I know that one should not change one's Mantra, but I have been initiated into a Mantra and since then, I have developed more devotion to a different deity and I feel the vibration of its corresponding Mantra more powerfully. Should I switch anyway? (Part 2)
The essence of last week's answer is NO. However, it should be noted that, in addition to one's main meditation Mantra - which should be used everyday, additional Mantras can also be practiced for a specific purpose.

I know that one should not change one's Mantra, but I have been initiated into a Mantra and since then, I have developed more devotion to a different deity and I feel the vibration of its corresponding Mantra more powerfully. Should I switch anyway?
You are right. One should not switch Mantras. Many meditators share the experience described above. And yet it would be a major mistake to switch Mantras. It is a common mental pattern to get bored with something we have been doing over a long period of time. Everything else seems very new and refreshing in comparison. However, regularity is essential in order to go deeper and deeper in meditation. Switching Mantras every few years or months has been compared to the man who wanted to dig a well in his backyard and kept on digging a new hole, every time it became too hard. At the end the backyard was full of holes and none of the "wells" were deep enough to reach the water.

I understand Yogis are vegetarians: where do you get your proteins?
In food items such as peas, lentils, tofu etc. It is actually a common mistakes for newly "converted vegetarians" to not eat enough of these. There are a very important part of a Yogic, Ayurvedic based diet.

I am Christian (or Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Atheist etc.). Can I practice Yoga and meditation?
Yes, most definitely. Yoga is a spiritual science which is very universal in it approach. It can be practiced by individuals of all creeds and with any set of beliefs. In many instances, Yoga practitioners have found that after a few years of practice there were becoming better Christians, Jews, Muslims etc.. There is absolutely no contradiction whatsoever.

Where do you put the weight in the headstand?
It is important to establish a solid tripod with the elbows and the head. Most of the weight should then go onto the elbows with the shoulders pushing up and away from the ears. In this fashion, the neck will receive very little pressure.

What is the difference between a Yogi, a Guru and a Swami
All these terms define different concepts.

A Yogi is one who practices Yoga. It can be referred to occasional practitioners or sometimes full-time aspirants.

Having reached a certain degree of realization on the path the Yogi can become a Guru and have disciples.

The Yogis traditionally embrace either the householder path after their training or sometime the monastic life by renouncing the world and becoming a Swami or renounciate.

Why do Yogis breathe through the nose both when inhaling and exhaling
Because it is more natural and because the nose in an integral part of the respiratory system, allowing the air to be heated, moistened and filtered.

Do I have to be vegetarian in order to do Yoga?
No, but it would help a lot. Besides making you much healthier, you would derive a lot more benefits from your practice of Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breathing exercises).

Yoga is a gradual process and most practitioners introduce themselves to its different aspects little by little.

In which order should I practice Asanas, Pranayama & Meditation?
It depends on your schedule and your preferences. Although the most logical order is as above, any order is OK. If you practice early morning, we recommend to start with meditation; your mind will be more quiet right after waking up and your body is still too stiff for doing Asanas (postures) right away.

Traditionally, the Asanas are practiced before the breathing techniques (Pranayama) but we found that doing Pranayama before Asanas in the Yoga classes in our Ashrams and Centers helps the students be more focused and aware.

Remember the most important thing is to actually practice. Don't just keep sitting in front of your computer. Breathe and stretch once in a while :-)

Can I do Yoga even if my body is very stiff?
Of course you can. Yoga is not just about being flexible. Practicing the Asanas brings countless benefits physically, psychically, energetically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

If your body is out of shape you should practice gently at first taking care not to create any injuries. You will already receive many of the benefits available to the more advanced practitioner. Do the Asanas as well as you can and remember to breathe deeply and rhythmically, keep yourself relaxed and concentrated.
And remember, by practicing YOU will become flexible.