Kundalini yoga was coined, created and popularized in 1968 by Yogi Bhajan. He described the intent of his teaching to be a “healthy, happy, holy” (3HO) way of life. He taught… Read More→
Ahamkara: Definition, Qualities, and Ways to Subdue
Yoga philosophy teaches that the mind has four parts or functions: ahamkara, which is the ego mind; buddhi, which is our intellect and wisdom; manas, which is our sensory and… Read More→
What is Yoga?
Yoga has become a global phenomenon over the last several decades. What started out thousands of years ago in the East as a meditative practice has now evolved into a… Read More→
14 Ways to Create a Mindful Evening Routine
How often do you find yourself stressed out, exhausted, or overwhelmed at the end of the day? Creating a mindful evening routine is a simple way to calm down, relax,… Read More→
11 Benefits of Meditation Before Bed
If you don’t have the get up and go to start a morning mindfulness practice, consider meditating before bed. Meditating in the evening is a great way to unwind after… Read More→
13 Different Types of Yoga Asanas
While there is no definitive way to categorize yoga postures, there are 13 main physical orientations that can be helpful for researching and sequencing asanas. In general, these groups of yoga… Read More→
June Giveaway: Ayurveda Online 5-Course Bundle
We’ve teamed up with our friends at YogaRenew for this month’s yoga giveaway sweepstakes prize. For the month of June, one YogaBasics reader will have a chance to win an Ayurveda… Read More→
Yoga and the 5 Koshas: An Inward Journey of Awareness
The ancient yogis have drawn a map to explore the deepest levels of our being and to facilitate the inward journey of yoga. This map describes five different layers or… Read More→
15 Powerful Yogic Ways to Remove Samskaras
One of the main aims of yoga is to create and cultivate sattva—a state of peace and harmony within oneself. Our sense of inner peace is most often challenged when… Read More→
Sutra 2.47: Prayatna Saithilya (Finding Effortless & the Infinite)
Our focus and effort in asana practice is usually on the body’s alignment and engagement in the pose. While it is important to make a good, strong and safe shape… Read More→
May Giveaway: Herbal Infusion Wellness Bundle
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Tezahn for this month’s yoga giveaway sweepstakes prize. For the month of May, one YogaBasics reader will have a chance to win a Herbal… Read More→
Sthira Sukham Asanam: Balancing Ease With Effort in Yoga
One of the most quoted lines of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is sthira sukham asanam. You may have heard your yoga teacher discuss this concept of creating a “steady yet comfortable… Read More→
Asanas: Meaning, Definition and Purpose
Anyone who’s taken a yoga class has probably heard the term “asana.” Asanas are the physical body positions or poses of yoga that form the foundation of a modern hatha… Read More→
Yoga at Home vs Studio: Benefits and Downsides
Are you confused as to whether you should practice yoga at home or at a yoga studio? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Studio yoga classes are best for beginners and… Read More→
Vairagya—Four Steps to Attain Freedom in Yoga
Yoga philosophy states that much of our suffering and sadness is created by our attachment to material things, the people around us, and even our internal thoughts and feelings. We… Read More→
The Best Yoga for Seniors YouTube Videos
Yoga has been shown to improve balance, flexibility, strength, endurance, and mental clarity in older adults. It helps to prevent falls, reduce stress, increase bone density, and even lower blood… Read More→
Hip Openers: Tips, Benefits, Anatomy & Poses
Hip openers are an essential part of a strong and balanced yoga practice. While hip opening poses have many great benefits, they are often challenging and uncomfortable to practice, especially… Read More→
Why Do Yogis Say Namaste? (Definition, Meaning and Proper Use)
If you have ever taken a yoga class, you have probably heard the instructor end by bowing and saying “Namaste.” In India, this Sanskrit word and gesture is common and… Read More→
24 Ways to Clear Negative Energy From Your Body and Home
Negative energy is something that everyone experiences at some point or another. Whether it’s a bad day at work, a stressful situation at home, or even just being around someone… Read More→
The 21 Best Yoga With Adriene YouTube Videos
If you have searched YouTube for “yoga” you have probably seen videos by the popular Yoga with Adriene pop up at the top of the results. Her yoga videos are… Read More→