A simple glossary of some terms used on this site

Aura is a field of electromagnetic energy and invisible spiritual energy that surrounds all living beings, men, animals, plants, rocks and crystals.

Everyone is immersed in the Aura, as it is the energy emission of our body in connection with the universal energy. The Aura and its colors draw the physical and mental state of a person, the different colors of the aura provide information on emotional and spiritual well-being and it can also happen through the Chakras.

The human aura is made up of at least seven subtle bodies: etheric, emotional, mental, astral, matrix etheric, celestial and causal; each of them has its own color and is related to a particular Chakra and organ.

The brighter it is and the more it extends around the body and towards others, the greater the well-being, balance and awareness of the person.

When our energy field is in balance, everyone is able to live their lives to the fullest.

Ayurveda is the Vedic science of body and mind healing, it is one of the most extraordinary systems of holistic medicine in the world.

Ayurveda covers all aspects of health and well-being, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, and the broader purpose is preparation for the spiritual life.

It focuses on psychosomatic integration with health care in its totality which culminates in the opening of transcendence and self-realization. It includes all healing methods: diet, herbs, exercise and lifestyle rules, going as far as yogic practices and meditation. With its particular concept of individual constitution,

Ayurveda provides each person of any culture the way to create a lifestyle in harmony with the world of nature and with his own higher self.

With its deep understanding of the laws of nature promotes good health and optimal growth of all creatures.

The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “disc”.

It is believed that the seven chakras are energy spinning wheels that run along the spine. Each chakra is associated with a different color, element and emotion.

The chakras are also connected to different glands and organs of the human body. The main chakras are seven energy centers in the physical body, according to ancient Indian texts and yoga.

The chakras were initially used to connect the mind and the body, they were seen as a way to balance them, able to help physical, emotional and mental health.

It is believed that the chakra system is thousands of years old and it is essential for many practices such as yoga, meditation and spirituality.

Through my experiences, my studies and the insights about the chakras, I had the opportunity to learn and connect with the eighth chakra, the soul sphere and the ninth chakra, the soul star, thanks to meditation.

THE ROOT CHAKRA is the first chakra, the Sanskrit name is Muladhara, which means “support of the base”.

It is located at the base of the spine, at the perineum, and it is associated with the red color, with Earth element, with everything, that is solid and stable like Earth.

It represents rooting, survival instinct, feeling safe and protected, basic needs, the meaning of living, the foundations for our personality development, it cultivates material abundance, inner strength, it corresponds to vitality, vigor, growth and connection to Earth.

The symbol of the first chakra is a red lotus flower with four petals. The seed mantra

(bija mantra) is LAM. Mulhadara chakra energy is associated with the adrenal glands, and it is responsible for the health of the large intestine, tailbone, teeth, bones, legs, and feet. . The associated keywords are I AM.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION: I AM GROUNDED, STABLE, AND CENTERED.

THE SACRAL CHAKRA is the second chakra, it is located around the lumbar spine, in the lower abdomen below the navel and it corresponds to the nerve ganglion called the sacral plexus.

The Sanskrit name is Svadhistana, which means “sweetness”, it is associated with the orange color and water element, which makes it responsible for regulating fluids in the body.

This chakra is connected to our emotions, pleasures, physical desires, sexuality, creativity. The second chakra leads us from basic existence to embrace what makes life worth living. The circulation of its energy, just like water, manages to adapt to any surface, and its purpose is to make us flow in life, be flexible, accepting and adapting to change.

The symbol is a lotus flower with 6 orange petals, the bija mantra is VAM.

The energy of Svadhistana chakra is associated to the gonads (ovaries for women, testicles for men), and it is responsible for the health of the genitals, kidneys, bladder, prostate, circulatory system.

The associated keywords are I FEEL.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION: I ALLOW MY CREATIVITY TO FLOW FREELY THROUGH ME

THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA is the third chakra, located in the stomach area, is associated with the yellow color and fire element.

The Sanskrit name is Manipura, which means “the city of the shining jewel”. This chakra is connected to personal power, self-esteem, ego, power to be a unique individual, celebrating connection to humanity, self-confidence and trust, self-respect, transformation, willpower to face challenges in life, determination, courage and strenght.

The third chakra is represented by a lotus flower with ten yellow petals, its bija mantra is RAM.

The endocrine gland associated to MANIPURA is the pancreas, which is responsible for digestive processes, as it regulates the functions of the stomach, liver, spleen and gallbladder; it is responsible for digestive functions, both from a physical and mental point of view, such as the ability to metabolize thoughts, situations and emotions.

The associated keywords are I DO.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION: COURAGE AND MY PERSONAL POWER FLOW THROUGH ME

The fourth chakra is located at heart level, behind the breast bone, in front of the spine, and between the shoulder blades.

For this reason it is called the heart chakra, it is associated with the green color and air element.

The Sanskrit name is Anahata chakra, which means “unstruck” or “unbeaten” and is related to heartbeat, uninterrupted rhythm and silent sound.

This chakra is connected to our ability to love and be loved, forgiveness, compassion, devotion, heart flexibility, ability to build relationships, ability to resonate with everything, empathize with others, tune into and commune with the cosmic vibrations.

The heart chakra is the mediator and the harmonizer, the bridge that connects the lower chakras (materiality) and the higher chakras (spirituality). The fourth chakra is represented by a lotus flower with 12 bright green petals, its bija mantra is YAM.

The endocrine gland associated with the heart chakra is the thymus and this chakra governs the heart, lungs, circulatory system and upper limbs. The associated keywords are I LOVE.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION: I AM COMPLETELY OPEN TO GIVING AND RECEIVING LOVE

The fifth chakra, the throat chakra, is located at the base of the throat in the center of the larynx and it is associated with the bright blue color and ether element.

The Sanskrit name is Vishuddi or Vishudda, which means “to purify the body of harmful substances”.

The Throat Chakra restores energy by detoxifying impurities from the body and mind, is connected to the voice, our ability to communicate and express ourselves clearly, to communicate our needs and desires, our truth with grace, integrates the wisdom of the heart and of the mind, allowing profound truths to flow freely.

The fifth chakra symbol is a bright blue lotus flower with 16 petals and its seed mantra (bija mantra) is HAM.

The endocrine gland associated with the throat chakra is the thyroid and it governs the throat, neck, mouth, teeth, jaw, hearing, esophagus, upper lungs, and cervical spine.

The associated keywords are I SPEAK / I COMMUNICATE

POSITIVE AFFERMATION: I ​​EXPRESS MYSELF WITH CLARITY, TRUTH AND HONESTY.

THE THIRD EYE is the sixth chakra, located in the area between the eyebrows in the forehead and behind the forehead in the back. It is associated with the indigo/purple color and element light. The Sanskrit name is Anja, which means “to perceive”.

The third eye is born from the fusion of the two separate visions of the physical eyes and can see beyond the form and appearance veil: it allows us to “look without looking”, to broaden our horizons, to develop concentration, to create and project hsarmonic images thanks to an inner harmonic vision.

It is connected to intuition, clairvoyance, clarity and the ability to see clearly, it gives access to cosmic vision, illuminating everything as it is, without the filter of the past, judgment and expectations.

It is associated with higher knowledge without ego projection. Ajna is related to spirit and light energy and encompasses the ability to overcome one’s ego and attune to one’s Higher Self. The sixth chakra exercises consciousness control and it is the center for processing sensory perceptions into coherent mental images and for understanding the subtle energies that connect the etheric with the physical.

The third eye is represented by an indigo/purple lotus flower with 96 petals and its seed mantra (bija mantra) is OM.

The endocrine gland associated with the third eye is the pituitary gland or hypophysis and the corresponding organs are the eyes, the hormonal system and the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

The associated keywords are I SEE.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION: I TRUST IN MY INNER WISDOM AND INTUITION

THE CROWN CHAKRA is the seventh chakra, located at the top of the head, it is purple / pearl white color, it is pure spirit, not associated with any element, this is one of the characteristics that distinguishes it from the others.

