A yoga library of knowledge

Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Sanskrit Terms

Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Sanskrit Terms

Yoga is believed to have been practiced since 1000 BC or even before. This statement can be backed by the ancient text the Atharva Veda and the Pashupati Seal. Some people suggest that yoga didn’t exist this early, but regardless all people agree that yoga has been practiced for a long...
Posted on
Yoga Lingo
Padangusthasana - Big Toe Pose

Padangusthasana - Big Toe Pose

The Padangusthasana is an asana of the Ashtanga yoga tradition that is done while standing. The pose is very good for stretching many muscles of the body and ideal for people with flat feet. The name Padangusthasana is derived from the Sanskrit pada which means foot, angustha which means thumb...
Posted on
Yoga Asanas
Padahastasana - Hand to Feet Pose

Padahastasana - Hand to Feet Pose

Padahastasana is a stretch pose that uses the strength of the body to stretch. The yogi uses the upper body strength to pull the body and put it in a stretch. Padahastasana is derived from the Sanskrit names pada which means foot, hasta which means hand and asana meaning pose. Padahastasana,...
Posted on
Yoga Asanas
Matsyasana - Fish pose

Matsyasana - Fish pose

Matsyasana (mot-see-AHS-anna) is derived from the Sanskrit Matsya meaning fish and asana meaning posture. It, therefore, translates to Fish pose in English. Also, when done the yogi resembles a fish. It is believed that if you perform this pose while on water it will make your float. However,...
Posted on
Yoga Asanas
Malasana - Garland pose

Malasana - Garland pose

Malasana pronounced as mahanaim-LAHS-anna is derived from two Sanskrit words mala which means garland or rosary and asana which means pose. This pose, therefore, is known to be a restorative pose that helps the yogi to restore aspects that may have been lost in their spirituality of physical...
Posted on
Yoga Asanas

Start your free trial now

Begin practice