Indian Yoga Thoughts

Introduction When most people hear the word "yoga," they imagine someone twisted into an impossible shape on a mat. But if that's your picture of yoga, you're missing the entire point. The ancient yogis weren't trying to become circus performers. They were developing something far more profound. Yoga asana—the practice of yoga postures—is actually one of the most misunderstood parts of yoga tradition. Yoga is a comprehensive system developed by Indian sages over thousands of years , and "asana" is one of its most important components. Asana is the practice that activates and strengthens all the external and internal organs of your body . It's not just about flexibility or physical fitness—it's a gateway to complete wellness. In our previous article on What Is Yoga? , we explored the complete yoga system and how it addresses every dimension of human existence. We learned that yoga is a disciplined path with eight interconnected limbs, ea...

According to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, there are four types of Pranayama: Bahya Vritti, Abhyantara Vritti, Stambha Vritti, and the fourth, called Chaturtha Pranayama. They are described in Sutras 2.50 and 2.51. This article explains what Pranayama is and how each of the four types works. Pranayama is an important practice in Yoga. It was developed by the Indian sages, and people around the world now practise it for health and well-being. It is a practice based on the breath. Read this article in Hindi: प्राणायाम के प्रकार Pranayama is practised in a calm, steady posture. Patanjali describes four types in Yoga Sutras 2.50 and 2.51. Table of Contents Types of Pranayama in the Yoga Sutra Definition of Pranayama Three Types of Pranayama Place, Time and Count (Desha, Kala, Sankhya) The Fourth Pranayama Summary Frequently Asked Questions Types of Pranayama in the Yoga Sutra Maharshi Patanjali presented the whole of Yoga through the Sutras. In the second chapter of the Yoga S...

Suryabhedi Pranayama , also called Surya Bhedana or right nostril breathing , is a warming and energising breathing practice. It is traditionally practised in the winter season , when the body feels cold and sluggish. What is Suryabhedi Pranayama? Why is it linked with warmth and energy in cold weather? This article explains its meaning, the correct method, benefits , research, precautions and who should avoid it. If you are new to breathing practices, it helps to first understand what Pranayama is . Suryabhedi Pranayama is a warming breathing practice, traditionally done in the winter season. Table of Contents What Is Suryabhedi Pranayama? Why Is It Linked with Warmth in Winter? How to Do Suryabhedi Pranayama Suryabhedi vs Chandra Bhedana vs Anulom Vilom Benefits of Suryabhedi Pranayama What Research Says Precautions and Who Should Avoid It Summary Frequently Asked Questions References Disclaimer What Is Suryabhedi Pranayama? Meaning of the Name In Sanskrit, Su...

Bhastrika Pranayama (bellows breath) is an energising yogic breathing practice with active, forceful inhalation and exhalation. This article explains a simple method without breath retention, and the four-stage method taught in some yoga traditions, which includes breath retention (Kumbhaka) and energy locks (Bandhas). It also covers possible benefits, the limits of current research, precautions and who should avoid the practice. Bhastrika is not suitable for everyone . The advanced method should be learnt only from a qualified yoga teacher, and nothing in this article is a treatment for any disease. You can also read this article in Hindi: भस्त्रिका प्राणायाम A practitioner seated upright in Sukhasana, ready to begin Bhastrika Pranayama. Table of Contents What Is Bhastrika Pranayama? How Is Bhastrika Different from Kapalbhati? Who Should Avoid Bhastrika Pranayama? Before You Begin How to Do Bhastrika Pranayama for Health (Simple Method) Breathing Pace, Rounds and...