YOGIC FIRE – ASANA AS SADHANA:
“The posture becomes perfect when the effort of achieving it vanishes.” Yogabhashya
In the Mahaprana Yoga method, the Prana Sanchalan Kriya function to develop the body, the breath and the mind into one process. When this process is carried over to the practice of Asana, we initiate the alchemical reaction known as Yogic Fire. Yogic Fire occurs in the body when controlled breathing, mental focus, and a stable Yoga posture are unified. It is only by finding the natural link between these three elements that we experience Yogic Fire, and realize the true quality of an Asana.
When we unify the body, breath and mind, we create the Yogic Fire that bakes the body. It is the same principle as heating gold to purify it. By burning away the impurities and excesses of the body, only pure gold remains. The greatest progress is made towards this end when we align the body’s energy and bring it into the present moment.
A useful metaphor for this unification is the image of a person traveling in a boat. One foot represents the body; the other foot represents the mind. The boat symbolizes the breath. When both feet are in the same boat, and the boat is stable, the traveler’s journey will be smooth. If the feet are in two different boats, the journey will be awkward indeed.
All of yoga involves bringing one’s energy into the present moment – and the practice of asana is no different. Though the task may seem arduous at first glance, creating a maximum alignment between the body, breath and mind actually requires less energy because all energy leakages are eliminated. What remains is a powerful, stable and relaxed posture. Like the posture itself, the mind should be stable – not swinging between the past and future like a pendulum. Yogic Fire is a state of no resistance, it is the yoga of letting go, not the yoga of holding on tighter. This is the state where you get out of your own way, enjoy yourself and see real results.
Yogic scriptures have stressed, what separates yoga postures from regular physical exercise is the simultaneous attention to, and control of, the breath and the mind. Focusing on coordinating the breath with movement enables a flow and efficiency of movement. By generating Yogic Fire, Asana move from physical exercises to Sadhana. This enables the practitioner to realize the true quality of an asana and practice as the Rishis intended.