Its Sanskrit name is Sahasrara, which means “a thousand times”. The Crown Chakra transcends the physical body and matter, it is pure life energy that must flow freely. It is related to spiritual connection with the Universe and spirituality, connection to spirit, sense of universal consciousness, spiritual wealth and wisdom, unity and self-knowledge. Its purple/white color reflects its connection to spirituality and enlightenment.

Through the crown chakra one connects to the Supreme Consciousness/Source/ to unity and interconnection with All, to be One with the Universe.

When the Crown Chakra is open and attuned, we are able to feel heightened awareness, inner peace, and a sense of connection to the world around us. In this Chakra like a drop of the river that flows towards the ocean, we flow with the Divine and we are in union with Source. Here we reach a transcendental state of contemplation of the Divine and the meaning of life as a journey that has a beginning and an end to reunite with Source.

The meaning of the crown chakra is openness to the Spiritual Self like a lotus flower opening to the sun, we are all beings interconnected and connected to the Absolute.

The crown chakra symbol is a lotus flower with 1000 purple / pearl white colored petals and its seed mantra is OM/AH. The endocrine gland associated with the crown chakra is the pineal gland and corresponds to the whole organism.

The associated keyword is I UNDERSTAND.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION: I AM CONNECTED TO THE UNIVERSE AND THE SUPREME CONSCIOUSNESS

The eighth chakra, the soul sphere, is one of the most important chakras. When we work on the eighth chakra, we must understand the function of the soul. The soul is a great bridge to the Divine, it is the way to reach the Higher Self and Divine Source.

The soul sphere is represented by a large pyramid, the place of body and spiritual experiences, we are spiritual essence in a human body, this means that we are that spiritual part which travels in dimensions.

To reach the eighth chakra through meditation, you connect to the pineal gland, crossing its large portal, imagining it like a passage, a porthole, a small light in the center of the head, you enter the pineal gland and its light channel, and it is like being inside a spiritual lift of lightness, you don’t feel the weight of life and fatigue. While you climbs the channel up, you are sucked in, until you reach the soul sphere. In the soul sphere there is a large sky and a large star, the closest one is your own star and there are many stars which are the souls’ stars that every person knows, these stars are much higher up and much smaller.

In the soul sphere, you are not alone, during meditation you go towards your own soul star, the ninth CHAKRA, your own true center, and thus you connect with the soul.

When you reach your star, you can affirm “I AM SOUL”, so you feel the possibility of understanding all previous lives memories and the meaning of this human experience you are living this lifetime. When you say, I am soul, it means that you are also all past memories.

In this way you get answers about the reasons for the experiences, about the life karmas, giving you the opportunity to dissolve and heal them. You can also affirm, I AM THE LIGHT OF THE SOUL, I AM THE LOVE OF THE SOUL, I AM THE NEUTRALITY OF THE SOUL.

Often the soul is a bit neutral towards physical life, it picks a life up, compares it with the previous one and doesn’t feel very involved. A condition that would change if we change, if you make your life a loving place, full of meanings, results, achievements, then your soul will feel very involved in this life.

By pronouncing within yourself, I AM THE ASCENSION OF MY CONSCIOUSNESS, it means that you know there are possibilities, awarenesses, that lead your consciousness in ascension towards the soul sphere, you are not trapped in this earthly dimension, it means that you can ascend towards a higher dimension and this first dimension you find within the soul sphere.

You must allow the soul door to be left open, it allows you to reach the Absolute in its Love.

It is a path walked through grace, love, understanding and peace.

This precious eighth and ninth chakras symbolize infinity, when you cross the soul door you are on a journey towards infinity, because who doesn’t not his/her soul or Divine love will never find peace on this Earth and will have to come back countless times.

The origins of Hatha Yoga are very ancient, it dates back together with Kundalini, Laja and Mantra Yoga, to the branch of Tantrism, according to which the world is a field of supernatural energies that animate everything and there is no separation between the Universal Principle and every being of the Universe.

The founder of Hatha Yoga is believed to be Swami Goraknath, who lived around the 12th century and, according to a legend, was a direct student of Matsyendra, as well as, a manifestation of God Shiva.

The word “Yoga” means Union. If you can break the bounds of the illusion of separateness and start experiencing the oneness of existence, that is Yoga. Hatha in Sanskrit means vigor or strength, hence the classic translation of Hatha Yoga as Yoga of strength.

