Month: April 2020
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Ghee – An Ayurvedic Perspective
The milk of cows is considered to possess the essence or sap of all plants and Ghee is the essence of milk… When we consider Ghee we are in the company of superlatives. In India, Ghee has been so highly regarded for so many things, for so long, that one is slightly embarrassed to enter…
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Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Chapter IV – On Samadhi
1. Salutation to the Guru, the dispenser of happiness to all, appearing as Nada, Vindu and Kali. One who is devoted to him, obtains the highest bliss. 2. Now I will describe a regular method of attaining to Samadhi, which destroys death, is the means for obtaining happiness, and gives the Brahmananda. 3-4. Raja Yoga,…
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Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Chapter III – On Mudras
1. As the chief of the snakes is the support of the earth with all the mountains and forests on it, so all the Tantras (Yoga practices) rest on the Kundalini. (The Vertebral column.) 2. When the sleeping Kundalini awakens by favor of a guru, then all the lotuses (in the six chakras or centers) and…
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Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Chapter II – On Pranayama
1. Posture becoming established, a Yogi, master of himself, eating salutary and moderate food, should practice pranayama, as instructed by his guru. 2. Respiration being disturbed, the mind becomes disturbed. By restraining respiration, the Yogi gets steadiness of mind. 3. So long as the (breathing) air stays in the body, it is called life. Death…
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Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Chapter I – On Asanas
By Swatmarama, 15th Century C.E., translate by various scholars 1. Salutation to adinatha (Siva) who expounded the knowledge of Hatha Yoga, which like a staircase leads the aspirant to the high pinnacled Raja Yoga. 2. Yogin Swatmarama, after saluting his Guru Srinatha explains Hatha Yoga for the attainment of Raja Yoga. 3. Owing to the…