The third stage of our conscious growth as an individual beyond physical and emotional awareness and control, is that of adopting a mental attitude to life that will steer us through the adventures and trials ahead. We choose to assume an attitude or philosophy that influences our whole being. It is not imposed from without but directed from within by inner intuition of our soul.
The attitude we take will determine our life course and test our wisdom in all manner of circumstances. A positive attitude gives us power to react in good and bad fortune and to choose to be cheerful in spite of all circumstances. A negative attitude can obstruct our enjoyment of life and snuff out the spirit of others around us.
The system of Asanas was developed through understanding that the attitude of the body affects the mind just as a mental attitude is reflected in the physical stance or position taken. "Body language" is a modern term for a new awareness of an ancient understanding.
To enable flexibility in assuming any attitude desired, the yogic system developed a complete repertoire of 84 positions of the body to be used in assisting co-operation of mind and body towards the one goal. Some of these body positions make us aware of all the evolved musculature that results in human form, from postures such as the "fish" to the other stages of the amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Others are designed to represent special qualities of human nature and even supreme spiritual ones, as represented by the gods.
The basic benefit of the system of 84 positions is to encourage perfect physiological function and health considered complete in order to maintain perfect physiological function and health care. Then the corresponding mental qualities are studied to help us adjust psychological states. For example, to begin with the simplest, the good standing posture or correct upright stance known as Tadasana. Assuming the posture makes it easier to feel mentally free of problems, naturally proud and self confident.
Other Asanas, once they are physically mastered, allow us to integrate the related mental characteristics.
Many of the Asanas taught in training programmes and classwork offer benefits to physical and mental health enough to satisfy students' needs. There are fewer who wish to learn the full range of Asanas as this demands quiet persistence in training over many years.
It should be borne in mind when practising Asanas that each position is designed for a specific purpose upon which to focus one's thought. Should the Asanas become a mere performance of physical skills, the spirit of these wonderful Yogic teachings is lost.
Sally Janssen is a writer, and Yoga teacher well known both in Australia and abroad for her skill in demonstration of the Hatha Yoga practices and her wisdom in applying the principles of Raja Yoga -the study of the mind and consciousness. More details at essence-of-yoga.net essence-of-yoga.net
Her book "Mental Fitness: A Complete Self-help Guide" explains the principles of mental fitness that can be applied by us all. The teachings may be found here: mentalhealthandfitness.com/blog mentalhealthandfitness.com/blog.
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