorts-sitting-on-brown-wooden-floor-

In the following excerpt, Swami Kripalvananda answers about the various methods and techniques that can be deployed by a common sadhaka for preservation of celibacy and sexual energy. (1.) Yoga Technique If for any reason there is a thought of sexual desire, the eyes should be fixed between the eyebrows. This will pacify this undesired awakening. With … Read more

Moorchha Pranayama (Entering a state of void) – Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

woman-in-black-sports-bra-and-black-pants-sitting-on-rock-

Moorchha pranayama is also called as swooning or fainting breath pranayama. It helps in emptying the mind and creating a sense of void. This pranayama strongly influences the pranic body. Learn the correct way to perform this pranayama below. Mention In Scriptures The following passage is from Hatha Pradipika, in which Swatmarama mentions about moorchha … Read more

Surya Bheda Pranayama – Awaken the Powerful Pingala Nadi and Inner Strength

Photo by Ivan Samkov: https://www.pexea-woman-doing-nostril-breathing

The word Surya in Sanskrit means ‘sun’. In yogic terms, this refers to the Pingala Nadi. Whereas, the Sanskrit word Bheda means ‘to pierce’ or ‘to awaken.’ Thus, the word Surya Bheda means to pierce through and purify the Pingala Nadi. This pranayama is very effective to increase vitality. Learn the correct method to perform … Read more

Sheetali Pranayama (Stay cool during summers) – Meaning, Procedure, Benefits, Precautions

Silhouette of Man Sitting on Grass Field at Daytime

Sheetali is a Sanskrit word derived from the root word sheet that means ‘cold.’ Also, the word Sheetal means something that is soothing, calm, and relaxing. The benefits of sheetali pranayama are many. Learn how to perform this correctly. Mention in Scriptures In Hatha Pradipika, Svātmārāma talks about this practice in the following verses, revealing … Read more