Polyvagal Theory & Trauma-informed Practices Polyvagal Theory has become a widely used framework for understanding how the nervous system responds to safety, stress, and trauma. It proposes that the body continuously and unconsciously evaluates the environment—a process sometimes called neuroception—and shifts between states of connection (calm and social), mobilization (fight Read more…
Spiritual Dualism and Non-Dualism Perspectives Spirituality related dualism and non-dualism represent fundamental differences in understanding reality, self, and the divine. Dualism posits a permanent separation between individual consciousness (soul) and the absolute (God/Universe), while non-dualism argues that all existence is an undivided whole (oneness) with no separation between self and Read more…
Anagarika Munindra Anagarika Munindra (1915–2003) was a Bengali Buddhist master and scholar who became one of the most important Vipassana meditation teachers of the twentieth century. Unassuming, genuine, and always encouraging, Munindra embodied the Buddhist teachings, exemplifying mindfulness in everything he did. Anagarika simply means a practicing Buddhist who leads Read more…
The Gunas: Nature’s Energy Forces Gunas (Sanskrit: गुण) are the three fundamental qualities or forces—Sattva (goodness, harmony), Rajas (passion, activity), and Tamas (inertia, darkness)—that constitute nature and reality in Hindu (Samkhya) philosophy, influencing everything from matter to mind and emotions. Always present in shifting proportions, they create the manifest world, Read more…
Understanding the Koshas, Chakras & Nadis Relationship Koshas (Sanskrit for “sheaths” or “layers”) are the five interconnected layers of being in yogic philosophy, progressing from the outermost physical body (Annamaya Kosha) to the innermost spiritual core (Anandamaya Kosha or bliss body), serving as veils over the true Self (Atman). Understanding Read more…
Asana Pose Library Asana pose library for the physical practice of yoga – english and sanskrit names included for reference. Standing Poses Tadasana/Samasthiti Mountain Pranamasana Mountain Namaste Vrikshasana Tree Uttanasana Standing Forward Fold Utthita Trikonasana Triangle Ardha Chandrasana Half Moon Virabhadrasana I Warrior I Virabhadrasana II Warrior II Virabhadrasana III Read more…
Is there a difference between Astanga and Ashtanga? Classical Astanga Patanjali’s Ashtanga (or Astanga) refers to the classical, eight-limbed path of yoga outlined in his Yoga Sutras, focusing primarily on the mental and philosophical aspects of liberation through meditation. The eight-limbs include ethical guidelines (Yama and Niyama), physical postures (Asana), Read more…
The Ramayana The Ramayana is a foundational epic in Hinduism, recounting the life and adventures of Prince Rama, his exile, and his quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon Ravana. It’s a story of dharma, duty, love, and the triumph of good over evil. The epic has been Read more…
Origins of Tarot Tarot cards originated in 15th-century Italy as a card game called tarocchi, not as a tool for divination. The earliest decks, like the Visconti-Sforza deck, were hand-painted for wealthy families and featured 78 cards: 56 in four suits (swords, batons, coins, and cups) and 22 trump cards. Read more…
History & Types of Astrology Astrology, the practice of interpreting celestial events to understand and predict earthly affairs, has a rich and varied history spanning millennia and diverse cultures. Originating in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly with the Babylonians, it initially intertwined with astronomy and was used to understand seasonal cycles, predict Read more…
