Difference between revisions of "Asana" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
m (Robot: Remove claimed tag)
(Reimported and credited Wikipedia article.)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{distinguish|Ya-Asana}}
 +
[[Image:Tanumânasî en Meditacion Loto Padmasana.JPG|thumb|[[Lotus position|Padmasana or Lotus pose]] is a more advanced seated posture]]
 +
[[Image:Sarvangasana.jpg|thumb|[[Sarvangasana]], a commonly practiced Asana]]
  
−
[[Image:Yoga instructor.jpg|thumb|right|255px|''Eka-Pada-Rajakapotasana'' or Single Legged Pigeon]]
+
'''Asana''' ([[Sanskrit]] आसन ''sitting down'' &lt; आस ''to sit down''<ref name=mw>Monier-Williams, Sir Monier (1899). ''A Sanskrit-English Dictionary''.  Oxford Clarendon Press, p. 159</ref>) is a body position, typically associated with the practice of [[Yoga]], intended primarily to restore and maintain a practitioner's well-being, improve the body's flexibility and vitality, and promote the ability to remain in seated meditation for extended periods.<ref name=gf>Feuerstein, Georg (1996). ''The Shambhala Guide to Yoga''. Shambhala Publications, Boston. pp. 26</ref> In the context of Yoga practice, asana refers to two things: the place where a practitioner (yogin (general usage); [[yogi]] (male); [[yogini]] (female)) sits and the manner (posture) in which s/he sits.<ref>"Patanjali Yoga sutras" by Swami Prabhavananda , published by the Sri Ramakrishna Math ISBN 81-7120-221-7 p. 111</ref> In the [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali|Yoga sutras]], [[Patanjali]] suggests that asana is "to be seated in a position that is firm, but relaxed".<ref> Verse 46, chapter II; for translation referred: "Patanjali Yoga Sutras" by Swami Prabhavananda , published by the Sri Ramakrishna Math ISBN 81-7120-221-7 p. 111</ref> As the repertoire of postures has expanded and moved beyond the simple sitting posture over the centuries, modern usage has come to include variations from [[Savasana|lying on the back]] and [[Sirsasana|standing on the head]], to a variety of [[List of hatha yoga postures|other positions]].<ref name=gf/>In the Yoga sutras, Patanjali mentions the execution of an asana as the third of the eight limbs of Classical or [[Raja yoga]].<ref name="yogasutras">[[Patanjali]] (± 300-200 B.C.E.) [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali|Yoga sutras]], Book II:29</ref>
−
'''Asana''' is [[Sanskrit]] for "seat". The plural is used to describe yoga postures; "seat" in this context refers not only to the physical position of the body, but to the position of the spirit in relation to divinity. This idea is often referred to as the "one seat", by yogis and Buddhists alike.
 
  
−
Modern usage of the word "asana" in reference to the practice of [[yoga]] generally refers to a physical posture or pose. In the [[Yoga Sutra]], [[Patanjali]] describes "asana" as sitting meditation, where meditation is the path to self-realization.  "Asana", therefore, means both simple postures and a path to unity of spirit.
+
The word ''asana'' in [[Sanskrit]] does appear in many contexts denoting a static physical position, although, as noted, traditional usage is specific to the practice of yoga. Traditional usage defines asana as both singular and plural. In English, plural for asana is defined as asanas. In addition, English usage within the context of yoga practice sometimes specifies ''yogasana'' or ''yoga asana'', particularly with regard to the system of the [[Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]]. That said, ''yogasana'' is also the name of a particular posture that is not specifically associated with the Vinyasa system, and that while "ashtanga" (small 'a') refers to the eight limbs of Yoga delineated below, Ashtanga (capital 'A') refers to the specific system of Yoga developed by Sri Krishnamacharya at the Mysore Palace.
  