Hatha Yoga is a preparatory process of Yoga, this discipline is also defined as Yoga of the sun and the moon: “Ha” in fact refers to the masculine energy of the sun, Surya, which flows in the right energy channel of our body, called Pingala, while “Tha” represents the female and lunar part, Chandra, present in the left energy channel, Ida.

The central channel within the spine where their union takes place and along which the Kundalini-Shakti energy ascends, is called the Sushumna.

Part of the purpose of Hatha yoga is to bring these two polarities back into harmony, to rebalance the opposing Yin and Yang energies that animate everything, and to transcend duality.

Hatha Yoga is mainly based on the execution of eighty-four fundamental positions which have been identified as yogasana and breathing techniques (pranayama), for this reason it is considered the progenitor of all more modern yoga styles. It acts both on the physical and on the psychic-spiritual level, with simple positions, performed calmly, combined with breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation, this style is perfect for beginners, but also for the more experienced students to find a greater balance.

Hatha Yoga has many benefits: it improves posture, it prevents back pain, scoliosis and neck pain, it keeps the spine, joints and the skeletal and muscular system frexible in general, it improves the tendons and muscles elasticity, it strengthens abdominal muscles and massage the internal organs, it awakens diaphragmatic breathing, it stimulates the hormonal glands, it prevents hypertension
It relieves insomnia, anxiety, chronic stress, panic attacks, it helps in case of depression, it promotes concentration, increases strength, calm and inner balance.

When taught in a proper enviroment with humility and authenticity, it’s a truly fantastic process for shaping your own system and a fabulous tool for thus reaching the state of fusion with the Absolute. Yoga is always the end and the means to attain the bliss state, Samadhi (enlightenment).

Koshi chime is an authentic musical instrument, an original creation of high quality. Handmade at the foot of the Pyrenees, each therapeutic chime is the result of meticulous craftsmanship.

The tube is made of Bamboo wood and has been treated with natural oils.

Inside are eight metal plates that have been soldered with silver into the metal plate at the base of the resonance tube.

Precise tuning creates a play of bright tones that are rich in overtones.

The therapeutic sound chimes can be chosen in 4 different tones and melodies, inspired by the four elements: Earth, Water, Air and Fire.

Each Koshi is rich in nuances, it has its own specific timbre, deep sound, long resonance and it can be played harmoniously with other keys.

The essence of all yoga practices is the flow of vital energy, called prana in Sanskrit. Prana is the subtle energy that animates the body and the mind. Pranayama is the fourth limb of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga and the Sanskrit term pranayama is composed of the 2 words: prana and ayama. Prana “energy, life force” and ayama “extension”, “expansion”, therefore pranayama can be translated literally as ”expansion of life force” or ”extension of breath”.

According to ancient yoga teachings, prana is the vital energy that circulates through the 72,000 nadis, or energy channels, in our body. Through the control and awareness of the breath, one learns to direct and control the circulation of prana, gaining the ability to channel it into specific parts of the body. The breathing techniques of pranayama stir up this energy and revitalize the body and mind. By consciously regulating our breathing, we are able to accumulate more prana and tap into these energy reserves in our daily lives Yogic breathing practices teach us to control the breath and with it also the mind. “When the breath is agitated, the mind is unsteady, but when the breath is calm, the mind is also calm.”

Pranayama is much more than a set of simple breathing exercises: in fact, perfection in the pranayama practice is achieved by bringing awareness to the breath throughout the day. This awareness opens the possibility of being able to use the increased life energy to overcome our limits and to obtain a higher level of physical, emotional and spiritual energy and a heightened awareness of ourselves.
Pranayama supplies the body with sufficient oxygen and connects it to its battery, the solar plexus, where an enormous amount of energy is stored.

By breathing consciously and deeply, we can tap into these energy reserves in our daily lives. The body becomes stronger and can respond much more easily to modern life demands, overcoming stress and many diseases.

The different types of pranayama (breathing exercises) help the prana flow thus bringing new energy to the entire nervous system. The breath and the mind are always connected, such as when you are scared or angry, your breathing is shallow, fast and irregular, but when you are relaxed or focused your breathing is calmer.

