By Natasha Friedman The Yearning of Spiritual Aspiration A student goes to his teacher in ancient India. He asks, “When will I reach enlightenment?”The teacher leads him to a river, takes him out in a rowboat, and asks him to jump overboard. When he does, the teacher thrusts the student’s head under the water and holds...
Doshas—The Basic Energies in the Body The doshas are the biological humors or psychophysiological energies described in Ayurveda. There are three doshas and together, they orchestrate all the activities that occur within us. The doshas are called vata, pitta, and kapha, and each is further divided into five sub-doshas. Each dosha is mainly a combination...
Mauna is a Sanskrit word that most succinctly means “silence.” There are many nuances inherent in its meaning and it can be practiced with varying degrees of intensity. Its performance is recommended both in classic yogic texts and in many contemporary contemplative traditions. There is a reverential silence that can be felt by everyone in moments...
