Asana & modernisation of yoga

The yoga philosophy of Patanjali is broken down into 8 limbs. Here we focus on the third, and perhaps most popular, pillar - Asana.

Asana refers to the physical practice of postures. Although this is often called yoga, what is being referred to is actually yoga asanas.

Patanjali defines asana as "sthira sukham asanam," which can be translated as "a steady and comfortable posture." According to Patanjali, the practice of asanas should embody qualities of stability, ease, and balance. Patanjali yoga asana were originally seated positions to help facilitate meditation. Asanas were not physical but were meant to cultivate a state of mindful awareness and a stable foundation for further yogic practices.

Asana have developed over the years to incorporate various positions to promote strength, stability and flexibility. This modernisation of yoga asana has incorporated standing, seated and flowing postures. This is to keep our body strong, stable and flexible.

The most authoritative text on hatha yoga the Hatha Pradipika (15th century) is a compilation of the earlier haṭha yoga texts. It mentioned there are 84 asanas in hatha yoga taught by Adi yogi Lord Shiva. But out of 84 asanas, the book describes only 15 poses. Out of these 15, 11 are sitting postures and 4 take on other forms.

Towards the end of the 1800’s there was a physical fitness culture that was developing around the world. This focused on a strong body and physical presence. At the same time the first olympic games took place in 1896 further fuelling physical fitness. Many recent changes including globalisation have contributed to the changes in asana practice.