Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia - Yoga
Yoga is a family of ancient spiritual practices that originated in India, where it remains a vibrant living tradition and is seen as a me...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Purana: Spiritual Yoga Dictionary Iv On Purana
Purana:   Purana ("Ancient [History]"): a type of popular encyclopedia dealing with royal genealogy, cosmology, philo...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yoga: Alternative Medicine Dictionary Ii On Yoga
Yoga: This is a system that integrates breathing, movement, energy and diet for optimum health. Yoga promotes the mind/body connection...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Arhatic Yoga: Encyclopedia - Arhatic Yoga
Arhatic Yoga is a form of Yoga, developed and taught by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, that synthesizes in a single discipline all the other ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Anusara Yoga: Encyclopedia - Anusara Yoga
Anusara yoga is a modern school of yoga started by John Friend in 1997; it is a hatha yoga with a Tantric philosophy. Friend continues to...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Bikram Yoga: Encyclopedia - Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury. He claims that his method is the only true hatha yoga practiced in the West. This claim is...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Nidra: Encyclopedia - Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra, which literally means "sleep of the yogis", is used to prepare both mentally and physically prior to seeking deeper levels of...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Jnana Yoga: Encyclopedia - Jnana Yoga
Jnana in Sanskrit means "knowledge", and is often interpreted to mean "knowledge of the true self". In the Vedanta school of the Hindu re...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Karma Yoga: Encyclopedia - Karma Yoga
Karma yoga, or the "discipline of action" is based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a holy scripture of Hinduism. One of the four p...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kriya Yoga: Encyclopedia - Kriya Yoga
Kriya yoga is a system of Indian yoga that was first popularized in the West by Paramahansa Yogananda. The system consists of a number of...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kundalini Yoga: Encyclopedia - Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is a meditative discipline, comprising a set of simple techniques that uses the mind, senses and body to create a communic...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Iyengar Yoga: Encyclopedia - Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga, created by B.K.S. Iyengar, is a form of yoga known for its use of props, such as belts and blocks, as aids in performing as...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga
The history of Yoga spans from four to eight thousand years ago to the current day. From hints of it's practice in pre-vedic times, the f...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga: Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga, pronounced /ˈhʌtə/ or /ˈhæθə/, is also known as Hatha vidya. It is a particular system of Yoga propagated by Swami Swa...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Shruti Vedas Rig Veda Sama Veda Yajur Veda Atharva Veda Brahmanas Aranyakas Upanishads Smriti Itihāsas Mahābhārata Bhagavad G�...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Naked Yoga: Encyclopedia - Naked Yoga
The short film 'Naked Yoga is an attempt to illustrate the practice of yoga in a natural setting. The purpose is to free the body and min...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Nadi Yoga: Encyclopedia - Nadi Yoga
In Mysticism, a Nadi (plural: Nadis) is an energy channel in which prana energy flows and may connect chakras. It is not accepted by main...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sahaja Yoga: Encyclopedia - Sahaja Yoga
Sahaja Yoga (Sahaja meaning born with and Yoga meaning union) is a type of meditation and yoga. It is "a unique method of meditation base...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - The Synthesis Of Yoga: Encyclopedia - The Synthesis Of Yoga
Books: Life Divine, Synthesis of Yoga, Savitri, The Mother, Letters, Agenda Teachings: Involution, Evolution Integral yoga, Triple t...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Bihar School Of Yoga: Encyclopedia - Bihar School Of Yoga
The Bihar School of Yoga is an entity founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1964 and is located in Munger (Bihar, India). It publishes...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Bihar Yoga Bharati: Encyclopedia - Bihar Yoga Bharati
Located near Munger, in India's Bihar State, Bihar Yoga Bharati (BYB) is a yoga institute dedicated to the study of yoga in a gurukul env...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yantra Yoga: Encyclopedia - Yantra Yoga
Yantra literally means loom, instrument or machine. In actual practice, a yantra is a symbolic representation of aspects of divinity, usu...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga In Daily Life: Encyclopedia - Yoga In Daily Life
Yoga in Daily Life by Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda is a comprehensive system of Yoga with a holistic approach to heal...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga As Exercise: Encyclopedia - Yoga As Exercise
While Yoga evolved as a spiritual practice, in the West it has grown popular as a form of purely physical exercise. Some Western practic...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Piracy: Encyclopedia - Yoga Piracy
Yoga piracy is the appropriation of postures and techniques that are found in ancient and traditional yoga treatises belonging to Hinduis...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Alternative Medicine: Encyclopedia - Yoga Alternative Medicine
Yoga when used as a form of alternative medicine is a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation, practiced f...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sahaja Yoga International: Encyclopedia - Sahaja Yoga International
