01
Sthira and Sukha
Sthira is firmness/stability; Sukha is comfort/ease. The posture must embody both. If there is pain, the mind remains trapped in somatic feedback loops.
Scope of Investigation
In classical yoga, Asana is defined not as dynamic gymnastics, but as a stable, comfortable seat ('Sthira-sukham asanam'). By aligning the skeletal frame, muscle activity is minimized, allowing the body to be forgotten.
Guided Steps & Practice
1
Establish the Base (Padmasana or Sukhasana)
Sit on a cushion with crossed legs, hips elevated higher than the knees. Keep the pelvis tilted slightly forward to maintain the natural curve of the lower back.
2
Align the Spine and Neck
Align the head directly over the heart, and the heart over the pelvis. Keep shoulders rolled back and relaxed. Gently tuck the chin in to align the cervical spine.
3
Stillness of the Gaze (Drishti)
Close the eyes gently or rest them at a 45-degree angle downward. Allow the eyes to rest in a soft, non-focusing gaze to quiet visual processing.
02
Somatic De-concentration
Once the physical alignment is locked, the practitioner releases muscle tension, transferring weight to the skeletal support, quietening the motor cortex.
Key Thinkers
Recommended Readings
Yoga Sutras of PatanjaliPatanjali