Yogi Shanti Desai's Philosophy

Asana

Asana is the third limb of Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga is the royal path toward the attainment of Self Realization. There are eight limbs to Raja Yoga; the first four limbs are known as Hatha Yoga. Asana is an important part of Hatha Yoga. ‘Ha’ means sun and ‘Tha’ means moon. Hatha Yoga means harmonizing energy within the body to prepare one for meditation and Raja Yoga. Hatha Yoga involves yoga positions, breathing, nutrition, cleansing, relaxation and philosophies to harmonize life.

In Sanskrit, Asana means a comfortable, steady position. This steady position is required for meditation. Ideally the lotus or any steady position for sitting is called Asana. Restlessness in the body comes from many toxins and impurities within the body.

Scriptures describe 84 major positions for purifying the body. These positions stretch muscles, stimulate the functions of vital organs, nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, digestive system and the excretory system.

For practical purposes, I recommend only a nine-step program for total attunement of the body, energy and mind. One does not need to spend hours practicing 84 positions or to torture the body. Asanas are for making friendship with our body. One can practice at one’s own level without competition.

Asana Sequence

These photos of Yogi Shanti Desai are from 1976. He can still do all of these positions and more today. Click on any of the links or thumbnail images to see a larger view.