Articles

The articles below explain concepts in spiritual traditions like Yoga and Tantra. They also explore the mythology, theology, and philosophy surrounding these practices.

The aim of this category is to explore with the reader the theoretical groundwork that makes up a spiritual tradition and its accompanying practices. We all have heard about the practices in Yoga like Pranayama, but we don’t know the philosophy behind them. With the spiritual articles section, we will dive deep into the philosophy behind such practices, so that a complete picture can be understood. The posts here mention spiritual references along with their translations wherever possible. The information is presented in a format that is not overwhelming but reader-friendly. The articles are a mixed bag of original essays, explanations, and curated information.

Pythagoras views on celibacy

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

Are Chakras Real? (The Truth Based on Historical Research)

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A 17th-century image of several chakras from Nepāl.

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