...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

Want To Improve Your Life? Try Ashtanga Yoga

...One of the philosophies of Yoga is called patanjali and comes from the Sanskrit for its definition of Ashtanga Yoga. Ashta means 8 and Anga means limbs and these 8 limbs are intended to help the Ashtange Yoga devotee to live a healthy life. The practice of this form of Yoga is intended to help us minimize stress in our lives, which if course is a good thing, or at least minimize its effect. It also strengthens our endurance.

Ashtanga Yoga was made popular by the Yoga guru shri K Pattabhi Jois. There is a different term in western Yoga to describe what is in effect a form of Ashtanga Yoga. This term is power Yoga. power Yoga is modeled on Ashtanga yoga.

The 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are as follows:

Asana is the discipline of performing Yoga exercises for the betterment of your body and...more

Yoga Can Help You to Lose Weight

...hem were not in advanced levels. More studies are needed at this time to give us more insight into the topic.

Participating in regular yoga classes and even getting good enough to venture into some advanced classes, has so many benefits. Here is what yoga can do for you.

Physical Benefits: Creates a toned, flexible, and strong body...yes, it helps to build muscle which will also help to improve your metabolism. It also promotes cardio and circulatory health.

Mental Benefits: Helps you relax and handle stress more easily. Teaches you to quiet all that chatter in your mind so you can focus on...more

Let's Assess Doing Yoga Without Clothing, Shall We?

... and to do the poses and exercises without restrictions brought about by Yoga clothes.

Needless to say, this poses a new challenge for Yogis, since the concept of practicing Yoga while being naked is hard to grasp for most people,

Lets face it, not unless one is used to it, doing yoga poses without clothing in a class can be really distracting. Worse thing is the fact that the discomfort may hinder you from getting or feeling the essence of Yoga practice.

Still,...more

Benefits Of Yoga Meditation Relaxation