The Bearded Naked Blog

In the vast library of yogic philosophy, certain principles arrive like a subtle whisper, easily overlooked by those seeking grand gestures and bold truths, yet they hold the power to change everything. Anātman, the doctrine of “no-self,” is one such whisper. It sits quietly at the heart of yogic traditions, pointing not to the acquisition of some greater identity, but to the profound freedom found in the dissolution of identity itself. Anātman doesn’t invite you to become so

There are words within the yogic tradition whose simplest translations can accidentally make them sound almost superhuman. Abhaya is commonly translated as fearlessness, and at first glance this might suggest a state in which fear has somehow been conquered, extinguished or transcended altogether. It can conjure an image of the spiritually accomplished person standing untouched by uncertainty, danger or vulnerability, possessing a kind of permanent inner courage that ordinary

There are certain Sanskrit words that resist easy translation because the English equivalent seems somehow smaller than the idea it is attempting to contain. Śraddhā is one of them. It is frequently translated as faith, but that word can carry associations of unquestioning belief, religious obedience, or accepting something without evidence. Within the yogic tradition, Śraddhā is subtler and more intimate than this. It is a quality of trust born through experience; a quiet co

The Silent Intelligence Behind All Knowing In the hustle of modern life, we tend to measure wisdom by what we can explain, understand, or articulate. Degrees, data, facts, and frameworks - these are the currencies of a mind that believes knowledge is power. And yet, yoga teaches us that true wisdom arises not from accumulation but from stillness and from the spaces between thoughts. From that subtle whisper of awareness that knows without needing to prove: this is Prajña. In

The Yogic Principle of Effort In the vast and intricate philosophy of yoga, there exist guiding principles that shape not only our practice but also our very approach to life. Among these, Virya stands as the embodiment of effort, perseverance, and courageous energy. It is the fuel that drives us forward in the face of difficulty, the unwavering commitment to growth, and the force that transforms intention into action. Without Virya, the path of yoga remains an untraveled roa

Despite the countless challenges, injustices and horrors that apparently fill the world, let it be with a heart firmly rooted in the spirit of optimism that we continue our journey into the “virtues” of Yoga; the core set of principles and practices that serve as both a compass and a guiding light for navigating the chaos of modern life. Yoga, with its emphasis on harmony, self-awareness, and ethical living, has always provided practical tools to navigate the complexities of

Over the next few weeks we will take a journey into the “virtues” of Yoga; a set of principles and practices that serve as both a compass and a guiding light for navigating the chaos of modern life. Yoga, with its emphasis on harmony, self-awareness, and ethical living, has always provided practical tools to navigate the complexities of life in the modern world - and however challenging or confusing our own path to self-development can seem, Yoga’s virtues remain profoundly r

It is safe to say that since starting my teaching practice as The Bearded Naked Yogi, our world has changed. The fluctuations in global relationships and leadership, the ceaseless technology and societal challenges, and the deepening environmental concerns that dominate across the media ensure that the stresses of life grow more each day. And those stresses have an impact; on you, on me, on everyone. We live in the modern age and, for many, it is not an easy time in which to