10/11/2025
Many people consider asana as an exercise. In Sanskrit, the word for exercise is vyayama, which means extension and expansion — movements that scatter energy through effort.
Asana, however, gathers and filters energy to distribute it evenly throughout the body. Though beginners may find asana similar to ordinary exercises, this is only at the physical level. The body, being in a state of inertia, first needs movement before sensitivity and awareness can arise.
In the early stages, asana disciplines and channels movement to develop sensitivity. This initial ploughing of the body is also called vyayama. As practice deepens, the sadhaka learns to bring awareness into every action, refining body, mind, and energy.
By the practice of asana, the power of vital energy (prana shakti) is stabilized and established before one proceeds towards pranayama. As stated in the Yoga Chudamani Upanishad, pradipika asanani rajo hanti — the practice of asana destroys rajo guna and helps sattva guna to expand.
True asana uplifts the practitioner from the physical level to experience higher levels of growth within.
🕉️ Key Reflection: Asana is not about scattering energy through movement — it is about gathering, refining, and stabilizing energy through awareness.
Inspired by B.K.S. Iyengar’s “Clearing Misconceptions: Asana Is Not a Form of Exercise”
💭 When did your asana practice begin to feel less like exercise and more like inner work?
