In our previous posts, we have seen the dashavidha yama & dashavidha niyama which an aspirant MUST follow if his thirst on spirituality is true. In this post, let’s see how important is Asana for one in his spiritual journey.
Asana literally means “seat” or “maintaining a posture against an enemy.” In the context of ashtANga yOga, our first and foremost enemy is our illegitimate thoughts. These thoughts create distractions, leading to mental restlessness and unbalanced energy in both body and mind. By practicing AsanAs, we learn to sit and work against this internal enemy. As we streamline our thoughts, we cultivate a healthy body and mind.
Though Patanjali Maharishi has presented numerous AsanAs for various needs, avadhUta Datta Bhagavan recommends nine essential Asanas that every aspirant must make a part of their daily routine. These nine Asanas work synergistically to help balance both physical and mental states, supporting holistic health and spiritual growth.
The Nine Essential Asanas:
- svastikAsana
This seated posture promotes meditation and works with the annamaya kOsha (physical body) and the Anandamaya kOsha (bliss body). It engages the vAyus apAna and vyAna, supporting a grounded and elevated state of being. - gOmukhAsana
A seated posture that enhances flexibility by stretching the body. It works on the annamaya kOsha, focusing on the apAna vAyu, which helps to ground and stabilize the body. - padmAsana
A meditative pose that strengthens both the body and the mind. It engages the annamaya kOsha and Anandamaya kOsha fostering mental clarity and spiritual awareness through the apAna and vyAna vAyus. - vIrAsana
This sitting pose strengthens the legs, providing stability to the body. It engages the annamaya kOsha and the apAna vAyu, which helps to ground the practitioner while promoting overall strength. - simhAsana
A seated posture that uses the toes to help the practitioner maintain balance. This Asana strengthens the lower body and supports mental clarity. It engages the Anandamaya kOsha with the vyAna vAyu, bringing energy and balance to both mind and body. - bhadrAsana
This pose, supported by the knees, is designed to help the practitioner gain control over their thoughts. It works on the Annamaya kOsha and utilizes the apAna vAyu to support mental discipline and physical stability. - muktAsana
A lying down pose with a forward bend that aids in the release of trapped gases in the lower abdomen, supporting digestion and overall well-being. This works on the manOmaya kOsha and engages the samAna vAyu, balancing the internal energies. - mayUrAsana
This full-body balancing pose strengthens both the body and mind. It engages the Anandamaya kOsha and works with the vyAna vAyu promoting balance, strength, and mental focus. - sukAsana
A simple seated posture that provides comfort for meditation and prANAyAma (breathwork). It works with both the annamaya kOsha and the Anandamaya kOsha, helping to center the mind and body through the apAna and vyAna vAyus.
Just as material life demands a healthy body and a sound mind, spirituality requires even more — an inner balance, discipline, and clarity. avadhUta datta Bhagavan emphasizes these nine AsanAs as essential for anyone on the spiritual path. Along with the practice of yama and niyama (moral observances), these AsanAs form a comprehensive practice that supports both physical health and spiritual advancement.
By practicing these nine AsanAs daily, you not only improve your physical health but also refine your consciousness, aligning both body and mind with a higher purpose. Consistent practice, combined with mental discipline, is key to unlocking the full benefits of Ashtanga Yoga, leading to a more balanced and enlightened life.
Let it be of any spiritual practice, achieving harmony between body and mind is paramount. ashtANga yOga, through the practice of these nine essential Asanas, offers a powerful means to reach this balance. Whether you are new to yOga or have been practicing for years, integrating these AsanAs into your routine will deepen your connection with yourself and with the consciousness that reflects the world.
சரணம் காளிகே ❤️❤️
