Asanas and their types

As we have now realised, the practice of asanas brings natural balance between the dynamic forces of the body, mind and spirit. Asanas also improves the potential of a person, strengthens a person’s will power and enhances self control. Asanas can be broadly divided into two main categories : Meditative and Cultural.

Meditative Asanas
Asanas in which one can sit dteadily and comfortably for a long time are called as meditative asanas. Meditative asanas increase calmness, physical stability and a person’s focus. They also help calm a person’s wandering mind and bring inner peace and tranquility.

Cultural Asanas
The postures that help provide exercise to various parts of the body and generally control and regulate the flow of vital airs or vayus in the body. They also allow the Yogi to be energetic, strong and hence live a longer, better life. They help decrease mental tensions, restraining emotions and in controlling emotions. Practicing these cultural postures also help one to look younger and decreases the chances of illnesses afflicting one’s body.

The physiological benefits of the cultural postures are many and hence they have gained prominence the world over, but meditative postures are also just as important and need to be practiced as balancing the mind, body and spirit is what will bring true emancipation of the soul.

Related posts:

1. Asana – Part 1
2. Asana – Part 2
3. Path to becoming a Yogi
4. Pranayama: Why
5. Pranayama : Anulom Vilom and its types