The second limb of Patanjali’s eight-limbed yoga system contains the five internal practices of Niyama (observance). These practices extend the ethical codes of conduct provided in his first limb, the… Read More→
Yoga props were popularized by the late B.K.S. Iyengar as tools to support the body to allow a deeper expression of a yoga pose’s alignment. A yoga block or yoga… Read More→
The foundation of all life, of the whole universe, is the subtle life force energy that yogis call prana. You can’t see it, or touch it or taste it, but… Read More→
Vinyasa is one of the most common styles of yoga practiced in the West. Vinyasa is a term used to describe continuous or dynamic movements between yoga poses. This flow… Read More→
Yoga began as a mental practice to discover techniques and methods of using the mind to decrease suffering and to discover and create more contentment, joy, and peace. As yoga… Read More→
At the beginning of Patanjali’s eight-fold path of yoga lays the Yamas: the moral, ethical and societal guidelines for the practicing yogi. These guidelines are all expressed in the positive,… Read More→
Yoga and meditation are rich in mystical symbolism. Yet modern yoga has both commercialized and overlooked many of the deeper meanings of these ancient sacred symbols. Many practitioners use symbols as… Read More→
Visit our friends at Japa Mala Beads ➞
If you are new to yoga, you might feel overwhelmed with how to safely and adequately perform all of the yoga poses. We have over 120 different yoga exercises listed… Read More→
More and more people are practicing hot yoga because of the intense workout it provides as well as the many benefits it offers. Hot yoga can give your muscles, lungs,… Read More→
Tantra Yoga is a relatively modern revamping of the ancient Vedic and yogic spiritual practices. The Tantrics developed innovative yet unorthodox techniques for allowing one to experience the reality of… Read More→
Through their exploration of the body and breath, the ancient yogis discovered that prana (life force energy) could be further subdivided into energetic components they called Vayus (winds). The five… Read More→
Feeling stuck and inflexible in a yoga posture may be more than just tight hamstrings; it could be some old feelings holding you back. Unexpressed emotions become stored and held… Read More→
In the philosophy of Yoga, all matter in the universe arises from the fundamental substrate called Prakriti. From this ethereal Prakriti the three primary gunas (qualities of energy) emerge creating… Read More→
Simply put, a yogi is someone who is committed to the practice of yoga. So, if you’ve done a few downward-facing dogs in your lifetime, does that make you a… Read More→
Judgments are habitual knee-jerk reactions to people, places, and events. Often judgmental thoughts are based on our samskaras–the story of ourselves and previous life experiences–and repeating these judgments reinforces and… Read More→
Most beginners will want to try out some yoga moves before joining a group class to get a better understanding of what is involved in yoga and to be prepared… Read More→
Incorporating crystals and gemstones is a fun and easy way to boost the power of your yoga and meditation practice. Throughout recorded history, crystals have been valued for their beauty… Read More→
Each time we move into a yoga pose or practice some pranayama we deepen our ability to control our body, breath, and focus. Likewise, when we dig deeper into the… Read More→
The tradition of yoga holds great depth and diversity, providing us with endless opportunities to explore and grow. While improving strength and flexibility are two obvious places to focus in… Read More→
There’s a lot that goes on in a yoga class—concentration, breathing, bending, twisting, and inverting—it requires complete engagement of the mind, body, and heart. For beginners and experienced yogis alike,… Read More→
Viewing ads supports YogaBasics. Remove ads with a membership. Thanks!
