The purpose of Asana

The purpose of Asana

The Yoga Sutra
Verse III.47, “Rupa Lavanya bala vajra samhananatvani kayasampat”
The effect of asana is perfected body which has beauty and grace and strength

As we move into an asana (posture) we start to create and generate energy and when we stay in that pose our energy can then organize and distribute throughout the body, creating harmony and balance within the entire system

Asana improves posture, develops health and efficiency of internal organs, creates more space in the 

body, enhances and conserves prana, detoxes the body and mind and allows clarity in thought.  

Quoted from “How Yoga Works”, Roach and McNally, ‘You are knocking on the pipes from outside’.  This metaphor tells us that we can cleanse and move stagnant energy and toxins through actively and consciously moving through our yoga sequence each day.

Iyengar says that it is a feeling where there is an integration of body, mind, senses and intelligence and the sense of ‘I’ no longer exists.

The Yoga postures are introduced in the Yoga Sutra in verse II.46
“Sthira Sukham asanam” 
Asana is the perfect firmness of body, steadiness of intelligence and benevolence of spirit.
Verse II.47, “Prayatna saithilya Ananta samapattibhyam”
Perfection in asana is reached only when effort no longer exists, and the infinite being is reached. Merging with the seer.
Verse II.48 “Tatah dvandvah anabhighatah”
From then on, the sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) is undisturbed by dualities

Iyengar translates this sutra to describe the effect that asana has when performed properly and consistently.  It puts an end to the dualities of body/mind and mind/soul.  This can also be described as coming to a place where the yogi is experiencing loss of identity with ego and a freedom in consciousness where one will see beyond dualities, such as, pleasure and pain, hot and cold, light and dark and so on.