Ashtang Yoga: The Art of Well-Being

In this episode, I discuss the Brahmri Pranayam-- its techniques and benefits. It is a very energizing and refreshing Pranayam. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I discuss the Om Jaap Pranayam. I discuss the importance of Om, details of its components, technique and benefits. I also discuss how to end the Pranayam session. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I discuss two interesting Pranayams-- the Shitali Pranayam and the Sitkari Pranayam. Both have a nice cooling effect on our bodies. I included in my discussion as I find them interesting and effective for hot seasons. I hope you enjoy them too. 

In this episode, I conclude Pranayam by emphasizing its benefits. It makes you feel energetic, and reduces stress levels and anxiety. Pranayam balances the autonomous nervous system and reinforces the respiratory system. It also has benefits for the heart and blood pressure, which you can understand by listening to the episode. I hope you enjoy it!

I am back after the break for a new season!

In this episode I try to answer the very common question: what is better, asans or gym? Like most young people, my children only go to the gym. I evaluate both these options with an open mind for the youth. I hope you enjoy it.

In this episode, I summarize the first four stages of Ashtang Yog. I also explain the various types of yog, through the various names associated with them. In short, I discuss, the Karma Yog, Gyan Yog, Bhakti Yog and Raj Yog.

In this episode, I introduce the 5th stage of Ashtang Yog- Pratyahaar. It is the first step of Raj Yog. I introduce a few works like, "Indiryas", "Panch Maya Kosh", and "Antahkaran Chatushtaya". We are progressing from the external physical self to the inner self-- the conscious self. A very interesting part of our journey. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I discuss the first set of words important to understand Pratyahaar-- the Indriyaas. There are two set of Indriyaas: 1. Gyan Indriyaas (the sensory organs); and 2. Karam Indriyaas (the motor organs). The mind analyses the stimuli received from the external world through the Gyan Indriyaas and responds through the Karam Indriyaas. I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I will explain the relation and the working of the four elements of the inner-self: Mann (mind), Chitta (memory), Ahankaar (ego), and Buddhi (intellect). The very popular metaphor of the chariot run by ten horses is used to help understand the functioning of the Indriyaas and Antahkaran Chatushtaya. I hope you enjoy it!

Here I describe the five layers which cover our Atman. These are: 1. Anna Maya Kosh (food layer) 2. Pran Maya Kosh (vital layer) 3. Mano Maya Kosh (mental layer) 4. Vigyan Maya Kosh (wisdom layer) 5. Anand Maya Kosh (layer of bliss). It's a beautiful concept. I hope you enjoy this episode!