What is an asana in yoga practice?

Asana , 3rd pillar of yoga.

Asana yoga or yoga posture for beginner yogis, is generally known for its sequence of various more or less difficult body positions performed on a suitable yoga mat. Originally Asana is a Sanskrit term translating to ''the act of sitting'' or ''the way of sitting''. Today, it refers to the yoga pose held in a still, comfortable and relaxed manner in order to bring about relaxation. Named after flora and fauna, the most famous positions are the tree pose ( Vrikshasana ) and the lotus pose ( Padmasana ).

Yoga postures according to ancient texts

The word asana first appears in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written between 200 BC and 500 AD. In fact, yoga positions are part of one of the 8 limbs of yoga: the 3rd pillar of yoga. Here, the term asana means sitting quietly in a stable and comfortable manner. You can see that originally, there was only one yoga pose , sitting, still and pleasant. This one is called Padmasama , the lotus posture, with which one could calm the mind.

Later, according to a legend described in ancient texts written between 400 and 1000 AD (The Puranas), Shiva (Hindu god) would have revealed to men the way to perform various yoga asanas in order to stay healthy, but also to access self-knowledge.

Yoga positions inspired by the environment

You may have noticed that many yoga poses are named after flora or fauna. Indeed, yoga asanas were invented by Rishis observing their environment and wishing to imitate the natural positions of animals, plants and humans. They had well integrated the fact that all living beings lived in harmony with nature and that they used certain postures for their virtues. Subsequently, these wise men created a system of asanas chosen according to the benefits, for example, the Shashankasana (hare) for relaxation.

Yoga asana, much more than a posture

Asanas are the different yoga positions held for a certain time, without moving and without being uncomfortable. But, they are not simple poses, they really work your whole body: organs, endocrine glands, joints, muscles, etc. Some yoga postures compress parts of your body where blood does not circulate. When you relax, the blood circulates more quickly again, thus detoxifying, purifying and cleaning this area. Yoga exercises are also a benefit for your soul, your chakras and your mind, because they can produce different sensations that modify your state of consciousness. It is therefore a way to harmonize and strengthen your body and calm your mind.

The Different Types of Yoga Poses

In Hatha yoga, there are no less than 84 yoga postures . However, you will find various types. Some calm while others stimulate or nourish the being.

• Standing asana,
• Sitting posture,
• Balance position,
• Recovery asana,
• Flexion posture,
• Extension position,
• Twisting asana,
• Inverted posture.

To learn more about the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, discover the book Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Mirror of Self written by Bernard Bouanchaud.