Why You Need to Study the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

In this interview, Siddhartha Krishna, a Vedanta and yoga philosophy teacher based in Rishikesh, talks about Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. With his background in philosophy, and as an Iyengar Yoga student, he explains why it is important for every yoga practitioner to study the yoga sutras.

Interview with Surinder Singh, Hatha Yoga Teacher in Rishikesh

The first time I practiced hatha yoga in Rishikesh with Surinder, I could immediately sense his very calm energy. My first thought was, "He practices meditation!" That was a very comforting thought. Many teachers I'd met before seem to focus only on body postures.

What You Need to Know Before Practicing Ahimsa, Non-Violence

Ahimsa, non-violence in thought, word or deed, is the highest value taught in yoga philosophy. We are meant to practice this value, with mindfulness, in our daily lives. However there is something we need to know before being able to practice ahimsa successfully.

How the Search for the Ultimate Truth Led Me to Yoga

When I was a little kid I always struggled to pay attention at school. I was usually lost in my own thoughts. Driven perhaps by a habit acquired from a past life, there was one particular thought that I use to think about over and over again.

Why I Quit My Job Three Times and Then Never Came Back

I had just found a new well-paid corporate job abroad. It was a remarkable achievement, but even before day one I had already decided that I was going to quit. I gave myself three years before giving everything up to follow a crazy dream.

How Love, Faith and Determination Brought Me to Belgium

It was tough for me to go back home after a year living in India. After such a life changing experience I couldn't just go back to "normal."  I felt out of place. I felt as if I didn't fit anymore. I was feeling homesick for another country.

This is Why 2005 Became the Best Year of My Life

In January 2005 I had decided to quit my job to travel to the other side of the world. My destination was India. What an experience! But you won't believe how that year came to an end. I took one of the most important decisions of my life, and I also had a little surprise.

Why I Chose Yoga Instead of Buddhism

For a long time I felt very attracted to Buddhism, which is in many ways connected to yoga. That's why I'd decided to visit a Buddhist monastery in Nepal. One of the best experiences I've ever had, but once I was there I also realized that Buddhism is not really my path.

True Story: I Seriously Considered Becoming a Monk

Yes, I'm being real. I seriously considered becoming a monk. I had this romantic idea of giving everything up and dedicate my time fully to the spiritual path. Crazy, isn't it? Well, let me tell you the whole story.

The Day I Became Myself for the First Time Ever

I was having an awesome time in Mumbai. I would spend my days at the office, commuting and hanging out with friends. That was the best part. Nothing very spiritual though, but after just a few weeks I started to feel a change in me. Something was different.