Author: Suyasha Sengupta

May 16, 2022

Cobra Yoga Pose

The ‘Cobra Pose’ is an excellent pose for those with back problems. While advanced practitioners of yoga benefit from incorporating it into their flow, it can be easily attempted by beginners as well.  While it can be practiced on its own, the Cobra is an integral part of ‘Surya Namaskara’ (Sun Salutation) and ‘Chandra Namaskara’ (Moon Salutation) in Hatha yoga. ...

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May 1, 2022

Spiritual Meaning of Elephant

As human beings, we often take for granted all the animals that exist on this planet. There is so much to learn from them and their wisdom of the universe. The elephant is one such majestic creature. Found commonly in parts of Africa and Asia, they are worshipped as gods in many different cultures. In Hindu mythology, the god ‘Ganesha’...

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March 16, 2022

Five-Pointed Star Pose

Many believe that yoga is a means to attain immense flexibility and contort the body in many different ways. While that notion is true to an extent, it is only an effect of practicing intermediate yogic poses (asana).  The true essence of yoga is to bring stillness to the mind. In Patanjali’s ‘Yoga Sutra’, he states, “Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha.”...

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February 23, 2022

Starting Yoga After 50

Yoga is a discipline of philosophy and fitness that you can start at any age if you have the right motivation. It brings changes to not only just your body but also your mind.  There are many different branches of yoga. While some focus on physical ability, others focus on mediation and service. The paths may be different, but all...

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February 14, 2022

Plough Pose in Yoga

In a sequence of asanas, the plough pose is generally followed after the shoulder stand (‘Sarvangasana’) and then a backbend such as the fish pose, or the camel pose to restore the spine to its normal condition. It has many variations for both beginners as well as more intermediate practitioners and can be especially helpful for those looking to take...

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February 8, 2022

Eight Angle Pose in Yoga

The Eight-Angle pose is an intermediate pose in Hatha Yoga dedicated to Sage Astavakra. According to ancient Indian legends, when he was in his mother’s womb, his father, ‘Kagola’, made numerous mistakes while reciting the Vedas (ancient Indian texts). Hearing these the sage laughed, and this enraged the father, who cursed his son to be born crooked. He was thus...

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February 7, 2022

Extended Puppy Pose in Yoga

The extended puppy pose can be a relaxation as well as a stretch pose for beginners and intermediate practitioners of yoga. It combines the downward facing dog (Adho Mukho Svanasana) with the child’s pose (Balasana) to open up the shoulder muscles and stretch out the arms. For beginners this is an ideal pose to start their inversion practice with since...

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February 4, 2022

Deer Pose in Yoga

The deer pose is most commonly practiced in Yin yoga, which emphasizes slow movement and holding a pose for a long period of time. While the Ashtanga Vinyasa school is more dynamic and encourages rapid movements, Yin is the complete opposite. This is often restorative and can be practiced by even those with limited flexibility. If you are looking for...

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February 3, 2022

Cow Face Yoga Pose

The cow face yoga pose first appears in the ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika’ an ancient Sanskrit text on the principles and practices of Hatha yoga. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, this pose is for all and can be practiced during the day or even in the evening. On a pranic level, the cow face pose directs the...

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February 2, 2022

Crescent Yoga Pose

The crescent moon pose is more than a mere lunge. Apart from the sun salutation, the crescent moon is also practiced as part of the moon salutation (Chandra Namaskar) since it is an ideal pose to practice if you are tired and need to stretch your limbs before bedtime. It has many variations and can be practiced by almost everyone....

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