Yoga Arts and Crafts

Pranayama involves the use of various breathing techniques, and can be translated as "control of the breathing", or "breathing exercises." However, the use and effects of pranayama are much greater than this. The word p rana actually refers to the “vital life force” and ayama means “to control or extend”, so pranayama can also be defined as “extension of the life force”, which is why it can help to restore, to heal and to relax. . The yogis figured out in ancient times that “when the breath wanders, i.e. it is irregular, the mind is also unsteady, but when the breath is still, so is the mind, and the yogi lives long. So one should restrain the breath.” (Hatha Yoga Pradipika). The yogis also believed that the length of our lives could be measured in terms of how many times we are destined to breathe, rather than in terms of days or years. We can observe the same in the animal kingdom, animals such as tortoises, elephants, and snakes have a slow breathi...

Like two golden birds perched on the selfsame tree, Intimate friends, the ego and the Self dwell in the same body. The former eats The sweet and sour fruits of the tree of life While the latter looks on in detachment. (Mundaka Upanishad)

What is real never ceases to be. The unreal never is. The sages who realize the Self know the secret Of what is and what is not. (Bhagavad Gita) I have selected this verse as it talks of the truth and the reality of existence. When we are able to contemplate the idea of truth with the clarity of a peaceful but focused mind, we can prevent getting caught up in one perspective, misunderstanding, and being distracted from our aims. Yoga and meditation are excellent tools for cultivating our ability to do this. A long term and dedicated practice is necessary as the thoughts in the mind will always change.

"Smaller than a grain of rice,  smaller than a grain of barley, smaller than a mustard seed,  smaller than a grain of millet  is the Self.  This is the Self dwelling in my heart,  greater than the earth, greater than the sky,  greater than all the worlds." Selected From The Chandogya Upanishad 

The City of Brahman "In the city of Brahman is a secret dwelling, the lotus of the heart. Within this dwelling is a space, and within that space is the fulfillment of our desires . What is within that space should be longed for and realized."