HINTS AND CAUTIONS FOR THE PRACTICE OF ASANAS

 The Requisites

1.      Without firm foundations a house cannot stand. With out the practice of the principles of YAMA and NIYAMA, which lay down firm foundations for building character, there cannot be an integrated personality. Practice of Asanas with out the backing of Yama and Niyama is mere acrobatics.

2.      The qualities demanded from an aspirant are discipline, faith, tenacity, perseverance to practice regularly with out interruptions.

Cleanliness and Food

 3.      Before starting to practice Asanas, the bladder should be emptied and the bowels evacuated. Topsy-turvy Poses help bowel movements. If the student is constipated or it is not possible to evacuate the bowels before the practice of Asanas, start with Sirsasana and sarvangasana and their variations. Attempt other Asanas only after evacuation. Never practice advanced Asanas without having first evacuated the bowels. 

Bath

4.      Asanas come easily after taking a bath. After doing them the body feels sticky due to perspiration and it is desirable to bath some 15 minutes later. Taking a bath or a shower both before and after practicing Asanas refreshes the body and mind.

 Food

5.      Asanas should be preferably being done on an empty stomach. If this is difficult, a cup of tea or coffee, cocoa or milk may be taken before doing them. They may be practiced without discomfort one hour after a very light meal. Allow at least 4 hours to elapse after a heavy meal before starting the practice. Food may be taken half an hour after completing the Asanas.

Time

 6.      The Best time to practice is either early in the morning or late in the evening. In the morning Asanas do not come easily as the body is stiff. The mind however is still fresh but its alertness and determination diminishes as time goes by. The stiffness of body is conquered by regular practice and one is able to do the Asanas well. In the evenings the body moves more freely than the morning and the Asanas come better and with greater ease. Practice in the morning makes one work better in one’s vocation. In the evening it removes the fatigue of the days strain and makes on fresh and calm. Difficult Asanas therefore should be done in the morning when one has more determination and simulative Asanas (Like Sirsasana, Sarvangasana and their variations and Paschimottanasana) should be practiced in the evening.

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