Yoga Arts and Crafts

ॐ - Om - Ajna हं - Hang - Vishudhi   यं - Yang - Anahata रं - Rang - Manipura वं - Vang - Svadisthana लं - Lang- Muladhara The above are the bija mantras for the chakras from muladhara to ajna. As there is no English word for the bija mantras, and many Sanskrit words, letters and syllables, when translated from Sanskrit to English, there is more than one way of spelling a word. Therefore,  the bija mantras are sometimes spelled: LAM, VAM, RAM, YAM, HAM, OM. 

1. Universal laws of Nature (Yama) - non violence, truthfulness, integrity, divine conduct, and non attachment - “When we are established in non attachment, the nature & purpose of existence is understood." 2. How to Live in Harmony (Niyama) - simplicity, contentment, purification, refinement,  and surrender to the Divine - "From contentment, unsurpassed happiness is gained." 3. Postures (Asana) - "The physical postures should be steady and comfortable." 4. Breathing Exercises (Pranayama) - "Next come the breathing exercises, which increase the life energy." 5. Mastery of the Senses (Pratyahara) - "Once senses naturally withdraw inwards, mastery follows." 6. Concentration (Dharana) - "Dharana is when the attention is held focused on an object." 7. Meditation (Dhyana) - "Dhyana is when awareness flows evenly toward the point of attention." See more on the mind . 8. Enlightenment (Samadhi) -...

Hatha yoga refers to the physical practice of yoga, or "union" of the body, mind and Self and of the individual consciousness with that of the Universal, the source of Creation.  Hatha yoga consists of asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation . In the yogic text the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, it is said that Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga, the yoga of meditation are inextricably linked. One cannot have one without the other. Hatha Yoga is there to cleanse the body and improve the health , fitness and clarity of mind of the yoga practitioner so that meditation can occur spontaneously as a path to spiritual development. The Hatha Yoga postures are also practiced in a meditative state. So, rather than being  two separate steps in a process, Hatha Yoga and Raja Yoga are practiced together from the beginning, with a deepening sense of union as the practice develops. The Meaning of the Word "Hatha" Very briefly put, t...

Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha

The six bija mantras, or seed syllables for the Surya Namaskar: Om Hraam Om Hreem Om Hroom Om Hraim Om Hraum Om Hrah To be repeated four times during one round of the Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutations.   More on the Sun Salutations . Also see Sun Mantras for the Surya Namaskar . Please note that the articles on this blog are intended as an aid for students practicing under the guidance of a  qualified yoga teacher, for safety, effectiveness and relevance.

Om Mitraya Namaha - salutations to the friend of all Om Ravaye Namaha - salutations to the shining one Om Suraya Namaha - salutations to the inducer of activity Om Bhanave Namaha -  salutations to he who illumines Om Khagaya Namaha -  salutations to she who moves quickly in the sky Om Pushne Namaha -  salutations to the giver of strength Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha - salutations to the golden cosmic self Om Marichaye Namaha - salutations to the Lord of the Dawn Om Adityaya Namaha - salutations to the son of Aditi, the cosmic Mother Om Savitre Namaha - salutations to the Lord of Creation Om Arkaya Namaha - salutations to he who is fit to be praised Om Bhaskaraya Namaha - salutations to she who leads to enlightenment  See descriptions and pictures of the Sun Salutations .  Also see Bija Mantras for Sun Salutations.

What is Mantra? Mantra is the repetition of sacred sounds in the form of words, phrases, syllables, or prayers. When we repeat mantra we send our vibrations from our body into the universe, creating harmony between us and the world. Mantra yoga can be seen as “the science of sound” where we access the inner sound, the “nada” through the outer sound, the “mantra”. Some of the sacred Sanskrit words Patanjali talks of the use of mantra when he says, “Siddhis are born of practices performed in previous births, or by herbs, mantra repetition, asceticism, or by samadhi.” (“The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” with translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, chapter 4, v 1, p307) How can we use mantras? There are various ways of reciting mantra , (or practising japa), such as chanting or speaking aloud (vacika), whispering (upamshu), writing, or silently (manasa). The most powerful method is silent repetition, also called Manasika Japa . This is because the thought is...