Hatha Yoga, which literally means “union through discipline of force”, is a school of Yoga that stresses mastery of the body as a way of attaining a state of spiritual perfection in which the mind is withdrawn from external objects. Hatha Yoga has grown in popularity in the West as a form of exercise that develops strength, flexibility, bodily relaxation, and mental concentration. (1)

blank

Swami Kriyananda Didn’t Mention the Plank Pose; Is It OK to Do?

Nayaswami Gyandev

Question from April Bryson: My chiropractor suggested I do the plank pose every day to strengthen certain muscles. I do not see this pose in my Raja Yoga book. Did Swamiji not teach it? Also, how does a person know which of the many poses to do? I did yoga postures while at The Expanding Light retreat, but don’t include it in my routine.…

Ananda Yoga, Meditation, Yoga Postures

Motherhood and Meditation

by Melody Hansen

As a new mom this year, I’ve noticed many changes in my spiritual practices. For one thing, there seems to be less time to do them! “Free time” is when our baby goes to sleep (for however long that lasts) and that time is usually spent accomplishing other things like cleaning, eating, working, and spending time with my husband. If…

blank

Leg Pain in Meditation

Nayaswami Sadhana Devi

Question from Debashis Ghosh: I have been practicing meditation for more than 2 or 3 years but I skip out after every 2 or 3 days. When I meditate for more than 20 mins, my legs pain. Could you let me know how to meditate without getting into this pain? I am also able to concentrate max. for 25 to 30 mins. Recently I…

blank

How to sit properly for meditation

Nayaswami Hriman

Question from Bhushan Patel: As i have learnt about meditation technique where in one has to sit keeping back streight on ground in “padmasan” or “sukhasan” for better flow energy through spine etc i can practice it for sometime but longer i am more comfortable sitting in a chair giving support to my back but yet fully engrossed in meditation watching my breath gazing…