−
Although "asana" originally referred to sitting meditation, its scope has evolved over centuries to cover a great variety of body postures. These postures have their roots in devotion and/or health, but ultimately all are intended to lead back to the possibility of sitting more comfortably in meditation.
+
==Third of the eight limbs==
 +
In the [[Yoga Sutra]], [[Patanjali]] describes asana as the third of the eight limbs of classical, or  [[raja yoga|Raja Yoga]].  Asanas are the physical movements of yoga practice and, in combination with [[pranayama]] or breathing techniques constitute the style of yoga referred to as [[hatha yoga|Hatha Yoga]].<ref>Arya, Pandit Usharbudh (aka Swami Veda Bharati) (1977/1985). ''Philosophy of Hatha Yoga''. Himalayan Institute Press, Pennsylvania.</ref> In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali describes asana as a "firm, comfortable posture", referring specifically to the seated posture, most basic of all the asanas.  He further suggests that meditation is the path to [[samadhi]]; [[transpersonal]] self-realization. <ref name=spci> Swami Prabhavananda (Translator), Christopher Isherwood (Translator), Patanjali (Author) (1996, 2nd ed.). Vedanta Press.</ref>
  
−
Of the practice of asanas is considered that it promotes:
+
The eight limbs are, in order, the [[yamas]] (restrictions), [[niyama]]s (observances), asanas (postures), [[pranayama]] (breath work), [[pratyahara]] (sense withdrawal or non-attachment), [[dharana]] (concentration), [[dhyana]] (meditation), and [[samadhi]] (realization of the true Self or [[Atman]], and unity with [[Brahman]] (the [[Hindu]] and [[Vedantic]] interpretation of [[God]], also the [[Taoism|Taoist]] [[Yin Yang|Supreme Ultimate]], the [[Judaic]] [[Yahweh]], the [[Islamic]] [[Allah]], or simply the [[Godhead]], etc.)).<ref name="yogasutras">[[Patanjali]] (± 300-200 B.C.E.) [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali|Yoga sutras]], Book II:29</ref><ref name=spci/>
−
*[[muscle]] [[flexibility (anatomy)|flexibility]]
+
 
−
*[[tendon]]strength.
+
== Variety of asanas ==
−
*internal massage of internal body functions.
+
In his [[The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga|Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga]], [[Swami Vishnu-devananda]] published a compilation of 66 basic postures and 136 variations of those postures. <ref>[[Swami Vishnu-devananda|Vishnu-devananda, Swami]] (1959) [[The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga]]</ref>
 +
[[Dharma Mittra|Sri Dharma Mittra]] suggested that "there are an infinite number of asanas." {{Fact|date=October 2007}}, when, in 1975, he set out to catalogue the vast number of asanas in the ''Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures'', as an offering of devotion to his [[guru]], [[Swami]] ''Kailashananda Maharaj''. Through this effort, he compiled 1300 variations, derived from [[guru]]s, and [[yogi]]s, as well as both ancient and contemporary texts.<ref name=Mittra2003>[[Dharma Mittra|Mittra, Dharma]], (2003) ''Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses", ISBN 1-57731-402-6</ref>  Although it is impossible to establish a complete and exact set of yoga postures, this work is considered a leading collection by students and yogis alike.<ref>[http://www.yoga.com/ydc/enlighten/enlighten_document.asp?ID=354&section=9&cat=144 Yoga.com] and Dharma is often mentioned among other leading yogis writing on [[Iyengar Yoga]], [[Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]], [[Sivananda Yoga]], and other classical and contemporary texts</ref><ref>[http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/1289 Yoga Journal], Talking Shop with Dharma MittraDharma Mittra - the master teacher behind the 908 yoga asana poster -shares his insight on the practice</ref>
  
−
A more esoteric intention is to facilitate the flow of [[prana]] (vital energy; [[qi]] in Chinese; ki in Japanese) to aid in balancing the [[kosha]]s (sheaths) of the physical and metaphysical body.
+
== Common practices ==
 +
In the [[Yoga Sutras|Yoga Sutra]], [[Patanjali]] suggests that the only requirement for practicing asanas is that it be "steady and comfortable".<ref name="yogasutras">[[Patanjali]] (± 300-200 B.C.E.) [[Yoga Sutras of Patanjali|Yoga sutras]], Book II:29</ref> The body is held poised, and relaxed, with the practitioner experiencing no discomfort.
  
