Category: Yoga

Crane and crow poses are two arm balance yoga postures that are often confused for each other, but they have some key differences.The main difference between crane and crow pose is in the position of the arms. In crane pose, also known as Bakasana, the arms are straight, while in crow pose, also known as Kakasana, the arms are bent.Another difference is that crane pose is generally considered more challenging than crow pose, as it requires greater arm and core strength to hold the body in the straight-arm position. Crow pose is often considered a good starting point for learning arm balances before progressing to crane pose.In both poses, it's important to engage the core and keep the gaze forward to help with balance. Additionally, it's important to warm up…

Fish Pose, also known as Matsyasana in Sanskrit, is a yoga posture that stretches the front of the body, including the chest, throat, and hip flexors. Fish Pose is often practiced as a counterpose to postures that involve rounding the spine, such as forward folds. It can also help to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, improve posture, and stimulate the thyroid gland. Fish Pose is generally considered safe for most people, but those with neck or back injuries should approach it with caution and seek guidance from a qualified yoga instructor.Fish Pose, or Matsyasana in Sanskrit, has philosophical significance in the practice of yoga. In the philosophy of yoga, the body is seen as a reflection of the mind and the postures are interpreted as a means to…

The gifts of yoga are as numerous and varied as the petals of a lotus blossom. Although yoga’s broader teachings touch on all aspects of life, it is the asana practice that has made it immensely popular around the globe, and there is a good reason for it. Asana practice challenges the body and focuses the mind, while its philosophical principles encourage spiritual growth. Asanas can be viewed as a kind of prayer, and they have a significant and wholesome effect on our physical body, our psyche, and our emotional health. This distinguishes asana practice from other systematized forms of movement. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali there is a concise definition of yogasana: “Sthiram sukham aasanam”, meaning ‘that position which is comfortable and steady. In this context, asanas are…

Ashtanga yoga is taught as one of the main paths of yoga in all yogic systems. However, our online blog community is growing each day and we want to ensure that all aspiring yogis should have a basic understanding of ashtanga yoga. What is ashtanga? How ashtanga yoga is performed? What are the misconceptions about ashtanga yoga? So, let’s take a quick swim in the ocean of ashtanga yoga and find some gold that adorns our journey of liberation. What is Ashtanga Yoga? Knowing the definition of ashtanga yoga is easy, “asht” means eight, and “anga” means limbs, eight limbs of yoga but understanding each limb's true meaning and essence will require patience and real-life experiences. What are the eight limbs in Ashtanga Yoga? Eight limbs of ashtanga yoga unfold…

Position 1: Pranamasana (prayer pose) Keep your eyes closed. Remain standing upright with the feet together.Slowly bend the elbows and place the palms together in front of the chest in namaskara mudra, mentally offering homage to the sun, the source of all life. Relax the whole body.Breathing: Breath normally.Awareness: Physical – on the chest area. Spiritual – on Anahata chakra.Benefits: This pose establishes a state of concentration and calmness in preparation for the practice to be performed.Mantra: Om Mitraya Namaha, salutations to the friend of all.Position 2: Hasta Utthanasana (raised arms pose) Separate the hands, raise and stretch both arms above the head, keeping them shoulder width apart. Bend the head, arms, and upper trunk slightly backward.Breathing: Inhale while raising the arms.Awareness: Physical – on the stretch of the abdomen…