YOGASANA by Leelananda Wicrmarachchi

With the evaluation and development of society the problems face by the man is getting complications resulting man is detaching more and more from natural world and immersing in to an artificial world. The problems facing by the man who will be living in the created physical world has been foreseen by Yogi Munis, Saints and Sages through their meditating minds. They have preached the doctrines acceptable to the time and space to overcome these puzzles. These doctrines could be defined as Yoga teaching.

These teachings were scattered as different schools of Yoga thoughts in India in early stages The present book explains the principle of the philosophy of Yoga developed by the “Pathanjali Maha rishi” which is known as “Ashtanga” Yoga. A brief description of eight elements of “Ashtanga” Yoga namely, Yama,

Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Praththyahara , Dharana, Dhyana Samadhi incorporated to the present book. Furthermore, ten aspects of yama and Niyama are also included to present book.

These Yoga principles may helps the reader to find solutions for the day to day problems are confronted with. Therefore, it is encouraged to read the materials carefully, by the reader to understand and practice the basic principles of yoga for a flourishing future. Present day only the third element of the Ashtanga Yoga, the seating position and exercises are identified as Yoga and popular as recreational exercises. However practicing only the seating position may lead to complications and unusual muscle pain in the physical body. Therefor we strongly advise you to read the instructions given in the present book carefully, and then go through the procedures which are to be adhered prior to practicing seating exercises. Thereafter Yoga seating positions could be practice and go through the Yoga exercises methodically as explained in relevant chapters of this book. Yoga Exercises needs an appropriate balance between body and the mind. In addition the Yoga practitioner should have a good understanding of the rhythm of the respiration tact; the breathing exercises are essential to achieve this coordination. The present book deals with the exercises which are to be followed to achieve this task. It is also advisable to lay down on a yoga mat on upright position to perform the recommended exercises.

There are several important aspects in yoga practices related to Yoga Mudra and meditating postures. What is more important here is the unification or balancing of body and mind. Then awareness and openness of “Nadi” paths or pulses of the human body is to be followed. Finally we should attempt to avail the ability to concentrate the energy scattered in the human body to facilitate the energy flow. This helps to entangle with external world. Number of mudras were provided in the science of Yoga to achieve this state In Yoga asana exercises it is important for the practitioner to well understand above facts.