Vishwa Nirmala Dharma or Sahaja Yoga International is a nonprofit organization and new religious movement established in 1970 by Shri Mat...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali: Encyclopedia - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali
Shruti Vedas Rig Veda Sama Veda Yajur Veda Atharva Veda Brahmanas Aranyakas Upanishads Smriti Itihāsas Mahābhārata Bhagavad G�...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Anahata Yoga: Encyclopedia - Anahata Yoga
Anahata Yoga is a meditative hatha yoga developed by Ana Costa. It was registered with the Yoga Alliance in 2002. More than 60 teachers h...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Raja Yoga: Encyclopedia - Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga is one of the four major Yogic paths of Hinduism, the others being Karma yoga, Jnana yoga and Bhakti yoga. Raj...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Surat Shabd Yoga: Encyclopedia - Surat Shabd Yoga
Surat Shabd Yoga or Surat Shabda Yoga is a form of spiritual practice that is followed in the Sant Mat and many other related spiritual t...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Siddha Yoga: Encyclopedia - Siddha Yoga
Siddha Yoga is a spiritual group teaching traditional Hindu or yogic practices both in India and in the West. The group has an organizati...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agni Yoga: Encyclopedia - Agni Yoga
Agni Yoga, also called the "Teaching of Living Ethics" or (in Russian) the Zhivaya Etica, is an esoteric teaching founded by the Russian ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Integral Yoga: Encyclopedia - Integral Yoga
Integral yoga or purna yoga (Full or complete yoga) refers in Sri Aurobindo's teachings to the union of all the parts of one's being with...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: Encyclopedia - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
This article is about the style of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. This article is about the Ashtanga Yoga style of...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Bhakti Yoga: Encyclopedia - Bhakti Yoga
Bhakti yoga is the Hindu term for the spiritual practice of fostering of loving devotion to God, called bhakti. Traditionally there are 9...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Yoga Practice And Intention
Modern yoga practice often includes traditional elements inherited from Hinduism, such as moral and ethical principles, postures designed...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - The Word Yoga
The word "yoga" - from the Sanskrit root yuj ("to yoke") - is generally translated as "union" or "integration." This may be understood as...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Diversity Of Yoga
Over the long history of yoga, different schools have emerged, and there are numerous examples of subdivisions and synthesis. It is commo...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Yoga And Religion
In the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain traditions, the spiritual goals of yoga are seen as inseparable from the religions of which yoga f...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Hindu Yoga
Yoga - Bhagavad Gita. Main article: Bhagavad Gita The Bhagavad Gita famously distinguishes several types of "yoga", corresponding to ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Buddhist Yoga
Within the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism yoga likewise holds a central place, though not in the form presented by Patanjali or the ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Yoga And Tantra
Yoga is often mentioned in company with Tantra. While the two have deep similarities, most traditions distinguish them from one another. ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kundalini Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Kundalini Yoga - Kundalini Yoga Practice
The practice of kundalini yoga consists of a number bodily postures, expressive movements and utterances, characterological cultivations,...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Integral Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Integral Yoga - The Yoga Of Synthesis
Sri Aurobindo describes the nature and practice of integral yoga in his opus The Synthesis of Yoga. As the title of that work indicates, ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Integral Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Integral Yoga - The Aim Of Integral Yoga
Most yogas only develop a single aspect of the being, and have as their aim a state of liberation or transcendence. But the aim of integr...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Integral Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Integral Yoga - Other Integral Yogas
Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga is not to be confused with the Integral yoga of Swami Satchidananda, although the Satchidananda is thought ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Siddha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Siddha Yoga - Beliefs
The central belief to Siddha Yoga is that one should honor the Self within all. This Self is the universal consciousness found within all...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Siddha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Siddha Yoga - Criticism
Some former members have accused the Siddha Yoga leadership of abusive behavior which is at odds with its teachings and wider accepted no...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Hatha Yoga - Origins
The most fundamental and oldest surviving text of Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, a Sanskrit classic written by Swami Swatamarama...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Hatha Yoga - Concept
Traditional Hatha Yoga is a holistic yogic path, including moral disciplines, physical exercises (e.g., asanas (postures) and Pranayama (...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Hatha Yoga - Yama
