On practice

Yoga Sutras 2.46

Source: verified public-domain translation.

Original text

स्थिरसुखमासनम् ॥

Transliteration

sthira-sukham āsanam

Translation

“Posture is that which is steady and easy.”

Translation · James Haughton Woods

Context

Asana in Patanjali is a seat stable enough for further practice, not a catalogue of modern studio poses. The two qualities are sthira (steady) and sukha (ease).

Related themes

Discipline Equanimity

Commentary

Traditional commentary

Classical Yoga

The body is arranged so the mind can become still. Strain that destroys ease is not the asana Patanjali names.

SVARUPA reflection

Modern interpretation · SVARUPA editorial

A practice seat — including a chair — is enough if you can remain. Heroic discomfort is not the point.

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