Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2025 i YOGA Magazine

Dear YOGA Magazine Readers, Greetings and Blessings! As spring arrives, we invite you to explore the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit in this April issue. In a fast-moving world, the ancient practices of yoga offer us tools to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. This month, we delve into yoga not just as a physical discipline but as a pathway to holistic healing and spiritual growth. Our Philosophy section begins with The Great Disease of the Mind, exploring Harold Stewart’s journey from poet to profound Buddhist thinker and how wisdom lightens the mind's burdens. In Clairvoyance: Beyond What Eyes Can See, we reveal how yoga enhances intuition, offering insights beyond ordinary perception. Why Somatic Sobriety with Yoga is Essential for Addiction Recovery examines how emotional awareness and physical movement…

We’ve all experienced the blissful sensation of lying in Savasana after a transformative yoga class. In that moment, peace feels eternal. Yet, as we step out of the yoga studio and into our daily lives, stress and anxiety often creep back in, disrupting that precious calm. Yoga’s ancient wisdom focuses on the mind and consciousness, offering practices to cultivate unshakeable inner peace – peace we can anchor ourselves in and carry through life’s challenges. Experiencing this requires the courage to confront and heal our wounds. As Rumi beautifully reminds us: “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” The earliest yoga teachings recognise that the most important battles we face are within ourselves — our own anger, attachment, fear, jealousy, and anxiety. One of the most beloved yogic…

A supportive practice for transcending addiction is the cultivation of somatic sobriety, which can be considered a pillar of lasting recovery. Somatic sobriety develops when people in recovery become aware of what they are feeling in the present moment in relation to which areas of the body store emotions, and they utilise yogic principles and postures, in addition to conscious breathing, mindful movement, and accessible trauma-informed practices, to stimulate personal bodily healing and spiritual transformation. Freedom, harmony, and peace are the result. I want to share what I have learned about somatic sobriety, a concept and methodology I’ve formulated so those in recovery can generate emotional intelligence and find true contentment. In the last 13, years I have taught thousands of therapeutic yoga classes at a prominent treatment centre for…

Prāṇāyāma, derived from the Sanskrit words "Prāṇa" (life force) and "āyama" (extension or control), is the practice of conscious breath regulation within yogic traditions. Often regarded as the most critical tool of Yoga, Prāṇāyāma helps practitioners cultivate physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By consciously regulating the breath, practitioners can improve their overall health, increase mental clarity, and harmonise the body's energy systems. While the Yoga tradition describes numerous techniques, in this article, we will explore six significant Prāṇāyāma techniques—Ujjayi, Nadisodhana, Sitali, Sitkari, Suryabhedana, and Kapalabhati— highlighting their methods, benefits, and practical applications. Additionally, we will discuss the scientific research supporting the advantages of Prāṇāyāma. 1. Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma (Mastery of the upper Chakras) Technique Also known by some as the "Ocean Breath" due to the subtle sound it produces, Ujjāyī Prāṇāyāma…

“Many say that life entered the human body by the help of music, but the truth is that life itself is music.” - Hafiz Sound entrainment is rooted in science. It holds a profound place in the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, energetic, and mystical planes. Let’s take a deeper dive into this phenomenon. Sound is Creation. Sound is Energy. Sound is Vibration. What we hear, feel, and perceive through the ear, skin, and bones is vibration. Every atom, cell, molecule, gland, and organ absorbs and emits sound. Made from 99.99% pure quartz and ethically alchemised with precious gemstones, rare metals, minerals, rare earths, musical notes, geometry, colour, and alchemy by Crystal Tones™, the crystal bowls amplify, transmit, and store energy. When the mallet chimes the crystal bowl or moves around…

Ever taken a “short” break from your usual healthy regime and then realised, with some dismay, that you were seriously stretching the boundaries of short? The pause on my typically steadfast routine began for the Christmas break, which segued into a January work trip, then shuffled onwards with two weeks in bed down to man flu, and finally waddled into the beginning of March. Two whole months into the New Year and rather than resuming my healthy lifestyle, I was shovelling ice cream into my face every night with Netflix. Radical action was required to kickstart my healthy habits and focus on treating body, spirit and mind in a much kinder way. Not wanting to travel too far, I searched for week-long retreat options in Europe and came across the…

