01/10/2026
“It is not right to perform asana according to one’s pliability and mobility. One has to mould the body to the asana and not the asana to fit into the body. It is not ethical to do the asana to one’s individual convenience. Constant study and trial is needed to educate and mould the limbs of the body to fit into the right frame of each posture.
Know the structure, process and functions of an asana and how it interfaces with the body, mind and self. In each asana one has to feel the flow of intelligence and consciousness from the periphery of the body towards the centre - the atman- and from the atman towards the periphery. Asana is not a posture where one mindlessly and mechanically scrambles in and out.
First, one has to figure the structure of an asana and realise the basic or fundamental points by conatively spacing the structural or anatomical body through adjustment and arrangement of the limbs for placement in the movements, then one has to mould the body to fit into the structure of the asana. Resistance and movement should move in concord. Distribution of weight should be even in the muscles, bones, joints , mind and intelligence.
Trim the jewel of the body like a well-cut diamond by creating space in joints, muscles and skin so that the network of the body fits into the asana.”
BKS Iyengar
Astadala Yogamala
Vol 2 Cô Lâm
