Yogasana - Enhance Consciousness

The word Asana literally means a posture. Out of the innumerable Asanas a body can assume, 84 asanas have been identified as Yogasanas, through which one can transform the body and mind into a possibility for ultimate well-being. Yogasanas are not exercises, but rather very subtle processes to manipulate one’s energy in a particular direction.

For different kind of consciousness we experience such as emotional, psychological etc, our body takes a certain posture i.e. if we are angry, our body takes a posture, if we are in depression it takes another. If we are in peace our body takes a posture, when we are in sad our body takes another. So different kind of consciousness put our body to different posture. Based on that converse process the science of Yogasanan is developed. By consciously assuming a posture we can enhance and elevate  our consciousness level. Physical body is the easiest things to work with, hence these are all identified physical postures.

In an untrained state, the human body is a constant manifestation of various levels of compulsiveness. By consciously forming the body into a certain posture, one creates a conducive passage for energy flow that can elevate one’s consciousness. Yogasanas are a way of aligning the inner system and adjusting it to the celestial(cosmic) geometry, thereby becoming in sync with the existence and naturally achieving a chemistry of healthfulness, joyfulness & blissfulness.

What are the most important steps which every Yoga student has to follow while doing Asana? Yes, while practising Yogasanas we need to follow the below 3 stages to move towards Asana Siddhi.

Step 1:   Sthira sukham asanam (स्थिर सुखम आसनं )

Every asana should be steady and comfortable. 'Sthira' means steady or stable or grounded or strong and 'Sukha' means comfortable or easy (or 'easeful') or peaceful. Whenever you practise yoga you're trying to find that balance between these two aspects. Seeking this equilibrium is what it’s all about!

While practising Yogasana make sure that your position is balanced and stable. The entire body weight is balanced and distributed between your legs (or the applicable area), soles are grounded perfectly. You are not falling down to anyside while manintaining the posture. The stability of the posture (Horizontal/vertical/incliend etc) maintained. Also the posture is not blocking or interupting  the breathing pattern. Brething should be uniform, continuous and rythmic while maintaining the posture. The stretch or twists in body is consciously observed.

Step 2: Prayatna Saithilya (प्रयत्नशैथिल्य) 

The key to success in this regard is practice with effort, which becomes progressively easier. If you are lifting your arms up, you are fully aware that you are lifting your arm up, every inch of it. In gymnastics you simply lift it up. Your attention, your awareness is not there. In yoga, the body, breath and the mind are all united. It is slow motion, like dance, leading from one posture to another posture.

Pass your awareness to all parts of body, you figured out that there are some parts which are contracted unnecessarily such as face, neck, back , arm, , thigh etc. relax all these. Only set of muscles required to maintain the posture, should be stretched or contracted. This reduces the energy expenditure and help you to maintain the posture for longer duration. With this process your attention is already shifted to all the internal organs.

Step 3: Ananta samapatti bayam (अनन्त समापत्ति बयम )

Asana teaches us to strengthen areas of weakness, shed light on places unlit and relax areas of contraction. It encourages us to practise acceptance, allowing things to just ‘BE’ and teaches us to cultivate balance in our life - to live with contentment and ease. Having this feelings in mind just contemplate on your innerself, or try to maintain a meditive state. You can take the help of the meditation tricks which you can appply while meditating. This is called Ananta-samāpatti, merging with the infinity which is the real goal of Yoga. You can experience the expanded awareness, also the consciousness can be transformed and elevated. 

When yoga seeker follows these 3 steps while doing yogasana, it will make wonders. Yoga is not just a physical posture for  the seeker but this is the way of reliazation and liberation.

Bharath Mata Ki Jai!!