Asteya is the third Yama (restraint) mentioned by Maharishi Patanjali, within the Yoga Sutras. In short, Asteya may be defined as “non-stealing.” However, the depth of this Yama goes much further. This is the Yama of giving to others.
There is an internal conflict about giving, but the Law of Karma and the Law of Attraction, […]

What is ahimsa? In the Yoga Sutras, Ahimsa is the first of the contemporary Yamas (restraints). Quite often, you hear the definition: “non-harming” is the meaning of Ahimsa. You may also hear “non-killing” or “non-violence” applied to the meaning of this demanding Yama.
How can I say this is a demanding Yama? Consider this: Whether you […]

In the Yoga Sutras, Satya is the second Yama (restraint) mentioned by Maharishi Patanjali. Yet, what exactly is Satya? In short, Satya is honesty. If you want to see a controversy, bring up the subject of honesty applied to law, politics, or business ethics.
A promise made by a hand shake is worthless in most courts […]

Bramacharya is the fourth Yama, described by Maharishi Patanjali, in the Yoga Sutras. The literal definition of the root words, brahma and acarya, is “brahmic behavior.” In fact, Bramacharya is also the first Asrama (stage of life for a Brahman), when a student lives a life of celibacy and purity, while studying the Vedas.
In the […]

Is there a need for certification and standardization of Yoga teachers? How can you make the nine main Indian forms of Yoga, and their sub-styles, conform to a measured standard? Who should control and regulate Yoga?
Certifications, and attempts to standardize Yoga, are in their infancy. Yoga has existed quite well without bureaucracy for thousands of […]

Some situations are ironic. Yoga teachers often help their students with stress management techniques. Can you imagine a Yoga teacher intern stressed out over his or her exams? It happens more frequently than you think, but here is a way to finish your studies, without stress, and become a Yoga teacher, within a reasonable time […]

When we look into yoga, we often think it is all about flexibility, and meditation. Being able to do amazing things with our body, and reach new spiritual heights. The truth is there are 5 elements to yoga, and one of those is Pranayama, or yoga breathing.
As you read this article about Pranayama and yogic […]

Not so long ago, Yoga teachers, in the West, taught small groups of dedicated students in basements, garages, lofts, backyards, barns, or any other place that was convenient. As seasons changed, the location of the Yoga class would have to change too.
For example: If you live in a northern climate, practicing Yoga in a barn […]

There’s no doubting that those who practice yoga and pilates often have very impressive abilities to bend themselves into positions which are enough to make the rest of us wince at the thought.
Is this really a good thing though? How much do these abilities transfer to daily life and exercise?
Is there a more effective way […]

When teaching Yoga to new students, there are a variety of challenges for both teachers and students. Yoga can be a learning curve for a new student. At the same time, the methodology of teaching can be a challenge for a Yoga instructor. Below is a question and answer session, in relation to silent observation […]