Yoga’s Bridge from the External to the Internal

When we begin a yoga class these days, we are most often introduced first to the practice of the 3rd and 4th limbs of yoga, Asana (postures) and Pranayama (breath regulation). The first 2 foundational limbs of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas, along with their obstacles and remedies, are approached individually and intellectually outside of our studios more than through explicit practices. Asana and Pranayama draw most modern practitioners to yoga, having clear benefits for body and mind, providing a balance of strength and flexibility and relief from general life stress. Many of these benefits can be found within the bulk of “Light on Yoga” by BKS Iyengar in the “Effects” sections following each asana. However, sooner or later, to become “practitioners” of yoga, and not just “doers” of postures, we need to cross the bridge from external practices and surface level benefits to get to the very internalized last limbs of yoga. 

It is within the entire 8 limbed practice of yoga that we will be drawn closer to the ultimate goal of yoga, the union of our external self with our True Divine Nature, bringing the experience of undisturbed consciousness. So how do we utilize Asana and Pranayama as the external bridge toward the more internal effects and practices of yoga? BKS Iyengar’s coverage of these two aspects of practice within the Introduction to “Light on Yoga” show very clearly the depth to be experienced beyond those at the surface that seem more obvious to us. I love the way he describes asana within the context of his entire theme for the Introduction, with emphasis on finding our connection with and love of the whole of creation. The Yamas and Niyamas are supported by the love of the Divine and all that we encounter in the world. And, through that Divine and Universal love of ALL, we uplift our own individual spirit within Asana and Pranayama as well.

“The yogi realises that his life and all its activities are part of the divine action in nature, manifesting and operating in the form of man. In the beating of his pulse and the rhythm of his respiration, he recognizes the flow of the seasons and the throbbing of universal life.”

This is why so many asanas are named after – and even imitate the form of – flora and fauna, and embody stories of sages that uplift the strong and the wise. As we strive to unite in form with so much of creation, we nurture the union that is yoga – our outer nature and inner nature merging into one. 

“Whilst performing asanas the yogi’s body assumes many forms resembling a variety of creatures. His mind is trained not to despise any creature, for he knows that throughout the whole gamut of creation, from the lowliest insect to the most perfect sage, there breathes the same Universal Spirit, which assumes innumerable forms.”

This Universal Spirit that runs through all of creation in the form of energy is referred to as prana (life’s energy). Prana is accessed and manipulated by any practitioner through control and elongation of all parts of the breath – inhalation, exhalation, and retention. The exploration and experimentation with our individual breath connects us directly to our mind and senses, becoming a powerful tool to touch our nervous system, emotional states, and provides guidance to overcome obstacles encountered in the foundational aspects of yoga – moral precepts and individual disciplines. Each inhalation and exhalation are the mantra (repetitive prayer) of life, counting out the time-span of a yogi’s life.

“Therefore, the yogi masters the science of the breath and by the regulation and control of the breath, he controls the mind and stills its constant movement.”

To still the constant movement of the mind is the very definition of yoga, and it is the practices of yoga that help us piece apart our many-layered embodiment.

“Where does the body end and the mind begin? Where does the mind end and the spirit begin? They cannot be divided as they are inter-related and but different aspects of the same all-pervading divine consciousness.”

The more external practices of Asana and Pranayama peel away layers that mask our True Divine Nature and draw us closer to the “cosmic breath of the Universal Spirit”.  The next limb of yoga, Pratyahara, draws the disciplined mind and senses even more inward. The Introduction to “Light on Yoga” reading on the 5th limb of yoga gives us the guidance we need to understand what we are seeing.