One sentence that I have heard countless times over the last decade is this: “Yoga is way beyond asanas.” At this point, it almost feels like a slogan. When someone says yoga, another person immediately replies, “But yoga is much more than stretching.” Someone posts a picture in a yoga pose, and the comments are … Read more
One of the most quoted teachings from the Bhagavad Gita is the famous verse on Karma Yoga: कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन । मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥ (Bhagavad Gita 2.47) Translation: You have the right to perform your actions, but never to the fruits of those actions. Do not let the results of your actions … Read more
When we begin exploring Indian philosophy, one of the first big questions that arises is: Who am I really?Am I the body, the mind, the personality, or something deeper? The ancient philosophy of Sāṅkhya, one of the oldest philosophical systems of India, answers this question with incredible clarity. It tells us that our true nature … Read more
Once, while I was teaching samadhi from the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Chapter One, a lovely student sitting right in front of me raised her hand and asked a question that instantly quieted the room. She said that a practitioner is expected to perfect the eight limbs of yoga, beginning with moral discipline, then asana, pranayama, … Read more
On the first day of college, I walked into the classroom without many thoughts. In fact, there was nothing happening in my mind at all. No excitement, no nervous anticipation, no grand expectations. I sat on the first bench, mostly out of habit. It was a small class, only twelve students. Already different from what … Read more
We all have seen so many posts and pictures of people practicing yoga asanas, such beautifuland intimidating postures that make you want to try the pose, and at the same time make youwonder if you’re as fit or as dedicated as them to be able to do those postures. It’s true that yoga requires consistency, … Read more