Pippalda answers this question in Prashnopanishad. This question was posed by Kausalya, the son of Asvala. His question focuses on the nature and function of Prana (life force, vital breath). Continue reading
The Mooladhara chakra is the residence of the Kundalini and the three major nadis. It is also the center of smell. We associate so many memories with fragrances.
I am giving you a list for different fragrances which activate our planets, elements and our chakras. You can choose for yourself. Continue reading
Our 72,000 nadis are the network for the prana. We have three nadis through which we operate as it would be too confusing to try and work with all of them or a few. We choose Ida, Pingala and Sushumna nadi for awakening the Kundalini and merging of Shiva Shakti.
We address Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati as the most sacred rivers. We believe that whatever flows into the sacred rivers, emerges purified and cleansed. Continue reading
Rivers are considered sacred in Hinduism and are core of the faith. It is believed that one’s sins are washed away in the river as it is always flowing. The spiritual and practical significances are many. Many rivers are personified as Goddesses. Therefore, bathing in them is considered to be cleansed of one’s sins. The water of the rivers is used in rituals, and it represents the concept of purity and cleanliness.
There are seven rivers considered sacred, and they are called the Saptanadi. They are Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu/Indus, and Kaveri. Continue reading
Nyasa is derived from a tantric practice. Anga means main limbs or organs of the body like the toes, hips, knees, back, chest, shoulder blades and the head. Anga Nyasa is the installation of the Lord in the devotees own physical form. Continue reading
It is a sweeping statement. However, it is possible. Our body is made up of five basic elements – the panch tattva. The five fingers of our hands are regarded as representative symbols of the panch tattvas. Continue reading
We are in Mexico and enjoying the color and beauty of the country. We visited Teotihuacan which is a pre-Columbian site. There is an avenue of the dead and it originally linked the Temple of Quetzalcoatl with the two pyramids. Continue reading
Today when people speak of Hatha Yoga, their understanding is a flexible body and to be able to perform complicated asanas. The actual meaning of Hatha Yoga is to create balance between the body and the mind. Hatha represents the two aspects of within the body and mind. The Surya shakti (solar energy) and Chandra shakti (lunar energy). The solar energy is associated with prana shakti, vital energy, and the lunar energy is associated with chitta shakti, mental energy. Hatha Yoga balances these two energies. We are alive because of these two energies which combine and purify our Prana. Continue reading
Both Swami Sivananda and Swami Satyanananda were clear that if you want peace of mind, balance and want to follow the spiritual path, you have to tame your mind. Swamiji said that if you have a quarrel with your partner or family, you may sleep in a separate room but your mind cannot be put in another room. It will sleep with you, it will play with your thoughts, give you dreams and wake you up the next morning not rested but more upset. So how does one quieten this mind. Swamiji has laid emphasis on the mind. Swami Sivananda has emphasised on developing positive qualities of the mind and eradicating the negative and restrictive qualities of the mind. Continue reading