Glossary

Many people find that yoga is a great way to improve their physical and mental health. However, getting started can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. Let’s take a look at the important things to consider when establishing or reestablishing a yoga routine so you can be consistent and effective. Key…

Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that emphasizes the precise physical alignment of the body within particular postures. This yoga style was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, who is considered one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world. Iyengar yoga is a disciplined system with carefully planned and timed sequences. The name “Iyengar”…

Bikram yoga is often referred to as “hot yoga” because of the high temperature and humidity levels in the room. However, the Bikram Yoga sequence is a very specific set of poses and breathing exercises, rather than just the temperature. This type of yoga is known for its many benefits, including increased flexibility, improved circulation,…

Ashtanga yoga is a popular style of yoga that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. The word “Ashtanga” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “ashta” meaning eight and “anga” meaning limbs. Therefore, Ashtanga yoga is the practice of the eight limbs of yoga, which are outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The eight…

In the context of yoga practice, tamas guna is believed to be a hindrance to spiritual growth. It is said that when tamas is in excess, it manifests as laziness, attachment, depression, and other negative emotions. Therefore, yoga practitioners aim to reduce and balance tamas guna through various practices such as meditation, pranayama, and mindful…

Sattva is a Sanskrit term that is commonly used in yoga philosophy. The goal in yoga is to achieve a state of sattva, which is characterized by purity, peacefulness, and clarity of mind. This state is achieved by practicing yoga and following a sattvic lifestyle, which includes eating a vegetarian diet, getting enough sleep, and…

In yoga, the goal is to achieve a state of balance and harmony among the three gunas, with sattva being the most desirable quality to cultivate. Practicing yoga and meditation can help individuals become aware of their gunas and learn to balance them. By understanding the concept of Rajas and its role in yogic philosophy,…

The Yoga Sutra is a collection of ancient texts that outline the principles and philosophy of yoga. It is widely regarded as the authoritative text on yoga and is attributed to the sage Patanjali, who compiled the sutras around 400 CE. The sutras are written in Sanskrit and consist of 196 aphorisms, which offer guidance…

Laughing yoga, also known as laughter yoga, is a unique form of exercise that combines deep breathing and yogic techniques with laughter. It aims to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and is said to have numerous benefits. Despite its name, laughing yoga is not a traditional form of yoga, but rather a modern practice…

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a classic Sanskrit manual on Hatha Yoga, one of the most popular types of yoga practiced today. It was written by Swami Swatmarama, a Nath sect yogi, around the 15th century CE. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is one of the three primary ancient texts on Hatha Yoga, along with the…