Asana

The word "Yoga" means to "yoke" or "bind". In ancient yogic texts, it is said that the thing we look to yoke with through the practice of yoga, is the true or ultimate "Self", our "divine essence", or "atman".
We might also think of this as the soul. 

Ancient yogis therefore said that the ultimate purpose of yoga is to achieve liberation - freedom from the ego (the small ‘s’elf).

One of the most influential yoga books of all time, and the first written text to provide complete guidance on the practice of yoga was the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. 

Patanjali outlined an eight-fold path leading to “Samadhi” (liberation), known as the "Ashtanga Yoga System" or "8 Limbs of Yoga" (the word "ashta" means "eight" and "anga" means "limb"):

• 1. YAMA – Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows
• 2. NIYAMA – Positive duties or observances
• 3. ASANA – Posture
• 4. PRANAYAMA – Breathing Techniques
• 5. PRATYAHARA – Sense withdrawal
• 6. DHARANA – Focused Concentration
• 7. DHYANA – Meditative Absorption 
• 8. SAMADHI – Bliss or Enlightenment

You will notice that asana is actually the third limb of the yogic path, yet it is often the physical poses that we think of first when we think of yoga.  Asana and yoga have become interchangeable words in our modern day interpretation and (mis)understanding of what yoga is, and often we forget that asana is just one aspect of this incredible, deeply rich philosophy and discipline.
The word "asana" itself actually translates as "seat", and in the sutras, Patanjali gives only one description as to how this should be performed - "sthira sukham asanam"  - steady, and with comfort and ease.

Over time, asana has evolved to encompass all of the poses that we know and love - but it should still not be mistaken to refer to the ability to perform a handstand or an aesthetically impressive backbend. Asana is not about "achieving" a particular pose, or reaching enlightenment because we can stand on our heads!

The ultimate purpose of asana practice is to promote physical strength, flexibility, balance, and stillness of the body with the aim of preparing it for deeper meditation and spiritual practices.

When we create a stable and comfortable body through strengthening and lengthening, open up our energy channels through deepening our breath, and ease our aches and pains, our minds won't be so distracted by any little physical niggles when we come to sit for meditation.

As B.K.S Iyengar said, "the study of asana is not about mastering posture. It's about using posture to understand and transform yourself".

So the yoga poses we practice are again, simply another opportunity to look within ourselves and help us recognise our tendencies, habits and reactions. The space we create in our minds and bodies through asana, cultivates a deeper state of relaxation, and it is only when we are in this relaxed state that we are able to journey inwards. 

Ultimately, the practice of asana enables the practitioner to progress toward the higher limbs of yoga.

Asana prepares us for yoga. 

This is why yoga is so much more than what we do on the mat during our practice. We start by laying the foundations with our yamas and niyamas, then we move on to the body, and then from there we begin to access all of the other magic yoga offers.
So the next time you think that you can’t do yoga because you are referring to the asana practice - remember that this is only one aspect of this incredible journey.  Yes, starting a yoga practice takes a lot of courage. It does feel hard  (particularly if you are not naturally flexible or co-ordinated), but over time it does become easier. 

And I promise that you will eventually begin to reap the rewards both on and off the mat.

Namaste
xxx

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