accordance with evolutionary law. The expression in
Sanskrit is “Yogastah kurukarmani,” which means
“Established in yoga, perform action.” Yogahere refers to
the unified, integrated state of body, mind, and spirit.
The postures of yoga offer tremendous benefit to your
body and mind. They help create balance, flexibility, and
strength—all essential qualities for a healthy, dynamic
life. When performed vigorously in sets, yoga can also be
a powerful aerobic exercise to improve your cardiovascu-
lar fitness.
In addition to the direct benefits during the perform-
ance of postures, asanas provide enduring value through-
out the day. If you perform asanas regularly, you will feel
more flexible physically and emotionally. Flexibility is
the essential difference between the vitality of youth and
the lassitude of old age. Here is a yogic expression that we
find inspiring: “Infinite flexibility is the secret to
immortality.” Like a palm tree that adapts to rather than
resists gale force winds, a flexible body and mind enable
you to adapt to the inevitable changes that life offers.
Regular practice of yoga asanas cultivates flexibility
while helping to release stagnating toxins from your body
that inhibit the free flow of vital energy.
In the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga program, we
have chosen asanas that enhance the flexibility of your
joints, improve your balance, strengthen your muscles,
and calm your mind. If you combine flexibility, balance,
strength, and inner peace, you can surmount any obstacle.
We will explore in great detail the most important yoga
positions in chapter 5.
40 The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga