YOGA PHILOSOPHY
The Yoga Sutras »
Emphasis on Asana in Practice »
Sthira Sukram Asanam »
A sutra is a thread. The sutras of Patanjali, dated back to the 2nd century BC, are the most fundamental text on yoga.
These "threads" are combinations of words and sentences that are threaded together to form a fabric which composes the science,
art and philosophy of yoga and teach us how to live our lives. The sutras define yoga, its purpose and goal,
the obstacles and difficulties that may hinder us in achieving this goal, tools in order to overcome these obstacles,
and the benefits and fruits of attaining this goal. Using the sutras in order to learn about yoga is a very effective
tool since it encompasses the science of yoga in a very structured way, step by step, giving us a very structured and
clear understanding of yoga and enables us to understand the meaning of yoga in very clearly.
Current yoga instruction places great emphasis on asana practice since in our modern day living, we are filled with
many distractions and obstacles which make it very difficult for us to move forward to pranayama practice, meditation
and reach ultimate peace and bliss (Samadhi). The purpose of asana practice is to strengthen the body, improve
flexibility and vitality, cleanse the body of its toxins and, facilitate the flow of prana in the body. All of
these actions will prepare the body and the mind for pranayama and meditation for extended periods of time in order
to be able reach samadhi.
Patanjali’s eight limbed path to yoga is built very systematically. In order for us to be able to achieve Samadhi
(ultimate bliss and liberation), we must go through all other seven limbs in the order which they are listed, like
building blocks that build on one another to attain the final goal.
Asana is the third limb in Patanjali’s eight limbed path to yoga. After understanding the ethical restraints (yamas)
and observances (niyamas) that we must abide, in order for us to be able to continue on to pranayama (controlled
breathing), and then pratyahara (turning the senses inwards), dharana (concentration on a single object), diyana
(meditation) and reach ultimate samadhi (bliss, liberation), we must practice asana practice to prepare our body for
these following limbs.
A great emphasis on asana practice enables proper preparation of the body and mind for pranayama and meditation.
This is important in modern day yoga practice, since in our modern day living we have many distractions and obstacles
which make our body stiff and, in many cases, unbalanced, making it very difficult for us to enter the deeper and
higher levels of meditation. Asana practice is a good foundation for learning about yoga since it is a physical
practice and its benefits are attained must more easily than the other seven limbs. However, the disadvantage of
such great emphasis is placed on asana practice is that in many cases, the entire focus is placed on the physical
practice and the other aspects of yoga are neglected. Therefore, when practicing yoga, it is very important to maintain
a balance, i.e., focus on the asana practice but leave time and awareness for pranayama, meditation and contemplation.
When doing so, we will be able to attain ultimate inner peace and bliss.
Patanjali’s Sutra 2.46, “Sthira sukham asanam” states that “Asana is a steady, comfortable posture” (1)
or “Asana must have the dual qualities of alertness and relaxation” (2). This also coincides with the principle
of the three gunas (satva, rajas and tamas) which states that “in order to reach balance and peace, all three
gunas must be in equilibrium” (3). Thus, when practicing asanas, it is important that we maintain the elements
of rajas (activity, effort) and tamas (inertia, relaxation) in our body in order to reach satva (tranquility and
comfort).
In order to creating a safe, active and balanced asana practice, it is most important to apply this sutra to each
asana since only when we listen to our body and follow our breath, we can practice safely and comfortably and
ensure a safe and well balanced practice and prevent injuries and damage to our body.
Asanas should be practiced keeping in mind both actions and counteractions in order to ensure that they are practiced
safely and bring the body into balance in a pose, maintaining both alertness and relaxation in the body during the asana.
Great emphasis should be placed on a proper foundation and foundation position since the foundation is the keystone of
the pose and is important in order to ensure proper alignment. The awareness of the breath and the use of controlled
breathing throughout the practice is a key factor to ensure a safe, balanced and comfortable practice since the breath
is the key tool that brings us to the present moment and links the body to the mind, enabling us to practice safely.
Applying all of these principles in asana practice will ensure a safe, comfortable practice and enable us to quiet our
body and mind, thus preparing ourselves for pranayama, meditation and, ultimately be able to reach samadhi.
(1) The Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali
(2) The Heart of Yoga, Desikashar
(3) The Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali
