Yoga

“In the East, people say that suffering can be avoided—it’s not necessary. Life is a blessing! Do you know why? Because wisdom, yoga, and meditation are the means by which you can avoid suffering before it even comes.”
– Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

This craving makes you miserable. Patanjali says there are only five sources of suffering. There is no sixth. Ignorance—or mistaking what is impermanent for something permanent—is the root

There are only two states of consciousness. One is deep sleep or dreaming—daydreaming and night dreaming. During the day, a person dreams: “Oh, what will happen to me? I’ll do this, I’ll do that.” Building castles in the air.

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful experiences gifted to a woman. And yet, this nine-month journey brings with it a whirlwind of emotions to juggle! Yoga can help you navigate this journey, making it smooth and joyful.

The discomfort can begin two weeks before menstruation or during the actual cycle and is a symptom of psychological, genetic, nutritional, and behavioral imbalances.

When you lift the rug just before cleaning the floor, all the dust scatters into the air. Taking a moment for yoga allows you to clear away the mental dust when going through anxious moments. It’s the perfect time to rest in peace and bring calm back to the mind. With yogic breathing techniques and a few calming tips, you can stay centered—even in the eye of the storm.

“Gynecological issues generally fall into a few categories, but the most common one is dysmenorrhea—painful menstruation. This condition involves intense cramping in the abdominal and lower back region, and sometimes even leads to headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, constipation, and bloating. These are just some of the challenges women face during these difficult days,” explains Dr. Avishek Mishra, an Ayurvedic doctor from India.

“Raul, can you turn off the PlayStation for a bit and listen to what I have to say?” I knew my words were going in one ear and out the other. I knew that for my son—so absorbed in his game—it was confusing to switch between the real and the virtual worlds.

Yoga is completely natural for children – they often playfully adopt postures that adults have to learn with effort and discipline. Still, intentional yoga practice can be highly beneficial for kids. What issues might your child be facing that yoga could help you overcome together?

“Breath is the link between the body and the mind. If the mind is the kite, the breath is the string. The longer the string, the higher the kite can fly.”
– Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of The Art of Living Foundation

The first act of life – breathing.
The last act of life – breathing.

This is a very powerful breathing practice that not only helps with weight reduction but also brings the entire body into complete balance.

The nadis are subtle energy channels in the human body that may become blocked for various reasons. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama is a breathing technique that helps purify these blocked energy channels, thereby calming the mind. This technique is also known as Anulom Vilom Pranayama.

With appropriate practice of asanas, you can learn to relax while performing an activity or while physically resting. Relaxation with awareness and knowledge brings deep rest to both body and mind. You can apply this skill of resting even during effort and in daily life. Relaxing asanas can be practiced at any time of day when the body feels tired.

Another student had grown curious.
“What does the Master do behind the curtain? I want to see.”
His curiosity became so strong that he couldn’t resist and lifted the curtain to see the Master. At that very moment, all 999 students were reduced to ashes.

Sit on your heels. With the thighs resting on the heels, bend forward and place your forehead on the floor.

Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, keeping the legs and spine straight.

Sit with your legs extended straight in front of you.

Surya means sun and Namaskar means salutation or worship.
Sun Salutation is made up of a beautiful set of asanas that massage, detoxify, and stimulate almost every organ in the human body and provide flexibility to the spine. Sun Salutation is a wonderful way to warm up and stretch at the same time.

Stand upright with your feet together and arms relaxed at your sides.

Stand with your feet about 70 cm apart. Take deep breaths in and out.

Чудите се - какво се прави след йога практика? Втренчвам се през прозореца, започвам да планирам деня си, отивам да си налея сок? Просто описана като лесна релаксация, йога нидра е своеобразен завършек на всяка една последователност от йога пози. Йога позициите "загряват" тялото, а йога нидра го релаксира напълно. Завърши твоята йога практика всеки ден, следвайки инструкциите по-долу за една съвършена йога нидра.

Those who have given it preference above all else and have chosen it first walk easily on the spiritual path.

When someone is disturbed, they don’t realize time is passing, isn’t that so? This is because their entire focus is on the incident itself, on the event—not on time. When someone is waiting for a train to arrive, they’re simply waiting. So the entire focus is on the object, not on time itself. You’re either waiting for the doctor or someone else—still waiting for the moment. 

Fire sustains life. There are five types of fire.The first is Bhutagni. Bhutagni is the fire with which you heat your home, the fire that keeps warmth within you. It sustains life. It is the physical fire. It is very evident. It may not be as important in tropical countries—they don’t attribute such great importance to fire. But you know how crucial it is in cold countries. Without physical fire, the light goes out. To some extent, this physical fire also exists within the body.