−
The physical aspect of [[yoga]], the asanas, has been much popularized in the West, and devoted celebrity practitioners like [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] and [[Sting]] have contributed to the increased visibility of the practice. This has given rise to the misconception that yoga consists only of asana practice. [[Yoga]] asanas are actually part of [[Hatha Yoga]], which is just one of several different [[Yoga|yogic]] paths.
+
When control of the body is mastered, practitioners free themselves from the [[duality]] of  heat/cold, hunger/satiety, joy/grief, which is the first step toward the unattachment that relieves suffering. <ref>Feuerstein, Georg (2003). ''The Deeper Dimensions of Yoga: Theory and Practice''. Shambhala Publications, Massacheusetts.</ref> This non-dualistic perspective comes from the Sankya school of the Himalayan Masters. <ref>Rama, Swami (1980). ''Living with the Himalayan Masters''. Himalayan Institute Press, Pennsylvania; India.</ref>
  
−
In the [[Yoga Sutra]], [[Patanjali]] writes of asana as the third of the 8 limbs of classical yoga ([[Raja Yoga]]).  These eight limbs are the [[yamas]] (obligations), [[niyama]]s (devotions), asanas (postures), [[pranayama]] (breath work), [[pratyahara]] (sense withdrawal or non-attachment), [[dharana]] (concentration), [[dhyana]] (meditation), and [[samadhi]] (realization of the true self and/or unity with [[god]]).
+
[[Image:Students doing yoga.jpg|thumb|right|Students in Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (High lunge)]]
 +
Listed below are traditional practices for performing asana: {{Fact|date=October 2007}}.
 +
* The stomach should be relatively empty.
 +
*Force or pressure should not be used, and the body should not tremble.
 +
*Lower the head and other parts of the body slowly; in particular, raised heels should be lowered slowly.
 +
*The breathing should be controlled. The benefits of asanas increase if the specific [[pranayama]] to the yoga type is performed.
 +
*If the body is stressed, perform [[Savasana|Corpse Pose]] or [[Balasana|Child Pose]]
 +
* Some claim that asanas, especially inverted poses, are to be avoided during menstruation.<ref>[http://www.yoga.net.au/menstruation Effect of Inverted Yoga Postures on Menstruation & Pregnancy]</ref> Others deny this view.
 +
* Asanas are generally not performed on floor, but on Yoga [[mat]]s instead.
  
−
==Conditions and general directions for asana practice==
+
===Pranayama and asana===
−
[[Image:Students doing yoga.jpg|thumb|right|Students taking a yoga class]]
 
−
In the [[Yoga Sutra]], [[Patanjali]] suggests that the only requirement for practising asanas is to be "steady and comfortable".  The body should be held firm yet relaxed, and the practitioner should not experience discomfort of any kind. Tightness or tension observed within the body should be consciously relaxed. Breathing should be natural, through the nose and into the belly.  This  abdominal breathing ([[pranayama]]) is called "ujjayi" (pronounced oo-JI-ya), or "ocean breath".  Ujjayi means "lifted up".
 
  
−
According to yoga practitioners, when bodily control is mastered, they are free from what they call the "pairs of opposites", such as heat and cold, hunger and thirst, joy and grief.  This non-dualistic perspective comes from the Sankya school of the Himalayan Masters.
+
{{main article|Pranayama}}
  
−
Listed below are traditional directions for performing asana:
+
[[Pranayama]], or breath control, is the Fourth Limb of [[ashtanga]], as set out by [[Patanjali]] in the [[Yoga sutras|Yoga Sutra]].  The practice is an integral part of both [[Hatha Yoga]] and [[Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]] in the execution of asanas.
  
−
* A glass of fresh water should be taken before performing asanas.
+
Patanjali discusses his specific approach to [[pranayama]] in verses 2.49 through 2.51, and devotes verses 2.52 and 2.53 of the [[Yoga sutras|Sutra]], explaining there the benefits of the practice.<ref>{{cite book |last=[[I. K. Taimni|Taimni]] |first=I. K.|authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Science of Yoga|year=1996 |publisher=The Theosophical Publishing House|location=Adyar, Madras|isbn= 81-7059-212-7}} Eight reprint edition.</ref> Patanjali describes pranayama as the control of the enhanced "life force" that is a result of practicing the various breathing techniques, rather than the exercises themselves.<ref>Kriyananda, Swami. The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, ISBN 81-208-1876-8</ref><ref name=Yogananda>Yogananda, Paramhansa, The Essence of Self-Realization, ISBN 0-916124-29-0</ref>  The entirety of breathing practices, those classified as pranayama, and other is called [[svarodaya]], or the science of Breath. It is a vast practice that goes far byond the limits of pranayama as applied to asana. <ref> Rama, Swami (1988). ''Path of Fire and Light, Vols. 1 & 2''. Himalayan Institute Press, Pennsylvania; India. </ref>
−
* The stomach should be empty. Asanas can be performed 8 hours after a meal, 2 hours after a glass of milk and one hour after eating fruit.
 
−
* Asanas should always be performed early in the morning. If this is not possible, the next best time would be evening, around dusk.
 
−
* The following should be avoided: rich food, very dry food, very hot food, left-overs, and over-eating.
 
−
*Force or pressure should not be used while performing asanas.
 
−
*One should not go out in the cold after performing asanas.
 
−
*Lower the head and other parts of the body slowly; in particular, raised heels should be lowered slowly.  
 
−
*The breathing should be controlled and always through the nose. The benefits of asanas increase if [[pranayama]] is performed simultaneously.
 
−
*If the body is stressed, perform [[savasana]] (corpse pose).
 
−
*Asanas should be performed in a well-lit, clean and ventilated room. The atmosphere should be peaceful.
 
−
*Light physical exercises, followed by asanas, pranayama and meditation is the ideal sequence.
 
−
* Some claim that asanas, especially inverted poses, are to be avoided during menstruation. Others deny this view.[http://www.yoga.net.au/menstruation]
 
  
−
==Yoga ''asanas''==
+
== Surya Namaskara ==
−
"There are an infinite number of yoga ''asanas''." ([[Sri Dharma Mittra]])
+
[[Image:Suryathon6.jpg|thumb|[[Adho Mukha Svanasana]], Sun Salutation no. 5, 8]]
 +
{{Main|Surya Namaskara}}
 +
Surya Namaskara, or the Sun Salutation, is a form of worshiping [[Surya]], the Hindu solar deity by concentrating on the Sun, for vitalization.  The physical aspect of the practice links together twelve asanas in a dynamically expressed [[yoga series|series]]. A full round of [[Surya namaskara]] is considered to be two sets of the twelve poses, with a change in the second set where the opposing leg is moved first. The asanas included in the sun salutation differ from tradition to tradition.
  
−
In 1975, as an offering of devotion to his [[guru]], [[Swami Kailashananda Maharaj]], [[Sri Dharma Mittra]] set out to catalogue the vast number of yoga ''asanas''. From ancient texts, books, students, teachers, and his own knowledge, he compiled 1300 variations.  These were originally published as the Master Yoga Chart, and 608 of these postures were recently made available in a small compendium entitled, "[[Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses]]" by [[Dharma Mittra]] (New World Library; 2003 ISBN 1-57731-402-6).  Although there is no way to establish an exact set of postures, this work is considered the definitive collection by students and yogis alike.
+
==Benefits of practice==
 +
{{Unreferencedsection|date=August 2008}}
 +
The physical aspect of [[yoga]], the asanas, has been much popularized in the West, and devoted celebrity practitioners like [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] and [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] have contributed to the increased visibility of the practice. Physically, of the practice of asanas is considered that it improves:
 +
*[[muscle]] [[flexibility (anatomy)|flexibility]]
 +
*[[tendon]] strength
 +
*stamina
 +
*better functioning of respiratory system
 +
*empiric evidences suggest it helps control blood pressure and other issues related to the functioning of the circulatory system
 +
*improvement in health problems related to stress[http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/diabetes/exercise.html]
 +
   
 +
The emphasis on the physical part has given rise to the perception that yoga consists only of asana practice. A more esoteric intention is to facilitate the flow of [[prana]] (vital energy; [[qi]] in Chinese; ki in Japanese) to aid in balancing the [[kosha]]s (sheaths) of the physical and metaphysical body.
  
