pleasantness, which is possible only if the position is not strained or forced by mere
will against the limits or limitations of the bodily system. A daily attempt at gradual
relaxation, as suggested, together with the mood of the mind gravitating towards the
presence of the Infinite—we call it the presence of God—will certainly put the body in
position.
Chapter 77THE IMPORTANCE OF ASANA AND PRANAYAMAIf tangible success is our aim in the practice of yoga, the habit of sitting for a long
time, every day, becomes an equally necessary item of the practice. It is impossible to
gain control over the mind and expect concentration, or attention of consciousness, if
there is a persistent inclination to go about, run about, see people and talk, and do
many things. This is an indication of restlessness; and such a person is certainly unfit
for a life of meditation.
We can study and learn our own nature by the daily activities of our life and the
moods that pass through our mind. The way in which we speak, the expressions that
we use, the manner in which we conduct ourselves—all these are indications of the
characteristic of the inner personality, which will also indicate our fitness for
meditation. It is not anyone that is chosen. “Many are called, but few are chosen,”
said Christ. Millions may be asked to apply for a position though only one may be
chosen. Likewise, it is not everyone who struggles that will succeed. Even among
those who strenuously put forth effort, very few will succeed because the effort called
for is literally superhuman, inasmuch as a tenacity of an extraordinary nature is
called for here. When we actually take to it, we will see the seriousness of it.
It is the opinion of the author of the Yoga Sutras that when mastery is obtained in a
posture—an asana—one can be impervious to the onslaught of the pairs of opposites
like heat and cold, even hunger and thirst. These normal biological reactions of the
body also may be lessened in their intensity of experience if the metabolic functions
in the system are controlled by the steadiness of the posture. There is a continuous
transformation of the cellular structure in our bodies called the processes of
anabolism and catabolism—both of which, put together, is called metabolism. This is
a tendency to change physically, and to change for the purpose of building up the
bodily system, due to which it is that we feel hunger and thirst, and fatigue if proper
food is not taken. Also, heat and cold and such other physical experiences are due to
the compulsion of the body to adjust itself to changing conditions of life for the
purpose of maintaining itself.
This difficulty will be, to a large extent, kept under control if the biological activity is
reduced to the minimum. Even our eating may become less if our activity becomes
less. It is because we run about too much that we have to eat too much, and also have
to sleep too much, and so on. Thus, the reduction of physical activity in the form of
wastage of energy and a depletion of force would be a great assistance in reducing the
intensity of the calls of the physical body. Food and drink, and even sleep, can be