Hatha Yoga is traditionally defined as a part of Raja Yoga. It is comprised of the terms Ha (sun) and Tha (moon). Hatha Yoga is meant to balance the energy flow in the body, ignite the life energy or prana through breathing exercises and postures, and eventually lead to the kindling of the Kundalini energy, which is said to lie dormant at the base of the spine. When Hatha Yoga is practiced fully, it becomes the real Kundalini Yoga. Hatha... Read more
Raja means king or emperor. In the cultural context of ancient India, being king or emperor was the highest position an earthly man could hold. Raja Yoga is, therefore, the highest yoga. The practice of Raja Yoga is systematic, scientific and effective. The structure of Raja Yoga divides into eight limbs, which is why it is also called Ashtanga, ash meaning eight and tanga meaning limbs. The eight limbs are: 1. Yama 2. Niyama 3. Asana 4. Pranayama 5. Pratyahara... Read more
The word Gnana (sometimes spelled Jnana) means wisdom or knowledge. Gnana Yoga is the path of self-discovery and self-knowledge. Yoga philosophy claims that the highest goal is to know one’s core, the Self, the Witness, the Spirit, Atman. Worldly knowledge is represented with the number zero, while self-knowledge is represented with the number one. Only when worldly knowledge (0) is preceded by self-knowledge (1) does worldly knowledge become valuable (10). For Logical People Gnana Yoga is a perfect path for... Read more
Karma Yoga is known as the yoga of cause and effect or the yoga of sowing and reaping, but it is really the yoga of action. Karma means action, and for every action, there is a reaction. Work Without Attachments Karma Yoga is an attitude toward daily life. The goal of Karma Yoga practitioners is to be active and yet remain free from the results of their actions. They serenely accept the effects of their previous actions and devote their... Read more
The word Bhakti means devotion. Originally, the Bhakti Yoga approach was based on human emotions, which is why it is also called the yoga of love. Bhakti Yoga encourages the practice of devotion directed towards a higher power. Practitioners recite prayers, meditate and devote their lives to God as they understand God. As you can see, the line between religion and yoga is blurred in this yogic approach. Still, Bhakti Yoga focuses on personal practice and devotion. In contrast, organized religion... Read more
Reading has fueled my spiritual life. Here’s how my approach has changed over time. Read more
Mr. Rogers and the Dalai Lama are great examples of faith leaders who’ve led with the fruits of their faith. Read more
Using metaphors to tap into your reservoirs of knowledge and experience will help you create more moments of peace. Read more
Looking for inner peace? These three principles may help. Read more
Intrafaith, interfaith, multifaith and interspirituality mean very different things. Yet, they are sometimes used interchangeably and without distinction. Read more
Interspirituality for the Modern Day Seeker
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