Can Women Attain Liberation?
Even today in India there are people who believe that there is no need for a woman to engage in meditation because it is impossible for a woman to attain liberation. In this story learn Anandamayi Ma’s surprising take on that question.
What Happens to the Yogi in Samadhi?
In this commentary on Yoga Sutras 1:40–1:46, Swami Nirmalananda Giri explains the progressive refinements of samadhi described by Patanjali: the yogi’s expanding range of awareness, the near-stilling of the mind, and the distinction between samadhi “with seed” and the higher states that lie beyond it.
7 Ways to Purify the Mind, Part 1
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are not merely philosophical aphorisms; they are a practical manual for transforming the mind. In these sutras, Patanjali gives several direct methods for clarifying the chitta—the mind-substance—so that meditation becomes steady and inner perception becomes possible.
3 Factors for Maintaining Brahmacharya
Brahmacharya is a practical discipline: a way of focusing our lives so the mind and energy stop leaking outward and begin gathering inward.
Samadhi by “Giving the Life to God”: Ishwara Pranidhana
Yoga Sutra 1:23: “Or by total giving of the life to God.” This could legitimately be rendered: “Or by total merging of the life with/into God.” This is NOT a mere: “Here, O Lord, take my life; I give it to you.” Find out more.
How a Vegetarian Diet Affects Your Yoga Practice
You cannot lessen the effect of yoga, but you can certainly lessen or even prevent your responsiveness to it and the effect it will have on you. Therefore you should understand responsiveness to yoga practice and the Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet.