What is typically known as Yoga in the west, refers to Asana practice which in Sanskrit means “posture”. Asana is one part of a larger science which is known as Yoga. All types of Asana practice (Yoga) are Hatha Yoga which refers to the physical practice of the postures. The word Hatha comes from combining the two Sanskrit words “Ha” meaning “sun” and “Tha” meaning “moon”. The word “Ha” refers to the solar (Pingala) nadi (prana energy channel) and the word “Tha” refers to the lunar (Ida) nadi. The word Yoga means to yoke or to join. Thus Hatha Yoga is to join the solar or the masculine, active energy and lunar or the feminine, receptive energy producing balance and greater personal power in an individual.
Asana is one of the eight steps in the science of Yoga. A holistic practice of Yoga would include all eight steps. They are:
1. Yama – Social discipline
2. Niyama – Self discipline
3. Asana – Steady and comfortable posture
4. Pranayama – Breath control
5. Pratyahara – Sense withdrawal
6. Dharana – Concentration of mind
7. Dhyana – Meditation
8. Samadhi – Superconsciousness
Our main focus in this section will be on Asana practice by studying a posture a month.
About Haroun Kola
