Knowledge · Healing Practices
Asana
Yoga postures from the Yogic Tradition, described for educational reference.
Ardha Matsyendrasana
The Half Lord of the Fishes Pose, a seated spinal twist named for the yogi Matsyendranath, with the full classical version a bound twist in its own right.
Bhadrasana
The Gracious Pose, the fourth of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika's essential asanas, with the heels held together in front of the body.
Boat Pose (Navasana): Finding Strength and Balance from the Core
If yoga had a posture that perfectly captured the balance between effort and ease, it would be Boat Pose, or Navasana. This core-strengthening pose challenges your body and mind to stay steady amid the wobble — a reminde…
Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana): Opening the Hips and Awakening Inner Flow
Bound Angle Pose, known as Baddha Konasana in Sanskrit, is a beautiful and grounding yoga posture that helps you soften, open, and reconnect with the natural rhythm of your body. Often called the “Butterfly Pose,” this p…
Bow Pose (Dhanurasana): Opening the Heart and Igniting Inner Energy
The Bow Pose, a backbend from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika where you grab your ankles and rock the body into the shape of a drawn bow.
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Opening the Heart and Strengthening the Spirit
Bridge Pose, known as Setu Bandhasana in Sanskrit, is one of those yoga postures that feels both grounding and uplifting at the same time. It teaches balance between effort and surrender—between pressing into the Earth f…
Camel Pose (Ustrasana): Heart Opening and Emotional Release
Camel Pose, or Ustrasana in Sanskrit, is a deep backbend that opens the chest, shoulders, and heart center. Known as a powerful heart opener, it activates the Heart Chakra (Anahata), encouraging emotional release, compas…
Child’s Pose (Balasana): Rest, Grounding, and Inner Calm
Child’s Pose, or Balasana in Sanskrit, is one of the most restorative and grounding yoga postures. It gently stretches the hips, thighs, and spine while promoting relaxation and emotional release. Balasana is closely con…
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Awakening the Spine and Heart Energy
Cobra Pose, or Bhujangasana in Sanskrit, is one of the most accessible yet powerful backbends in yoga. It gently stretches the chest, shoulders, and abdomen while strengthening the spine. Beyond physical benefits, Bhujan…
Corpse Pose (Savasana): The Ultimate Rest and Renewal
The Corpse Pose, lying flat on the back in total stillness, which the Hatha Yoga Pradipika credits with removing fatigue and resting the mind.
Eagle Pose (Garudasana): Balance, Focus, and Energy Flow
Eagle Pose, or Garudasana in Sanskrit, is a dynamic standing posture that challenges balance, stretches the shoulders, hips, and legs, and improves focus and concentration. This pose is associated with the Solar Plexus C…
Easy Pose (Sukhasana): Grounding, Calm, and Mindful Presence
Sukhasana, also known as Easy Pose, is a simple yet powerful seated posture that promotes relaxation, focus, and inner calm. It is often used for meditation and pranayama practice, making it closely associated with the R…
Fish Pose (Matsyasana): Heart and Throat Opening for Energy and Clarity
Fish Pose, or Matsyasana in Sanskrit, is a rejuvenating backbend that opens the chest, throat, and lungs while gently stretching the spine. This posture is particularly powerful for activating the Heart Chakra (Anahata) …
Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana Variation): Embrace Your Inner Power
If there’s a yoga pose that feels like a celebration of strength and femininity, it’s the Goddess Pose, also known as Utkata Konasana. This grounding yet empowering posture helps you connect with your inner divine energy…
Gomukhasana
The Cow-Face Pose, a seated posture from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika named for the shape its crossed legs are said to resemble.
Headstand (Sirsasana): The King of Yoga Poses for Mind and Energy
Headstand, or Sirsasana in Sanskrit, is often called the king of yoga poses. This inversion improves circulation, strengthens the core, and stimulates the brain. Sirsasana is closely connected with the Crown Chakra (Saha…
Kukkutasana
The Cockerel Pose, an advanced arm balance arising directly from Padmasana, described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika as resembling a standing rooster.
Kurmasana
The Tortoise Pose, taught today as a deep seated forward fold, though the Hatha Yoga Pradipika's own verse describes something quite different.
Lotus Pose (Padmasana): The Classic Meditation Posture for Mind and Energy
The Lotus Pose, the classic meditation posture from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, where each foot rests on the opposite thigh.
Mayurasana
The Peacock Pose, an advanced arm balance where the body extends straight and parallel to the ground, supported on the forearms.
Mountain Pose (Tadasana): The Foundation of All Yoga Postures
At first glance, Mountain Pose—known as Tadasana in Sanskrit—may look simple. You’re just standing still, right? But beneath its stillness lies deep power. Tadasana is more than just standing tall; it’s about feeling gro…
Paschimottanasana
The seated forward bend the Hatha Yoga Pradipika singles out as one of its foremost asanas, folding forward over extended legs.
Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): Opening the Gateway to Emotional Release
Few yoga postures feel as deeply liberating as Pigeon Pose, or Eka Pada Rajakapotasana. It’s a graceful, grounding posture that stretches deep into the hips and thighs, unlocking not just physical tightness but emotional…
Plow Pose (Halasana): Deep Stretch and Chakra Activation
Plow Pose, or Halasana in Sanskrit, is a calming and restorative yoga inversion that stretches the spine, shoulders, and hamstrings while stimulating the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) and Crown Chakra (Sahasrara). Known for …
Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana): The Queen of Yoga Poses for Balance and Energy
Shoulder Stand, or Sarvangasana in Sanskrit, is a powerful inversion often called the “queen of yoga poses.” It stimulates the thyroid, strengthens the shoulders, back, and core, and directs blood flow toward the upper b…
Siddhasana
The Accomplished Pose, the posture the Hatha Yoga Pradipika praises most highly of all, built around precise heel placement for pranayama and meditation.
Simhasana
The Lion Pose, one of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika's four essential asanas, performed with an open mouth, extended tongue and a strong exhale.
Svastikasana
The Auspicious Pose, a simple cross-legged seated posture from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, used as a stable base for meditation and breathing practice.
Uttana Kurmasana
The Stretched Tortoise Pose, an advanced posture building on Kukkutasana, lying back with the arms crossed behind the neck.
Virasana
The Hero Pose, a seated posture named for its grounded, steady quality, described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and taught today in a notably different form.
Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): The Pose of Inner Strength and Grounded Power
Warrior I, or Virabhadrasana I in Sanskrit, is one of yoga’s most empowering and transformative postures. It represents strength, focus, and courage—not just of the body, but of the mind and spirit. This pose reminds us …
Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III): The Art of Grounded Balance and Focus
If you’ve ever wanted a yoga pose that makes you feel powerful, focused, and light all at once, Warrior III, or Virabhadrasana III, is it. This dynamic posture is a beautiful dance between strength and surrender — teachi…