Hinduism And Hindu Theology - What Is Asana?

Asana is a Sanskrit word that means "bodily position." 

• Asana is the third of the eight components of ashtanga (“eight-part”) yoga, which was defined by Patanjali (1st century C.E.?) and consists of various bodily positions. 

• Patanjali says in his book that one's physical stance should be solid and pleasant, since the goal of these postures is to allow one to focus without being distracted by bodily disturbances. 

• This book spawned a series of body-development and-training postures. 

• The lotus position is the most well-known of them (padmasana). 

• These physical exercises are the most well-known aspect of yoga, and they are often mistaken with the broader yoga practice. 

Although these postures have obvious physical advantages, such as greater body flexibility, their ultimate goal is to allow one to sit in meditation for extended periods of time without being distracted by physical factors. 

• As a result, they are an essential component for spiritual development, but they should not be mistaken with the ultimate aim. 

• In a broader sense, the term asana may apply to a variety of sitting positions, as well as the object on which one sits. 

• Because of its connection with spirituality, the item on which one sits is said to be imbued with power. 

• This is especially true for meditation or any kind of religious activity. 

• Many of these items, particularly animal skins, are thought to bestow unique abilities and therefore have symbolic significance. 

Asana is the second of the sixteen upacharas (“offerings”) offered to a deity as a means of treating the god as an honored guest in the context of devotion. 

• In this instance, asana alludes to one of the most fundamental acts of human hospitality: providing a seat for the god.

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