Definition

1. Noun:
   • (In yoga) A physical posture or pose: A specific bodily position, often held for a period of time, that is a fundamental component of the practice of yoga.
   • (In Hinduism) A posture or manner of sitting: A seated position, particularly one used for meditation or spiritual practice.

Usage

• The word "asana" is used to name a specific yoga pose (e.g., , ).
• It is used to describe the third limb of the eight-limbed path (Ashtanga Yoga) outlined by Patanjali, referring to the practice of physical postures for steadiness and ease.
• It is typically used in the context of yoga practice, instruction, or philosophy.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The instructor guided the class into the downward-facing dog asana.
  • A steady and comfortable asana is the foundation for meditation.
  • She practiced several standing asanas to build strength and balance.

Advanced Usage

• "To hold an asana": To maintain a yoga pose for a certain duration.
  • The key is to hold the asana with focus and relaxed breath.
• "To flow through asanas": To move smoothly from one yoga pose to another, as in Vinyasa yoga.
  • The class flowed through a series of sun salutation asanas.

Variants and Related Words

• Asanas (n, plural): The plural form of "asana," referring to multiple postures.
  • The sequence included challenging asanas and gentle stretches.

Synonyms

• Yoga pose: A more general, modern term for an asana.
• Posture: A position of the body, though not specific to yoga.
• Stance: A way of standing, which can be analogous to a standing asana.

Related Phrases

• Asana practice: The regular performance of yoga postures.
  • Her daily asana practice begins at sunrise.
• Seated asana: A category of postures performed while sitting.
  • Seated asanas are often used for pranayama (breath control).

Notes

• In classical yoga philosophy (as described in Patanjali's ), "asana" specifically refers to a steady, comfortable seated posture for meditation. In modern Hatha yoga, the term has expanded to include all physical postures.
• The names of many asanas end with the suffix "-asana" (e.g., - Warrior Pose, - Child's Pose).

Noun

1. (Hinduism) a posture or manner of sitting (as in the practice of yoga)