YOGA INTRODUCTION & HISTORY Archives

What is the Shiva Samhita?

September 5, 2024April 11, 2011

The chapters of the Shiva Samhita cover various aspects of the practice of Yoga. The word “Yoga” means the union of a human soul with the divine. Some of the aspects that are covered in the chapters of the Shiva Samhita are several methods of liberation, the structure of our 72,000 nadis, and the awakening of the Kundalini Shakti energy. Additionally, the Shiva Samhita outlines the importance of having a true Guru who can awaken the Kundalini energy safely, as well as describing the subtle body and the movement of prana.

Patanjali’s Yoga – How to Practice Dharana

August 19, 2022March 22, 2011

Within the Yoga Sutras, the practice of Dharana is the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga. The word “Dharana” itself means “unbending…

Adho Mukha Svanasana: Downward Facing Dog Pose

August 19, 2022March 14, 2011

Of all the various stances of Yoga, the Downward-Facing Dog, or the Adho Mukha Svanasana, is one of the most well-known and for good…

The Truth About Hatha Yoga Benefits

August 19, 2022February 28, 2011

Most likely, however, yoga is a tool to change oneself. No one can really change you. No one can save you from yourself, not even the most advanced Yoga master. Yoga is a tool for inner change. Inner change won’t happen overnight, it is something that will need to be worked at. The only one who can do that work will be the student.

The Benefits of Yoga Props For People Over 50

April 5, 2024January 13, 2010

When I began teaching yoga in the early 1970’s, the term, “yoga props,” was practically unheard of. When we sat on the floor to practice seated forward bends, people who could not touch their toes simply held onto their lower legs. Then someone had the bright idea to wrap a sock, towel, belt or an old neck tie around the foot to hang onto while stretching forward. While not as versatile as the modern prop known as a yoga strap, these early around-the-house props actually worked quite well!

Discover the Secrets of Karma Yoga

August 19, 2022August 15, 2009

Within the Bhagavad-Gita, Karma Yoga is mentioned as a spiritual discipline, which is based upon giving and service without the desire for rewards. We might also say that Karma Yoga points us toward supreme consciousness through selfless service and actions of giving.