“Asana in Yoga and un-Yoga“

Asana in Yoga	Asana in un-Yoga
Asana is a steady and comfortable posture (Yoga Sutra, 2-46)	Asana is an exotic type of exercise.
The primary goal of asana is to serve as an object of concentration, which draws attention away from extraneous things and calms the mind. Physical benefits are considered accompanying effect.	Asanas are performed for uncontaminated physical purposes, although “spiritual” proclamations sometimes take place, which does not affect the pure physical style of practice.
Asanas are static by definition, although dynamic versions are sometimes used for beginners.	From static postures performed with overexertion to acrobatic dynamic combinations – all is good that is an exercise.
One should chose asanas based on his physical abilities, and simplify them if necessary.	Asanas should be challenging, you must always strive to do them better!
Simple asanas are preferred due to their inherent comfort.	Performing complex asanas is a goal and an indicator of success.
In asana you should avoid strain, sweat, shortness of breath, any discomfort, and especially pain.	No pain, no gain! Push yourself over the limits!
Relaxation is a key component of asana practice. One should try to relax as much as possible in any asana, and also have brief periods of complete relaxation between asanas.	Usually, there is relaxation at the end of class, but you have to earn it with your hard work! Sometimes even this final relaxation is avoided.
The mental attitude of “doing by not doing” – asana happens almost on its own with no attachment to the outcome.	Results-oriented approach.
Asanas can vary greatly in their exact form, based on individual capabilities. Sequence is chosen individually.	Asanas have strictly fixed forms, often with religious attachment to “perfect alignment”, dogmatic sequences are often promoted, all of which helps to cover up the void of un-Yoga.
Success can be measured by how deeply and how quickly one is immersed in meditative state through asana practice.	Acrobatic-type fitness is considered a measure of success.
Meditation is becoming understood and mastered initially through correct asana practice. There is essentially no difference between deeply relaxed asana practice and beginning stages of meditation.	Meditation is often viewed as something obscure, almost alien. Usually, it is not recommended until one becomes a perfect asana acrobat (which essentially means never). Although sometimes there are pretentious attempts to meditate, which fail due to lack of preparation and experience through correct asana practice.

© Nikolay Dorokhov

(Classical Yoga School of V.Boyko, Russian Federation)