Book 4 (Part I)

24 Again, Sankhya says, “Posture is that which is steady and easy.” And again, “any posture which is steady and easy is an Asana; there is no other rule.” Any posture will do. In a sense this is true, because any posture becomes uncomfortable sooner or later. The steadiness and easiness mark a definite attain- ment, as will be explained later on. Hindu books, such as the “Shiva Sanhita,” give countless postures; many, perhaps most of them, im- possible for the average adult European. Others insist that the head, neck, and spine should be kept vertical and straight, for reasons connected with the subject of Prana, which will be dealt with in its proper place. The positions illustrated in Liber E (Equinox I and VII) form the best guide.1 The extreme of Asana is practised by those Yogis who remain in one position without moving, except in the case of absolute neces— 1 Here are four: 1. Sit in a chair; head up, back straight, knees together, hands on knees, eyes closed. (“The God.”) 2. Kneel; buttocks resting on the heels, toes turned back, back and head straight, hands on thighs. (“ The Dragon.’ ’) _ 3. Stand; hold left ankle with right hand (and alternately practise right ankle in left hand, etc.), free forefinger on lips. (“ The Ibis”) 4. Sit; left heel pressing up anus, right foot poised on its toes, the heel covering the phallus; arms stretched out over the knees: head and back straight. (“The Thunderbolt.”)