The energy that supports life is Prana, which is in every living creature. When this is balanced we enjoy health. Yoga practice is about being so aware that we notice imbalances and do postures to bring harmony.
Prana, like all energies; light, sound, magnetism, electricity, etc; travels in waves from plus to minus. To regulate the Prana, “Ha-Tha” Yoga came into being, which is to do with the understanding of these plus (positive) and minus (negative) aspects, symbolised by “Ha –> Sun” and “Tha –> Moon”. The exact meaning is to discover how to act and be passive at the same time. Practically speaking, doing the pose and being relaxed while doing it.
Struggling is the action where there is the one who is trying. And learning how to relax while trying is what actually balances the Pranic forces. Thus a balance between energies of holding on and letting go. Holding the attention on certain areas to make the necessary action in the pose however not creating tensions at the same time.
Teachings of the Bhagavadgita are in fact just about this. Making actions without the desire for its fruits. Doing what is necessary in life but renouncing achievement. That kind of action is not creating attachment, which disturbs the balance of the Prana.
Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre
Yoga Master Teacher Sharat Arora
Sikinos Island, Greece, 29 August 2015
