Asana

Asana

a stable body position in which yogis can control prana, mind, and feelings 

There is a big amount of asanas, but all of them lead to the qualitative development of siddhasana, padmasana, and others in which dhyana can be easily performed. The term "sukham", which is used by Maharishi Patanjali, as applied to the concept of asana, means "kha" – space, "su" – good; good space. This is a combination of body position, energy and consciousness, which automatically leads to a state of dhyana, pranayama, etc. Therefore, it is desirable to distinguish the concept of "asana", which is implied in the sacred texts and asana used to describe training exercises, which often carry only a healing effect.

Asanas reflect the origin of the Universe, its basic elements, their varieties and combinations. It is believed that there are as many asanas as living beings and Shiva knows them all, since he is them.

Another meaning of the word "asana" is the underlay on which the practitioner sits; may also refer to the place where sadhana is performed, see asana (place).