Asana

Asanas

" Prior to everything, asana is spoken of as the first part of Hatha Yoga. Having done asanas one attains steadiness of the body and mind, freedom form disease and lightness of the limbs . "

Hatha Yoga Pradipika 1.17

There are many types of physical exercises but the yogic system of asanas is the most complete, benefiting far more then just the physical body. The asanas emphasize deep breathing, relaxed movements and mental concentration.

In yoga, the physical postures are called asanas. They are non-violent movements and provide gentle stretching that acts to lubricate the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and other parts of the body.

Asanas help to tone the nervous system improve circulation, release tension and increase flexibility. When performed in a slow and relaxed manner, they are designed not only to enhance the physical body. They also broaden the mental faculties and enhance the spiritual capabilities.

Asanas are designed to promote a state of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. This may be defined as the condition that is experienced when all the organs function efficiently under the conscious control of the mind.
Asanas have an extraordinary capacity to overhaul, rejuvenate and bring the entire system into a state of balance. Asanas also have profound affect on all the Pancha Koshas (five sheaths).

Surya Namaskara

"Like a lid to a vessel, O Sun, your

Golden orb covers the entrance to Truth.

Kindly open the entrance, to lead me to Truth."

Isa. Up. 15

All sessions of yoga asanas begin with Surya Namaskara or Sun Salutation.

This excellent warming up exercise consists of a sequence of 12 positions that move the spine in various ways and promote flexibility of the limbs. It improves concentration of the mind. It is also very beneficial to beginners, stiff people and elderly as it helps the body to regain flexibility.

“ Prior to everything, asana is spoken of as the first part of Hatha Yoga. Having done asanas one attains steadiness of the body and mind, freedom form disease and lightness of the limbs. ”

Hatha Yoga Pradipika 1.17

Sthirasukhamasanam   Y.S .2.46

Steady and Comfortable should be the posture.

 

Prayatnasaithilyanantasamapattibhyam Y.S. 2.47

By loosening of effort and by meditation on the serpent ananta, asana is mastered.

 

Tato dvandvanabhighatah  Y.S 2.48

Thereby the pairs of opposite cease to have any impact

 

            The yoga Asanas has acquired an importance which has a twofold character. They are not only a set of all-round physical exercise but a preparatory stage for the practice of YOGA

            Both Hata Yoga & the Raja Yoga prescribe these techniques of Asanas for the purification of the body & the settings of it in tune with the nervous equilibrium that is necessary for engaging oneself in the higher Concentration

            The mind & body are not separate entities although there is tendency to think and act as they are. The gross form of the mind is the body & the settle form of the body in mind. The practice of Asanas integrates & harmonizes the two.

            Asanas releases mental tensions by dealing with them on the physical level acting somatic-physically, through the body to the mind.

            Yoga Asanas have often been thought of as a form of exercise. They are not exercises, but techniques which place the physical body in portions that cultivate awareness, relaxation concentration & meditation. Part of this process is the development of is the development of good physical health by stretching, managing & stimulating the panic channels & internal organs.

            Asanas is not a exercise. It is complementary to exercise. Exercise imposes a beneficial stress on the body without it the muscles waste, the bones become week & capacity to absorb oxygen decreases, insulin insensitivity can occur & the ability to meet the physical demands of sudden activity is lost.

            Asanas brings steadiness health & highness of limb. A steady & pleasant posture produces mental equilibrium & prevents fickleness of mind. Asanas are not merely gymnastic exercises, they are postures. To perform them, one needs determination.

            Asanas have been evolved over the centuries so as to exercise muscle, nerve & guard the body.

            Asanas make one firm free from maladies and hint of limb.

            Asanas are postures to be held rather than exercises and are performed slowly and are meditatively combined with deep breathing.

            Asanas work on all the various systems of the body creating suppleness in the spine, joints & toning the muscle glands & internal organs. Though at first it will be the physical experience of the postures that affects you most strongly, as you progress you will grow more & more aware of the flow of prana, the vital energy & of the importance of correct breathing – Pranayama.