A guide for your inner journey !
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 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
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
In Sanskrit, the word Bhastrika means “bellows” (to emit a loud deep sound). Therefore, bhastrika pranayama is also called “bellows breath” as air is drawn forcefully in and out of the lungs making this deep loud sound. A blacksmith used a device called bellows to blow air into the furnace to increase the fire and … Read more
What exactly is Tantra Yoga? What is its history, tradition and practices? What connection does it have with Yoga, Buddhism, and other World Religions? In this interview, Dr. Thomas Daffern explains Tantra Yoga from its very beginnings in the Vedic Culture to its spread to Tibet through Padmasambhava (a mahasiddha yogi) and its current modern … Read more
Kapalbhati belongs to one of the six shatkarma practices. In Sanskrit, the word Kapal means “cranium” or “forehead.” And the word Bhati means “light” and also “knowledge.” Therefore, kapalbhati pranayama is a practice that brings sharpness, illumination, and clarity to the prefrontal cortex region of the brain. Mention in Scriptures Translation: “Perform exhalation and inhalation … Read more
The Sanskrit word Bhramari means “bee.” Therefore, Bhramari Pranayama is pranayama where the sounds produced while performing it are similar to one made by a black bee. It is amazing pranayama to relax the mind and improve sleep quality. Let’s learn about it in more depth. What is Bhramari Pranayama? (Mention in Scriptures) In Hatha … Read more
Almost every book on Yoga, Pranayama, or Tantra has a diagram that shows the seven chakras located at different positions on the body. But do these chakras actually exist physically or are they just metaphysical concepts? Did the Chakra system always exist in the ancient Yogic system or is it a recent invention? These are … Read more
The Gayatri Mantra is also known as Sāvitri Mantra. It is originally mentioned in Rig Veda (Mandala 3.62.10) in dedication to the Vedic sun deity Savitr. What is a mantra? The Sanskrit word mantra combines the verb root of “think” (man) with a term for “instrument” (tra). Thus, a mantra is a tool for controlling the mind. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, … Read more
The diet of a yogi is very important for attaining success in the yoga practice. It is repeatedly stressed across various Yogic schools, ashrams, and scriptures that a healthy, balanced diet is a must if the mind and body are to be perfected and brought under control. Therefore, the concept of a yogic diet is … Read more