Hatha Teaching of the Month: Sthira Sukham Asanam

In The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book II: sutra 46, Sri Patanjali describes asana as having two components: sthira—steady, sukham—comfortable. Swami Satchidananda’s commentary on this sutra tells us that “We need the strength of steel, but with steel’s flexibility.”...

To Shoulder Stand or Not to Shoulder Stand: That is the Question!

Over the past years, an asana controversy arose in the Yoga world concerning the shoulder stand (sarvangasana). How does this pose affect the health of the cervical spine, and is it safe for everyone, particularly beginners? Of course, we Integral Yoga teachers know...

More than Just an Eagle: Garudasana

Garuda, the Eagle god as depicted in the Mahabharata, is the vehicle that carries Lord Vishnu. Vishnu is the deity representing preservation, sustainability or, in a more tangible way, Garuda is the vehicle that carries the True Self. Garudasana, is a pose that...