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column is an eclectic mix of articles drawn from Ayurveda, mind-body
medicine, yoga, spirituality, contemporary research, ancient Indian
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Is yoga just asanas?
It is generally understood that yoga refers to yogasanas. In fact yogasanas are only a part of yoga and not the whole of it. They comprise of one of the eight-fold path of yoga. The more informed in the field agree that yogasanas is merely one aspect of yoga.
But this assertion gives rise to yet another set of misconceptions. There is considerable disagreement about the stand that yogasanas are a part of yoga. Those who give more importance to the physical aspect of yoga believe that yogasanas are the most vital part of yoga. Others who are more interested in the spiritual or metaphysical aspect of yoga do not give much credence to yogasanas and follow the spiritual aspect more vigorously.
As it is erroneous to perceive one part as a whole, the notion that a certain part has greater significance than the other is equally misleading. The relationship between yoga and yogasanas however cannot be denied.
A healthy composite body requires balanced and coordinated working of different parts and organs. Similarly, the true potential of yoga can be unleashed only with the powerful interplay of different aspects of yoga. Each part has its own importance and its significance for the whole cannot be underestimated.
This is a selected excerpt from Sanjay’s book, Art and Science of Yoga, due for publication in the United States in Spring 2007. – J L Bhat/ Editor
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