Our Instructor giving his personal suggestion on the practice of yoga asanas
The requisites :
The qualities demanded from an aspirant are discipline, faith,tenacity and perseverance to practice regularly without interruptions.
CLEANLINESS AND FOOD:
Before starting to practice ASANAS, the bladder should be emptied and the bowel evacuated. Topsy- curvy poses help bowel movements. If the student is boostisated or it is not possible to evacuate the bowels
before the practice of ASANAS, start with Sirsaasana and Sarvangasana and their variations.Attempt other ASANAS only after evacuation. Never practice advanced ASANAS without having first evacuated the bowels.Bath: ASANAS come easier after taking a bath. After doing them, the body feel sticky due to perspiration and it desirable to bathe some fifteen minutes later. Taking bath or a shower both before and after practicing ASANAS refreshes the body and mind.
FOOD FOR YOGIS
ASANAS should preferably be 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 four hours to elapse after i heavy meal before starting the practice. Food may be taken half an hour after completing the ASANAS. Sun: Do not practice ASANAS after being out in the hot sun for several hours.
PLACE FOR DOINGS ASANAS
They should be done in a clean airy place, free from insects and noise.Do not do them on the bare floor
or on an uneven place, but on a folded blanket laid on a level floor.
CAUTIONS WHEN PRACTICING YOGA ASANA
No undue strain should be felt in the facial muscles, ears and eyes or in breathing during the practice.
CLOSING OF THE EYES:
In the beginning, keep the eyes open.Then you will know what you aredoing and where you in wrong. If
you shut your eyes you will not be in a position to watch the requisite movements of the body or even the
direction in which you are doing the pose. You can keep your eyes closed only when you are perfect in a
particular AASANA for only them will you be able to adjust the bodily movements and feel the correct
stretches.
THE BRAIN:
During the practice of ASANAS , it is the body alone which should be active while the brain should remain
passive, watchful and alert. If the are done with the brain, then you will not be able to see your own mistake.
BREATHING:
In all the ASANAS, the breathing should be done through the nostrils only and not through the mouth.
Do not restrain the breath while in the process of the ASANAS or while staying in it. Follow the instructions
regarding breathing given in the technique sections of the various ASANAS as described hereafter. SAVASANA: After completing the practice of ASANAS always lie down in Savasana for at least 5 to 10
minutes, as this will remove fatigue.