‘Asana’ is a Sanskrit word, stands for body position, especially in yoga practice. It is the ‘third’ of ‘eight’ limbs of ‘Yoga Sutras of Patanjali’ in Raja Yoga. According to yoga sutras, asana refers to two things, the ‘place’ where a practitioner sits and the ‘manner'(posture) in which he sits. Asana is to be seated in a position that is firm and relaxed.
Asana : Third limb of ‘Patanjali Yoga Sutras’
According to Yoga Sutra, asana is the third of the eight limbs in Raja Yoga. Asanas are the physical movements of yoga practice with combination of pranayama (breathing techniques) creates a type of yoga which is known as ‘Hatha Yoga’. Patanjali describes asana as a firm and comfortable posture, referring specifically to the seated posture, most basic of all the asanas. Dhyana (meditation) is the way to Samadhi (transpersonal self-realization).
Asanas are various poses to improve health and remove diseases in the physical, subtle and causal bodies. The word “asana” is Sanskrit for “seat” which refers not only to the physical position of the body, but also the position of the body in relation to divinity. They were originally meant for Meditation, as the postures can make you feel relaxed for a long period. The regular practice of Asanas, the general muscle flexibility and bone strength, as well as non-material rewards, such as the development of willpower, concentration and self confidence.
List of the easy Hatha Yoga Asanas (Physical Postures) are follows for numerous benefits:
Surya Namaskar / Sun Salutation
Padmasana / Lotus Pose
Vajrasana / Dimond Pose
Shavasana / Corpse Pose
Sarvangasana / Shoulderstand Pose
Siddhasana / Adept Pose
Halasana / Plow Pose
Chakrasana / Wheel Pose
Tadasana / Mountain Pose
Kandharasana / Shoulder Pose
Pawanmuktasana / Wind Releasing Pose
Garudasana / Half Spinal Twist Pose
Konasana / Angle Pose
Garbhasana / Fetus Pose
Bhujangasana / Cobra Pose
Ardha Chandrasana / Half Moon Pose
Bakasana / Crane Pose
Makarasana / Crocodile Pose
Markatasana
Mayurasana / Peacock Pose
Naukasana / Boat Pose
Paschimottanasana / Back Stretching Pose
Shalabhasana / Locust Pose
Sirsasana / Headstand Pose
Utthanpadasana / Raised Legs Pose
Padahastasana / Standing Forward Bend
Vrikshasana / Tree pose
Vrschikasana / Scorpion Pose