Ardha Kurmasana is also known as Half Tortoise Yoga Asana. Due to its resemblance to a tortoise it is known as the tortoise pose. This yoga asana can prove to be very beneficial to your body in every possible way. By performing this asana regularly and properly our bodies can be rejuvenated. The organs get stretched to its maximum with every movement of this asana. The shoulder movement gets improved and so does the muscles in the corresponding areas. Know More

Yoga has a message for the human body for the human mind and the human spirit.This is a truism as a healthy body is the prime requisite for success and happiness in life. People are increasingly being convinced that yoga makes for good health contentment and happiness in present day stressful life and is not just an exercise regimen. Know More

Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unify the mind, body, and spirit. If you are new to yoga, these seven tips will start you on the road to a more centered life. Know More

Morning routines are important. Morning activity that calms your mind and energizes, you can make all the difference between a stressful day and a joyful day. Know More

Without firm foundations a house cannot stand. Without the practice of the principles of yama and niyama, which lay down firm foundations for building character, there cannot be an integrated personality. Practice of asanas without the backing of yama and niyama is mere acrobatics. Know More

Yoga is good for your mind and good for your body. Of the three important components of a balanced fitness program— flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular conditioning— yoga directly provides the first two and has the potential to enhance the third. Scientific studies on the health benefits of yoga have found that it can be useful in a wide range of conditions, including hypertension, asthma, depression, arthritis, heart disease, epilepsy, and cancer. Know More

Breath is the essence of life. You inhale for the first time shortly after arriving in the world even before your umbilical cord is cut. From that moment on you take approximately seventeen thousand breaths each day,which over a lifetime totals about 500 million breaths. In your final moments on this planet, you exhale for the last time; that breath defines the end of your life. Know More

A different type of meditation involves intoning mantras aloud to create a healing resonance in the mind and body. There are mantras associated with each of the seven energy centers in the body, known as chakras. The chakras are major junction points between consciousness the body, and each one is sociated with a specific vibration. Know More

The activity in your mind is communicated to every cell in your body. When your mind is turbulent, your messenger molecules communicate turbulence to your cells, tissues, and organs. If you can quiet your mind, you can send messages of peace and harmony to every cell in your body. To experience the real essence of yoga—the full integration of body, mind, and spirit—you need to develop the ability to calm your mental turbulence Know More

The seventh spiritual law is the Law of Dharma, which states that every sentient being has a purpose in life. You have unique abilities and your own way of expressing them. There are needs in this world for which your specific talents are ideally suited, and when the world’s needs are matched with the creative expression of your talents, your purpose—your dharma—is realized. Know More

The sixth spiritual law of success is the Law of Detachment which reveals a great paradox of life. In order to acquire something in this world, you have to relinquish your attachment to it. This doesn’t mean you give up the intention to fulfill your desire—you simply give up your attachment to the outcome. Know More

The fifth spiritual law of success is the Law of Intention and Desire, which is based upon the recognition that at the level of the quantum field there is nothing other than energy and information. This quantum field, which is really just another name for the field of pure potentiality, is influenced by intention and desire. Know More

The Law of Least Effort states that nature’s intelligence functions with effortless ease. If you look at the ebb and flow of the tides, the blossoming of a flower, or the movement of the stars, you do not see nature straining. There is rhythm and balance in the natural world, and when you are in harmony with nature, you can make use of the Law of Least Effort by minimizing your effort and maximizing your effect. Know More

The third spiritual law of success pertains to karma, or cause and effect. Every action we take generates a force of energy that returns to us in kind—as we sow, so we reap.When we consciously choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success. Know More

Giving and receiving is the low of life.When we give with love and accept with deepest gratitude our souls rejoice.The second spiritual law of success is the Law of Giving and Receiving, which states that the universe operates through dynamic exchange. Your body is in constant and dynamic exchange with the body of the universe. Know More

