Asana and PranayamaAsana and PranayamaFifteen minute presentationFifteen minute presentation

Five minute questionnaire and feedbackFive minute questionnaire and feedback

MounamurtiMounamurti

Class HandoutClass Handout

AsanaAsana  

• AsanaAsana: Asana practice is a component of : Asana practice is a component of Classical Hatha Yoga and also Raja Yoga. In Classical Hatha Yoga and also Raja Yoga. In the Raja Yoga system, asana refers to the the Raja Yoga system, asana refers to the sitting meditative posture only, but in Hatha sitting meditative posture only, but in Hatha Yoga it means something more.Yoga it means something more.

• Asana is a specific body position, which helps Asana is a specific body position, which helps to open the energy channels (nadis) and can to open the energy channels (nadis) and can even have a mild influence on the psychic even have a mild influence on the psychic energy centers known as the chakras.energy centers known as the chakras.

• Asanas initiate a process through which Asanas initiate a process through which purification and control of the body takes purification and control of the body takes place by restructuring the pranic flow.place by restructuring the pranic flow.

• Foremost important Asanas are: Foremost important Asanas are: Siddhasana Siddhasana or or Siddha YoniSiddha Yoni AsanaAsana (Adepts pose) and (Adepts pose) and PadmasanaPadmasana (Lotus pose) (Lotus pose)

• Additional asanas up to 82 or more are also Additional asanas up to 82 or more are also recommended recommended

• The Classical Ancient Hatha Yoga Texts are:The Classical Ancient Hatha Yoga Texts are:Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gherand Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gherand Samhita, Hathratnavali, Shiva Satarka.Hathratnavali, Shiva Satarka.

• A great contempory Classical Hatha Yoga Text A great contempory Classical Hatha Yoga Text is:is:Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.Satyananda Saraswati.

PranayamaPranayama• PranayamaPranayama: Classically Pranayama is : Classically Pranayama is

commenced after ones body has been prepared commenced after ones body has been prepared through Asana and one has commenced to through Asana and one has commenced to moderate and purify the diet.moderate and purify the diet.

• Prana is a force in constant motion. Prana is the Prana is a force in constant motion. Prana is the vital life force and pranayama is the process by vital life force and pranayama is the process by which the internal pranic store is increased or which the internal pranic store is increased or expanded. Pranayama is comprised by the expanded. Pranayama is comprised by the words prana and ayama, which means” pranic words prana and ayama, which means” pranic capacity or length”.capacity or length”.

• Pranayama is a technique through which the Pranayama is a technique through which the quantity of prana in the body is activated to a quantity of prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency or rate of vibration.higher frequency or rate of vibration.

ConclusionConclusion

•Asana and pranayama practice are integral components of a good yoga session or class.•These components of a Yoga class offer almost an endless challenge for the student especially pranayama

•5 Minute Quiz, feedback and handout

ReferencesReferences• Saraswati, Swami Muktibodhananda & Swami Satyananda: Saraswati, Swami Muktibodhananda & Swami Satyananda:

Commentary of Commentary of Hatha Yoga Pradipika Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Yogi Swatmarama,by Yogi Swatmarama,Bihar School of YogaBihar School of YogaMunger, Bihar, India, 1985Munger, Bihar, India, 1985

• Saraswati, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Swami Satyananda Kundalini TantraKundalini TantraBihar School of Yoga,Bihar School of Yoga,Munger, Bihar, India, 1984Munger, Bihar, India, 1984

• Saraswati, Swami NiranjananandaSaraswati, Swami NiranjananandaPrana Pranayama PranavidyaPrana Pranayama PranavidyaBihar School of YogaBihar School of YogaMunger, Bihar, India, 1994Munger, Bihar, India, 1994

• Saraswati, Swami SatyanandaSaraswati, Swami SatyanandaAsana Pranayama Mudra BandhaAsana Pranayama Mudra Bandha Bihar School of Yoga,Bihar School of Yoga,Munger, Bihar, India, 1966Munger, Bihar, India, 1966