Exploring Yoga

We unpack Sutras II.46 through II.53, examining why Patanjali devoted just three verses to asana when modern yoga has thousands of poses, how "steady and comfortable" became the world's most misunderstood instruction, and what Mark Singleton's historical research reveals about the true origins of modern postural yoga. Then we cross the bridge into pranayama -- the practice that s...

Your phone checks you more than you check it. Ancient yogic and Ayurvedic traditions saw this coming; not smartphones, but the fundamental problem of sensory overwhelm. In this episode, we explore: Pratyahara: the fifth limb of yoga and the most neglected. What "withdrawal of the senses" actually means in the age of infinite scroll The Ayurvedic perspective on sensory overload and how it...

Why does Patanjali's eight-limbed path begin not with meditation, not with postures, but with ethics? In this deep dive -- Part 1 of our Yoga Sutras trilogy -- we explore the ten principles that form the bedrock of classical yoga: five yamas (restraints governing how we relate to the world) and five niyamas (observances shaping our inner life). Building on the Sankhya metaphysics from our last...

Before Patanjali wrote the Yoga Sutras, before the Bhagavad Gita synthesized action and devotion - there was Sankhya. One of the oldest philosophical systems in history, it gave yoga its entire metaphysical vocabulary: purusha and prakriti, the three gunas, the 25 tattvas that map all of reality from pure consciousness down to the gross elements. In this episode, we explore Ishvarakrishna's Sa...

Most people who try meditation give up because they think they are doing it wrong. What if the problem is not you -- but how you were taught to breathe? Whether you have never meditated or have been practicing for years, this episode reframes breath awareness as something far simpler -- and far more profound -- than most teachings suggest.

What happens when you stop trying so hard on the yoga mat -- and in life? Yin Yoga flips everything you know about practice on its head. Instead of muscular effort and dynamic movement, it asks you to surrender into long-held, passive postures that target the deep connective tissues: fascia, ligaments, and joints. Whether you are a power yoga devotee curious about slowing down, or a beginner looki...

The Vijnanabhairava Tantra is one of the most extraordinary meditation manuals ever written. Dating back over a thousand years to the Kashmir Shaivism tradition, this text contains 112 distinct dharanas -- concentration techniques -- that span everything from breath awareness to contemplating the sky, from using pleasure as a doorway to tracing emotions back to their source in pure consciousness.

What if reality itself is a dream -- and you can wake up right now? The Yoga Vasishtha is one of the most profound and least known texts in the yoga tradition: 29,000 verses of radical philosophy delivered through mind-bending stories of dreams within dreams, parallel universes of consciousness, and sages who've witnessed the creation and destruction of worlds. We explore the text's six bo...

A landmark 2026 study from AIIMS New Delhi reveals that a 12-week yoga program can fundamentally shift the hormonal and metabolic landscape of polycystic ovary syndrome. We explore the groundbreaking metabolomic evidence showing yoga directly targets insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and chronic inflammation -- the core drivers of PCOS. From the Ayurvedic roots of women's health to specifi...

What happens when you're deeply relaxed but fully aware? Science is finally catching up to what yogis have known for millennia. A 2024 fMRI study revealed that experienced Yoga Nidra practitioners can decouple the brain's default mode network -- the circuit behind rumination and poor sleep -- in ways beginners simply can't replicate. Meanwhile, a 2026 systematic review of clinical tria...

What happens inside your brain and body when you step onto the yoga mat? In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge neuroscience behind yoga practice — and why it goes far deeper than flexibility or stress relief. From the vagus nerve to neuroplasticity, from the default mode network to the autonomic nervous system, yoga is now recognized as one of the most powerful tools we have for rewiring th...

Can intensive yoga retreats trigger psychological crisis? In this episode, we explore the phenomenon of spiritual emergency — when deep practice pushes practitioners beyond their limits. From kundalini awakening to the ethics of modern retreat centers, we examine the fine line between transcendence and mental health crisis. Featuring insights from Stanislav Grof, Willoughby Britton's research,...

