Patanjali Yog Sutras is one of the best known literary works in the field of yoga. Patanjali, a yogi himself, approached and explained yoga as a science, a technology, a method and a process. He tried to understand the search of a man from the deepest core.
Written in Sanskrit, Patanjali Yog Sutras is a compilation of 196 aphorisms (short, pithy statements containing a truth, logic or understanding). He has summarised the vast knowledge of yoga from the ancient yogic texts into these aphorisms, which are interconnected yet complete in themselves. To practise yoga, one need not have the knowledge of these but can benefit from exploring the understanding that has gone into the yoga sutras. Below is an aphorism which explains the reason for practising asanas.
Sthira sukham asanam (Stability and feeling of wellbeing in a posture)
Sthira: stability; sukh: feeling of wellbeing; asanam: posture
There are 8.4 million postures divided into three categories — cultural, relaxation and meditative postures.
The millions of cultural asanas such as halasana [plough pose], chaturanga dandasana [four-limbed staff pose], ardha matsyendrasana [half spinal twist] increase the immunity of the body. With regular practice the body is manifested in such a way that it becomes free from physical, mental and even spiritual disorders, and is ready for meditation.
There are four meditative postures — sukhasana [easy pose], vajrasana [diamond pose], padmasana [lotus pose] or siddhasana [accomplished pose]. The purpose of asanas ends when one is able to sit in one of the meditative postures for at least two and a half hours without any ache or discomfort. That is the stability referred to in the aphorism.
The mind is naturally lazy. While laziness is intrinsic, alertness has to be practised. Meditation is alertness. The meditative postures help the mind establish focus and be alert. One should practise postures until a subtle meditative chord is touched in the system, which brings one to a state of “sukh”.
Essentially what this aphorism implies is the necessity to practise cultural postures until one can sit in a meditative posture with absolute stability and ease. The internal journey of yoga begins hereafter once a certain mastery over the body is achieved.
Practice of the week
Chaturanga Dandasana
Halasana
Ardha Matsyendrasana
Vajrasana
Padmasana
Keep in mind
- Do not force a meditative posture. Continue to persevere until the body is ready for the posture.
- The guidance of a teacher is of utmost importance especially for the correct meditative posture.
Tip of the week
Practising a meditative posture for just 20-30 minutes at least three times a week will hugely benefit over all wellbeing.
Next Week: Understanding yoga sutras Part 2
