In the realm of yoga practice, advanced āsanas often spark both fascination and fear. Yet, as Geeta Iyengar explains in “Yoga: A Gem for Women,” these complex postures serve a profound purpose beyond mere physical achievement. “Not only are they helpful in making the inner organs stronger and healthier, but they help develop strength of character, stability, intellectual clarity, and a poised personality as well.”
“The complicated asanas in this sense make you go further with that depth,” Geeta explains. These poses aren’t meant to showcase physical prowess but rather to cultivate deeper awareness and transform consciousness. As she emphasizes, “These asanas are not meant for the body but for the consciousness to penetrate within.”
The Journey Through Advanced Postures
Take Vṛścikāsana (Scorpion Pose), for example. Beyond its impressive physical form, where “the body is balanced on the forearms and the spine is curved backwards,” the pose carries profound philosophical significance. Geeta explains that through this pose, the practitioner learns “there is no difference between the head and the foot as the Self exists all over the body. This helps to develop humility and calmness.”
Challenging common misconceptions, Geeta asserts that advanced poses need not be abandoned after marriage or with age. Instead, she emphasizes that “the more intensive movements have a better and more intensive effect on the entire system than do the milder ones.”
The Practice of Tapas
Advanced āsanas embody the concept of tapas (disciplined practice). As Geeta explains, “Tapas means penance. Therefore, whatever endeavour has been undertaken has to be continued irrespective of what may happen, irrespective of the circumstances.” This disciplined approach burns away impurities and transforms consciousness.
“The fear complex makes one half-dead,” Geeta observes. Advanced poses challenge us to face these fears. “You need tremendous courage to do the advanced asanas, face those injuries and come out from that injury.” This courage isn’t just physical—it’s a gateway to deeper self-understanding.
Whether it’s Yoganidrāsana with its deep spinal extension, Kapotāsana’s heart-opening backbend, or Vṛścikāsana’s profound balance, each advanced pose offers unique opportunities for growth. These poses demand complete attention, precise alignment, and unwavering focus, developing not just physical capabilities but mental clarity and spiritual awareness.
“You have to build yourself up slowly and properly,” Geeta advises. “We are not super humans!” The journey to advanced poses requires patience, wisdom, and proper guidance. Each step builds upon the last, creating a solid foundation for deeper practice.
The Ultimate Purpose
Advanced āsanas serve as tools for profound transformation. They challenge our limitations, both physical and mental, while teaching us about our true capabilities. As Geeta reminds us, “You can penetrate the inner sheaths of the body, from the skin to the soul, only with intense and courageous practice.”
Through dedicated practice of advanced poses, we discover that the real achievement isn’t in the external form but in the internal transformation they facilitate. These poses become mirrors reflecting our fears, limitations, and ultimately, our potential for growth and understanding.
Remember, as Geeta emphasizes, the question isn’t whether we need these poses, but rather how we use them to cultivate deeper awareness and understanding. Through this lens, advanced āsanas become not just physical challenges but gateways to profound self-discovery and transformation.
