...yoga, which is a sanscrit word meaning "unity" or "to unify" refers to this strange discipline that has been practiced by people, mostly in India, who have a very specific goal in mind. Why would yogis, as they are referred to, go through the arduous discipline of practicing the most bizarre and unnatural positions for hours on end?

On the surface of it, yoga is an occult science and ancient protocol dictates that it needs to be initiated by a recognized master. One of the great past masters, Paramahansa Yogananda, wrote in his autobiography about Kriya Yoga: "Because of certain ancient yogic injunctions, I may not give a full explanation of Kriya yoga in a book intended for the general public". A bit further he suggests that one should consult a kriyaban or a kriya yoga master if one wants to learn this type of yoga.

In another article, also posted on EzineArticles, where I explained what Ashtanga yoga is about, I wrote about the Eight Limbs of practice. Suffice it to say that the seven first limbs only serve to prepare and build up to reach the eight and last limb which is what initiates refer to as attaining the state of "samahdi", or unity.

So let me try to explain what samahdi is, even though words cannot really fully shine any light on it, in the hope that it will bring you a little closer to understanding why so many individuals d...more

The Purpose of yoga - Taking Control of Your Life

...yoga teaches us how to make life changes from within. Within all yoga styles are the tools of self-realization and transformation. Once a yoga practitioner has managed to empower him or herself, a positive direction will become the easiest path to follow.

Everyone is subject to outside pressures, even adults. There is always somebody who is willing to give you advice you did not ask for. When we are children, we think that outside pressure will stop, when we are grown up; we will be independent and in control of our lives.

As young adults, we soon find out that we have limited control of our lives, when there is always someone to answer to, in the form of ...more

These yoga Abdominal Exercises will Literally Crush the Gut

...We hear about the core and the need for strengthening it. Most people also have the desire to have a toned, strengthened and flat abdominal region. But did you know yoga has some exercises that will literally crush the bulge?

There are specific poses, that target excess weight in the abdomen and coupled with a customized diet, those seeking abdominal weight loss would find success in using these yoga exercises.

-The Sun Salutations:

These are a combination of poses that serve as a warm up-routine for a yoga session or class. Due to the forward and backward bending motions involved, after performing a few to se...more

Benefiting From Your yoga Practice

...if your hour is cut to 50 minutes before youve even begun.

* Be respectful of others in the class. This means keeping your voice down when you talk to others and in general, keeping conversation to a minimum. Bring your own towel or yoga mat if you need to and make sure that you are clean and not wearing any perfumes or strong scents. If props are used, make sure that you put yours away when youre finished and by all means, leave them there for the next class.

...more

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