Below you'll find some introductory videos on esoteric training, theory, and practice.
This video introduces the basic pranayama ratios used in nadi shodhana pranayama. I demonstrate 1:1, 1:1:1. and 1:1:1:1 ratios. Breathing through both nostrils sets the foundation for alternate nostril breathing.
The full range of motion of the inhalation has three phases - abdomen (I), chest (II), and clavicle (III). This is also known as the yogic breath.
A full breathing cycle has four phases - inhalation (I), internal retention (II), exhalation (III), and external retention (IV).
Meditation is difficult, but like many things, it's a skill that can be trained. Ashtanga Yoga, "the eight limbs of yoga," is a systematic way to approach it. This video gives a very brief overview of Ashtanga, its history, and its value for meditation.
Constraints (yama) and observances (niyama) are the things we avoid doing and the things that we consciously do to support an effective spiritual practice. These form the first two limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.
The most critical aspect of the asanas, or body postures, is to keep the head, neck, and spine in a straight line. This forms the third limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
Pranayama is the control of energy primarily using the breath and is the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
Pratyahara is the process of sensory withdrawal and is the fifth limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
Dharana, or concentration, is maintaining a single-pointed focus upon the object of meditation and is the 6th limb of Ashtanga Yoga.
Dhyana, or meditation, occurs spontaneously when consciousness becomes absorbed into the object of focus. Samadhi, or supreme states of consciousness, may occur as a result of meditation. These form the 7th and 8th limbs of Ashtanga Yoga.
There are many commentaries and translations on the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali that can help us better understand the metaphysically abstract concepts that are contained within them.
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