−
Along with the above-mentioned resource, there is a wealth of knowledge on this subject available in books, and on the Internet. It is best, however, to begin under the direction of an experienced, and hopefully certified, yoga instructor. Such a person can observe the execution of postures, as well as providing more in-depth instruction to aid in both basic practice, and the practitioner's development as a student.
+
Depending on the level of mastery, the practitioner of asanas is supposed to achieve many supernatural abilities. For instance, a yogi who has mastered Mayurasana will not be affected by eating any poison.
  
−
Injuries can occur when excessive pressure is placed on the cervical vertebrae (e.g., during the "plow pose" or the headstand) or when the spine is out of normal alignment and pressure is applied (e.g., during the "bow" pose or the "wheel" pose). The practice of these postures may damage the intervertebral discs and may cause other long-term injuries. The practitioner should feel free to abstain from performing any pose if in doubt as to its safety.
+
== Some common asanas ==
 +
<center>
 +
{{main article|list of hatha yoga postures}}
 +
</center>
 +
<center>
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:Uttanasana.jpg|[[Uttanasana]]<br />Standing Forward Bend
 +
Image:Paschimottanasana.jpg|[[Paschimottanasana]]<br />Intense stretch of the west
 +
Image:Ado-muka-shvanasana.jpg|[[Adho Mukha Svanasana]]<br />Downward Facing Dog
 +
Image:Bhujangasana.jpg|[[Bhujangasana]]<br />Cobra
 +
Image:Dhanurasana.jpg|[[Dhanurasana]]<br />Bow
 +
Image:Halasana.jpg|[[Halasana]]<br />Plow
 +
Image:Urdva Dhanurasana.jpg|[[Urdhva Dhanurasana]]<br />Upward Bow
 +
Image:Sukkasana.jpg|Ardha Padmasana is an intermediate seated posture
 +
Image:Shirshasana.jpg|[[Shirsasana]]<br />Head Stand
 +
Image:Shavasana.jpg |[[Shavasana]]<br />Corpse Pose
 +
Image:Vajrasana.jpg |[[Vajrasana]]<br />Diamond Pose
 +
Image:Bhagaritasana.intro.jpg |[[Vrksasana]]<br />Tree Pose
 +
</gallery>
 +
</center>
  
−
==See also==
+
== See also ==
−
*[[List of Hatha Yoga Postures]]
+
*[[Karana dance|Karanas]]
 +
*[[Yoga]]
 +
*[[Raja Yoga]]
 +
*[[Pranayama]]
 +
*[[Mudra]]
 +
*[[Kriya]]
 +
*[[Majick#Yoga|Majick]]
  
−
==External links==
+
==References==
−
* [http://www.religiousbook.net/Books/Online_books/Ec/Ecology_29.html Asana]
+
{{reflist|2}}
−
* [http://www.yogadancer.com/Asana.shtml Large Online Asana Index]
 
−
* [http://www.bksiyengar.com/modules/IYoga/asanas.htm Official BKS Iyengar Asana list online]
 
−
* [http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/index.cfm?ctsrc=tnav Yoga Journal Asana Index and Search Engine]
 
−
* [http://geocities.com/lightonyogaindex/ A Sortable Asana Index for Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar]
 
  
 
{{Yoga}}
 
{{Yoga}}
  
−
[[Category:Yoga positions]]
+
[[Category:Yoga positions| ]]
 +
[[Category:Sanskrit words and phrases]]
  
 
[[de:Asana]]
 
[[de:Asana]]
−
[[es:Asana]]
+
[[es:Ásana]]
 
[[fr:Asana]]
 
[[fr:Asana]]
 +
[[ko:아사나]]
 +
[[hi:योगासन]]
 
[[it:Āsana]]
 
[[it:Āsana]]
 
[[lt:Asana]]
 
[[lt:Asana]]
 +
[[mr:योगासने]]
 
[[nl:Asana]]
 
[[nl:Asana]]
 
[[pl:Asana]]
 
[[pl:Asana]]
 
[[pt:Asana]]
 
[[pt:Asana]]
 
[[ru:Асана]]
 
[[ru:Асана]]
−
[[ru-sib:Асана]]
 
 
[[sk:Ásána]]
 
[[sk:Ásána]]
 +
[[sr:Asana]]
 +
[[fi:Asana]]
 
[[sv:Asana]]
 
[[sv:Asana]]
  
  
−
{{credit|139585351}}
+
[[Category: Religion]]
 +
[[Category: Philosophy and religion]]
 +
 
 +
{{credit|250410994}}

Revision as of 04:08, 11 November 2008

Not to be confused with Ya-Asana.
Padmasana or Lotus pose is a more advanced seated posture
Sarvangasana, a commonly practiced Asana

Asana (Sanskrit आसन sitting down < आस to sit down[1]) is a body position, typically associated with the practice of Yoga, intended primarily to restore and maintain a practitioner's well-being, improve the body's flexibility and vitality, and promote the ability to remain in seated meditation for extended periods.[2] In the context of Yoga practice, asana refers to two things: the place where a practitioner (yogin (general usage); yogi (male); yogini (female)) sits and the manner (posture) in which s/he sits.[3] In the Yoga sutras, Patanjali suggests that asana is "to be seated in a position that is firm, but relaxed".[4] As the repertoire of postures has expanded and moved beyond the simple sitting posture over the centuries, modern usage has come to include variations from lying on the back and standing on the head, to a variety of other positions.[2]In the Yoga sutras, Patanjali mentions the execution of an asana as the third of the eight limbs of Classical or Raja yoga.[5]

The word asana in Sanskrit does appear in many contexts denoting a static physical position, although, as noted, traditional usage is specific to the practice of yoga. Traditional usage defines asana as both singular and plural. In English, plural for asana is defined as asanas. In addition, English usage within the context of yoga practice sometimes specifies yogasana or yoga asana, particularly with regard to the system of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. That said, yogasana is also the name of a particular posture that is not specifically associated with the Vinyasa system, and that while "ashtanga" (small 'a') refers to the eight limbs of Yoga delineated below, Ashtanga (capital 'A') refers to the specific system of Yoga developed by Sri Krishnamacharya at the Mysore Palace.

Third of the eight limbs

In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali describes asana as the third of the eight limbs of classical, or Raja Yoga. Asanas are the physical movements of yoga practice and, in combination with pranayama or breathing techniques constitute the style of yoga referred to as Hatha Yoga.[6] In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali describes asana as a "firm, comfortable posture", referring specifically to the seated posture, most basic of all the asanas. He further suggests that meditation is the path to samadhi; transpersonal self-realization. [7]

The eight limbs are, in order, the yamas (restrictions), niyamas (observances), asanas (postures), pranayama (breath work), pratyahara (sense withdrawal or non-attachment), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (realization of the true Self or Atman, and unity with Brahman (the Hindu and Vedantic interpretation of God, also the Taoist Supreme Ultimate, the Judaic Yahweh, the Islamic Allah, or simply the Godhead, etc.)).[5][7]

Variety of asanas

In his Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, Swami Vishnu-devananda published a compilation of 66 basic postures and 136 variations of those postures. [8] Sri Dharma Mittra suggested that "there are an infinite number of asanas." [citation needed], when, in 1975, he set out to catalogue the vast number of asanas in the Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures, as an offering of devotion to his guru, Swami Kailashananda Maharaj. Through this effort, he compiled 1300 variations, derived from gurus, and yogis, as well as both ancient and contemporary texts.[9] Although it is impossible to establish a complete and exact set of yoga postures, this work is considered a leading collection by students and yogis alike.[10][11]

Common practices

In the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali suggests that the only requirement for practicing asanas is that it be "steady and comfortable".[5] The body is held poised, and relaxed, with the practitioner experiencing no discomfort.