Every magazine you pick up or programme you watch seems to be discussing longevity—whether it’s the latest supplements claiming to extend your lifespan or new scientific breakthroughs. Yet, this fascination with living longer and healthier is far from new. The principles of longevity have been at the heart of yoga and Ayurveda for millennia, meticulously studied and practised as part of a holistic approach to health and well-being. Ayurveda, a system of holistic medicine, offers a rich tapestry of practices aimed at achieving balance—the cornerstone of a long, vibrant life. This ancient science has informed and complemented yoga for over 5,000 years, with both emphasising harmony within the body, mind, and spirit. While Ayurveda provides the dietary, detoxification, and lifestyle frameworks to sustain vitality, yoga adds depth through movement, breathwork,…

I was recently invited to visit the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, to feel the energy and explore the potential of offering future retreats and workshops at their center. Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the Eastern energy of Vedic philosophy, which is a set of ideas and practices that originated in ancient India and are based on the Vedas, a collection of Sanskrit texts that are Hinduism’s most sacred texts. These teachings help us to understand the nature of reality, universal consciousness and self-realisation. The main temple (main hall) on the Art of Living Boone property is a stunning embodiment of this ancient Eastern energy, transporting you to Asia. My own Vietnamese Buddhist lineage is a foundational piece of the multi-dimensional work I offer,…

1 ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS MEDIEVAL TEXTS ON YOGA INSTRUCTS THE YOGI TO FIND A “WELL-RULED, RIGHTEOUS LAND.” This advice comes in the opening passages of the 15th Century Haṭhapradīpikā, one of the most famous texts on yoga as a system of physical, mental, and spiritual practice. The text is a staple of yoga teacher training courses around the world. Similar advice is found in other key haṭha yoga texts, as in one of the earliest, the 11th century Amṛtasiddhi, and one of the most recent, the 18th-century Gheraṇḍasamhitā. During research for our new book, 'The Yoga of Power', we found it interesting that texts entirely devoted to the system of yoga as mind-body practice advise the aspiring yogi to pay attention to her social and political contexts and…

Continued from the previous issue of YOGA Magazine… “Yes, I can see the statue, Yogi Ji. It looks exactly as you described her to be in real life!” I shouted to bring Yogi Ji back to his normal state. Yogi Ji replied, “Muni, this is Ruhi. This is not just a statue. It is she. Her spirit is stuck inside the statue, and we must release her.” I was confused. “You mean to tell me that she is still alive in a mortal body?” “Yes. This here is an example of someone lost in divine love but who has gone so deep they have lost track of time. “She is awake but is now stuck inside the body as it has turned into stone.” Continued from chapter 27 above. Yogi…

Yoga is the proud heritage of Bharatvarsha, its power to tune mind-body-soul is accepted across the world. Yoga says, there is more to than what meets the eyes – there are layers to our body which we cannot perceive, there are centres of brain which remain dormant for most people, there are total of 16 senses to us, of which only five are utilized in our day-to-today life. Modern science accepts that an average human being uses only 7-8% of the brain through his/her life. The rest 92% remains dormant…There are certain techniques prescribed in Ashtanga Yoga and Sanatan Kriya to awaken and develop higher unused centres of the brain. The abilities of clairvoyance, clairaudience, extra sensory perception and premonition are some examples of such an awakening. Clairvoyance Proved in…

You check your bank balance, your social media notifications, and the weather forecast; so why not check in with your mind? In today’s world of constant demands and rising burnout, more people are turning to meditation to reclaim their mental well-being. The United Nations (2024) suggests 200-500 million people meditate worldwide. This includes celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James and Tom Daley. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a surge in people turning to online meditations for stress relief, seeking to ease emotional exhaustion and overwhelm. Apps have made meditation more accessible than ever. With guided sessions and progress tracking, they help millions start their meditation journey. However, meditation apps are designed for general use, not individual needs. Traditionally, meditation was taught one-to-one, with a teacher providing personalised guidance. A meditation coach…

RECOVERY WITH YOGA: SUPPORTIVE PRACTICES FOR TRANSCENDING ADDICTION Brian Hyman Brian Hyman’s 'Recovery with Yoga' blends yoga philosophy with mindfulness to support addiction recovery. With 30 practical tools—ranging from meditation to breathwork—the book encourages self-reflection and emotional healing. Each chapter focuses on qualities like acceptance and accountability, offering exercises to strengthen these traits. Drawing from his personal sobriety journey and years of teaching in recovery centres, Hyman addresses co-occurring issues like anxiety and depression. This accessible guide is ideal for individuals and professionals seeking holistic support in recovery. £14.55 (Amazon UK), £19.99 (Waterstones UK), $16.29 (Amazon USA), $21.95 (Shambhala) ACTIVATE YOUR FUTURE SELF: THE SECRET TO EFFORTLESSLY BECOMING THE HAPPIEST, HEALTHIEST AND WEALTHIEST YOU Mimi Bouchard Mimi Bouchard’s 'Activate Your Future Self ' is a powerful guide to transforming your…

