Yoga Arts and Crafts

A selection of Sanskrit terms interpreted into English. Yoga is an all inclusive way of looking at spirituality that can lead to physical health, mental clarity, relaxation, strength and fulfillment of one's life purpose. Yoga is about "union" and the belief in the basic unity in all life. The below lists a just a few concepts in yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian mythology, found within the tradition of Indian spiritual thought , from which not only religious traditions evolved, but also science, philosophy, art, culture, music, dance, and literature. Please note, this is not an exhaustive or authoritative list, but one that may be a helpful reference point to start with and build upon. It is advised to refer to more than one translation from Sanskrit to English as there is often no equivalent word in English for Sanskrit concepts. Abhava - non-being Abhaya mudra - seal of fearlessness Abhyasa - focus, to wholeheartedly apply one's efforts towards a...

Your Sankalpa is your deepest desire. Relaxing in the relaxation posture of savasana allows us to create the space to look inwards and naturally reflect on our life's purpose. The deep relaxation and feeling of peace and unity that can be experienced in yoga is essential for our true creative nature to thrive.  Yogis believed that once we look inward it is easy to set intention. If this is done in the spirit of truth all that follows is pure flow - natural joy, light, unity, connection to all life, reverence for nature, ease of movement, presence.  

The word Mudra means seal, gesture, or attitude. The interpretation of the word cam be seen as “to bring forth delight”. The mudras in yoga have various psychic, emotional, devotional and aesthetic qualities. The use of mudras allows the yogi to connect his individual pranic energy with the universal energy, or Prana. When we think of prana as being the electricity of the body, we can also think of the mudras as creating a “short-circuit” in the flow of that energy within the body. Mudras are used to a great extent in Classical Indian dance, where the whole body, including the face, is used to symbolise a meaning. They are also used in Japanese Tea Ceremonies in various forms. . The mudras consist of physical movements of the body that affect the mind . There are different types of mudras. Some use simply the hands, and these are called Hasta mudras. Others can involve the use of the whole body, where asana , pranayama , bandha and visualisation techniques are combined. Using mudras ...

Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga start with Ahimsa - compassion, or put another way, non-violence.  1. Yama - Points for inner contemplation: Ahimsa - non -violence to oneself and others in thought, word and deed. Satya - truth Asteya - non stealing Brahmacharya - conservation of vital energy, increasing willpower and focus. Aparigraha - non-possessiveness, non-grasping, non-greed. Letting go of the need to acquire things for the sake of hoarding, allowing space in relationships, letting go of past experiences. Living in the moment.  2. Niyama - Outward observances - Saucha - cleanliness  Santosa - contentment, satisfaction, gratitude Tapas - heat, authentic spiritual practice Swadhyaya - study of the inner Self, study of spiritual scriptures Iswara pranidhana - surrender to a higher source, to the source of creation 3. Asana - yoga postures 4. Pranayama - control of the vital life energy in the form of breathing techni...

Yamas - Our Understanding of the Universal Laws of Nature and Our Relationship with Ourselves and Our Environment. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras describe the Eight Limbs of Yoga.  It is important to note that these eight limbs are interrelated and can therefore only be experienced together as a whole, rather than as consecutive steps. The first limb of Yoga, Yamas, is about respecting and learning from the laws of nature. We regain our sense of union through postures, pranayama (breathing), and meditation, rather than feeling separate from nature. The motivation is to decrease dukha , or suffering, to increase sukha , or happines s, and to lead towards s at-chit-ananda , the unitive yogic state of truth, consciousness and bliss . Even if we can only experience a glimpse of this in fleeting moments during meditation we are at the very least improving our well being and potentially feeling connected and inspired in the way that we need it most. When prac...

A nourishing yoga practice is a balanced one.  Yoga is the binding of the opposites to create harmony. Yoga is a tool for observation of what is happening in the present moment. Does our practice make us feel over energized, overly relaxed, or refreshed and at peace? Patanjali's Yoga Sutras remind us of "sthiram sukham asanam", or "steady happy posture". The posture is firm but at the same time happy, or at ease and there is the perfect combination of effort and relaxation. The posture is not just the yoga posture - the posture is there all the time.  Ask yourself the following before, during and after yoga, and then it will become second nature:   On what is my mind's awareness?  Is my posture comfortable?  Is my breathing smooth and easy?  Is there a sense of "sthiram sukham asanam"?