What if instead of trying to silence your thoughts during meditation, you actively loved every single one of them — including the anxious spirals, the self-criticism, and the shameful memories? This episode explores a radical approach to meditation that draws from ancient Buddhist metta (loving-kindness) practice, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, Tara Brach's RAIN framework, and modern self-compassion res...

In this special episode of Exploring Yoga, we offer a heartfelt thank-you to the teacher who planted the seed for this podcast itself: Francesca Rubinato. This is a story about inspiration, gratitude, and how one person’s presence on the mat can transform the path of so many others.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are among the most influential texts in the history of yoga , but for many beginners, their meaning can feel mysterious or hard to decode. In this episode, we translate Patanjali’s ancient teachings into clear, accessible language, exploring what the Sutras reveal about the mind, inner freedom, discipline, and the path toward clarity. We walk through the core ideas: wh...

Tantra is often misunderstood, reduced to clichés or stripped from its profound spiritual origins. In this episode, we return to its roots: a tradition woven from mantra, breath, subtle-body awareness, sacred ritual, and the direct experience of unity. We explore how classical Tantra teaches us to work with energy, awaken embodied presence, and access states of spiritual bliss. Through philosophy,...

How does yoga strengthen your ability to focus, regulate emotions, and break patterns like procrastination? In this episode, we explore the fascinating intersection of yoga, neurobiology, and mindfulness practices — and how they shape executive function and cognitive health. Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, and clinical research, we look at how asanas, breathwork, and meditation modulate att...

Quitting smoking isn’t just a physical challenge: it’s a mental, emotional and neurological one. In this episode, we explore how yoga can become a powerful complementary tool for smoking cessation, supported by emerging scientific research. Studies show that yoga can reduce cravings, calm negative emotions, improve inhibitory control, and even increase the chances of achieving abstinence, especial...

Shanmukhi Mudra, also known as the "six-point seal," is a powerful yogic technique that facilitates pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses. By using the fingers to close the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, this mudra helps practitioners turn inward, promoting deep concentration and a meditative state. In this episode, we explore the origins, benefits, and practice of Shanmukhi Mudra, as w...

Embarking on a Vipassana retreat is a transformative journey of self-discovery and mindfulness. This episode provides a comprehensive guide to preparing yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally for the 10-day silent meditation retreat. From practical tips like adjusting your daily routine and dietary habits to the mental preparation required for silence and introspection, this guide covers i...

Delve into the fascinating world of Ganesha, the Hindu deity revered as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom. This episode unpacks Ganesha’s symbolism, including his large head for intellect and his mouse vehicle for humility, while offering practical ways to connect with his energy through chanting, visualization, and affirmations.

In this episode, we explore Salamba Sirsasana, the supported headstand, breaking down its anatomy and alignment in detail. Discover the key muscles engaged in this powerful inversion, from the deep neck and spinal muscles to the core and leg muscles essential for stability and balance. We discuss ideal weight distribution, mindful breathing techniques, and common challenges, offering insights on v...

Join us as we dive into the inspiring practice of combining marathon running with the spiritual discipline of yoga. This episode highlights how running with flyers becomes a form of Seva, bringing the principles of mindfulness, breath control, and physical endurance into a powerful union. Discover how the essence of yoga reaches far beyond the mat, promoting unity, compassion, and selfless service

In this episode of Exploring Yoga , we dive into the anatomy of arm support poses in yoga. Learn about the key muscle groups, joint actions, and common obstacles faced when performing poses like plank, crow, and handstands. We explore the importance of alignment, optimal breathing techniques, and how to overcome balance challenges. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, this guide...

This episode delves into the teachings of Swami Sivananda’s Mind—Its Mysteries and Control, exploring the profound influence of the mind on human experience and the path to spiritual liberation. We examine Sivananda’s insights into the nature of the mind, its functions, and the interplay between the mind, body, and Prana (life energy). Learn practical techniques for mastering the mind through conc...