Mastering Yoga Asanas offers the third stage in traditional training in the 8-step system prescribed by Patanjali, often referred to as Ashtanga Yoga.
One aspect of the Hatha Yoga Asanas focuses on the evolution of the physical structure and muscular development of the human form from its presumed aquatic origins to modern man. The muscular system that evolves through the various kingdoms is reflected in the symbolic Asanas that begin with postures such as “fish” and progress through the stages of amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal until human muscular development is complete. . Each asana exercises or uses a particular set of muscles corresponding to those used by the creature for which the asana is named.
Another important purpose of Asanas is to achieve physical health and longevity and there are a number of Asanas that are practiced for this reason, the most important of which are listed in the article “21 Asanas for Health”.
However, the Asana system was developed through the understanding that the attitude or position of the body affects the mind just as a mental attitude is reflected in the posture or physical posture assumed. What we now call “body language” in modern understanding is just a new awareness of an old principle. Aware of the intimate association between the mind and the body, the Indian sages developed a system of yoga asanas to help both physical and spiritual development and well-being. Traditional Hatha Yoga training encourages mastery of some or all of the 84 classical Asanas over a period of time. This skill requires both strength and flexibility.
Along with this training in assuming physical attitudes is the development of the individual’s thinking and philosophy that reflects his attitude towards life. You are encouraged to adopt a philosophy based on natural principles that will guide you in life. It must not only be based on the classical code of ethics (the Yamas/Niyamas), but must be directed from within by your own intuition. This mental attitude towards life also requires strength and flexibility.
In addition to those that stimulate the physiological functions of the body, there are others that correspond to human symbols of desired qualities and attributes of the human psyche that we desire in our own character. These are represented in the Asanas and are named after the noble divine qualities that inspire us.
There are many other types of Asanas. Some are for purification, others for strengthening, stabilizing, calming the nerves, lightness and flexibility, balance and self-confidence. However, others are for spiritual use in meditation.
When assuming any Asana, we must use discrimination and refrain from “performing” a body pose for the sake of doing it, without reason and purpose. Practicing the physical Asanas without a deeper purpose will base the system on a level of pure acrobatics.
If you exert yourself too much through the incorrect use of the Asanas, certain forces are awakened prematurely or the fine network of vital channels, known as the nadis, which weave a fabric of vital energy that protects you from external influences and harmful vibrations, is damaged. . It is your shield of protection. Awareness of this etheric shield will come to you through patient observation of the body and the correct application of breath and asanas.
The key to getting effective results from your practice depends on the specific breath you use while holding the position, as well as the duration of each Asana.
Understand the type of body you possess and learn to hone it within obvious limitations to perfect health with the help of your teacher.
The 21 Health Asanas will be a guide as they include the various required to keep the spine free: Forward Bend, Back Bend, Side Bend, Twist and Inverted Pose and the comfortable sitting position needed to practice Pranayama and meditation.
An important reminder of the essential simplicity of the system is that although 84 body positions can be assumed, and the challenge and mastery of them is admirable, the great Siva taught that the first 4 are Siddhasana, Padmasana, Simhasana and Bhadrasana.
Western students enjoy testing their physical abilities to achieve Asanas, but achieving a position is just the beginning. We must be able to achieve a passive position, adopt the appropriate pranayama and concentrate our minds on its purpose.