By regulating breathing, we increase the absorption of oxygen and vital energy (prana) and also increase the ability to concentrate. Concentration is in turn the prerequisite for meditation – the practice that leads to deep inner peace.

Through constant practice we also acquire the ability to awaken countless beneficial properties in ourselves, a great flow of vitality can be directed to those areas where we feel it is lacking.
In pranayama it is very important to be able to train the ability to hold the breath for as long as possible.

By maintaining a steady posture for an extended period of time and synchronizing the breathing rhythm according to specific breathing patterns, the mind will also gradually calm down, purifying itself and preparing for the next stages on the path to enlightenment.

Sivananda Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga, which is based on Swami Sivananda teachings, an Indian doctor and yoga teacher, who lived from 1887 to 1963.

Swami Sivananda was a man with an humble soul, at service of neighbor and humanity, both in the medical field, treating all those in need, free of charge, and as a yoga teacher, guaranteeing everyone the opportunity to practice the discipline. Indeed, Swami Sivananda understood that in order to completely heal people, the practice of yoga was necessary and very effective.

The dissemination of spiritual knowledge and the training of people in yoga was his aim, and so between the year 1932 and 1948 he founded the Sivananda Ashram, the “Divine Life Society” and the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy in Rishikesh, India. Swami Sivananda’s teachings crystallized the fundamental principles of all religions, uniting all yoga paths into one – the yoga of synthesis.

He summed it up in these words, “To serve, to love, to give, to purify, to meditate, to realize.”

His own life was a shining example of the ideal of selfless service, karma yoga. For Swami Sivananda all work was sacred, no task too menial. He tirelessly sought opportunities to serve and help others, never putting off what needed to be done. Sivananda Yoga spread to the West around 1950, thanks to the disciples of Swami Sivananda, especially Swami Vishnudevananda, who traveled with the aim of spreading his master’s ideals.

Sivananda Yoga is composed of 12 basic asanas (postures), which are interspersed with moments of relaxation (savasana) and meditation, postures designed to improve flexibility, strength and balance. The focus is on proper alignment and using the breath to guide movement. In addition to physical practices, this yoga style also incorporates the use of pranayama and meditation to promote relaxation and inner peace.

The goal of this discipline is to seek happiness through 5 fundamental principles of Swami Vishnudevananda, they summarize all the classic yoga teachings: proper exercise (asana), proper breathing (pranayama), proper relaxation (savasana), proper diet (vegetarian food), positive thinking and meditation (Vedanta and Dhyana).

Sivananda Yoga is a tradition that basically incorporates four paths of Yoga, Karma Yoga which means selfless service to all human beings and everything, basically all living beings, Raja Yoga, is mind control, Hatha Yoga and the practice of Pranayama are part of Raja Yoga, then Bhakti Yoga, which is the Yoga of devotion, and Bhajans are sung to express devotion.

Finally Jnana Yoga which is the Yoga of knowledge, Advaita Vedanta. The benefits of this style are many: it improves the flexibility of muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments, it stimulates circulation, it strengthens the flexibility of the spine which keeps the body young, it makes the muscles of the muscular system strong and flexible.

Sivananda Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, with available modifications and adaptations to suit each individual’s needs and abilities.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga is a dynamic, fluid yoga style that connects movement with breath. The term “vinyasa” can be translated as “positioning in a special way” and itrefers to the choreographed sequence of movements and postures in this practice.

The English term flow distinguishes the dynamic style of this form of yoga. We talk about flow when we move from one position to another and the various movements are always accompanied by the breath, usually ujjai breath (ocean breath).

In a Vinyasa Flow class, the positions practiced refer to the classic Hatha Yoga practice, with some modern variations, what differes from Hatha Yoga is the fluidity of movements made in sequence and the constant use of the breath. Therefore Vinyasa is a fluid and elegant practice, suitable for those who prefer a more dynamic and energetic style.

Through the asana sequences the practice as a whole becomes fluid, dynamically linking the various positions. In the Vinyasa Flow Yoga sequences, transitions are performed, precise movements that open and close the various positions (asana).

