Foundations · Reading
Asana
The third limb: a seat that is steady and at ease.
Awaiting subject reviewWritten from our source material and not yet checked by a teacher of this practice. Read it as reference, and learn the practice from someone who teaches it.
Philosophy
Patanjali gives asana a single sutra: sthira sukham asanam, the seat is steady and comfortable. He means the posture in which one sits to meditate.
The Hatha tradition developed many postures, and modern practice many more. The definition still serves for all of them. A pose is right when it is steady, so it can be held, and at ease, so the breath and mind are free.
Further reading
- Yoga Sutras 2.46
Practices
Sources and tradition
- YOG Union App Content Map, 2 November 2026, pp. 2–3
- Patanjali, Yoga Sutras, 2.46