At just 13 years old, Yashika Bandita K, fondly known as the "Rubber Girl" of India, is bending the boundaries of possibility with her extraordinary yoga prowess. Hailing from Jain Public School in Chintamani, Karnataka, Yashika's journey began at the tender age of four, and she has since blossomed into a formidable force in the world of yogasana. Her accolades speak volumes—from clinching gold medals at the National Yogasana Championships to setting world records for holding intricate asanas like Baddapadmasana and Vipareeta Karani. With a natural grace and unwavering dedication, Yashika has mastered advanced postures that require exceptional flexibility, strength, and mental focus. Her yoga performances have not only won her numerous state, national, and international titles but also a place in prestigious record books such as the India Book…

This passing of censorious judgments on people, actions, events, and things, the popular fault of vain complaint, is the great disease of the mind. It rarely, if ever, furthers insight or understanding. Because working as a poet and literary writer did not provide a liveable income, a young man took employment as a retail clerk in an Australian bookstore. That humble position would prove to be life transforming. While working in the store, he organised a book study group which met weekly on Friday evenings. They read and discussed Buddhist teachings, meeting for more than a decade, from 1951 to 1963. As a result of those group meetings the retail clerk adopted Buddhism completely. From that small start, Harold Stewart would emerge as an important 20th century Buddhist voice who…

Respond to every call that excites your spirit” - Rumi “The mountains are calling and I must go!” the old adage by American naturalist and conservationist John Mire speaks to the current within summoning us to retreat into the majesty of mountains. An inner call which intuitively knows time spent amongst peaks gives access to the ever-present peace and aliveness found in rocky and forest abodes. Mountains are guides to serenity. Where wellbeing and innate wholeness are able to surface and be sourced swiftly. For the heart to rest in wonder and tranquility. Find its true home. Where the sky and earth meet. They put things in perspective. Yogis of lore and today continue to follow this impulse into the roofs of the God/dess in snow-clad ranges and the solitude…

Yogi Maharaj Dr. Malik our Editor (since 2003) is a recognised international expert and an authority on the subject of Yoga. He started his training under the guidance of Yogis from the Himalayan region at the age of six and also received instructions from Sufis, Lamas and Sadhus. He is an accredited Yoga teacher specialising in Kundalini, Hatha and Laya Yoga. Founder and pioneer of Yogology, a spiritual technology which combines ancient traditions and principles of Laya, Hatha, Kundalini and meditative practices, Yogi Malik began teaching this over 20 years ago. He has spent a lifetime dedicated to researching, teaching and sharing his knowledge on yoga. He is also a practitioner of related alternative therapies, including Shamanism. Q: April feels full of sunshine and growth. How can yoga help me…

Like many women I’ve dealt with dryness and frizz, but Ayurveda has been a guiding light in keeping my hair naturally strong and beautiful. Unlike modern hair care routines that focus solely on external treatments, Ayurveda emphasises the balance of mind, body, and spirit to promote long-term hair health. By understanding your unique dosha, adopting nourishing hair rituals, and aligning your diet and lifestyle with Ayurvedic principles, you too can enjoy strong, lustrous hair at any age. Understanding Your Hair Type Through Ayurveda In Ayurveda, hair health is closely linked to the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha influences hair type, texture, and common hair concerns: Vata Hair (Dry & Brittle) I relate to the struggles of Vata imbalance. As I have gotten older I now experience more…

ARIES (MESHA) MARCH 21– APRIL 20 The Sun, your ruling planet, enters Taurus in mid-April, grounding your fiery energy and bringing a focus on stability and values. As the Sun shifts into Taurus, you’ll feel a strong pull toward establishing security in your finances and personal life. This is a month to set realistic goals, especially around career and resources. The energy is ripe for practical planning, allowing you to build on your recent successes with a steady approach. Relationships take on a stable, nurturing quality as well, and you may find yourself more committed to long-term partnerships. By the end of April, you’ll feel grounded and more attuned to the importance of slow, deliberate progress. TAURUS (VRISHABHA) APRIL 21 – MAY 20 Venus, your ruling planet, enters Gemini, highlighting…