Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga
6o Light on Yoga
Pregnancy
- All the asanas can be practised during the first three months of
pregnancy. All the standing poses and the forward bending asanas may
be done with mild movements, for at this time the spine should be made
strong and elastic and no pressure should be fe lt on the abdomen.
Baddha Kol)asana and Upavigha Kol)asana may be practised through
out pregnancy at any time of the day (even after meals, but not forward
bending immediately after meals) as these two asanas will strengthen
the pelvic muscles and the small of the back and also reduce labour pains
considerably. Pr3J)3yarna without retention (kurnbhaka) may be practised
throughout pregnancy, as regular deep breathing will help considerably
during labour.
After delivery
- No asanas should be done during the first month after delivery.
Thereafter they may be practised mildly. Gradually increase the course
as mentioned in Appendix I. Three months after delivery all asanas may
be practised with comfort.
Effects of asanas
- Faulty practice causes discomfort and uneasiness within a few days.
This is sufficient to show that one is going wrong. If you c�mnot nne
the fault for yourself, it is better to approach a person who h::ts practis�r:
well and get his guidance.
- The right method of doing asanas brings lightness and an exhilarat
ing feeling in the body as well as in the mind and a fe eling of oneness of
body, mind and soul.
- Continuous practice will change the outlook of the practiser. He
will discipline himself in food, sex, cleanliness and character and will
become a new man.
- When one has mastered an asana, it comes with effortless ease and
causes no discomfort. The bodily. movements become graceful. While
performing asanas, the student's body assumes numerous forms of life
found in creation-from the lowliest insect to the most perfect sage-and
he learns that in all these there breathes the same Universal Spirit-the
Spirit of God. He looks within himself while practising and feels the
presence of God in different asanas which he does with a sense of sur
render unto the feet of the LORD.
