Saturday, April 26, 2008

ASANAS

Asana- meaning seated position in Sanskrit is described in 3rd tantra of 'Thirumoolar Thirumandiram'.According to patanjali STHIR SUKAM ASANAM i.e a position that is firm but relaxed and comfortable.

Asana focuses on increasing the strengh various parts of the body like muscles,nerves etc.

Asana is different from other forms of physical exercise.

1)It not only works on outer parts of the body like muscles but also on inner organs like endocrine,circulatory,reproductive.digestive and respiratory systems by increasing blood flow to all the parts of our internal organs. 2)Unlike exercise it doesn't involve speedy movements, but instead very slow and steady movements. 3)Asana done along with pranayama helps achieve relaxation which reduces stress & strain. 4)Since the movements are slow and steady very few calories are consumed during our practice and we wont feel hungry as we do after doing exercise.

Many movements and postures from basic asanas have been incorporated into modern exercises in form of stretches and warm ups.

According to saint Thirumoolar there are more than 64,000 asanas..

i quote"பத்திரங் கோமுகம் பங்கயங் கேசரிசொத்திரம் வீரஞ்f சுகாதனம் ஓரேழு(1) முத்தம மாமுது ஆசனம் எட்டெட்டுப்பத்தொடு நூறு பலஆ சனமே(1) முத்த மயூரமுது"

Note the lines.."எட்டெட்டுப் பத்தொடு நூறு பலஆ சனமே".எட்டெட்டுப் (8 times of 8- 64 or 2times 8 -16 or 8 , 80 hundred???)

(Bhadra, Gomukha, Padma and Simha,Svastika, Veera, and SukhaThese seven are asanas eminent and ancient;Numerous as, eight, eighty and hundred, however,Are asanas in all reckoned. )

so...it is impossible to establish a complete and exact set of yoga postures.But there are few postures which are basic enough to keep us fit and health.Basically these postures can be classified into:

1)Standing poses

2)Sitting poses

3)Supine poses

4)Prone poses

5)Balancing poses

6)Twisted poses

Apart from these there are Sukshma vyayama or subtle exercise

I would like to share few of those which i have learnt and practised all along.

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