Asanas

Asana simply means posture. Asana is the third of the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. It is the positioning of the body with involvement of mind and soul. Asanas or postures act as bridges between body and mind. As per Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, asana has two facets, i.e. pose and repose. Pose is the artistic adoption of a position and repose means finding perfection in a particular pose and maintaining it.  When these effortful poses become effortless poses, then the seeker is said to have mastered the asana. While performing asanas, one has to relax the cells of the brain and activate the cells of the vital organs and the whole muscular and skeletal system. This way the consciousness pervades to every cell of the body.

Sthira Sukham Asanam, one of the Yogasutras (Sadhana pada II.46) of Patanjali, describes asana as, being in consistent happiness in a particular firm posture without experiencing any displeasure in mind or body. A pure state of joy is felt in the cells and the mind, when one performs asanas effortlessly.

Sthira: firm

Sukham: happiness or delight

Asanam: posture

Adopting simple postures may take a lot of concerted effort, time and energy. Patience and self-discipline are the keys to achieve it.

At Samarth, we make a conscious effort to help and encourage every yoga enthusiast to learn and benefit from Yogasana practice