Deepening your yoga practice through the ancient precept: Ease and Comfort are Supreme
Exploring the Ancient Principle of Yoga: Sthira Sukham Asanam
For centuries, the principle of Sthira Sukham Asanam has guided yoga practitioners in understanding the true essence of yoga asanas. Although often associated with seated postures, this principle is applicable to all yoga poses.
Derived from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the famous verse Sthira Sukham Asanam can be traced back to the Raja Yoga Sutras by Maharishi Patanjali. In this work, Patanjali and his team of rishis compiled a book that provided an overview of Raja Yoga, containing 196 verses. The second chapter (verse 46) contains the renowned line: Sthira Sukham Asanam.
Throughout history, yoga sutras have been known for their vague nature. In ancient times, yoga was considered a secret and sacred knowledge, revealed only to those who demonstrated a strong desire for enlightenment and were willing to undergo strict discipline and sacrifice. As a result, yoga books were designed to offer brief overviews of the topic. The idea was that those who were intrigued would then seek out a suitable teacher and learn the complete practice.
The verse Sthira Sukham Asanam can be translated as 'steady and comfortable is an asana.' Major misinterpretations arise when 'pose' is mistakenly included in the definition. Asana is not a pose, but rather a state, encompassing both the body and the mind. So, when are you truly practicing asana? When your body and mind are both steady and comfortable, even under physical challenges, you are in a state of asana.
Asanas were originally developed centuries ago by monks who practiced extreme self-control to master their senses and minds. Their ultimate goal was to reach the state of Samadhi and ultimate Enlightenment. Since a sedentary lifestyle due to meditation practice often led to bodily ailments, they invented asanas to exercise their internal organs without causing harm from excessive physical exercise. The principle of minimal action was observed in nature, with the example of a sinking boat when one tries too hard to stay afloat. This same principle applies to yoga asana practice, where one achieves the pose most naturally with the least effort.
When practicing asanas with the principle of Sthira Sukham Asanam in mind, one can effectively balance the nervous system and maintain homeostasis. This involves balancing the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems through alternating activation and relaxation during asana practice, promoting internal organ health and overall well-being.
To integrate the principle of Sthira Sukham Asanam into one's yoga practice, focus on a balanced physical state, training the mind to be aware during practice without being affected by thoughts or emotions. Practice exercises that cycle between activation and relaxation to ensure a thorough workout of the autonomic nervous system. Furthermore, avoid approaching asanas with an image-oriented attitude, Instead, strive for simple harmony between the body and mind.
By understanding and applying these principles, one can advance in one's yoga practice and achieve increased physical well-being.
Practicing yoga with the principle of Sthira Sukham Asanam in mind can contribute to personal growth by balancing the body and mind, promoting not only physical health-and-wellness but also mental mindfulness. This balanced state can lead to better self-development and education-and-self-development, as one learns to find harmony between the body and mind. Incorporating this ancient principle into fitness-and-exercise routines can further foster a journey towards overall well-being and personal-growth.
