At some recent point, the word Asana, (postures) became synonomous with Yoga.
Asana is a powerful vehicle for transformation, but without the framework of Yoga, it’s exercise, and the benefits are fleeting.
Asana is third on the eight limbed path of Yoga. It comes after the ethical and purifying principles of the Yamas and Niyamas. Ways for a society to live together in harmony.
You see, Yoga is much much more than the postures. It’s a path, a way of life handed down from the ancients. It’s a carefully mapped out way to end suffering and find liberation in our lives.
John Philp was kind enough to send me a copy of his documentary Yoga, Inc. to review for you all. John’s film addresses the sideshow that our national Yoga scene has become, Yoga (asana) competitions, lawsuits, franchises, infideliity and sexual misconduct. Here’s a short clip:
via Asana is one eighth of Yoga, what are your teachers teaching? | Yoga With John dot Com.