Yama is a "restraint" or rule for living virtuously. Ten yamas are codified in numerous scriptures, including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Hatha Yoga - Etymology
Hatha yoga, pronounced "ha-tuh", is also known as hatha vidya or the "science of hatha" yoga. The word Hatha comes from combining the two...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Integral Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - The Yoga Of Synthesis
Sri Aurobindo describes the nature and practice of integral yoga in his opus The Synthesis of Yoga. As the title of that work indicates, ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Integral Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - The Aim Of Integral Yoga
Most yogas only develop a single aspect of the being, and have as their aim a state of liberation or transcendence. But the aim of integr...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Integral Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Other Integral Yogas
Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga is not to be confused with the Integral yoga of Swami Satchidananda, although the Satchidananda is thought ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Karma Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Karma Yoga - Concept
The Bhagavad Gita is the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna just before the battle of Mahabharata, a war between the virtuous Panda...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agni Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Agni Yoga - History
The Roerichs were involved in the creation of several institutions, most of them in New York City. These included Cor Ardens ["Flaming He...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agni Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Agni Yoga - Teachings
The theology described in the Agni Yoga books can be understood as a special variation on Theosophy. After Madame Blavatsky's passing, th...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agni Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Agni Yoga - Divisions
The question of divisions within Agni Yoga is a sensitive one. First, the writings themselves urge unity and cooperation within the group...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Common Themes
Samkhya Nyaya Vaisheshika Yoga Purva Mimamsa Advaita Vedanta Vishishtadvaita Dvaita Carvaka Jain Buddhist Logic Common to most forms of...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Origins
Images of a meditating yogi from the Indus Valley Civilization are thought to be 6 to 7 thousand years old. The earliest written accounts...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga - Notable Yogis
History is replete with Yogis that have inspired people for many generations. Yogini Meera from the Bhakti tradition, Shankaracharya from...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Nidra: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga Nidra - History
Paramyogeshwar Sri Devpuriji developed Yoga Nidra and passed it on to Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji and it was taught to his disciples si...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Siddha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Siddha Yoga - Tenets
Students believe that the Guru is a perfected human being who, by a mixture of spiritual work and grace from the preceding Guru, has achi...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sahaja Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Sahaja Yoga - Criticism
Critics of the Sahaja Yoga movement and of its founder claim that it is a dangerous cult engaged in brainwashing, tight control of its me...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - History Of Yoga - Today
In the West, hatha yoga has become wildly popular as a purely physical exercise regimen divorced of its original purpose. Currently, it i...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sahaja Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Sahaja Yoga - Beliefs
This non-profit organization claims to offer an experience by which individuals can spontaneously become aware of their subtle system thr...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali - The Eight Limbs Of Raja Yoga
The eight "limbs" or steps are: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. A number of commentators break t...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Raja Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Raja Yoga - Eight Limbs Of Raja Yoga
The term Ashtanga means eight limbs, thus Raja Yoga is also known as Ashtanga Yoga which refers to the eight limbs of yoga. The eight lim...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - History Of Yoga - Hatha Yoga Pradipika 1350 - 1400 Ce
Main article: Hatha Yoga Pradipika In the West, outside of Hindu culture, "yoga" is usually understood to refer to "hatha yoga." Hatha...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - History Of Yoga - Classical - Patanjali's 'yoga Sutras' Ca. 200 Ce
{main|Yoga Sutras of Patanjali} After the Bhagavad Gita, the next seminal work on Yoga is the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The Yoga Sutras a...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - History Of Yoga - Yoga-bhasya 450 - 850 Ce
The Yoga-bhasya, Veda Vyasa's commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali could have been written as early as 450 CE. Professor J. H. Wood...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Bikram Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Bikram Yoga - Intellectual Property Controversy
Bikram recently secured federal copyright registration under 17 U.S.C. Section 410 for his original work of authorship in his sequence of...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kriya Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Kriya Yoga - Other Lineages
There are several organizations that teach kriya yoga as taught by Yogananda. A few are: Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Yoganand...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kundalini Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Kundalini Yoga - Underlying Philosophy
