Philosophy

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

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?

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.

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?

Check out Timothy McCall MD'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.

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

Find the courage to face your biggest fears.

Check out Sara Avant Stover's author page.

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?

Check out Ellen Gilchrist's author page.

Check out Dan Charnas's author page.

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.

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

Check out Richard Miller's author page.

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.

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.

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 Phil Catalfo's author page.

Check out Jaimal Yogis's author page.

Check out Gurucharan Singh Khalsa's author page.

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.

Check out Sally Kempton's author page.

There are quite a few animal yoga poses. Have you ever wondered how they got their names?

Check out Sally Kempton's author page.

In times of crisis, we tend to latch onto whatever strength we can find. Here's how to tap into your most reliable support.

Fingers and toes are charged with divine power, which, when intelligently accessed and properly applied, can intensify the transformative power of the practice.

Check out Phil Catalfo's author page.

So what does an ancient parable about snakes and lazy husbands have to do with your yoga practice?

Check out Swami Shankardev Saraswati PhD's author page.

Check out Swami Shankardev Saraswati PhD's author page.

Check out Swami Shankardev Saraswati PhD's author page.

Check out Phil Catalfo's author page.

Use wisdom in your judgements and move from judging to discerning for a life of freedom, peace, and joy

Yogis are awfully fond of numbered lists and three's a charm when it comes to understanding the gunas and how to balance them.

How to use nature's five basic elements to find balance and harmony in the body.

Check out Jayne Stevenson's author page.

Check out Jayne Stevenson's author page.

Check out Swami Shankardev Saraswati PhD's author page.

The practice of serving others isn't just the right thing to do; it's also a path to self-realization.

Check out Shiva Rea's author page.

Check out Richard Rosen's author page.

Check out Swami Shankardev Saraswati PhD's author page.

Check out Swami Shankardev Saraswati PhD's author page.

Use this primer to a key concept in Taoist philosophy to grasp how yoga affects the crucial tissues of the body, including muscles, bones, and connective tissue.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

Richard Rosen explains the meaning of bridges in yoga philosophy, shedding new light on Bridge Pose.

You can work on it every day, starting with the small stuff. Here’s how.

Find a more spiritual approach to your work and you'll uncover new meaning in your life.

Check out Anne Cushman's author page.

Richard Rosen ponders what draws us to the yoga mat and keeps us coming back.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

Richard Rosen explains Om—the ancient sacred syllable—may be the only mantra you'll ever need.

Check out Anne Cushman's author page.

We all know about the eight limbs of yoga. But do you know about the yoga vitamins? These five yoga vitamins, or virtues, will fortify your practice.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

When crises arise, some people flourish while others flounder. Here's how your practice can help you build resilience.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

Check out Aadil Palkhivala's author page.

When it comes to practicing mindfulness, the yoga and Buddhist traditions have much in common.