Through the Low of Pour Portentiality,I can create anything,anytime,anywhere The first spiritual law of success is the Law of Pure Potentiality,which states that at the core of your being you are pure awareness. This realm of pure wareness is the domain of all possibilities and underlies creativity in all its forms. Pure consciousness is your spiritual essence and the source of your joy in life. Know More

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga to the practice of yoga because the principles that underlie yoga are the principles that support a life of balance,flexibility, and vitality. The practice of yoga is practice for life. Success in yoga provides a template for success in life. Know More

The proliferation of yoga classes and yoga centers throughout the Western world is a tribute to yoga’s indisputable power to enliven physical well-being. In cities across North America, Europe, and Australia, yoga studios offer students a vast range of styles and techniques designed to enhance fitness. Know More

EVERY one who sets himself in earnest to the living of the Inner Life encounters certain obstacles at the very beginning of the pathway thereto, obstacles which repeat themselves in the experience of each, having their basis in the common nature of men. Know More

Yoga means union of man with his Higher Self. It is an ancient discipline that can be traced back as far as the third century B.C., when the forest dwelling ascetics broke away from the traditional material values of society, and sought to free them selves from the chains of karma. Know More

What is the obstacle to one-pointed meditation.The answer is the unstill mind. All problems are caused by the mind, by the desires arising in it. It is not easy to control the mind and keep it away effectively from desire. If we ask the mind to think of an object, it seems to obey us for a moment, but soon it takes its own course, wandering off. When I speak to you about meditation and tranquillity, for a moment your mind will perhaps become still and you will be happy. Know More

Karma yoga, also called Karma marga, is one of the three spiritual paths in Hinduism.People usually think that yoga means no more than controlling the breath and sitting stone-like Know More

Each member of the Trinity has an animal who acts as his vehicle. Shiva’s mount is the beautiful milky white bull, Nandi, who is enormous with powerful red-tipped horns and large, loving eyes. Know More

Meditation is a practice of finding balance between effort and surrender; balancing the will power to sustain concentration and detachment from distraction to remain in the heightened state of awareness, and the ability to relax, surrender and let go of all expectations and desires. There are many simple techniques for meditation to bring the mind into focus, returning it to stillness; Slow and steady Pranayama can always be engaged to refresh and revitalize the mind if it’s feeling tired, fatigued or unfocused. Here are a few examples of meditation techniques: Know More

Pranayama is the extension of life force energy in the body, which supports health and longevity. Pranayama is the breathing practice of yoga and is the disciplining of our life force energy (prana), to remove blockages within our physical and energetic system, to clear illness and pain and ignite the spine to help regulate the nervous systems, so that we may achieve higher states of consciousness and awareness. Know More

Guidelines for Practice from Patanjali’s yoga Sutras: Shrtire Sukham Asanam Asana (posture, seated position, physical practice) is steady (strong; steady, stable, motionless) and comfortable (ease filled, happy, light, relaxed). Performed with willingness as well as acceptance. Firm as well as pleasant. Strong as well as relaxed. Maintained with effort as well as ease. Focus on the Breath. Know More

Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar, is a specific sequence of 12 or so poses linked in a series to lengthen and strengthen, flex and extend the spine and many of the main muscles of the body while distributing the prana flow throughout the body’s systems. Sun salutations mobilize the spine in all directions strengthening hundreds of muscles, stretching and enhancing flexibility of the entire body, increasing the respiratory capacity of the lungs, rhythmically stimulating and relaxing the nervous system, eliminating a lot of stress and leaving us feeling more vibrant and healthy! Sun Salutations can be taken as a complete asana practice in and of itself and is an excellent starting point for creating your own home practice. Home Practice Tip: Use the sun salutations as a template from which to be creative and build your own home practice according to your body’s needs. Know More

