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

Swami Tadatmananda on Real Kundalini Meditation

Kundalini Meditation

The current yoga world is populated by the buzz of Kundalini meditation. Some sing praises on this mystical serpent power located at the mooladhara chakra, waiting to be stoked to rise. Others warn about its many dangers. Either way, it is said to be essential for attaining enlightenment. The New Age movement in the west … Read more

Yoga Sutra Of Patanjali (4.1 – 4.34) – On Kaivalya

Yoga sutra of Patanjali Chapter 4

Below are the 34 translated verses from the fourth part of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra. The fourth chapter of the Yoga Sutra starting with verse 4.1 deals with the concept of Kaivalya or Realization. In this chapter, Patanjali tells the secret of how realization can be obtained through Yoga. Kaivalya also means many other things, few of those are “solitude”, “detachment” … Read more

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