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Hatha Yoga Pradipika: What the Classic Hatha Text Teaches

Hatha Yoga Pradipika: What the Classic Hatha Text Teaches

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a Sanskrit handbook of hatha yoga compiled by the yogi Svatmarama in the 15th century CE. In about 390 verses over four chapters it teaches postures (asana), purification practices, breath retention (pranayama), locks and seals (bandha and mudra), and meditation on...
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Yoga Lingo
Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): How to Do It Step by Step

Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): How to Do It Step by Step

Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose) is a standing forward bend in which you fold from the hips and hold your big toes with the first two fingers and thumb of each hand. It stretches the whole back of the legs, from the heels to the sitting bones. In Ashtanga Vinyasa it is the first standing posture...
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Yoga Asanas
Padahastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): How to Do It Step by Step

Padahastasana (Hand to Foot Pose): How to Do It Step by Step

Padahastasana (Hand to Foot Pose) is a standing forward bend in which you fold from the hips and slide your hands, palms up, under the soles of your feet. The weight of the body presses down on the hands, and that grip lets you draw the chest toward the legs for a deep stretch of the hamstrings...
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Yoga Asanas
Matsyasana (Fish Pose): How to Do It Step by Step

Matsyasana (Fish Pose): How to Do It Step by Step

Matsyasana (Fish Pose) is a supine backbend: you lie on your back, lift your chest high, and let the top of your head rest lightly on the floor while the forearms carry the weight. It opens the front of the chest and the throat, and it is the classic counterpose after Salamba Sarvangasana...
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Yoga Asanas
Malasana (Garland Pose): How to Do the Yogi Squat Step by Step

Malasana (Garland Pose): How to Do the Yogi Squat Step by Step

Malasana (Garland Pose) is a deep yoga squat: feet about hip-width apart, heels down if they reach, knees wide and the torso between the thighs, with the palms pressed together in front of the chest. It stretches the ankles, the inner thighs and the lower back, and it asks the ankles and hips to...
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Yoga Asanas