Vishuddhi, the fifth chakra, resides in the throat, spanning from the base of the neck to the region of the Adam’s apple. Known as the throat centre, it is the seat of communication, authentic expression, and living in alignment with one’s truth.

The Anahata Chakra, or heart centre, is located at the centre of the chest and is symbolised by a green, twelve-petalled lotus. Governed by the element of air, it is closely connected to the lungs, heart, and circulatory system, and is considered the energetic seat of love, compassion, and empathy.

Fire is the third universal force in nature—the principle of combustion and transformation. It is the spark that fuels change in both the material world and the subtle body, and it is the source of our assimilative power on physical, mental, and emotional levels.

Located in the abdomen, the Manipura Chakra governs digestion—not only of food, but of life experience itself. It represents our solar energy, the radiant inner sun that ancient Yogis recognised as a major centre of power, perception, and energetic distribution throughout the body.

The second chakra, known as the sacral chakra or Swadhisthana, is located in the lower abdomen—between the pubic bone and the top of the sacrum. Representing the water element, it governs the energy of cohesion and connection, binding emotional, sexual, and creative forces into a unified current of life.

The Root Chakra (Muladhara) sits at the base of the spine and is the foundation of your entire energetic system. Linked to the colour red and the earth element, it governs your sense of safety, stability, and your ability to function in the physical world.

Samadhi is often described as the pinnacle of yoga practice — a state where awareness, perception, and clarity come together in a single, profound experience of being.

Before the mind can enter Dhyana, it must first pass through Dharana, the stage where we practice holding concentration. In Dharana, there is a clear awareness of the subject (the one meditating), the object (the chosen point of focus), and the process of concentrating itself. These three remain distinct. The object is not the important part here; what matters is the art of concentration—training the mind to move in a single, unified direction without scattering.

Dharana is where the journey of meditation truly begins. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been preparing ourselves for this moment — using asana to refine the body, pranayama to shape and direct our energy (prana), and pratyahara to draw awareness inward. Now, with the outer layers steadied, the mind is ready for concentration.

Pratyāhāra is the fifth limb of Patañjali’s Aṣṭāṅga Yoga (Eight-Limbed Path). It forms the bridge between the external practices (ethical living, self-discipline, posture, and breath) and the internal practices (concentration, meditation, and absorption).

Breath and mind are intimately connected. How we breathe is a reflection of how we think. As we begin to shape the breath consciously, the mind has no choice but to respond. To maintain the conscious hold of the breath, the mind must remain present. On a deeper level, subconscious mental patterns associated with past experiences also undergo transformation through Prāṇāyāma, allowing us to respond to the present moment more fully and authentically.

Within the Eight Limbs of Yoga (Aṣṭāṅga Yoga), āsana is the third limb, forming the bridge between the ethical foundations (yama and niyama) and the inward limbs (prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā, dhyāna, samādhi). Though often understood today as physical exercise, Patañjali’s intention was clear — āsana is the cultivation of a stable, comfortable seat for meditation.

In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali tells us that surrendering with trust opens the doorway to the highest state of meditation, called Samadhi. He explains that Ishvara—the Divine, or a higher consciousness—is connected to mantra, and that repeating a mantra (mantra japa) helps turn our attention inward and clear away inner obstacles.

Svādhyāya,, is the practice of self-study and inner reflection. The word combines Sva (self) and Adhyāya (study), meaning both study of the small self — our personality, habits, and mind — and the higher Self, the essence of consciousness itself.

Tapas is the practice of austerity, discipline, and sacrifice. It is the willingness to burn away what holds us back so that something higher may emerge. To engage in tapas is to be diligent in worship, practice, and meditation; to make up for misdeeds; to embrace self-denial; and to offer up cherished possessions, time, or energy. Without readiness, the process will not bear fruit.

Santosha, the second Niyama in the Yoga Sutra, holds profound significance in cultivating inner peace. Derived from the Sanskrit word santosha, it translates as “contentment” or “satisfaction.” It encourages us to find joy in the present moment, to accept life as it unfolds, and to release attachment to specific outcomes or expectations.

 Saucha reminds us that true well-being and spiritual growth arise when we create space for purity to shine through. By cleansing the body, mind, and spirit, we prepare the ground for self-discovery, awareness, and a deeper connection to our higher self.

Aparigraha teaches us the art of non-possessiveness and non-attachment. It invites us to loosen our grip on the constant craving for more—more things, more recognition, more control—and instead discover contentment and freedom in what already is.

Brahmacharya is often misunderstood as simply “celibacy” or “sexual restraint,” yet its meaning in yoga is far broader and more practical. At its core, Brahmacharya is about the wise and intentional use of energy. It calls us to examine how we direct our life force—physically, mentally, and emotionally—and whether our choices nourish or deplete us. Rather than rigid denial, Brahmacharya points toward balance, moderation, and living in alignment with higher values.

Asteya, from Sutra 2.37, is the principle of non-stealing and integrity. It teaches us not just to avoid taking what belongs to others materially, but also to respect their time, energy, trust, and joy. At its heart, Asteya is about mindful action, empathy, and honoring both ourselves and others.

Satya is the principle of truthfulness—living in alignment with our authentic self through our thoughts, words, and actions. It is not just about speaking the truth but about doing so with compassion and integrity. Satya invites us to be deeply honest with ourselves, cultivating awareness of our inner dialogue and embracing authenticity as the foundation for self-discovery.