Robust physical health and vitality are essential for a good life. When we are fresh and energetic and our body is flexible and strong, we are able to perform our daily duties efficiently. Good physical health helps in controlling stress as we are less tired and less irritable. A strong and steady body is essential for spiritual practices as we can sit steadily for a long time and do japa or dhyana. The Rishis of India gave importance to good health and freedom from bodily pain. They devised a series of bodily movements which help to bend, stretch and flex various body parts systematically. These series of movements are called the Hatha Yoga. Asana or yoga posture is the third limb of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga. . Patanjali defines them as steady and comfortable poses. Though asana involves bodily movements, they are not aerobic exercises. They are slow and controlled movements and the steadiness, comfort and relaxation of the poses and movements are maintained and stressed upon.
Surya Namaskara, Matsyasana, Halasana, Naukasana, Shavasana, Padmasana etc are Hatha Yoga Asana. Asana are taught in four levels: When a pose is done, the body is maintained in that asan for a longer duration to achieve stability of the muscles which are stretched or relaxed at that moment. This is the first level of Asana.
Once the stability is achieved for a certain period of time in any asana, the body is made comfortable in that position. The body should be able to maintain the asana comfortably and feel the ease. This is the second level of Asana.
Once ease and comfort are achieved in a position, the body is made to relax more. With greater practice, the body gets stability and comfort in the position. Once the body is relaxed, the mind also becomes calm and relaxed. A calm mind can focus inward in a better manner. This is the third level of Asana.
The mind is readied and calm now and can easily focus on mantra or breath and go into meditation. Higher stages of experiences of inward focus are realized Physical experience of comfort and ease in position is translated into a calm focused mind which can meditate easily. This is the final level of Asana.
Any Asana is practiced with these four levels of progression. When we can maintain an Asana for three hours without discomfort, it is mastery at physical level. When we can maintain focus of mind on any one object – mantra or breathing- during this period, it is mastery at mental level.
The natural condition of the body and mind is a relaxed state. With our own desires, follies and vices, we bring upon ourselves, physical and mental stress. The Rishis have understood the physical body and mind are interconnected and by bringing the body to a relaxed state, the mind is influenced and it becomes calm and peaceful. When we consciously relax our body anywhere – at home or work or while travelling, our mind becomes peaceful. We can achieve sound health, stability and lightness of body and mind with Asana.
The effects of the Asana are felt throughout the day in our lives as we experience increased ease of movement, energy, easing off bodily aches and pains, more energy and stamina, improved immunity, better attitude and calm mind
Hathayoga has become synonymous with Yoga today and people often tend to understand that Yoga means the bodily positions and poses. These exercises or positions undoubtedly offer great health benefits and tone up the body. But Asana is one of the eight components of Astanga Yoga. By just performing Asana , we do not become a Yogi. Asanas improve our looks, internal systems, give a strong flexible body and more energy. But performance of theses Asana cannot turn us into better human beings. We need to practice the Ashtanga Yoga in its entirety for that.
