The Eight Limbs of Yoga: Asana

Yoga Sutra 2.46
“sthira sukham asanam”

Last month we explored the second limb: Niyamas. This month, we move on to the third limb: Asana.

Asana is the physical practice of yoga. It is said that the reason why we practice each posture, and engage in rigorous activity, is so that we can prep the body for our meditation practice. In order to have a supportive meditation practice, the body must be supple, strong, and able to sit for long periods of time, comfortably.

While most people begin practicing yoga for the physical benefits, many of us develop a deeper connection to the practice – recognizing all of the benefits that you receive from class: deeper breath, calmer mind, happier heart. We like to say Asana is the gateway to yoga.

We will continue to make our way through the Eight Limbs of Yoga, as outlined by Sri Swami Satchidananda’s rendition of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.  Our hope is to discuss ways to incorporate each limb into your day to day lives. In the OYO community, we’re all about taking theoretical ideas and making them digestible.

Have specific questions about The Eight Limbs of Yoga? Comment below!

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