What is the difference between yoga and meditation?

Yoga is a complete system of physical, mental and spiritual practices. Meditation (Dhyana) is one of the eight limbs of yoga. Asanas (postures) prepare the body, pranayama (breathwork) calms the mind, and Dhyana is the resulting meditative state.

What are the 8 limbs of yoga?

The 8 limbs (Ashtanga) of yoga as defined by Patanjali are: Yama (ethical restraints), Niyama (personal observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (union with the divine).

Pranayama is the practice of breath control in yoga. 'Prana' means life force and 'ayama' means extension. Techniques include Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing), Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath), Bhramari (humming bee breath), and Ujjayi (ocean breath).

What is the best time for yoga and meditation?

The ideal time for yoga and meditation is Brahma Muhurta -- approximately 1.5 hours before sunrise. This time is considered most sattvic (pure) in Ayurveda and Vedic tradition. Evening practice at sunset is also beneficial.

What is the difference between Hatha and Raja yoga?

Hatha yoga focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breath control to purify the body and prepare it for higher states. Raja yoga (Ashtanga yoga) focuses on mental discipline and meditation. Both ultimately lead to the same goal of self-realisation.

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Yoga & Meditation

The complete science of body, breath and mind -- as taught in the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Pradipika and living tradition of Indian masters.

84Yoga Poses

12Pranayama

7Chakras

8Limbs of Yoga

Paths of Yoga --

Hatha Yoga

Physical postures and breathwork to purify the body and prepare it for meditation.

Raja Yoga

The royal path of meditation -- Patanjali's Ashtanga system for mastery of the mind.

Bhakti Yoga

The yoga of devotion -- surrendering the heart to the Divine through love and worship.

Karma Yoga

The yoga of selfless action -- performing duties without attachment to results.

Jnana Yoga

The yoga of knowledge -- inquiry into the nature of self and reality through Vedanta.

Kundalini Yoga

Awakening the dormant spiritual energy through pranayama, bandha and mantra.

The Seven Chakras --

Muladhara Root

Svadhisthana Sacral

Manipura Solar Plexus

Anahata Heart

Vishuddha Throat

Ajna Third Eye

Sahasrara Crown

Pranayama --

Anulom Vilom

Alternate nostril breathing -- balances Ida and Pingala nadis, calms the nervous system.

Kapalbhati

Skull-shining breath -- rapid exhalations to cleanse the lungs and energise the body.

Bhramari

Humming bee breath -- soothes anxiety, calms the mind and reduces blood pressure.

Sheetali

Cooling breath -- lowers body heat, calms anger and soothes pitta dosha.

Ujjayi

Ocean breath -- the victorious breath used in asana practice to build internal heat.

Bhastrika

Bellows breath -- powerful energising breath that awakens kundalini shakti.

Meditation Practices --

Daily Practice Guide

Trataka -- Candle Gazing Meditation

The foundational concentration practice from Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Fixes the gaze on a flame to develop one-pointed focus, sharpen intuition and awaken the Ajna chakra.

Place a ghee diya or candle at eye level, 2 feet away

Gaze steadily at the flame without blinking for 1-5 minutes

Close eyes and visualise the flame at the Ajna centre

Hold the inner image until it fades, then repeat

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Essential Asanas --