Ashtanga yoga simplified

July 30, 2024

Patanjali (200 BC), a saint has explained the eight steps of yoga or Ashtanga yoga. The eight steps refer to one’s societal behavior, physical training, and psychic preparation. The eight steps of Ashtanga yoga are (1) Yama, (2) Niyama, (3) Asana, (4) Pranayama, (5) Pratyahara, (6) Dharana, (7) Dhyana, and...

Kundalini Yoga Scientifically Demystified

June 25, 2024

One popular school of yoga is Kundalini yoga. However, there is a lot of mystery, myths, misperceptions, and commercialization associated with it. Here I present a scientific demystification of this system of yoga. This system of yoga begins with the seventh limb of Ashtanga yoga, that of Dhyana or meditation....

A Scientific Interpretation of Yoga

June 11, 2024

The word yoga as defined in Sanskrit is Yög meaning, ‘union.’ The word is usually used in mathematics to denote the mathematical function of addition or the summing of any two numerals. The Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines yoga as “a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body,...

Fostering objectivity (vastu nistha) in the pursuit of truth

June 4, 2024

Objectivity (vastu nistha in Sanskrit) entails a lack of bias in one’s thinking. It is being impartial and neutral in one’s disposition. Objectivity is the basis of scientific thinking. Objectivity is required for all scientific inquiries. Without being objective no insights into any problem can occur. José Bastos Padilha Neto...

Altering Passions toward Dispassion (Vairagya)

May 28, 2024

Passion is an emotion that to some extent is considered to be essential for success. The problem with passion occurs when it becomes strong and uncontrollable. It takes the form of a strong drive to attain worldly pleasures and possessions. There is no end to one’s quest to attain success....

Growing in steadfastness (sthariyam)

May 22, 2024

The Sanskrit word sthariyam (unswerving self or steadfastness) is a spiritual quality mentioned in Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 13, Verse 8). The word steadfast can also be traced to the Old English word “stedefaest,” in which stede, means “place,” and faest, means “to be firmly fixed.” It is good to be...

Spiritual Healing emerges as a Holistic Path to Wellness

May 14, 2024

In a world increasingly fraught with stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection, the quest for holistic well-being has taken center stage. Amidst this search, spiritual healing has emerged as a profound and transformative path to wellness, offering individuals a holistic approach that addresses the interconnectedness of the mind, body,...

Practicing Moderation (Alobha) on the Spiritual Path

May 14, 2024

We all know that excess (atishaya in Sanskrit) of anything is bad, yet we indulge in excessive pursuits of pleasurable activities. For example, excessive eating at a buffet, excessive accumulation of wealth, excessive work to get fame, excessive gossiping, and so on. What happens with excess? Eventually, it leads to...

Avoiding guilt in the spiritual journey

April 30, 2024

Guilt (atyaya in Sanskrit) is an emotion that arises when someone does or believes they are committing something wrong. In legal parlance, guilty refers to having been found to have committed an offense or crime. Guilt is focused on the past, unlike fears that are future-oriented. Guilt has several underlying...

Transcending possessiveness (Aparigraha)

April 23, 2024

Possessiveness (or parigraha in Sanskrit) has three dimensions. First, is the ownership of objects, things, money, and other materials. Second, is the controllability in relationships particularly close ones such as with spouse, children, friends, and so on. Third, is the controllability that also extends to possessiveness about power by those...