Page 1 - Lesson 20.xps

Asana MODULE-5
Yogic Practices

20

ASANA

Note
In the previous lessons, you have studied the spiritual component of physical
education and Hatha Yog. We have discussed the effect and benefits of Hatha
Yog also. It is clear that yog plays an important role in physical fitness, mental
harmony, emotional balance, spiritual and moral values or overall personality
development. ‘Asana’ is the third important ladder of Ashtanga Yog in the
Patanjali Yogsutra. It is essential that we should perform the Yogic Sukshma
Vyayama before practicing of Asana. Because Yogic SukshmaVyayama prepares
our body for practicing of Asana. It provides physical stability and firmness
which makes the body strong and healthy. In this unit we will study about
Yogasana and their different types, importance and need.

OBJECTIVES

After studying this lesson you will be able to:

explain the asana and its importance;
describe the preparatory practices i.e. Sukshma Vayayam;

explain the practice of Surya-namaskar and
classify the asana.

20.1 ASANA

First of all we should know about the meaning of Asana. Asana means to sit.
Asana is a stable and comfortable posture. The word Asana is generally used for
a mat also. But in Yog, Asana is meant for posture which has a more important
place in Yog Practices.

Maharshi Patanjali was a great seer who introduced and compiled Yog in a
systematic way to the world. He has defined Asana in an easy way in his treatise
‘Yogsutra’:

‘Sthirasukhamasanam” fLFkjlq[keklue~ (2/46 P.Y.S)

Physical Education and Yog
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