In the book “To Forgive is Human”, psychologists Michael McCullough and Steven Sandage argue that “the pursuit of forgiveness allows us to be morally just with others and with ourselves.”
Otherwise, denying our own transgressions can gradually drain our vital energy.And while over-apologizing can damage people’s trust in you, what we’re talking about here is a genuine, heartfelt apology.

Compassion is one of the most subtle yet profound feelings in the world.
This simple human emotion springs from love, and each of us is born with it.Whether you're smiling kindly at others or accepting yourself after a hard day, that’s a sign of compassion — deeply hidden in our hearts.

The thumb is connected to Mars, which represents independence and self-reliance.The index finger is linked to Jupiter, the one who shows the way and acts as a guide. When you point at something, you use your index finger — that is Jupiter at work.The middle finger is connected to Saturn, the servant or the one who serves.The ring finger is associated with the Sun, the ruler. Which finger do we wear rings on? The ring finger — because the Sun is the king, and rings are worn on the finger that corresponds to it.The little finger is connected to Mercury.

Vitamin B12 has undoubtedly gained a lot of public attention in recent months – and rightfully so. This fascinating member of the B vitamin family, whose complete chemical structure was only deciphered in 1960, has been the subject of intensive scientific research, some of which has earned Nobel Prizes. Yet for a long time, B12 remained misunderstood and overlooked by modern medicine.

For centuries, the saints and sages of ancient times have developed and refined a system for personal development known to us today as Yoga.
This vast and intricate system of knowledge emerged through the unique inner growth and direct experiences of individuals striving for self-realization. From time immemorial, the science and philosophy of Yoga have been passed down from master to disciple — preserved and shared through the grace of the Guru, the spiritual teacher.

Intuition is our ability to know or understand something without the need for conscious reasoning or evidence.

When something goes wrong, we put our hands on our head and say, “Oh God!”. In the same way, massage helps relax the mind, and when the mind is at ease, life becomes easier.

Recycling is one of the best ways to make a positive impact on the world we live in. It’s important not only for the environment but also for ourselves.

In most cases, yoga is perceived as a combination of stretching exercises and breathing techniques for calm and relaxation. A typical yoga session introduces us precisely to these practices, and while we may enjoy their benefits, the deeper and truer understanding of yoga often remains in the background.

A chakra is a point where our prana (the vital energy in our body) is concentrated. It is located within the physical structures of the body such as veins, arteries, and nerves. Yoga is an incredibly effective way to release prana when it becomes blocked. By practicing yoga through asanas and breathing, we can release negative energy and draw fresh energy into our system.

It’s fascinating to see how Yoga Nidra—where we literally “do nothing”—can work wonders for our body and mind. I believe Yoga Nidra is just as rejuvenating as sleep, if not more. Let’s explore why.

Did you know that your body absorbs many toxins through the skin, polluted air, and unhealthy food?
At the same time, the body is intelligently designed to eliminate these toxins through organs like the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Toxins are also expelled through the skin via sweating.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Often, bronchitis appears as a complication of a cold or another respiratory tract infection. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a more serious condition, involving persistent irritation or inflammation of the bronchial lining, often due to smoking.

The heart, like any other muscle in the body, requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients. This supply is delivered by the two major branching coronary arteries. If one of these arteries or its branches suddenly becomes blocked, a part of the heart becomes deprived of oxygen, leading to a condition called "cardiac ischemia." If the ischemia lasts too long, the heart tissue begins to die. This is a heart attack, known as myocardial infarction—literally meaning “death of the heart muscle.”

Anemia occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells in the body to carry adequate oxygen throughout the system. It affects approximately one in ten women but can also develop in men and children, and it is often linked to other underlying conditions.

What Is Cellulite? Cellulite isn’t a favorite topic of conversation for many—especially when your thighs have that “orange peel” look and summer is in full swing. The truth is, there’s no right season for cellulite—it’s never welcome.

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia is not a harmless illness—there are over 30 different potential causes, and identifying the specific cause is essential for determining the appropriate treatment.

Cystitis is an unpleasant inflammation of the bladder lining, most often caused by the presence of microorganisms known as red bacteria. There are very few women who haven’t suffered from cystitis, and it knows no age limits. While it doesn’t affect only women, it is more common in them due to the anatomical structure of their bodies.

For over a decade, every September 29th has been celebrated as "World Heart Day" to raise awareness about heart disease.
 

