How to crawl out of the pit of depression using yoga and meditation as tools? These age-old practices help us to harness our mind and body energies for genuine well-being and happiness as Emily Lopes shares.
All paths of yoga are essentially about being in constant remembrance of and thus communion with the Divine. A relatively easy tool for this is japa. Still the practice of japa requires discipline and effort. A still easier and softer way is kirtan or bhajan.
"Of vibrations, I am the transcendental OM; Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names." - Bhagavad Gita (10.25) Explore the deep science and understanding behind mantras.
The benefits of chanting the cosmic sound AUM have been known for millennia. Try this simple exercise to experience the benefits yourself.
Whether you are completely new to meditation or not, if you are looking for inner silence and joy, here's 3 guided meditation picks that you should definitely check out. Each one is short and easy to follow in the comfort of your own home.
The Upanishads "are the production of the highest human wisdom” claimed German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. The Bhrigu Valli, part of the Taittiriya Upanishad is an important text especially for yoga and meditation practitioners since it describes the transformation from the gross to the subtle and the experiential understanding reached in yoga, of the ultimate knowledge.
Chanting Ram Naam (the name of Rama) has the power to elevate consciousness. The devotee poet and saint Tulsidas (16th century) claimed it to be the 'supreme secret'. Here are a few simple and popular Ram chants.
Sirsasana (or headstand) is regarded as the King of Asanas in yoga. If one goes deeper into the asana one realises that it teaches us more than the ability to hold the body upside down - it teaches us about overcoming our fears and limitations.
"..we know in these times, the lives of Sri Ramana Maharshi or Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj or Papaji, they pointed out the truth in the most direct way, an ancient wisdom that had also sprouted here in India but remained dormant until the great sage Adi Shankara revived interest in the path of Advaita—the non-dual path to Self-realisation. These great masters continue to shine the light and grace of this perfect understanding, and many many beings have thus come into the light for themselves." Read more of the transcript of an excerpt of Mooji's talk at satsang in Rishikesh in March 2016.
Here's some reasons why you'd be better off replacing your gym work-out with a yoga class. This list of reasons excludes the simple fact that yoga has been recommended by wise sages and yogis for thousands of years, which in itself is a pretty hefty endorsement!
An ancient chant in praise of Lord Shiva - the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram composed by Adi Shankaracharya. Includes translation as well as a recitation by Shruti Bakshi.
Sivananda yoga is a popular and well-recognised yoga offering globally. Here's an insight into Swami Sivananda and his teachings, namely the "5 Points of Yoga".
Warning: excessive sitting can cause death, say scientists. But no need to panic, yoga can show the way out.
The true message of Christmas and the yoga of Christ are largely ignored today. This article takes a look at some of Christ's pointings and the true meaning of Christmas in the words of Swami Sivananda.
Rahul Sharma answers some frequently asked questions about meditation, using his personal experience as a guide. Perhaps they can help clear up some of your own doubts about meditation?
