Yogis are often interested in Buddhism, especially in the West. After all, our yoga practice has roots in Eastern spirituality and is associated with a major Eastern religion (Hinduism). So, it makes sense that at some point, many of us begin to wonder about the connection between yoga and Buddhism. As a new yogi, I … [Read more…]
Most of us in the West have heard of the Ten Commandments. If you’re a yogi, you probably also know about the five yamas and the five niyamas. If you don’t, they are the principles the yogic sage Patanjali gave yogis as a guide for right living; think of them as the ten commandments for … [Read more…]
Last week, I went to a chakra balancing yoga workshop to explore how yoga can help open and balance the body’s energy system. It’s not the first chakra yoga workshop I’ve attended, but it was the first time I had more of physical experience than a traditional learning experience. The teacher told us she was … [Read more…]
A while back, a member of a social media community I’m part of posted about an interesting dilemma. As an Indian native versed in classical yoga, he was wondering how to expose Westerners to a more authentic experience of yoga. It made me think (again) about whether we are truly practicing yoga, and what we’re … [Read more…]
This week, my yoga teacher asked an interesting question. “When you hear the word vulnerability, do you think it’s a good thing or a bad thing?” she asked. Before I go on, let me say it was one of those mornings when I knew the dharma talk I’d hear that morning would align with why … [Read more…]
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali—196 verses of yoga wisdom—begins by asking a fundamental question: What is yoga? Well, to be precise, the sutras begin with the sage calling yogis to take their seat. It’s time, he says, for the teachings of yoga. After we (the students) are presumably settled in place, Patanjali explains what we … [Read more…]
The chakras system—the energy system of the body—is complex. Experts say we need to work with each of the main chakras carefully. We begin at the base of the spine with the root chakra. Rooting in yoga creates a foundation from which we build stability and strength. From there, we can focus on increasing other … [Read more…]
Every moral code includes truthfulness. Truth in yoga is the second yama, satya in Sanskrit. Why is truth so important, and what exactly does it mean to be truthful? When we talk about truth in yoga, we don’t simply mean giving straight facts, though. Healthy relationships are based on trust that the other person is authentic. … [Read more…]
If you’ve listened to the tunes from the Broadway musical “Hair,” you’ve heard of the Age of Aquarius. At the time, it probably seemed like an imaginary age and a catchy tune. Turns out, the Aquarian Age is a real thing, and it’s probably happening now. What is the Aquarian Age, you ask? Good question! … [Read more…]
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali warns us of the pitfalls of attachment. Non-attachment is a powerful spiritual practice in yoga. Human beings tend to hold tight to what we believe is ours: possessions, identity, the attention we believe we deserve. We may even cling to honoring our yoga teachers. Patanjali tells yogis to let go … [Read more…]