When control of the body is mastered, practitioners free themselves from the duality of heat/cold, hunger/satiety, joy/grief, which is the first step toward the unattachment that relieves suffering. [12] This non-dualistic perspective comes from the Sankya school of the Himalayan Masters. [13]

File:Students doing yoga.jpg
Students in Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (High lunge)

Listed below are traditional practices for performing asana: [citation needed].

  • The stomach should be relatively empty.
  • Force or pressure should not be used, and the body should not tremble.
  • Lower the head and other parts of the body slowly; in particular, raised heels should be lowered slowly.
  • The breathing should be controlled. The benefits of asanas increase if the specific pranayama to the yoga type is performed.
  • If the body is stressed, perform Corpse Pose or Child Pose
  • Some claim that asanas, especially inverted poses, are to be avoided during menstruation.[14] Others deny this view.
  • Asanas are generally not performed on floor, but on Yoga mats instead.

Pranayama and asana

Pranayama, or breath control, is the Fourth Limb of ashtanga, as set out by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra. The practice is an integral part of both Hatha Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in the execution of asanas.

Patanjali discusses his specific approach to pranayama in verses 2.49 through 2.51, and devotes verses 2.52 and 2.53 of the Sutra, explaining there the benefits of the practice.[15] Patanjali describes pranayama as the control of the enhanced "life force" that is a result of practicing the various breathing techniques, rather than the exercises themselves.[16][17] The entirety of breathing practices, those classified as pranayama, and other is called svarodaya, or the science of Breath. It is a vast practice that goes far byond the limits of pranayama as applied to asana. [18]

Surya Namaskara

File:Suryathon6.jpg
Adho Mukha Svanasana, Sun Salutation no. 5, 8

Surya Namaskara, or the Sun Salutation, is a form of worshiping Surya, the Hindu solar deity by concentrating on the Sun, for vitalization. The physical aspect of the practice links together twelve asanas in a dynamically expressed series. A full round of Surya namaskara is considered to be two sets of the twelve poses, with a change in the second set where the opposing leg is moved first. The asanas included in the sun salutation differ from tradition to tradition.

Benefits of practice

? This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. (help, get involved!)
Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

This section has been tagged since August 2008.

The physical aspect of yoga, the asanas, has been much popularized in the West, and devoted celebrity practitioners like Madonna and Sting have contributed to the increased visibility of the practice. Physically, of the practice of asanas is considered that it improves:

  • muscle flexibility
  • tendon strength
  • stamina
  • better functioning of respiratory system
  • empiric evidences suggest it helps control blood pressure and other issues related to the functioning of the circulatory system
  • improvement in health problems related to stress[1]

The emphasis on the physical part has given rise to the perception that yoga consists only of asana practice. A more esoteric intention is to facilitate the flow of prana (vital energy; qi in Chinese; ki in Japanese) to aid in balancing the koshas (sheaths) of the physical and metaphysical body.

Depending on the level of mastery, the practitioner of asanas is supposed to achieve many supernatural abilities. For instance, a yogi who has mastered Mayurasana will not be affected by eating any poison.

