Introduction of Asanas and Meaning

Although there are three primary human postures — standing, sitting, and lying down — asanas are recognised as postures such as chakrasana, or the wheel stance, and dhanurasana, or the bow posture. However, asana differs from posture in many ways. Postures are not asanas.

Stability and Comfort of what?

Stillness of the Body and Mind as a whole, one may be physically comfortable in posture but may remain mentally unstable due to disturbing sensory inputs. Not all postures that are easy to attain or maintain are classified as Asanas.

Asanas are postures which lead to Physical and Mental stability with a sense of Well-being.

Characteristics of Asana

• Stability.
• Comfortable.
• Stillness of mind.
• Sense of well-being.
• Effortlessness while doing it.
• Absence of Tension,Stress or Anxiety.
• Minimum Muscular Activity.
• The absence of Thought processes.

Aims and Objective of Asana

• Equilibrium.
• Sense of Balance.
• Mastery over the Body organs.
• Perfect Holistic Health.
• Harmony with oneself and Mother Nature.
• Helpful for preparation of Meditation.
• Mastery over the Mind.

According to Patanjali Yoga Sutras:

“Sthiram-Sukham-Aasanam”

• Sthira= Stable, Steady, Still
• Sukham= Comfortable

An Asana is that which contributes to Stability and Comfort.

Know more on Asanas here.