Asana
‘Asana’ is a Sanskrit word, stands for body position, especially in yoga practice. It is the ‘third’ of ‘eight’ limbs of ‘Yoga Sutras of Patanjali’ in Raja Yoga. According to yoga sutras, asana refers to two things, the ‘place’ where a practitioner sits and the ‘manner’(posture) in which he sits. Asana is to be seated in a position that is firm and relaxed.
Asana : Third limb of ‘Patanjali Yoga Sutras’
According to Yoga Sutra, asana is the third of the eight limbs in Raja Yoga. Asanas are the physical movements of yoga practice with combination of pranayama (breathing techniques) creates a type of yoga which is known as ‘Hatha Yoga’. Patanjali describes asana as a firm and comfortable posture, referring specifically to the seated posture, most basic of all the asanas. Dhyana (meditation) is the way to Samadhi (transpersonal self-realization).
Asanas are various poses to improve health and remove diseases in the physical, subtle and causal bodies. The word “asana” is Sanskrit for “seat” which refers not only to the physical position of the body, but also the position of the body in relation to divinity. They were originally meant for Meditation, as the postures can make you feel relaxed for a long period. The regular practice of Asanas, the general muscle flexibility and bone strength, as well as non-material rewards, such as the development of willpower, concentration and self confidence.
Some of the main Asanas (Physical Postures) are follows for numerous benefits:
Surya Namaskar / Sun Salutation
