Common requirements, hints & cautions for the practice of yogasanas
- The qualities required for an aspirant are discipline, faith, tenacity and perseverance to practise regularly without interruptions.
- The best time to practise yoga is either early in the morning or late in the evening. But if time not permits one can practice at any time.
- Never attempt advanced āsanas without having first evacuated the bowels and bladder.
- Those people who are not able to evacuate their bowels can start with Śīrṣāsana, Sarvāngāsana and their variations.
- Āsanas should preferably be done on an empty stomach. Allow at least four hours after a heavy meals, but one can practice āsanas without any discomfort one hour after a very light meal. Food may be taken half an hour after completing the āsanas.
- It is better to take a bath before and after practising āsanas.
- No undue strain should be felt in the facial muscles, ears and eyes or in breathing during the practice.
- Breathing should be done through nose only but not with mouth. Do not restrain the breath while in the process of the āsana or while holding the posture.
- After the completion of āsanas lie down in the savasana for at least 5 to 15 minutes for rest.
- The place of āsanas must be clean and peaceful.
- A blanket or a mat should be spread on the ground chosen for āsanas.
- Never talk while doing āsanas.
- No jerks should be given to the body while doing āsanas.