Some common asanas

  • Uttanasana
    Standing Forward Bend

  • Paschimottanasana
    Intense stretch of the west

  • Adho Mukha Svanasana
    Downward Facing Dog

  • Bhujangasana
    Cobra

  • Dhanurasana
    Bow

  • Halasana
    Plow

  • Urdhva Dhanurasana
    Upward Bow

  • Ardha Padmasana is an intermediate seated posture

  • Shirsasana
    Head Stand

  • Shavasana
    Corpse Pose

  • Vajrasana
    Diamond Pose

  • Vrksasana
    Tree Pose

See also

  • Karanas
  • Yoga
  • Raja Yoga
  • Pranayama
  • Mudra
  • Kriya
  • Majick

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  1. ↑ Monier-Williams, Sir Monier (1899). A Sanskrit-English Dictionary. Oxford Clarendon Press, p. 159
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Feuerstein, Georg (1996). The Shambhala Guide to Yoga. Shambhala Publications, Boston. pp. 26
  3. ↑ "Patanjali Yoga sutras" by Swami Prabhavananda , published by the Sri Ramakrishna Math ISBN 81-7120-221-7 p. 111
  4. ↑ Verse 46, chapter II; for translation referred: "Patanjali Yoga Sutras" by Swami Prabhavananda , published by the Sri Ramakrishna Math ISBN 81-7120-221-7 p. 111
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Patanjali (± 300-200 B.C.E.) Yoga sutras, Book II:29
  6. ↑ Arya, Pandit Usharbudh (aka Swami Veda Bharati) (1977/1985). Philosophy of Hatha Yoga. Himalayan Institute Press, Pennsylvania.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Swami Prabhavananda (Translator), Christopher Isherwood (Translator), Patanjali (Author) (1996, 2nd ed.). Vedanta Press.
  8. ↑ Vishnu-devananda, Swami (1959) The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga
  9. ↑ Mittra, Dharma, (2003) Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses", ISBN 1-57731-402-6
  10. ↑ Yoga.com and Dharma is often mentioned among other leading yogis writing on Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, and other classical and contemporary texts
  11. ↑ Yoga Journal, Talking Shop with Dharma MittraDharma Mittra - the master teacher behind the 908 yoga asana poster -shares his insight on the practice
  12. ↑ Feuerstein, Georg (2003). The Deeper Dimensions of Yoga: Theory and Practice. Shambhala Publications, Massacheusetts.
  13. ↑ Rama, Swami (1980). Living with the Himalayan Masters. Himalayan Institute Press, Pennsylvania; India.
  14. ↑ Effect of Inverted Yoga Postures on Menstruation & Pregnancy
  15. ↑ Taimni, I. K. (1996). The Science of Yoga. Adyar, Madras: The Theosophical Publishing House. ISBN 81-7059-212-7.  Eight reprint edition.
  16. ↑ Kriyananda, Swami. The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, ISBN 81-208-1876-8
  17. ↑ Yogananda, Paramhansa, The Essence of Self-Realization, ISBN 0-916124-29-0
  18. ↑ Rama, Swami (1988). Path of Fire and Light, Vols. 1 & 2. Himalayan Institute Press, Pennsylvania; India.
Topics in Yoga
Yogas
Agni Yoga · Anahata Yoga · Anusara Yoga · Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga · Bikram Yoga · Dream Yoga · Hatha yoga · Integral yoga · Iyengar Yoga · Jivamukti · Kriya yoga · Kundalini yoga · Natya Yoga · Sahaja Yoga · Satyananda Yoga · Sivananda Yoga · Six yogas of Naropa (Tummo) · Surat Shabd Yoga · Viniyoga · Yantra Yoga · Yoga in Daily Life · Yoga Nidra
Texts
Bhagavad Gita · Yoga Sutras · Hatha Yoga Pradipika · Gheranda Samhita · Shiva Samhita
Hinduism paths
Bhakti yoga · Karma Yoga · Jnana Yoga · Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga limbs
Yama · Niyama · Asana · Pranayama · Pratyahara · Dharana · Dhyana · Samadhi
Lists
Yoga schools and their gurus · Hatha yoga postures
Related topics
Ayurveda · Chakra · Mantra · Tantra · Vedanta · Yoga (alternative medicine) · Yoga as exercise · Nadi

de:Asana es:Ásana fr:Asana ko:아사나 hi:योगासन it:Āsana lt:Asana mr:योगासने nl:Asana pl:Asana pt:Asana ru:Асана sk:Ásána sr:Asana fi:Asana sv:Asana

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Asana&oldid=849442

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki