A Perfect Pose

As I start this new series of featured poses I thought it important to highlight the ultimate goal of all our asanas - connecting our body and mind with our soul. This is best described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

prayatna saithilya ananta samapattibhyam (II.47)

Perfection in an asana is achieved when the effort to perform it becomes effortless and the infinite being within (the soul) is reached.

The sadhaka can be considered firm in his postures when persevering effort is no longer needed. In this stability, he grasps the physiology of each asana and penetrates within, reaching the minutest parts of the body. Then he gains the art of relaxation, maintaining the firmness and extension of the body and consciousness... In yoga we are on a razor's edge and in asana, perfection must be attained through perseverance, alertness and insight. Without these we remain dull and make no progress... When the sadhaka has reached that state of balance, attention, extension, diffusion and relaxation take place simultaneously in body and intelligence, and they merge in the seat of the soul.

tatah dvandvah anabhighatah (II.48)

From then on, the sadhaka is undisturbed by dualities.

The effect of asana is to put an end to the dualities or differentiation between the body and mind, mind and soul... This is perfection in action and freedom in consciousness.

Reference, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by BKS Iyengar