Meditation postures
RELAXATION IN MEDITATION POSTURES
Some people sometimes asked whether there are other relaxation postures besides that of lying on one’s back and whether a true Yogi can relax while standing or sitting. The Raja-Yogis distinguish between four so-called meditational postures. These are the three classical forms of sitting cross-legged; namely the Lotus posture (padma-asana) and its two variations, the Perfected posture (siddha-asana) and the Heroic posture (vira-asana). The fourth is strangely enough the Headstand (shirsha-asana). The course of discipline of the Raj a-Yogi demands of him that he should be able to remain in any of these four postures for about three hours.
It is clear that few students will ever be able to do this. They will have to be satisfied with relaxing on their back. Even in India the beginner is recommended to assume this position. One reads sometimes that the Headstand is practiced in order to relax. It would be more correct to call it a kind of refreshment, for deep relaxation is impossible in any position which requires continual balance, as one can never be completely passive and relax all the muscles. Of course partial relaxation can also be of great benefit. One question remains to be answered: Can relaxation be dangerous ? All I can say is that deep relaxation is probably the only human activity from which no one has ever died.
Notes: Relaxation teaches us to treat ourselves kindly. The student will find out that this does not come quickly. Setbacks are likely to occur. The most difficult pupils are those who do not even recognize that they are maltreating themselves. It is a common mistake among Western students not to protect their bodies after relaxation. It can be dangerous to take a cold shower or bath or expose oneself to draught.
