Recently, I was asked a very interesting question about how to practice Pratyahara. I felt this cannot be answered directly in a few lines, because to understand this properly, we need to look at another important concept from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In Ashtanga Yoga, we see the sequence as Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. That is the order given. But at the same time, Patanjali in verse 2.53 of Yoga Sutra says that the result of Pranayama is धारणासु च योग्यता मनसः...

In the previous blog on Yoga during cold weather, we explored how winter challenges the body and mind, and how Yoga helps us respond intelligently rather than reactively. Interestingly, this understanding is not unique to Yoga or Ayurveda. It is deeply embedded in Hindu tradition through the observance of Dhanur Māsa, a period that coincides with the peak of winter and emphasizes discipline, early rising, and devotional activity. I have come to see Dhanur Māsa not as a religious obligation,...

Every winter, I notice the same pattern in my yoga classes. Students become very irregular and often a quiet apology at the beginning of class: “I’ve been very irregular with my practice these day” 😊. During winter it is natural that our bodies feel stiffer, and there is more resistance in movement. Some mention feeling heavy and dull, others complain of dryness, joint pain, or low motivation. Almost everyone agrees on one thing that winter makes Yoga practice harder. Vinay Siddaiah...