Sunday, July 27, 2008

Savasana

"Sava" means "dead body" in Sanskrit. To practice this asana, one should lie motionless on the floor like as dead body in order to secure complete relaxation of all parts of his body and remove tensions, both physical and mental.

Sequence:
1. Select a quiet and well-ventilated place.
2. Spread your carpet on a firm and flat surface.
3. Wear only minimum clothing.
4. Lie flat on your back at full length.
5. Rest your head in a comfortable position with the face turned upwards.
6. Stretch out your legs at full length.
7. Legs should be kept sufficiently apart.
8. Keep the knees slightly flexed.
9. Extend the arms fully and rest them lightly on their respective sides with the hands about a foot away from the thighs.
10. Palms should be turned upwards and fingers slightly curled.
11. Allow your mouth to fall open slightly.
12. Drop your chin and let your lower jaw sag a little.
13. Allow your teeth to part a little.
14. Close your eyes gently.
15. Breathe naturally through the nose and do not attempt to regulate your breathing.
16. Lie perfectly still like a corpse and persuade all your muscles to relax completely.
17. Relax your mind by freeing it from immediate cares, conflicts, worries and fears.
18. As you relax, allow your mind to run over every part and organ of your body from head to toe. Get a picture of each part in your mind and 'let go' without any conscious effort.
19. If there are any parts of your body that still feel taut, relax them by releasing the muscles.
20. Be aware of only your breath and follow its rhythm until you lose consciousness of your body. 21. As you regain consciousness of the body, take a few deep breaths.
22. Join your legs slowly and bring back your arms to their respective sides.
23. Open your eyes gently.
24. Stretch your limbs and get up slowly to the sitting position and then to the standing position.

Caution:
1. Do not practice under glaring light.
2. Always relax on a firm and flat surface.
3. Do not yawn at any stage of the practice.
4. Do not keep your hands under your head or on your chest.

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