The Niyamas (नियम) are positive duties or observances. In Indian traditions, particularly Yoga, niyamas and their complement, Yamas, are recommended activities and habits for…
The Yamas (यम), and their complement, the Niyamas, represent a series of “right living” or ethical rules within Yoga philosophy. It means “reining in”…
Dhyana yoga in Hinduism means contemplation and meditation. Dhyana is taken up in Yoga practices and is a means to Samadhi and self-knowledge. The various…
Pratyahara (Sanskrit: प्रत्याहार) or the withdrawal of the senses is the fifth element among the Eight stages of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga, as…
Dharana yoga (Sanskrit: धारणा योग) is translated as “collection or concentration of the mind (joined with the retention of breath)”,…
Jnana Yoga (Sanskrit: ज्ञान योग) is the process of converting intellectual knowledge into practical wisdom. It is a discovery of…
Bhakti yoga (Sanskrit: भक्ती योग), literally the path of Bhakti, is a spiritual path or spiritual practice within Hinduism focused on loving devotion towards any personal…
Kriya Yoga (Sanskrit: क्रिया योग) is the active aspect of yoga. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2.1 defines three types of kriya…
Karma yoga (Sanskrit: कर्म योग), also called Karma Marg, is one of the four classical spiritual paths in Hinduism, one based on the…