The Art of Vinyasa: Awakening Body and Mind through the Practice of Ashtanga Yoga

Most of the time, however, the citta wanders around, and the physiological background (Prāṇa) is less apparent in our awareness. In a contemplative practice, we take the attention (citta) and turn it straight to Prāṇa.

Nāḍī means “channel” or “little river” in Sanskrit, and from a yogic perspective, the nāḍīs are an intricate system of rivulets of Prāṇa and energy that flow through and penetrate every area of the body.

We practice in an intelligent and disciplined manner in the service of truth. This ensures that the practices remain in the practical realm of relating to the world and other sentient beings in a joyful and unselfish way.

it is better to consider bandhas as areas within the body where complementary patterns join or bond.

Prāṇa is perceived in all fields of perception and, like intelligence, reveals and creates context for patterns that arise. A basic axiom of yoga is that Prāṇa and citta (the mind) move together like two fish swimming in tandem. Move one, and the other automatically follows.

The “work” we must do is to practice with dedication, consistency, and an open mind.

When practicing satyam, we do not pretend to know what we don’t know, taking action on the pretense of knowledge.

Backbends are the epitome of the prāṇa family, expressing a sense of extension and expansion up and out.

the sequential joining together and separating of complementary opposites as a means of staying present, mindful, and alert to the feelings, thoughts, sensations, and insights that may—or may not—arise.