History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c94.227

v7.c94.227

*Āsana* (bodily posture)²³³⁹ is defined in Y S. as one that is stable and easy (or comfortable). Āsana means a seat which is covered with *kuśa* grass, deer-skin and a garment in that order (this would be *bāhya āsana*) as laid down in Gītā (VI. 11), while the word āsana (in Yoga) means bodily posture. It should be noticed that the Yogasūtra does not expressly prescribe any of the numerous āsanas mentioned and defined in the Hathayogapradīpikā and other works on Hathayoga and indicates that those āsanas are not necessary in the practice of the Pātañjala Yoga and that any posture which is easy, stable and comfortable would be enough for the yogin. The Y. S. here follows the Śv. Up. (II. 8 and 10) and not the works on Hathayoga, if any existed in its times. In order to secure the posture described above the yogin should relax the usual physical movements of the body (prayatnaśaithilya) and bring the mind to reflect on the Infinite (*brahma*). As a result of perfect mastery over posture, he is not overwhelmed (or overcome) by the pairs of opposites (such as heat and cold, hunger and thirst).