Many centuries ago, a Thai monastery housed an immense and beautiful golden statue of Buddha. After news of an invasion by the Burmese army, however, the monks sought to protect the statue from thievery and destruction. They covered the Golden Buddha with 8-12 inches of plastered clay, hoping the warriors would have no desire to steal a seemingly worthless sculpture. The monks’ noble efforts worked, but they were slaughtered in the raid, leaving the secret of the statue to remain hidden for another two centuries. Here is the story of the golden Buddha.

Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity and beloved god in the Hindu religion, is a prominently featured icon in Indian art and mythology. Known as the Bringer of New Beginnings, Lord of Good Fortune and Remover of Obstacles, Ganesha empowers his followers to live a courageous, barrier-free life. He is said to personify the symbolic sound of “ohm,” and his essence reverberates throughout the principles of yoga, particularly in the symbolic hand gesture or “mudra” named after him. In this post, we’ll walk you through this Ganesha yoga pose to help you unlock its power in your daily life.

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian activist, politician, philosopher and unwavering advocate of peace who led India to independence. He inspired global movements for civil rights and freedom. Many of Gandhi’s teachings are rooted in the principle of “ahimsa,” the sanskrit word for “non-violence.” In Gandhi’s philosophies, those who embody the law of ahimsa, particularly in the face of counter-violence, or “himsa,” are enlightened and blessed. Gandhi’s principle of “Satyagraha” or “loyalty to the truth” is the vast inner strength or “soul force” required to practice ahimsa.

The lotus flower is an aquatic plant native to Asia and Australia, viewed as a sacred symbol of purity and tranquility by many ancient cultures. Its roots fasten firmly to the murky bottom of a pond or river, while its stunning flowers bloom brightly above the surface. The lotus flower offers countless meanings and interpretations, particularly within the practice of yoga. We’ve picked a few of its most fitting teachings to awaken your inner god or goddess. Learn more about the lotus flower spiritual meaning and symbolism in yoga!

Inner peace is not a destination. It’s a journey. A delicate balance of mind, body and soul conditions determine how you approach those elements outside your control. If you don’t save some time for self-care, you could find yourself distressed by things that don’t usually fluster you. For those days when you need to tune out the noise and turn up the soul, here are five yoga inner peace quotes to keep you inspired and motivated.