Foundations

Ashtanga yoga teacher, Richard Freeman inspires many to take up Ashtanga Yoga through his instructional videos and philosophical books.

After renouncing his own religion at the age of 34, Krishnamurti espoused learning the truth experientially, rather than through an organized belief system.

The ancient sages believed that thinking was at least as important as Downward-Facing Dog in reaching our full human potential.

The Romanian born scholar of religion and author of more than 1,000 works, wrote his doctoral dissertation about yoga.

Birch's method is the yoga of choice for many athletic Americans.

Many people believe that anger is "unspiritual," a damaging misconception that often causes us to stuff it inside. Spiritual traditions such as yoga and Buddhism can teach us how to react skillfully to anger without repressing it.

Our second annual selection of yogis who bring their practice into the real world through service to others.

To many people, there seems to be an inherent conflict between being in the present and accomplishing everything that needs to get done. But do you have to choose between your housework and meditation?

If yoga is such a gentle practice, why are so many people getting hurt? Learn how to honor yourself and your limitations to prevent yoga injuries.

Living ethically, according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, is the first step on the true path of yoga.

The five koshas, or 'layers' of the body, constitute a map for navigating the inner journey.

In a world of information overload, the yoga practice of pratyahara offers us a haven of silence.

This mantra meditation from the Kundalini tradition encourages a renewed sense of peace and balance.

David Lurey, a passionate environmentalist and dedicated yogi, renovates an old bungalow into a perfect green dream yoga studio.

Do you often hear yourself saying, "When such and such happens, then I'll be happy"? Why wait for happiness when it's available to you right now, at this moment?

Use these breathing techniques to induce relaxation during your restorative yoga and meditation practice.

Learn more about the lineage of the intensely physical practice of Ashtanga Yoga.

Timothy McCall, MD, takes a look at the validity of scientific proof behind yoga's various benefits.

YJ explores the argument for using a specific system or approach to spirituality to guide beginners in the process.

Personalize your home practice with these key points in mind to get the most out of it.

Check out Richard Rosen's author page.

Check out Kathy Wyer's author page.

Check out Timothy McCall MD's author page.

Where it all began—learn about the history of yoga, the roots of this ancient practice.

Before the invention of the sticky mat, doing yoga was a slippery proposition.

The history behind the hand position.

Check out Elaine Lipson's author page.

Use self-care techniques based on Traditional Chinese medicine to maintain health and energy through the winter.

Check out Janice Cox's author page.

There's more to yoga than just the asanas themselves. Judith Lasater talks about the benefits of asanas and how they can create awareness in the body.

Discerning dharma from kharma or bhakti from shakti is key—whether you are a beginner or a long-time yogi.

The detoxifying effects of Bikram Yoga may help in treating this deadly liver disease.

Sat Kriya is one of the most basic and powerful exercises of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

Twists can be heaven for a bad back—if you don't push too hard. Learn how to do these 9 stretches for the spine to ease pain in your back.

Growth of these qualities is a sure sign that your students are on the right path in their spiritual practice.

Find the courage to face your biggest fears.

If you want to make lasting change in your life, practice starting over.

While the asanas are a great place to start, adding other yogic tools may help deepen spiritual growth and well-being.

Check out Sara Avant Stover's author page.

Tadasana (Mountain Pose) is the posture that invokes Samasthiti. These poses are not different. They are the same.

Count your blessings and you'll find that even a "bad" day is filled with precious gifts.

Practicing generosity not only makes you feel good but it connects you with the essence of who you really are.

How can you forgive yourself when the person you wronged won't?

Enhance your yoga practice and go deeper in your meditation with this vipassana meditation tutorial.

Check out Ellen Gilchrist's author page.

Consider the pros and cons of using music to complement your teaching.

Breathing specialist and yoga therapist Leslie Kaminoff offers advice for asthmatic kids.

Sat Kriya is one of the most basic and powerful exercises of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

Check out Dan Charnas's author page.

The use of props in Iyengar Yoga has been one of the fruits of Mr. Iyengar's innovative genius—and also the object of jokes.

Check out Dan Charnas's author page.

Ahimsa, yoga's moral code of non-harming, tells us we shouldn't eat meat. But what if you're not ready to become a vegetarian: By changing your eating habits, you can become a more caring carnivore.

Check out Alison Stein Wellner's author page.

Check out Alison Stein Wellner's author page.

We all suffer in this world, to one degree or another, but yoga offers ways to mitigate it. The first step is to become aware of the causes of suffering, which according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, are the five kleshas (CLAY-shas), a word meaning "pain, affliction, distress."

Check out Jaimal Yogis's author page.

Check out Richard Rosen's author page.

Check out Shoba Narayan's author page.

Check out Sally Kempton's author page.

At the 2005 YJ Estes Park Conference, Sri BKS Iyengar encouraged students to keep striving—but to also realize that what we're searching for is already inside us.

Check out Richard Miller's author page.

Practice acceptance of your partner, even if he/she doesn't share your spiritual beliefs.

Getting comfortable using chanting and kirtan in your hatha yoga classes can take your teaching to new heights. Pick up the tools for incorporating chants into your classes in an authentic way.

"Recently someone stole my yoga mat, and I got so frustrated and angry that I couldn't practice. How can I overcome it?"

Dharma Mittra answers: What are the eight limbs of yoga and why do we need to know about them?

The first stanza of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra gives wisdom about yoga as a whole.

Check out Phil Catalfo's author page.

Holidays are loaded with emotional issues at the best of times. When you're dealing with the deep wound of grief, they can be almost unbearable.

Check out Jaimal Yogis's author page.

Yoga therapy utilizes poses, breathing techniques, and meditation to benefit and improve overall health.

Check out Gurucharan Singh Khalsa, Ph.D., L.P.P.C.'s author page.

In Light on Life, B.K.S. Iyengar reveals the "heart of yoga" that he personally discovered through more than 70 years of disciplined, daily practice.

Check out Gurmukh Khalsa's author page.

Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa offers advice on how a woman can increase chances for conception with her practice.

Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa offers advice for practicing yoga during pregnancy.

Check out Swami Shankardev Saraswati PhD's author page.

Discover the meaning behind all the birds in yoga—and how to incorporate it into your practice.

If you're bungling your Sanskrit, you may as well recite the phone book as chant a sacred mantra.

Check out Carol Krucoff's author page.

Check out Sally Kempton's author page.