ysp-asana

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali : 

1 Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Asana (Physical Postures) (Chapter 2) Subhash Mittal Integral Yoga Studio www.integralyogastudio.com  919-926-9717  subhashmittal@gmail.com

Invocation to Sage Patanjali : 

2 Invocation to Sage Patanjali योगेन चित्तस्य पदेन वाचां | मलं शरीरस्य च वैद्यकेन || योऽपाकरोत्तं प्रवरं मुनीनां | पतञ्जलिं प्राञ्जलिरानतोऽस्मि || yogena chittasya padena vAchAM | malaM sharIrasya cha vaidyakena ||yo.apAkarottaM pravaraM munInAM | pata~njaliM prA~njalirAnato.asmi || "I respectfully bow down with folded hands and offer my salutations to Sage Patanjali, the highest among the Munis (sages), who has presented the remedies for removing the impurities of the body through his treatise on Ayurveda,  of language through his treatise on grammar (Patanjala Mahabhashya) and the impurities of the Chitta (mind field) through his treatise on Yoga (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali)."

Asana Defined : 

Asana Defined Sthirasukhamasanam (A yoga posture must be steady/firm and comfortable) (sutra 2.46) In YSP, asana refers to a seated posture suitable for meditation Literally, asana means both the sitting posture as well as what you sit on (blanket, mat etc.) Steady and comfortable posture needed for proper pranayama and meditation

Asana (cont.) : 

Asana (cont.) Steadiness implies no movement/swaying etc, no trembling, and no excitation/agitation (nervous twitching etc.) Head, neck and trunk should be straight and upright In order to help keep the spine erect, you may use a cushion or a folded blanket to sit on If ankles or knees are uncomfortable, you may use some cushion under them.

Asana (cont.) : 

Asana (cont.) You may even support your back against the wall, keeping the spine erect If sitting on floor is uncomfortable, you may sit in a chair, keeping the feet flat on the floor No pain or discomfort should be experienced while maintaining the pose To develop sitting endurance, practice sitting in your favorite pose even while watching TV

Asana (cont.) : 

Asana (cont.) Yoga must be practiced on an empty stomach Choose a quiet, clean place for yoga and always use the same place for the practice Avoid food up to 2.5 hours before practice In Hatha Yoga, meaning of asana is extended to include all other yoga poses/stretches Asana helps remove the nine physical impediments: Sickness, listlessness, doubt, carelessness, laziness, worldly-mindedness, delusion, non-achievement of a yogic stage, instability (Sutra 1.30)

Asana – Let go of Effort : 

Asana – Let go of Effort By letting go of effort and absorption in infinite consciousness, asana is perfected (sutra 2.47) Avoid sitting in meditation after hectic or intense workout When emotionally disturbed Use relaxation and deep breathing techniques to prepare the mind for meditation The only gentle effort while sitting in meditation is to keep the spine, neck and head straight

Asana – absorption in infinite : 

Asana – absorption in infinite The word “ananta” refers to infinite as well as to the mythical snake that is upholding the universe on its hoods Meditating on this universe which is held perfectly stable by the “ananta” snake will help keep the asana steady and comfortable Ananta also represents the “kundalini shakti” that lies dormant at the base of the spine in the shape of a snake coiled 3.5 times

Asana (cont.) : 

Asana (cont.) Thereby (when asana is perfected) one is not bothered by the pair of opposites (sutra 2.48) Diminished impact of hot/cold, pleasure/pain, honor/dishonor Strong will-power and spiritual maturity is developed

Asana in Hatha Yoga : 

Asana in Hatha Yoga Hatha Yoga postures developed to help develop a healthy body and mind “Hatha Yoga Pradeepika” by Swatmarama is the most reliable text on HY HY includes a strong component of Kundalini yoga (from Tantra) HY evolved to develop ability to sit in meditation for prolonged periods of time Main purpose of HY is to attain higher states of consciousness

Classical Postures : 

Classical Postures Meditative Postures: Lotus (Padmasana), Auspicious (Swastika), Adept (Siddhasana), Diamond (Vajrasana), Hero (Veerasana) Cow-face (Gomukhasana) Bow (Dhanurasana) Spinal Twist (Ardha-Matsyendrasana) Forward bend (Paschimottanasana) Headstand (Shirshasana) Peacock (Mayurasana) Lion’s pose (Simhasana) Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara) – very recent addition to yoga