In the yoga tradition, there are many different paths and philosophies, but they all lead toward the same goal—attaining moksha or liberation. Raja yoga is viewed as the supreme or… Read More→
Sound Baths: Definition, Benefits and 12 Tips to Prepare
Sound baths are relaxing, stress relieving, and powerful healing experiences. They’re great for beginners because they’re accessible, affordable, and easy to participate in. Sound baths are particularly effective for meditation… Read More→
Samsara: Definition, Meaning and Origin
Finding salvation from the suffering inherent in human life has been at the core of the spiritual quest of yoga. Whether it is freeing ourselves from negative emotions, physical pain,… Read More→
Bija Mantras: Definition, Types and Benefits
Chanting Bija mantras is a quick yet powerful way to connect deeply to the vibrational energy of our bodies and the universe. Chanting these sacred seed sounds affects the mind,… Read More→
Sound Healing: Definition, History, Types and Benefits
Sound healing is a growing field of alternative medicine that has been around for thousands of years. Music has been used throughout history to create positive effects on our mood… Read More→
Mantras: Definition, Types, Benefits and Powers
Chanting is used as a spiritual tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition. In the yogic tradition, a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform… Read More→
Mantra Yoga: Definition, Benefits and Technique
We typically think yoga is a physical practice that involves various poses and breathing techniques. Did you know that the mindful repetition of a word or sound is also a… Read More→
Moksha: Definition, Stages, and Yoga Practices
Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, and yoga philosophy all share common beliefs around the concept of self-realization and enlightenment. The possibility of freedom, liberation, and emancipation from the bondage of suffering,… Read More→
Kundalini Yoga: Definition, History, and Cautions
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→