Hypotension is the medical term for low blood pressure. While high blood pressure often receives more attention, low blood pressure can be just as harmful to our health. In this condition, blood pressure levels drop below 90/60 mm Hg. Doctors consider low blood pressure relatively harmless unless it begins to cause dizziness, fainting, or even shock. Other symptoms of hypotension may include headaches, chest pain, fainting spells, persistent fatigue, and vomiting.

Vertigo is a type of dizziness characterized by a sensation of imbalance, caused by disruptions in the brain’s equilibrium and coordination. It often affects the inner ear—the area responsible for tracking body movement and orientation—and can result from fluid buildup or even a viral infection in the brain. However, some yoga poses have been proven to enhance balance and stimulate the nervous system, offering long-term relief from vertigo.

For some, losing weight can be a fun challenge, while for others it’s a complete nightmare. While certain people seem to shed extra pounds effortlessly with just a few gym sessions, others turn to extreme diets and weight loss pills. In the quest to slim down, you might actually do more harm than good. While reducing weight is important, it's even more crucial to do it the right way.

The kidneys play an extremely important role in cleansing the blood by filtering waste from it.
They also support the functioning of the urinary system, hormone secretion, and regulation of blood pressure in the body. Additionally, the kidneys help maintain the body's acid-base balance, i.e., homeostasis. Clearly, the kidneys are one of the most vital organs in the body, and taking good care of them is essential for living a healthy and fulfilling life.

With the change of seasons, the chances of falling ill and experiencing a weakened immune system increase significantly. It becomes difficult for our bodies to remain resilient when immunity levels are compromised, especially when we’re surrounded by people who are sneezing and coughing. While we can't avoid contact with those who are sick, we can certainly work on strengthening our body’s natural defense against viruses and infections.

High blood pressure always has symptoms – you cannot have high blood pressure without them. Often, people discover they have high blood pressure after experiencing headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, or fatigue. In such cases, we recommend Sudarshan Kriya, adjusting the diet, and very often, by adopting this lifestyle, patients are able to reduce their blood pressure and achieve balance. Through regular Ayurvedic consultations, high blood pressure can be prevented,” shares Dr. Abhishek Mishra, an Ayurvedic doctor from India.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a physical condition that causes persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and abnormal bowel movements, including constipation and diarrhea. Classified as a gastrointestinal disorder, IBS can occur at any age and is more common in women than in men. Research shows that IBS can significantly affect quality of life and even lead to emotional stress.

A healthy digestive system is one of the main pillars of a balanced lifestyle. Physical ailments such as constipation, stomach aches, ulcers, acne, pimples, and bloating can be avoided when your digestion is functioning well.

“Just one more day—and this time, I truly hope it will be different. No more constant stomach aches, no constipation, no persistent headaches. Could it really be possible? This feeling of being blocked up is getting worse every day. I really wish something could free me from it.”

The human spine is composed of numerous vertebrae that support and protect the spinal cord. This structure of bones is what allows us to stand upright. In scoliosis—a condition that specifically affects the spine—it is not straight but curved. A person whose spinal curvature exceeds 10 degrees to the left, right, forward, or backward is considered to have scoliosis. This deformity affects at least 0.5% of the global population and is more common among women.

Freedom from Anxiety and Stress Is Possible – With a Yoga Technique!

Kartik, 30, is a software engineer by profession and a passionate photographer.
He clocks around 45–50 working hours per week. Despite being a fitness enthusiast, his demanding work schedule leaves little time for maintaining physical fitness. Long hours in front of the computer with few breaks and tight deadlines have made Kartik prone to back pain, chronic fatigue, and sluggish digestion.

You've surely tried Roo'bar—or at least heard of these incredibly tasty and healthy snack bars. Two exciting and successful workshops for aspiring dessert makers have already taken place at the Art of Living Happiness Centers, sparking great interest and plenty of positive emotions among kids and parents alike.

Yoga is the art of resting in various poses while keeping your focus on the breath.

Bhujangasana, or Cobra Pose, is part of the Padma Sadhana and Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) yoga sequences.

Padmasana, or Lotus Pose, is a cross-legged yoga posture that helps deepen meditation by calming the mind and alleviating many physical ailments. Regular practice of the Lotus yoga posture supports the practitioner’s overall blossoming, similar to the lotus flower — from which the name Padmasana originates. In Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism, the Lotus Pose is also known as the Vajra Position.

Yoga is a pure science; it connects the body, mind, and spirit, as well as the Universe. It brings peace and bliss to everyone who practices it. A profound difference can be observed in one’s behavior and thoughts after beginning a yoga practice. Daily practice gives us more calmness, sensitivity, intuition, and self-awareness.

