The definition of Yoga practice in Yoga Sutras by Patanjali is “the cessation of the mental thought waves” (yogacittavrittinirodha) In other words, yoga is a way to bring our mind and life to reach evenness and calm the monkey mind.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is one of the most detailed manuals describing the techniques of Hatha Yoga. It was written by Yogi Swatmarama, known as the Goraksha Samhita. Most importantly, it solves a very great problem faced by every aspirant and discuss Niyama and Yama in the text. Therefore, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika became an important text for Hatha Yoga as it creates a base for Hatha Yoga which yogis are able to reference back in the future. The book includes Asana, Pranayama, Mudra & Buddha, and Samadhi.
What is Asana?
Asana is part of the 8 limbs of Yoga which refers to a yoga pose. Nowadays, most yoga practitioners refer to yoga asana. However, there are more in the yoga practices. Asana is only one of them. In the old days, yoga practice implied a lifestyle or a way of living. In the modern world, most people refer to yoga to physical yoga practice – asana focus. As a result, most of us forget the other part of 8 limbs in yoga.