The Vedas are considered the most sacred and treasured texts of India. The Vedas are a collection of hymns that were received by the ancient rishis (sages) as shruti, divine revelation. As hymns and mantras, these works were actively recited out loud to both praise and invoke the powers of the spiritual realms, and had been verbally passed on for many generations before written down on delicate palm leaves. These Vedic mantras were utilized in yagas and yajnas (ritual sacrifices and ceremonies) for promoting the well being of individuals, society and the world.

As the oldest texts in any Indo-European language, it’s astounding that within these works the foundations of yoga are established, with yoga being defined as "yoking" and as a "discipline." The Vedas provided the spiritual core and philosophical foundations for the future development of Yoga.

There are four texts that compose the Vedas: Rig-Veda, Sama-Veda, Yajur-Veda and Atharva-Veda.

The Rig-Veda is the oldest, dating back to 1500 B.C.E., and is the most revered and important of the four. The Rig-Veda’s collection of inspired hymns and mantras were used to invoke courage, happiness, health, peace, prosperity, success, and wisdom. In the Rig-Veda we learn the now famous Gayatri mantra, which is still used today for its potent spiritual qualities. We also find the first use and definition of the word yoga. These verses provide the foundation and material for the remaining Vedas.

The Sama-Veda is purely a devotional collection of melodies (saman) used to elevate one’s consciousness. The hymns in the Sama-Veda are combined with musical notes, and their content was heavily drawn from the Rig-Veda, providing no distinctive lessons of their own. This use of music combined with mantras formed the foundation for the Bhakti yoga practice of kirtan, devotional chanting.

The Yajur-Veda is devoted entirely to the worship of the deities and the instruction for the technical aspects of ceremonies. The Yajur-Veda served as a handbook for the Vedic priests who executed sacrificial acts through simultaneously chanting the hyms and mantras while following the sacrificial formula (yajus).

The Atharva-Veda consists of spells and charms to dispel evil, disease and misfortune. Its hymns are of a more diverse character than the Rig-Veda and were composed of a simpler language making them more accessible to the general population.

The Vedas expounded a diverse set of practices, ideas and concepts; among them was an primitive form of yoga as well as one of the world’s oldest, diverse and complex spiritual philosophies. Six main schools of philosophy emerged from these teachings. These Darshanas (viewpoints) all systematically represent the core ideas illuminated in the Vedas. They are: Nyaya (logic), Vaiseshika (analysis of the universe), Samkhya (classification of the universe), Yoga (union with the Divine), Mimansha (ritual interpretation of the Vedas), and Vedanta (inquiry into the Self).

Because all of these philosophical systems draw from the same source, they are seen to complement rather than compete with each other. Over time, Vaisheshika, Nyaya, and Mimamsa have become somewhat obsolete and are not actively practiced. Samkhya, Vedanta, and Yoga continue to have a strong importance and influence in Indian thought and many of the practices that evolved out of these Darshanas continue to be practiced today.

Yoga Theory

Definitions of Yoga
Philosophy of Yoga
4 paths of Yoga
Jnana Yoga: The Yoga of Wisdom
Bhakti Yoga: the Yoga of Devotion
8 Limbs of Yoga
(Ashtanga or Raja Yoga)
The Vedas
The 13 Obstacles of Yoga
Unlocking the Mystery of Om
The Power of Mantra
Focusing on a Drishti
The Power of Shakti
Mudras
Moksha and Maya
The 3 Gunas of Nature
The Inward Journey Through the Koshas
The Law of Karma
The Cause of Suffering: The Kleshas
Tantra Yoga Demystified
The Mysterious Kundalini
Tapas - Yogic Will Power

Yoga Practice

Jalandhara Bandha, the Chin or Throat Lock
Uddiyana Bandha, the Abdominal Lock
The Power of Visualization in Asana
Creating Inner Focus with Pratyahara
Breathing in Asana
Letting Go of Attachment
Yogic Secrets to Holiday Bliss

Yoga Therapy

How Yoga Heals
Yoga for Heart Health
Yoga for Tendonitis
Yoga for Osteoporosis
Yoga Therapy for Eating Disorders
Yoga Therapy for Diabetes (Type II)
Yoga Therapy for Scoliosis
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain
Yoga for Menopause
Yoga Therapy for Spinal Stenosis
Yoga for Weight Loss
Emotional Release through Yoga

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