Microsoft Word - Taimni - The Science of Yoga.doc

Patanjali gives only three Sutras regarding the technique of Asanas but in these
he has condensed all the essential knowledge concerning the subject. The first of these
given above points out the two essential requirements in the practice of Asana. It
should be steady and comfortable. The Yogi has to choose any one of the well-known
Asanas suitable for the practice of meditation such as Padmasana or Siddhasana and
then practise remaining in that posture until he can maintain it for long periods of time
without the slightest inclination to make any movement. Sitting in any Asana becomes
uncomfortable after a few minutes and the beginner will find that he cannot maintain it
for any considerable time without feeling minor discomforts in various parts of the
body. If, however, the Asana is correctly chosen and practised in the right way, steady
and persistent practice will gradually eliminate all these minor discomforts which
cause constant distractions to the mind. The Yogi is then able to maintain his body in
the correct posture indefinitely and to forget it altogether. If, in spite of prolonged
practice and good health, one always feels discomfort in maintaining the posture for
long periods there is something wrong either with one's choice of the Asana or method
of practising it and it is advisable to seek expert advice.
It is also necessary to understand thoroughly the implication of the word
‘steady’. Steadiness does not mean merely the capacity to remain more or less in the
same position with freedom to make minor movements and adjustments from time to
time. It means a certain degree of immovability which practically amounts to fixing
the body in one position and eliminating all movements of any kind. In trying to main-
tain this immovable position the beginner is apt to introduce a certain amount of rigid-
ity which makes the body tense. This is definitely wrong and will react adversely on
the health of the body. What should be aimed at is the ideal combination of immov-
ability with relaxation. It is only then that it is possible to forget the body altogether.
A particular Asana is considered to be mastered when the Sadhaka can maintain
it steadily and easily for four hours and twenty minutes. This period of time as given
in some books on Hatha-Yoga has really no important significance and gives merely
an approximate idea of the length of time for which practice may be undertaken for
gaining mastery. Once the habit has been acquired the posture can be maintained for.
any length of time while the Yogi’s attention is focussed on his mind.