Asanas are the most physical or fundamental aspect of yoga. They should not be mistaken for the science of yoga itself. Patanjali covers the purpose and practice of asanas in three aphorisms. As explained in the previous article sthira sukham asanam is one of them (Yoga: Understanding Yoga Sutras Part 1). The next two are as follows:
Prayatna shaithilya ananta samapattibhyam
Prayatna: effort; shaithilya: by relaxing; ananta: infinite; samapattibhyam: by focussing attention on
This aphorism implies the ability to do a posture effortlessly with no awareness of the ego or body by fixing the mind beyond or away.
The mind can be focussed on the breath or a sound in the background (music playing in class, sounds in nature). Awareness of the breath is a very important aspect which leads to deep focus and also affects the chemistry of the body. Breath is the bridge between the body and mind. Holding a posture with complete awareness of the breath is an indirect way of meditation.
When one concentrates on the breath, the mind is controlled; when one concentrates on the mind, the breath is controlled. Therefore it is necessary to cultivate the correct way of inhalation and exhalation. But if one is unaware of the breath, there is no harm. Breathe normally, body will gradually adapt to the right breathing pattern and the mind will slowly attain awareness with practice.
Benefits: The practice of cultural asanas leaves one disease free, toned, fit, relaxed and more energetic. In addition, it also prepares the body for a meditative posture. Cultural postures balance the chakras [energy vortices] and have an impact on overall wellbeing. Patanjali explains the impact of asana practice on the mind in the following aphorism.
Tatah dvandva anabhighata
Tatah: then; dvandva: dualities/dichotomies; anabhighata: cessation of disturbance
It implies that regular practice of postures leads to a cessation of disturbances which arise due to the inherent dual nature (for example pain-pleasure, happiness-sadness, and good-bad) of the mind. This inculcates a sense of integration, balance and stability in an individual.
One who is free from ailment, disease, disorder and is able to sit in one of the four meditative postures for at least two and a half hours is ready for the internal journey of yoga. Thus asana is only one limb of yoga and a preparation ground for the body and mind.
Practice of the week
This set of postures is good for the whole body and helps improve mental focus. Begin with a set of 10-15 sun salutations.
Natrajasana
Bakasana
Mukta hasta merudansana
Halasana
Matsyasana
Sharanagath Mudra
Next Week: The limbs of yoga
