Concepts, Classification of Yogasanas
and relation to Ayurveda from texts of Yoga and Spiritual lore

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the
MASTER'S DEGREE IN YOGIC SCIENCES (M. Sc)
BY Dr. BHAGABAN BHUYAN GUIDES Dr. NAGARATHNA, Dr. H R NAGENDRA
To
VYOMA
(Vivekananda Yoga Mahavidya Piöham)
Of
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana
(A deemed University, Recognised by UGC, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India)
19, Eknath Bhavan , Gavipuram Circle , K. G. Nagar,
Bangalore - 560019, India
 

Abstract : This literature survey of Asanas presented here includes the concept of Asanas from scriptures as Upanishad, Gita, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Haöha Yoga Pradipika, Çiva Saàhita, Gheraëna Samhita, Haöha Ratrnavali and teachings of modern Yogis as Sivananada, B.K.S Iyengar, Dhirendra Brahmacari, Swami Satyananda Saraswati and Ramaëa Maharshi.

The aim of the study is to find out (i) the relations between and differences among the thoughts of yoga schools and modern thoughts of yogis about the names of Asanas and (ii) what are the ayurvedic body types and the related Asana practices.

It was found that there were similarities among the names of Asanas in the ancient scriptures. But differences are found in performing Asanas. The benefits and limitations are mostly similar in different texts but mechanism is explained in different ways.

Summary & Conclusion : There is no jerky movement in the Äsanas in fact all jerky movements are cautioned against. The posture is acquired slowly and steadily. They are maintained for an optimum duration without fatigue. At the end of Äsanas the body slowly assumes a relaxed starting position. The Äsanas become perfect when they really become effortless. Each posture has a counter posture, thus assuring an activation of antagonistic group of muscles. Body becomes balanced leading to a harmonious growth. There will be great speed in movements due to agility and higher flexibility. The body becomes as soft as cotton and as hard as diamond when the need arises. There is relaxation in action and conservation of energy, tranquility of the mind and clarity of thought that is harmony of the body and mind.

According to Ayurveda, the same Äsanas should be done differently relative to whether the person is Vata, Pitta or kapha and also depending upon the age, sex and physical condition. The goal of Ayurvedic Äsana practise is i) To balance the donas. ii) To improve the structural condition of the body iii) To facilitate the movement and development of praëa iv) To calm and energize the mind.

All the things mentioned above are achieved with the persistent and regular practise of yoga Äsanas. This effect of yoga Äsanas is described in the yogic texts indicating that yoga Äsanas not only work on the Annamaya kosa but also operate in tune bringing stability and harmony in the other kosas.