Sovatsky (1998) describes 'kundalini yoga' as an energetically guided yoga. This means that the discipline is informed by the Hindu under...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Bhakti Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Bhakti Yoga - The Philosophy And Development Of Bhakti
Bhakti is the Hindu term that signifies a blissful, selfless and overwhelming love of God as the beloved Father, Mother, Child, or whatev...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga - Method
The main difference of this style of Yoga to other styles is the focus on vinyasa, which is the union of movement and breath. The student...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali - Introduction
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are one of the six darshanas of Hindu or Vedic schools and, alongside the Bhagavad Gita and Hatha Yoga Pradi...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali - Authorship
There is some confusion as to which Patanjali was the author of this book. Some have identified him with a grammarian by the same name, b...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Hatha Yoga - Asanas Postures
Asanas are contemplative in nature and were originally intuited by yogis during meditation; the Kundalini naturally brings forth these po...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - History Of Yoga - Bhagavad Gita
The protracted discussions of the ultimate, infinite Self, or Atman, and realization of Brahman, are the true legacy of the Upanishads, a...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yoga Dictionary: Yoga Dictionary - A Yogic Alphabet
A Yoga Dictionary from Asanas to Zerosis Note that all words in grey (like the following examples; Yoga, Kundalini, Enlightenment) in th...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hatha Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Hatha Yoga - Health Benefits Ascribed To Yogasana Practice
Different asanas are recommeded by practioners to cure or prevent problems ranging from constipation to cancer. It is known to reduce str...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali: Encyclopedia Ii - Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali - Philosophical Roots And Influences
The Yoga Sutras are built on a foundation of Samkhya philosophy and the Bhagavad Gita. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali prescribes adherence...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Surat Shabd Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Surat Shabd Yoga - Basic Principles
The stated purpose of Surat Shabda Yoga is to realize the individual's True Self (Self-Realization), True Essence (Spirit-Realization) an...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - History Of Yoga - Pre-vedic Ca. 6000 - 3000 Bce [?]
Older findings are believed by some to show that "yoga" existed in some form well before the establishment of vedas in the Indian subcont...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - History Of Yoga - Vedic Ca. 2000-1500 Bce
Yoga was first clearly expounded in the Vedic shastras (Hindu religious texts). Those that estimate Yoga's age to be four thousand years ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - History Of Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - History Of Yoga - Upanishadic Ca. 800-100 Bce
Explicit examples of the concept and terminology of yoga appear in the Upanishads (primarily thirteen principal texts of the Vedanta, tha...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Surat Shabd Yoga: Encyclopedia Ii - Surat Shabd Yoga - Movements And Masters
Adherents believe Surat Shabda Yoga has been expressed through the movements of many different masters. However, because a basic principl...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Tapasya: Encyclopedia Ii - Tapasya - Yoga And Vows
Yoga is closely linked with tapasya. The disciplined and concentrated practice of yogic arts and exercises may be considered tapasya by ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yoga: New Age Spiritual Dictionary On Yoga
yoga (Sanskrit) "Yoke" 1. Union of self with the absolute or divine. 2. Methods or discipline employed to obtain such union...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yoga: Holistic Health Dictionary I On Yoga
YOGA Means union, or the yoking together of body and spirit. It is one of the more ancient methods of healing and of raising conscious...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yoga: Mysticism Magick Dictionary On Yoga
YOGA (Sanskrit for "union," related to our "yoke.") Conquering the self is known as Yoga, the esoteric Eastern tea...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Martya Yoga: Mysticism Magick Dictionary On Martya Yoga
MARTYA YOGA Not to be confused with Abhava, a yoga in which the yogin envisions himself as "non-existence". Martya yoga is a...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Yoga: Theosophy Occultism Mysticism Dictionary On Yoga
A Theosophical definition of Yoga :   Yoga (Sanskrit) Literally "union," "conjunction," etc. In India it is...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sri Aurobindo: Encyclopedia Ii - Sri Aurobindo - Aurobindo's Integral Yoga
The metaphysical teaching is balanced by a practical method, called Integral Yoga. Integral Yoga is so-called because it involves the syn...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Samsara: Encyclopedia Ii - Samsara - Samsara In Surat Shabda Yoga
In Surat Shabda Yoga, the purpose is to realize the individual's True Self (Self-Realization), True Essence (Spirit-Realization) and True...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Spiritual Evolution: Encyclopedia Ii - Spiritual Evolution - Surat Shabda Yoga
Surat Shabda Yoga cosmology depicts the whole of creation (the macrocosm) as being emanated and arranged in a spiritually differentiated ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sri Aurobindo: Encyclopedia Ii - Sri Aurobindo - Aurobindo's Integral Yoga
The metaphysical teaching is balanced by a practical method, called Integral Yoga. Integral Yoga is so-called because it involves the syn...   » Read the article