“Knowledge (Jnana) does not come about from practice of yoga methods alone. Perfection in knowledge is in fact only for those who begin by practice of virtue (dharma). Yet, without yoga as a means, knowledge does not come about. The practice of yogic methods is not the means by itself, yet it is only out of that practice of yoga that the perfection in knowledge comes about. And so it is said by the teachers: ‘Yoga is for the purpose of knowledge of truth'” Thus wrote Shankara.
Foundations of Yoga, Part 2: Ahimsa (Harmlessness)
Ahimsa is interpreted in many ways-which is to be expected since Sanskrit is a language that abounds in many possible meanings for a single word. But fundamentally ahimsa is not causing any harm whatsoever to any being whatsoever, including subhuman species.
Foundations of Yoga, Part 3: Satya (Truthfulness, Honesty)
In the eightfold path of Yoga as laid out by the sage Patanjali, the foundations are “Yama and Niyama”, the “do’s and don’t’s” of spiritual life, without which the structure of Yogic success will not stand. And one of the most important of these is satya, truthfulness, honesty. Read on to see how important this really is.
Yama And Niyama In Yoga
Yoga defines yama and niyama as the positive and negative aspects of behaviour respectively. Traditional texts mention ten yamas and ten niyamas but Patanjalis Yogasutra, which is considered the original treatise on yoga, defines five yamas and five niyamas. It has been mentioned that in Manusmirti that it is more important to follow yamas than niyamas. Here we give a brief description on the yamas and niyamas to be followed:
Ahimsa (Non-violence): this is one of forem…
Yoga’s Eight Fold Path to Enlightenment
An insightful and informative article about Yoga’s eight-fold path to enlightenment.
Yama And Niyama: The Foundation Stones Of Yoga
Yoga is more popular now than it has ever been. Famous entertainers and other celebrities practice it and thousands or perhaps millions of other people are also doing yoga exercises in one form or another. Yet, despite this widespread popularity, yoga is still misunderstood. Many people think that yoga is primarily a physical activity, something that they can use to get their body in shape. While it is true that yoga has a great role to play in the physical realm, yoga is muc…
Five Reasons Why You Should Stop Smoking, Now!
If you are reading this article it means that you have already thought about stopping smoking. The first step in quitting a habit or in changing your life is to take a firm determination or a vow to yourself that you are going to do something. However, in order to take this first step you have to be convinced that it is the right thing to do. If you need some more reasons why it is time to do something about your smoking habit, here are five things to consider:
1. You can …