The Vedas are considered to be the most ancient Hindu texts in the world. Written in Sanskrit around 3000 B.C.E., these scriptures are brimming with yogic wisdom. They contain hymns dedicated to Hindu deities, famous mantras such as the Gayatri mantra, various chants and songs of devotion, and even incantations. The four Vedas are known as the “Rig Veda,” the “Yajur Veda,” the “Sama Veda” and the “Atharva Veda.” Let’s explore each one separately. Rig Veda The first Veda, …
Surya Namaskar is the complete total body workout for which no other exercise is required. The Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskar in Sivananda Yoga is a flowing repetition of postures that follows the traditional Hatha Yoga method. Originally performed at dawn as prostrations to the sun god, it evolved to represent the all-encompassing and powerful divinity of the sun. It is, quite literally, a ritual that awakens and salutes each and every part of the body, mind and spirit. From the time of …
“You can have the mind or you can have the moment. Or both.” Shoulder stand Sanskrit: Salamba sarvangasana How to do it Warning: If you have neck injuries or medical issues, check with your doctor before attempting this pose. This pose is not appropriate for all practitioners and is best practiced under the watchful eye of a trusted teacher. Neatly stack two blankets with the folded edges aligned with the short edge of your mat. …
“Observe your thoughts” Headstand Sanskrit: Sirsasana How to do it Warning: If you have neck injuries or medical issues, check with your doctor before attempting this pose. This pose is not appropriate for all practitioners and is best practiced under the watchful eye of a trusted teacher. Start on all fours facing the wall. Interlace your fingers with your knuckles facing the wall. Place elbows on the floor shoulder-width apart. Place the crown of your …
“Meditation is the weight room for the mind.” Wall-assisted forearm stand Sanskrit: Pincha Mayurasana How to do it Start on all fours, with your head facing the direction of the wall. Place your elbows on the floor and come down to your forearms. Bring them parallel to one other, shoulder-width apart. Tuck your toes, lift knees, and reach hips up and back into Dolphin Pose. Broaden across the chest and gaze at the floor between your …
“Breathe and let be” Wall-assisted handstand Sanskrit: Adho mukha vrksasana How to do it Start in Downward-Facing Dog, facing the wall. Place your hands 6 inches from the wall. Bend one knee and step the foot in toward the wall. Lift the other leg into the air. When you’re just getting used to being upside down, you may feel the most comfortable hopping off the bottom foot to kick the lifted leg up toward the wall. Others …
“Meditation is the action of silence.” Wheel Pose Sanskrit: Urdhva dhanurasana How to do it Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, like you’re prepping for bridge pose. Position your feet parallel to one another, hip-distance apart, with heels under the knees. On an inhale, bring your hands to the floor, framing your ears. Your fingers should be facing your heels. On an exhale, press down into your hands and feet. Lift your hips and chest off …
“We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think.” Crow Pose Sanskrit: Bakasana How to do it Start in Mountain Pose. Come down to a deep squat, with your feet a few inches apart and your heels lifted off the mat. Make your knees wider than your hips. Bring your palms down in front of you between your knees, shoulder-width apart. Hook your shins around your upper arms. Look forward, shift your weight forward …