These movements are always coordinated with breathing. Following the teacher’s guidance, you inhale and exhale during the movements, in a flow of continuity from one position to another.

The continuous, fluid movement and breath work allow you to control both mind and body, perfect balance, and help build strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga also incorporates elements of meditation and mindfulness, helping students cultivate a sense of focus and inner calm, reducing or managing daily stress.

Practice can be physically demanding, but it can also be modified to suit each student’s needs and abilities.

Yin Yoga is a more meditative yoga style, born in the 70s in the USA, conceived by Paul Zink, Taoism teacher, popularized by Paul Grilley in the 80s by combining TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and anatomy. In the 90s Sara Powers created sequences to stimulate energy along the meridians and then Bernie Clark became the official spokesperson of Yin Yoga. It is a slow-paced style that involves holding passive positions, also called forms, for long periods of time. The goal of Yin Yoga is to find stillness and surrender in postures, allowing the body to relax and release tension.

Yin Yoga works on the body’s deep connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments and muscles, it improves flexibility and it promotes overall physical and emotional well-being. The practice of Yin Yoga can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, cultivate a sense of inner calm and balance, create a bridge to meditation and a natural reserve of energy. During the practice of Yin Yoga we bring the attention inwards, the meridians are purified, letting go and helping to remove the emotions and memories stored in the connective tissue, stimulating the flow of vital energy (prana).

Unlike more dynamic styles of yoga, Yin Yoga does not involve muscle strain or intense movement. The poses are usually held for several minutes at a time, 2-5 minutes, and the use of props, such as blankets, blocks, belts, pillows, are encouraged to support the body and allow for complete relaxation. One of the most important parts of a Yin yoga class, is the rebound, performed between one form and another, it is a short rest period after each position, 1-2 minutes, in shavasana, lying on your back, in crocodile ( makarasana) in the prone position or in child pose ( balasana). After releasing a pose, the sensations experienced by a yin yogi can be stronger than those experienced while holding the pose. These sensations can arise in different parts of the body and are described as tingling, warmth, fullness, expansion, contraction, or a variety of other internal experiences. Rebound is one of the most accessible forms of meditation available, it can completely absorb the yin yogi’s attention and awareness, it’s really fulfilling time to recharge.

Yin Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and can be modified to suit each individual’s needs and abilities. If you’re looking to add a sense of calm and relaxation to your yoga practice, Yin Yoga may be the perfect fit for you.

Yoga Nidra comes from the ancient tantric practice called “nyasa”, which means to put or bring the mind to one point.

This technique was developed by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in Rishikesh, he was a student of Swami Sivananda and had the task of supervising children in a school where they were taught the Vedas recitation. The Vedas are ancient texts of the Indus-Sarasvati civilization, a collection of hymns praising an exalted power which comprised the oldest recorded teachings in yoga.

Vedas describe rituals and ceremonies that Yoga practitioners needed to go beyond the mind limits.

Yoga Nidra is a powerful technique that induces physical, mental and emotional relaxation, it is a method to enter and look internally in order to rediscover the body, mind and spirit harmony.

At the deepest levels of Yoga Nidra it is possible to “travel” consciously beyond the limits of your body and mind, until you perceive and connect with Higher Self and the Absolute. The meaning of the word yoga is union and nidra means sleep. While practicing yoga nidra, it seems you are asleep, but consciousness is functioning at a deeper level of awareness.

For this reason, yoga nidra is often named psychic sleep or deep relaxation and it is called yogic sleep. In this threshold state between sleep and wakefulness, a semi-conscious state in which the mind is present and deeply relaxed, the brain waves are very slow and one has access to very useful intuitive mental resources, one comes into contact with the subconscious and the unconscious, away from external experiences.

During the practice you enter in a calming state for the mind and body through guided meditation, you are guided to bring awareness and perception to many parts of the body to achieve stillness and relax completely. The practice creates physical and mental activities that alter brain waves to release emotional tension, slow down the nervous system, and allow muscles to relax.

This triggers a relaxation response, naturally reducing stress in the body and mind, relieving mental and physical stress can also relieve headaches and muscle tension.