This Core-Strengthening Yoga Pose Isn't Taught Often Enough in Studio Classes

"The Sanskrit word sutra means “thread.” To the yogis, a sutra is an aphorism—a concise statement or rule—and any instructional manual consisting of such aphorisms woven together like threads. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is one such manual. Compiled sometime in the third century C.E., this fundamental treatise of classical yoga comprises 195 aphorisms, of which only three—with a grand total of 10 words—are dedicated to the art of asana or posture."

"Patanjali's intent, of course, wasn't to describe asana practice in detail. Rather, he gives us a kind of conspectus of the ideal asana, a standard by which we can judge whatever posture we're performing. Remember that, to Patanjali, asana practice is a preparation for intensive breathing and meditation exercises, which demand that the yogi sit for hours on end without fidgeting or slumping."

"In fact, the word asana literally translates as “seat.” So Patanjali's main criterion for an asana is that it be “steady and comfortable.” This induces, in his words, a “relaxation of tension” and the experience of the finite body as coinciding with ananta, the “endless” or “infinite.” The body is perhaps the most basic tool of liberation."

"“Liberation,” proclaims the ancient text Sarva Darshana Samagraha, “results from knowledge, knowledge from study, and study is only possible in a healthy body.” In this context, the aim of asana practice is to transcend what Mircea Eliade describes as the “modalities of human existence,” which sweep us along on the “rushing stream of states of consciousness,” and so contribute to the never-ending painfulness of embodied existence."

The Sanskrit term sutra means “thread,” referring to concise aphorisms woven into instructional manuals. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, compiled around the third century C.E., contains 195 aphorisms, with only three totaling ten words devoted to asana. Patanjali does not provide detailed posture instructions, instead offering a standard for judging any posture. Asana practice is preparation for intensive breathing and meditation, requiring long periods of still sitting without fidgeting or slumping. Asana literally means “seat,” and the main criterion is “steady and comfortable,” producing “relaxation of tension” and aligning the finite body with the infinite. Liberation depends on knowledge, study, and a healthy body, supporting the role of the body as a tool for liberation.

Read at Yoga Journal