Weight loss, a strong and flexible body, glowing and beautiful skin, a calm mind, good health? You’re always striving for something. Your ambition for betterment and for improving yourself is deeply rooted in your consciousness. But the question is: how do you achieve it? Can yoga help you fulfill your dream?

Thanks to stress, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet, many of us (mostly women) suffer from stomach problems. If you spend a long time in the bathroom and have difficulty with bowel movements, it’s probably time to take care of this issue. Here are 5 simple tips to help you combat sluggish bowels.

Are you tired of going to bed with the dreadful thought of an endless night spent tossing and turning, trying to fall asleep? Tired of waking up at 4 a.m. and knowing you won’t be able to fall back asleep until 7:30, just when you have to get up? Tired of waking up exhausted, with your everyday tasks seeming like insurmountable problems, too much for you to handle? You’re probably suffering from insomnia. It can be temporary or chronic, but in either case, it’s important to deal with it, because healthy sleep is one of the key factors for a fulfilling life.

Our mind is constantly torn by intrusive thoughts tied to our past experiences and memories, along with doubts, questions, and worries stirred by the uncertainty of the future.

Without the sun, there would be no life on Earth. Surya Namaskar (literally “Salutation to the Sun”) is a gesture of gratitude to the Sun — the primary source of vital energy for all beings on the planet. The Surya Namaskar sequence includes 12 positions (called asanas), which simultaneously harmonize the body, breath, and mind.

It’s no secret that sports have a healing effect on both our body and mind. But if it’s so beneficial for us, why doesn’t everyone practice it? Many people are convinced that physical exercise requires too much effort and time, or that it’s difficult to remember and perform. On the other hand, scientific studies show that even a 30-minute walk has a positive physical and mental effect on us. Moderate movement not only keeps the entire body’s muscles toned, but also improves sex life, uplifts the mood, reduces stress, and helps prevent depression.

A smiling face lifts the mood and brings lightness and calm to our surroundings. A popular study shows that a baby smiles 400 times a day, while adults smile only about 8 times. It's easy to assume that stress is one of the main reasons adults lose their natural nature — and with it, their smile. Stress can sneak into our lives for various reasons and unknowingly appear on our faces. It causes premature aging, dullness, and is often behind our constantly tired look. Practicing yoga is perhaps one of the best ways to overcome stress and bring brightness back to your face.

Regular yoga practice builds endurance, enhances flexibility, encourages compassion and self-discipline, and cultivates a sense of calm and well-being. It brings undeniable shifts in self-perception, awareness, and the energy around us—allowing us to truly enjoy life.

Plank exercises are often categorized as beginner poses and offer great benefits. For beginners, the yoga plank pose and its variations are strongly recommended for building endurance and core strength to support the practice of more advanced yoga postures. The plank pose also plays a central role in the Sun Salutation sequence (Surya Namaskar).

With the rise of fast food and a fast-paced lifestyle came a silent killer that occasionally makes its way into the headlines—obesity. The world is now buzzing about it. People are more informed than ever, and no stone has been left unturned in the discussion. The one universal question that comes up when we try to reason it out is choosing the right path... or getting that poster-perfect body for summer.

Gone are the days when “less is more” used to be the motto. Today, we want everything to be better than everything else—better homes, better salaries, better grades, and even a better world. The pursuit of perfection is driving us mad. Some might call it “evolution,” but the pace at which it is happening is taking a toll on our health—mental, physical, and emotional.

New to Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)?
You might be curious and want to know everything about them—how to do them correctly, when to practice, or how many rounds to complete at once. It's natural to feel very motivated when beginning your yoga journey. However, it's important to practice Surya Namaskar properly and understand its key elements in order to achieve the best results.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of fundamental tips every beginner should know.

Would you like to live a life where anxiety stays away and you’re able to smile even through difficult days?
All of this is completely possible when you say yes to yoga. The best things in life are just a matter of a little effort when you choose to work on your active nature—to be absolutely fit both physically and mentally. Yes, this is the true power of yoga!

How often do we imagine someone standing on their head against a scenic backdrop and think: “Yoga is not for me”?
You might want to reconsider this decision after getting familiar with these 11 unique tips for beginners. This is an easy approach to start your yoga practice and a way to benefit from what yoga has to offer. Explore these valuable tips and rediscover yourself as you practice yoga against a scenic view.

Sarvangasana, or the Shoulder Stand Pose, is a yoga posture where the entire body is balanced on the shoulders. It is also part of the Padma Sadhana yoga series. "Sarv" means all, "anga" means body part, and "asana" means pose. As the name suggests, Sarvangasana influences the functioning of all parts of the body. This yoga pose is highly beneficial for achieving both mental and physical health and is often referred to as the Queen of Asanas.

