In ancient Indian tradition, Ashtanga yoga is the foundation of yoga, composed of the 8 limbs of yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. These 8 limbs are the path to knowledge and spiritual evolvement, and were first introduced in the classic text, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Of the 8 limbs, Asana, the third of the 8 limbs, is certainly the most recognised and practiced today.
This guide will explore this form of yoga embodied in asanas, detailing its dynamics and variations, as well as providing a deeper understanding of the practice, its effects and philosophical implications.
What is Asana?
Asana is defined as any physical posture used for meditation and the practice of yoga. Practitioners of Ashtanga yoga often describe it as a transformational practice, meaning that it helps to align the body’s posture, cultivating a harmonious balance of mind, body and spirit.
When practising Asana, an individual will concentrate on the alignment and posture of the body, as well as proper breathing techniques, and connecting to an internalisation of their practice to elicit deeper, more mindful experiences.
The philosophy behind Asanas
The underlying philosophy of Asana is to achieve a more conscious state of being. Asana’s assistance in attaining this conscious state, meditation, can be attributed to the practice of controlling and directing your breath, body and mental processes through Asana’s physical postures.
The Benefits of Asana
Today, aside from the philosophical aspect, Asanas have become best known for their positive benefits on the physical, emotional, and mental condition of the practitioner.
These benefits are mostly experienced as a result of a consistent Asana practice, as they help in increasing blood circulation, developing flexibility and balance, and building muscle strength.
The physical benefits of Asana assists in body detoxification, promoting digestion and concentration, while the mental benefits include improved mood and increased energy.
Variations of Asanas
With the popularisation of Asanas, different variations have emerged to cater to various purposes and goals. Iyengar, Hatha and Jivamukti are among the common variations of Asana.
Iyengar is a form of Asana that focuses on refining the physical movements to perfect the alignment and stability of each posture. This style of practice generally requires props such as blocks, straps, and chairs to perfect poses.
Hatha is a slower paced Asana practice, with each posture and breath held for longer durations.
Jivamukti is practised with a constant awareness of five principles: scripture, ahimsa (non-violence), Bhakti (devotion), (Nada) music, and Dhyana (meditation).
Truths About Asanas
Throughout this journey of understanding Asana, it’s been important to recognise that while its practice carries many benefits, there are certain truths to be aware of. The first of these is that Asana is a practice of dedication, and it takes time to experience its full benefits. The effects are experienced over time, to make a tangible difference. It is also important to note that within the practice of Asana, there is no competition. It is not a race, and each individual’s individual experience should be respected.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your postures are done safely and with the proper guidance from a teacher or mentor. The teacher will ensure that you are practising the postures in the correct form, and provide adjustments if needed.
The Beauty of Asana
Asanas have evolved over time, and have become a well-recognised form of exercise, with different styles and variants to be explored. The physical and mental effects of Asanas can be life-altering and well worth pursuing. Even with its truths, the beauty of Asana lies in its flexibility and adaptability to an individual’s needs and aims.
The practice of Asana can bring diverse individuals together, offering a unique and personalised experience to each individual. It’s this uniqueness and personalise experience that makes Asana a practice of transformation, a practice that we can live with and learn from.