Arjuna asks [Krsna] whether it is not a sin to wage war and slay friends and relatives in battle. It seems to us a natural and reasonable question.Sri Krsna Paramatman gives an answer in the Bhagvadgita. An action that outwardly seems to be bad and cruel need not necessarily be sinful. Acts that apparently cause pain to others may have to be committed for the good of the world and there is no sin in them. Know More

The belief that everything in ones body on a subtle level has a series of energy field or center of consciousness. In traditional Tantric teachings these fields are called Chakras. These chakras are along or just in front of the back bone although they may be expressed at external points in the body. Know More

Yoga is the practice of traditional physical and mental disciplines associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is believed to date back to 900 BCE among figures found in classic Yoga poses. Know More

Yoga (Ha = sun , tha= moon) is an umbrella term for the systems of physical postures that our culture today has come to associate the term Yoga. It is the path of bodily discipline, whose highest purpose is to purify the body to give one awareness and control over the internal states, rendering the body/mind fit for meditation. The physical practice of yoga is called asana – physical postures linked with breath and movement to build internal heat, called tapas. Know More

Ashtanga Yoga (Ashta – 8, Anga – Limb) is the path to enlightenment that offers guidelines for a peaceful, meaningful and purposeful life.The first four stages of Patanjali's Ashtanga yoga concentrate on refining our personalities, gaining mastery over the body, and developing an energetic awareness of ourselves. They are preparation for the next 4 limbs. The second half of the journey deals with the senses, the mind, and attaining a higher state of consciousness.The Yamas and Niyamas can be approached individually or they can be seen as a progressive system towards Realization. Know More

The word yoga literally means “to yoke” or “union”. More than just a practice of physical exercises, Yoga is the coming together of the individual self or consciousness, with the infinite universal consciousness or spirit. Yoga is a method of inquiry in to the nature of the mind, which emphasizes practice and direct experience. The “Goal” of Yoga: The “goal” of yoga is to align to the universal consciousness in order to experience joy, freedom and the stillness of full consciousness. Alignment, is related to mind and body, and refers to how various parts of us are integrated and interconnected. Know More

WARANGAL 175 km from Hyderabad, was part of the Andhra kingdom till the middle of the 12th century when it was conquered by the Kakatiyas who made it their capital. Prod Raja, a powerful Kakatiya king, constructed a fort in the capital, as is known from inscriptions on the eastern and western gates and pillars of the fort. Know More

As has been mentioned in the previous chapter, there is a rich body of critical writing on the dance both at the level of theory and at the level of technique. Writers on dance and drama were known to Panini as is obvious from the numerous words he used for the actor, the performer, the dancer, the acrobat as also his reference to the Nata sutras. Know More

Jatakarma, namakarana, annaprasana and caula are common to all jatis. Only Brahmins, Ksatriyas and Vaisyas have the upanayana ceremony. There is nothing discriminatory about this nor need there be any quarrel over the same. People belonging to the fourth varna do physical work to serve the world and in the process acquire inner purity. Know More

HE fortress of Champanir set on a formidable deeply scrapped rock 25 miles from Baroda derives its name from its founder. Jamb or Champa the brilliant and gallant minister of King Wun Raj of Chowra dynasty that ruled in the eighth century. The fortress is also known as Pawan garh or Pavagarh The Castle of Winds pawan meaning wind which continuously blew and blasted it. Know More

Agni, the sacred fire, must be kept burning throughout a Brahmins life.The Brahmacarin or bachelor - student must perform the samidadhana everyday. After he is married, with Agni as witness, he becomes a grhastha (householder). He must now perform the aupasana in the fire. For the vanaprastha (forest recluse), there is a sacred fire called kaksagni. Know More

Those who follow the tradition of Acarya are called "Smartas". The word "Smarta" literally means one who adheres to the Smrtis. To say that the Acarya descended to earth to uphold the Vedas and that those who follow his path are Smartas implies that the Vedas and Smrtis are one.The rites that are not explicitly mentioned in the Vedas but are dealt with in the Smrtis are called Smarta karmas and those that are explicitly mentioned are called Srauta karmas. This does not mean that the Smarta rites are in anyway inferior to Srauta Know More