Side bend with one extended arm

Side bend with both arms extended

Spinal twist in standing position

Forward bend from standing position

Backward bend from standing position

Triangle pose

Depression is one of the most common mental health issues nowadays.
Depressive states affect both the mind and the body.
Symptoms include intense negative emotions and feelings, melancholy, loss of interest, persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite and weight, as well as indecisiveness and low self-esteem.

The physical body is a union of the material and spiritual worlds, intertwining all internal and external disruptions from a person’s life. It is the space that stores all our feelings, emotions, and experiences, making it extremely intelligent in itself. The body knows what is happening inside you at every moment and has its own language, “speaking” primarily through pain, discomfort, and other sensory signals.

If you’ve decided to read this article, you are probably one of the many people who don’t feel quite well. You’re likely familiar with the feeling of having no strength for anything, that life brings you no joy, and you have no desire for anything at all. You might be having trouble sleeping, feel irritable, and experience sudden mood swings. Maybe you find it difficult to concentrate, often blame yourself, and struggle with making decisions. If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, it is very likely that you are suffering from depression.

The Sri Sri Yoga Deep Dive Course is a unique program designed to strengthen physical and mental health and restore balance. It is created for those who want to immerse themselves in the magic of yoga and give their body a fundamental inner “spring cleansing.” How does this happen? See below.

I’m not saying that you always appear dull and weak. That too is self-deception. You don’t need to be so fussy. Some people constantly repeat, “Everything is beautiful, so beautiful.” They say everything is perfect. They smile on the outside, but inside, they are boiling. You shouldn’t be like that.

Improves the flexibility and mobility of your tendons and joints;

strengthens and tones the muscles;

strengthens and straightens the spine, reduces pain in this area, and corrects your posture;

The Royal Path or the Path of Kings is the path of knowledge that was given to kings of noble lineage. Raja Yoga is the path of mental discipline. We have the freedom and the ability to choose our inner state, regardless of the condition of our body or our external environment. In Raja Yoga, we learn to consciously choose a calm inner state that permeates every layer of our being, including the body, creating radiant health and well-being.

Sit with your legs stretched forward, keep your spine straight.
Bend the left leg and place the left foot against the right thigh, with the left knee on the floor.
Inhale, raise your arms above your head, stretch, and slightly twist to the right from the waist.
Exhale and bend forward from the hip joints with a straight spine, guiding the chin toward the toes.
If you can, hold the toes, elbows pointing to the floor, and move forward, pulling on the toes.
Hold. Continue to breathe.

When we sit together in one place, we each have different thoughts. But when we begin to sing, there is one thought and one rhythm in our minds. All minds become one. This unity creates a deep energy that revitalizes us.

"Like a flower bud, human life has the potential to fully blossom. The full blossoming of human potential is yoga."

The Head of the Department of Psychiatry at NIMHANS has announced that "Sudarshan Kriya has remarkable therapeutic effects."

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense anxiety, fear, and panic that is not linked to a specific situation and occurs unexpectedly and unpredictably. It can happen at any time and in any place, even when we are at rest. Symptoms appear abruptly, peak within about 10 minutes, and can be extremely frightening for someone who doesn’t realize they are experiencing a panic attack. Physical symptoms include:

Usually, the reasons for misunderstandings in a relationship are much more complex than they appear at first glance.In fact, on a subconscious level, most people gradually begin to develop certain behavioral patterns that they then follow unconsciously, which distance them from true love. Many people believe that their partner doesn’t understand their feelings and needs, which is one of the main factors for creating distance between couples—eventually leading to separation. There’s nothing wrong with two people deciding not to be together, because not only do individuals change over time, but so do their ideas of what constitutes a harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

Patanjali, an ancient sage, defines yoga as “the restraint of the fluctuations of the mind.” He compiled the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — aphorisms on yoga — in which he presents an eightfold path (eight limbs) aimed at the well-being and purification of the body, mind, and soul. This eight-limbed approach, known as Ashtanga Yoga, should not be mistaken as a step-by-step method, but rather understood as a multidimensional approach in which all eight limbs are practiced simultaneously.

What do all people from every corner of our planet have in common? We all strive for happiness. We search for it and spend our entire lives wondering where it is, whether what we experience is truly it, and how we can attain it. At times, we long for a place where we can feel happy and at peace. In our minds, we travel there and imagine what it would be like if it really existed. Well, today it does! And it’s called the Center for Happiness.