Yogapedia

Experience the 5 Koshas Through Yoga Nidra

Yoga nidra, or yogic sleep, is a method of entering a blissful sleep state while remaining awake. Here's what you need to know.

By: Lindsay Nova Calvert

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Philosophy
Shiva and Shakti: The Divine Energies Within Us All

By: Aimee Hughes
Philosophy
Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha: Patanjali’s Definition of Yoga, Explained

By: Aimee Hughes
Philosophy
Choosing the Best Translation of the Bhagavad Gita

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meditation

Tatvamasi

Tat Tvam Asi (Sanskrit: तत् त्वम् असि or तत्त्वमसि) is a Sanskrit mantra from the Advaita tradition, typically translated as “I am that” or “Thou Art That”. It is one of the four principle Mahavakyas, or "Great…

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meditation

Vashikaran

Vashikaran is a ritual and a type of mantra used to gain control of someone, a situation, a person's soul or even an animal. Although an ancient practice in Indian religious traditions, today it is most associated with attracting love and is often used in Jyotisha (Vedic astrology),…

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meditation

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha (Sanskrit: ॐ गं गणपतये नमः) is a powerful prayer and mantra comprised of four parts that are all in praise of the Hindu god, Lord Ganesha. Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha can be translated as “My salutations to Lord Ganesha.” This…

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Philosophy

Shiva and Shakti: The Divine Energies Within Us All

According to Shaivism, one of the major branches of yogic philosophy, there is a divine masculine energy that takes the form of the Hindu god, Shiva, and a divine feminine energy that takes the form of the goddess, Shakti. Both Shiva and Shakti are alive in both men and women. All of us…

By: Aimee Hughes

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Philosophy

Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha: Patanjali’s Definition of Yoga, Explained

Yogas chitta vritti nirodha is Patanjali’s definition of yoga. It means that yoga is the removing of the fluctuations of the mind. Yoga is the stilling of the mind until it rests in a state of total and utter tranquility, so that one experiences life as it is: as Reality. One…

By: Aimee Hughes

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Philosophy

Choosing the Best Translation of the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, also known as the “Song of God,” has many translations from the ancient Sanskrit to modern day English. So much so that it may be challenging to know where to begin if you’re looking to immerse yourself in it's essential living wisdom. The Gita, as…

By: Aimee Hughes

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Philosophy

What is the significance of 108 in Hinduism?

We often come across the number 108 in Hinduism. Students are told to recite a mantra 108 times or to buy a mala with 108 beads. We even hear about people gathering to perform 108 Sun salutations. Why do Hindus consider this number considered to be so auspicious? Here the primary reasons…

By: Madhavi Rathod

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meditation

Who discovered the chakras?

The chakras come from ancient tradition. In fact, they are referenced in the oldest written Indian tradition we know of, the Vedas, which date from 1500B.C. – 500B.C. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these don’t tell us who discovered the chakras (or cakras, the correct spelling of…

By: Jade Lizzie | Yoga teacher, writer and health and wellness geek.

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Breath

What’s the difference between prana and chi?

Have you been hearing the word, prana, in yoga class? Maybe the word, chi, comes up almost as much. What’s the difference between the two, anyway? Or is there any? Chi Chi is the life force energy that comes from traditional Chinese medicine. Chi moves through the meridians, and the…

By: Aimee Hughes

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Ayurvedic General Principles of Diet and Digestion

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Top 10 Mudras for Your Yoga Practice

Mudras are yogic gestures of the hands that help channel energy for various physical and spiritual benefits. Here's a list of 10 of the most intriguing mudras along with their benefits.

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4 Steps to Making Your Shakti Shimmer

Shakti is the creative force of the universe. Here's why you need more of this divine feminine energy in your life and four ways to get it glowing.

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Discover the Best Time of Day for Your Yoga Practice

Traditionally, first thing in the morning has been viewed as the best time of day to practice yoga. However, if that doesn't work for you, here are some drafts for alternate times of the day to schedule your yoga practice.

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The Practice of Shatkarma in the 21st Century

Explore the rigorous cleansing of shatkarma rituals. It may take some mastery, but the effects are well worth the effort.

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Don’t Skip Savasana: The Importance of Corpse Pose

Savasana is an important part of any asana practice. Here's why you should avoid the temptation to skip (or sleep through) it!

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meditation
5 Beautiful Mantras to Add to Your Practice

Mantras are a powerful part of your yoga practice, but with so many to choose from it's hard to pick. Here are five beautiful mantras picked for you!

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Ayurveda, Ojas, and Boosting Immunity

Digestion and immunity are intimately linked in Ayurveda through the concept of ojas. Here is how to boost your immunity through digestion.

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meditation
The Meaning of Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivayah honors the power of Lord Shiva. Discover the power of this ancient mantra and chant it to evoke your own inner divinity.

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Yoga
Yin Yoga: 4 Benefits of Surrendering to Your Yoga Mat

In a goal-orientated, success-obsessed culture, Yin yoga provides the answers on how to surrender and why you should even bother.

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Philosophy
Exploring the 5 Kleshas

Kleshas are afflicting emotions, like greed and egocentricity, that limit us from connecting with our own divine nature. Learn how to identify each of the five

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