Yoga: A Gem for Women - Asana

 

 

 

Yoga: A Gem for Women - Asana

 

Next in the 8 facets is asana, which Geeta says are a distinguishing feature of Yoga.  Asana, she says takes one from the physical plane to the spiritual plane and is the beginning foundation in the Science of Yoga (Yoga Vidya).

In the yoga sutras of Patanjali there is only a few lines that are written about asana.  Geeta writes that it is often thought that Patanjali's yoga does not deal with the physical but the spiritual. While the Hatha Yoga Pradipika deals only with the physical aspects of yoga. 
Geeta writes that "both of these views are erroneous interpretations of the Yoga Philosophy."
Both texts she writes say that one has to start with the physical and then proceed step-by-step to the spiritual as asana means holding the body in a particular posture with the bhavana or the thought that God is within.

Geeta writes how, "The body and mind are interwoven and interdependent. If there is any disturbance in the body the mind is disturbed and vice versa. In Yoga the body and the mind are cultivated by a steady process of asana practice to prevent any impediment in their functioning.  This practice gives health, poise, mobility, and immunity from disease."

I hope through your practice you find this balance of body, breath and mind.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com