W4.1 The Purpose and Preparation of Asana

Yoga Sutras Sthira Sukham Asanam – Asana is a steady, comfortable pose. By lessening the natural tendency for restlessness and by meditating on the infinite, posture is mastered. Thereafter one is undisturbed by dualities. That (firm posture) being acquired, the movements of inhalation and exhalation should be controlled. This is pranayama. 2:46-49

Classical texts Prostrating first to the guru, Yogi Swatmarama instructs the knowledge of hatha yoga only for (raja yoga) the highest state of yoga.pg 27 Having done asana one gets steadiness (firmness) of body and mind; diseaseless and lightness (flexibility of the limbs). Pg 67 The best of yogis, being free from fatigue in practicing asana and bandhas, should practice purification of the nadis, mudras and pranayama. Pg 132

BKS Iyengar – Light on Yoga The Yogi conquers the body by the practice of asanas and makes it a fit vehicle for the spirit. Pg 41 As a mountaineer needs ladders, ropes and crampons as well as physical fitness and discipline to climb the icy peaks of the Himalayas, so does the Yoga aspirant need the knowledge and discipline of the Hatha Yoga of Swatmarama to reach the heights of Raja Yoga dealt with by Patanjali. Pg 22-23

Swami Satyananada Saraswati Asana means a state of being in which you can remain steady, calm, quiet and comfortable, physically and mentally. Asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati pg 1

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre Asanas are non-violent and provide a gentle stretching that acts to lubricate the joints, muscles and ligaments, tendons, and other parts of the body. Asanas help to tone the nervous system, improve circulation, release tension, and increase flexibility. When performed in a slow and relaxed manner, they are designed to develop more than just the physical body. They also broaden the mental faculties and enhance the spiritual capabilities. Asanas make up the third limb, or step, in the Raja yoga system. Pg 10

What is the Purpose of Asana for Students?

The Purpose of Asana for Students To make me… stronger, more supple, flexible, fitter, more attractive, lose weight, relax, de-stress, get away from husband/ family, calm down, cope, fun, enjoy, have me-time, connect to spirit/ subtle side of life, more aware, more like my favourite celebrity

Teaching Yoga – Mark Stephens For most students, the first attraction to asana is for healing physical or emotional pain, reducing stress, or gaining strength and flexibility. At the very least, the practice should support these intentions…..By cultivating a consistent openness to being fully tuned in, what at first was a more purely physical practice becomes a tool for calming the mind, settling the emotions, and awakening to an abiding sense of spirit. Pg 157

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