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RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

How to Sit for Meditation — Asana

Can hatha yoga help you meditate deeply?

The third step of Patanjali’s Eightfold path is called asana, meaning how to sit with stillness. It also refers to yoga postures (asanas). The postures of hatha yoga help develop the strength and flexibility needed for meditation. Sitting for meditation in a still and comfortable manner promotes the easy movement of energy up and down the spine.

Asana also means the way you stand and move through life. Explore meditation positions and other tips which enhance your ability to go deep.

All Yogas

Relate to Others with Peace and Confidence

The practice of hatha yoga improves the ability to meditate with a straight, comfortable back so that energy can easily move up and down the spine. Through yoga practices and postures, one can develop the faculty of being still and comfortable in meditation. The ability to sit straight and still allows one’s awareness to go beyond the body during meditation.

Asana also means being honorable in your relationships with others. It is living with the concept:  The harmony of body, mind and spirit lives and expresses through me in all my relationships. Yoga practice helps you become a more aware, competent human being. You are able to relate to others with the peace and confidence found in meditation.

  • Through the practice of hatha yoga one improves in the ability to meditate
  • Yogis seek to meditate with an erect back, free of strain, allowing energy to easily move up and down the spine
  • Sitting still in meditation helps one’s awareness to go beyond the body
  • There are seated positions which help one go deep in meditation
  • Another meaning of asana is being honorable in all relationships with others
  • Doing postures and meditating on a mat made of natural fibers such as wool, cotton or silk is highly recommended

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