Thanjavur attained prominence under the Cholas in the ninth century, Vijayalaya, the first great ruler of the dynasty (850-71), having captured it and made it his capital. The Brihadisvara temple is a symbol of the greatness of the Chola empire under its author, emperor Rajaraja (985-1012), whose splendour it reflects. Know More

ONE of the most ancient and strategically located forts of India, the Kalinjar in Bundel Khand, was the site of several battles and many an illustrious name such as Mahmud Ghazni, Prithvi Raj Chauhan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, Humayun, Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, Chhatrasal were associated with it. Know More

The Azhvars sing the glory of Visnu and the Nayanmars of Siva. In the Vedas all deities are hymned in the same way. The Upanishads do not speak much about deities; they are concerned with truths of the Self.Tiruvalluvar speaks about God and philosophical matters and his viewsare in keeping with the Vedic tradition. But the emphasis in his work is on morals and ethics Know More

DELHI is said to have been the site of seven cities and whenever a new city came up, protection had to be provided to it mostly in the form of a fort. Delhi thus abounds with forts, sorine of which are visible in their remnanrts some having mere jWalls, and hardly any in its original shape. Lai Kot, Rai Pithora and Siri exist in the ruins of their walls; the inside of Tughlaqabad and Kotia Feroze Shah are in slightly better shape and Purana Qila is better preserved. Lai Qila or Red Fort is the only fort that has withstood ravages but, more than time, when the Mughuls grew weak, plunderers and vandals played havoc with its precious posses¬ sions as well as with its inmates, includ¬ ing royalty. Know More

Each Purana is in the main devoted to a particular devata. In the Siva Purana it is stated: "Siva is the Supreme Being. He is the highest authority for creation, sustenance and dissolution. It is at his behest, and under him, that Visnu funtions as protector. Visnu is a mere bhogin, trapped in Maya. Siva is a yogin and jnana incarnate. Visnu is subject to Siva and worships him. Once when he opposed Siva he suffered humiliation at his hands". Stories are told to illustrate such assertions. Know More

Alexander’s campaign probably made an indirect impact on the further political development of India. Not much is known about the antecedents of Chandragupta Maurya, but it is said that he began his military career by fighting against the outposts which Alexander had left along the river Indus. Know More

According to Sankhya, the Atman is Purusa and is the basis of all, though,at the same time detached from everything. In its view Maya which keeps everything going is Prakriti. The cosmos is contained in 24 "tattvas" ["thatnesses" or principles or categories] of which Prakrti is one- Prakrti is indeed the first of these and it has the name of"pradhana Know More

The sixth limb or Anga of the Vedapurusa is Kalpa, his hand. The hand is called "kara" since it does work (or since we work with it). In Telugu it is called “sey ". Kalpa is the sastra that involves you in "work". A man learns to chant the Vedas, studies Siksa, Vyakarana, Chandas, Nirukta and Jyotisa. What does he do next? He has to apply these sastras to the rites he is enjoined to perform. He has to wash away his sins, the sins earned by acting according to his whims. Know More

The Sun temple of Konark, enclosed within a spacious compound, consists of the deula, the jagamohana and the natamandira, along the east-west axis. All the structures face the east. The deula and jagamohana forming component parts of one architectural scheme are designed in the form of a monumental chariot of the Sun god Know More

The second millennium BC witnessed another major historical event in the early history of the South Asian subcontinent after the rise and fall of the Indus civilisation: a semi-nomadic people which called itself Arya in its sacred hymns came down to the northwestern plains through the mountain passes of Afghanistan. Know More

Environment—that is a world alive and related to a living centre, the habitat of an animal, the hunting grounds and pastures of nomads, the fields of settled peasants. For human beings the environment is both an objective ecological condition and a field of subjective experience. Know More