Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga

58 Light on Yoga

diminish as time goes by. The stiffness of the body is conquered by

regular practice and one is able to do the asanas well. In the evening,

the body moves more freely than in the mornings, and the asanas come

better and with greater ease. Practice in the morning makes one work

better in one's vocation. In the evening it removes the fatigue of the

day's strain and makes one fresh and calm. Difficult asanas should,

therefore, be done in the morning ' when one has more determination and

stimulative asanas (like Sir�asana, Sarvangasana and their variations and

Paschjmottanasana) should be practised in the evening.

Sun

7. Do not practise asanas after being out in the hot sun for several hours.

Place

8. They should be done in a clean airy place, free from insects and noise.
   9· Do not do them on the bare floor or on an uneven place, but on a
   folded blanket laid on a level floor.

Cautions

IO. No undue strain should be felt in the facial muscles, ears and eyes

or in breathing during the practice.

Closing of the eyes
I I. In the beginning, keep the eyes open. Then you will know what
you are doing and where you go wrong. If you shut your eyes you will
not be in a position to watch the requisite movements of the body or even
the direction in which you are doing the pose. You can keep your eyes
closed only when you are perfect in a particular asana for only then will
you be able to adjust the bodily movements and feel the correct stretches.

Mirror

I2. If you are doing the asanas in front of a mirror, keep it perpendicular

to the floor and let it come down to ground level, for otherwise the poses

will look slanting due to the angle of the mirror. You will not be able

to observe the movements or placing of the head and shoulders in the

topsy-turvy poses unless the mirror reaches down to the floor.

The Brain

I3. During the practice of asanas, it is the body alone which should

be active while the brain should remain passive, watchful and alert. If

they are done with the brain, then you will not be able to see your own

mistakes.