The viniyoga of Āsana – The Definition of Āsana according to Haṭha and Rāja Yoga – Part 1 of 15

Series

1. The viniyoga of Āsana - The Definition of Āsana according to Haṭha and Rāja Yoga - Part 1 of 15 (This post)
2. The viniyoga of Āsana - There are Many Approaches to Āsana Practice - Part 2 of 15
3. The viniyoga of Āsana - The Principles used in Constructing an Āsana Practice - Part 3 of 15
4. The viniyoga of Āsana - Considerations around the Direction of Āsana Practice - Part 4 of 15
5. The viniyoga of Āsana - Common Points within the Variables in Āsana Practice - Part 5 of 15
6. The viniyoga of Āsana - Planning an Appropriate Āsana Practice - Part 6 of 15
7. The viniyoga of Āsana - Different Types of Postural Activity in Āsana Practice - Part 7 of 15
8. The viniyoga of Āsana - Voluntary and Involuntary Effects in a students Āsana Practice - Part 8 of 15
9. The viniyoga of Āsana - Responses and Respect - Part 9 of 15
10. The viniyoga of Āsana - Safety Factors - Part 10 of 15
11. The viniyoga of Āsana - Compromise - Part 11 of 15
12. The viniyoga of Āsana - Adaptation of Practice - Part 12 of 15
13. The viniyoga of Āsana - The Role of Āsana - Part 13 of 15
14. The viniyoga of Āsana - Summary of Ideas on how to Practice - Part 14 of 15
15. The viniyoga of Āsana - Guidelines to the Practice of Āsana - Part 15 of 15
16. The viniyoga of Āsana - Collective of Parts 1-15

HAṬHA YOGA PRADĪPIKĀ Chapter I verse 17

KURYĀT TAD ĀSANAṂ STHAIRYAM AROGYAṂ CĀṄGA LĀGHAVAN I

Āsana Practice brings increased steadiness, less illness and a lightness of limb.

YOGA SŪTRA Chapter II verse 46

STHIRA SUKHAM ĀSANAM I

Āsana needs to combine qualities of steady attentiveness (sthira) and spacious clarity (sukha).

Here we are given definitions that relate more to goals and fruits rather than actual practice guidelines.

Although it could be added that the definitions also relate to ones Āsana practice as a whole.

The next post will be around the many approaches to Āsana practice.

Extracts from my notes from my 121 Studies in India with TKV Desikachar whilst resident in Madras 1979-1981

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