Transcript Asanas - Yoga Point

Asanas
Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik
Yoga Vidya Gurukul
www.yogapoint.com
Asana – Yogic Concept I
Yoga = Evolution








Yoga


Positive Level

Normal Level

Negative Level








Asana – Yogic Concept I

Isotonic movements of muscles – tone is constant & length
changes i.e. exercise

Isometric movements of muscles – tone is changing &
length is constant i.e. Yoga Asana

Red muscle fibres are active during isometric movements & they
consume less oxygen

White muscle fibres are active during isotonic movements & they
consume excess oxygen

Oxygen consumption increases during exercise

Oxygen consumption decreases during Yoga Asana
Asana – Yogic Concept I
Yoga Asana is not an exercise,
but Yoga Asana is Relaxation
Action
Movements
Movements
Movements
Heart Rate
Respiratory Rate
Blood Pressure
B.M.R
Exercise
Dynamic
Speedy
Isotonic
Increases
Increases
Increases
Increases
Yoga Asana
Steady
Slow
Isometric
Decreases
Decreases
Decreases
Decreases
Asana – Yogic Concept I
Asana does not mean EXERCISE
ASANA means POSTURE
Asana means EXISTENCE
EXSITENCE – without doing anything!
There is no movement in ASANA
A steady posture is ASANA
Hence the definition…
“STHIR SUKHAM ASANAM”
2:46
“Steady & comfortable posture is Asana”
Asana – Yogic Concept I
Asana is a posture without movements. But to
attain this posture movements are essential.
Performing the Asana Pre-Position
1.
Attaining the Asana posture with movements
2.
Asana Posture – Maintaining with no movement
3.
Releasing the Asana posture with movements
Note:
Step No. 2 is Asana
Step No. 1 & 3 is not Asana
Asana – Yogic Concept I
A steady & comfortable posture is Asana.
However movements are essential to attain the
posture.
The movements must be very slow
The movements must be under control
The movement must be accompanied with a
correct breathing method
Asana – Yogic Concept I
“STHIR SUKHAM ASANAM”
2:46
Steady & comfortable posture is Asana
Steadiness & comfort must be in
Physical body (mainly muscle)
Mental Condition


Steadiness & comfort are also interdependent
Asana – Yogic Concept I
“PratyatanaShaithilya AnantaSamapattibhyam”
2:47
“Relaxation with efforts & Concentration on
Infinite”
“Tato Dwandanabhighatah”
2:48
Asana – Yogic Concept II
Definition of Asana
Sthir Sukham Asanam ||2:46||
Steady & comfortable posture
____________________________


Without Movement
With Movement


slow movements
fast movements
Prayatnashaithilya Anantsmapattibhyam ||2:47||
Relaxation
Concentrating the mind
1.
2.
Asana – Yogic Concept II
Asanas can be practiced on the following
Levels
0) With fast movements & without steadiness
1) With slow movements but without steadiness
2) With slow movements & with steadiness for a certain
period
3) With slow movements with steadiness for a certain
period & a relaxation of the muscles
4) With slow movements & with steadiness for a certain
period, relaxation of the muscles & concentrating the
mind on any organ of the self-body
5) With slow movements & with steadiness for a certain
period, relaxation of all the muscles & concentrating
the mind on infinity
Asana – Yogic Concept II
Level – 0
With fast movements & without steadiness
This is non-yogic level
This is a type of exercise
Different muscles will be exercised and will be toned accordingly
This level will tone up the muscles properly
This will strengthen the different muscles
Functions of joints will improve
Note: This will not yield the results as mentioned by Patanjali
Asana – Yogic Concept II
Level – 1
With slow movements but without steadiness
This type of practice of asana is useful for persons
suffering from joint problems e.g. Arthritis, frozen
shoulder & joint pains.
This type of practice of asana is useful for the physically
weak
This type of practice of asana will improve the blood
circulation to different muscles & joints
Asana – Yogic Concept II
Level - 2
With slow movements & with steadiness for a
certain period
This type of practice of asana will have the
advantages of level 1 also
When posture is maintained for a certain time
period, the stretching & contracting of the
muscles improves the supply of blood to those
organs benefited in that asana
The nerve supply to those organs will also
improve
Asana – Yogic Concept II
Level – 3
with slow movements & with steadiness for
a certain period & relaxation of the muscles.
This type of practice of Asana will have the advantages of level 1+2
also
When the muscles are relaxed, the stretch will be transferred to the
internal organs. These organs are also made up of muscles. These
muscles receive a stretch.
This action improves the function of those organs.
This action stimulates the blood supply to those organs & provides
more oxygen & glucose.
Asana – Yogic Concept II
Level – 4
With slow movements & with steadiness for
a certain period & concentrating the mind
on any organ of the self-body
This type of practice of asana will have the advantages
of level 2 & 3 also
By concentrating the mind on any particular organ the
mental energy will be provided to it.
As a result that particular organ will improve its function
We can concentrate on
- Pancreas for diabetes
- Liver for liver problems
- Heart for heart disease etc
Asana – Yogic Concept II
Level – 5
With slow movements & with steadiness for a certain
period & concentrating the mind on Infinity
The aspirant who wants to progress to higher levels can
practice some of the asanas at this level
This level can only be achieved after practicing the prior
levels
This type of practice will lead to control the mind
The practitioner can reach beyond the dualities of life as
explained by Patanjali