Yoga Positions, Chakra Meditations and Health

Basti : Basti is the washing of the intestines with water. To practise ‘basti’ successfully, it is essential to get mastery over ‘nauli’ first. Stand in a river or pond keeping water level upto the navel (or sit in the’ Utkatasana’ position). Then practise madhyam nauli and the water will immediately rise into the large [...]

The reader may ask why there should be a discussion on diet in this book of yoga. In fact, one who desires to make progress in yoga, should seriously ponder over one’s own diet. An improper diet is an obstacle to the study of yoga. One who does not care for one’s diet does not [...]

Of all the sense organs, the eye is most vital. Without sight, the world is nothing. The science of Yoga has definitely recommended ‘Tratak’ to strengthen the sight. But if ‘tratak’ is not practised properly, it may damage the eyes. Simhasana is one of the asanas which are beneficial to sight and the eyes. How [...]

Yogasana and Pranayama are closely inter-related. An aspirant should master asanas like Padmasana, Siddhasana, Swastikasana and Sukhasana before he begins to practise Pranayama. One can be called the master of a particular asana only when one practises it for three hours without any movement of the body. At the start, it is very difficult to [...]

The meaning of Pranayama : ‘Pranayama’ literally means ‘to expand Prana’ (vital force). In the 49th Sutra of Sadhanapadaof Patanjala Yogasutra, the great Rishi Patanjali has defined Pranayama as a process in which respiration is interrupted and Prana, that is, the vital force is controlled and regulated. According to some, Prana means air. But this [...]

Technique : Inhale and stand erect as shown in Position 2. The legs and the knees should touch each other and the legs should be straight. Advantages : It has all the advantages of Namaskarasana.

Technique : Assume the position as shown in Hastapadasana. Pull the stomach inwards. Bring the other leg to its original position. Let the nose or the forehead touch the knees. Exhale. Advantages : It has all the advantages of Hastapadasana

Technique : Raise the trunk so that it is perpendicularto the floor and bring the left leg forward. Rest it at its original position and stretch the right leg backwards with the heels completely on the floor. The stomach should be pressed well in this position. Bring the neck and the head back and look [...]

Technique : Retain the breath. Without shifting the palm and the toes, straighten the waist upwards and without bending the knees stretch the body back. Let the chin touch the chest. Pull the stomach inwards. Stretch the thighs upwards. Rest the heels completely on the floor. Advantages : (1) It prevents rheumatism, paralysis and hemiplegia. [...]

Technique : Keep the legs, the knees and the palms in the same position. Stretch the arms. Inhale and push the chest forward. Bend the waist backwards and bend the neck as far back as possible. Look up and hold the breath. Advantages : (1) This asana removes paleness of the body and makes it [...]