2. Asana Asana: Asana practice is a component of Classical Hatha Yoga and also Raja Yoga. In the Raja Yoga system, asana refers to the sitting meditative posture only, but in Hatha Yoga it means something more. Asana: Asana practice is a component of Classical Hatha Yoga and also Raja Yoga. In the Raja Yoga system, asana refers to the sitting meditative posture only, but in Hatha Yoga it means something more. Asana is a specific body position, which helps to open the energy channels (nadis) and can even have a mild influence on the psychic energy centers known as the chakras. Asana is a specific body position, which helps to open the energy channels (nadis) and can even have a mild influence on the psychic energy centers known as the chakras. Asanas initiate a process through which purification and control of the body takes place by restructuring the pranic flow. Asanas initiate a process through which purification and control of the body takes place by restructuring the pranic flow.

3. Foremost important Asanas are: Siddhasana or Siddha Yoni Asana (Adepts pose) and Padmasana (Lotus pose) Foremost important Asanas are: Siddhasana or Siddha Yoni Asana (Adepts pose) and Padmasana (Lotus pose) Additional asanas up to 82 or more are also recommended Additional asanas up to 82 or more are also recommended The Classical Ancient Hatha Yoga Texts are: The Classical Ancient Hatha Yoga Texts are: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gherand Samhita, Hathratnavali, Shiva Satarka. A great contempory Classical Hatha Yoga Text is: A great contempory Classical Hatha Yoga Text is: Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

4. Pranayama Pranayama: Classically Pranayama is commenced after ones body has been prepared through Asana and one has commenced to moderate and purify the diet. Pranayama: Classically Pranayama is commenced after ones body has been prepared through Asana and one has commenced to moderate and purify the diet. Prana is a force in constant motion. Prana is the vital life force and pranayama is the process by which the internal pranic store is increased or expanded. Pranayama is comprised by the words prana and ayama, which means” pranic capacity or length”. Prana is a force in constant motion. Prana is the vital life force and pranayama is the process by which the internal pranic store is increased or expanded. Pranayama is comprised by the words prana and ayama, which means” pranic capacity or length”. Pranayama is a technique through which the quantity of prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency or rate of vibration. Pranayama is a technique through which the quantity of prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency or rate of vibration.

5. Conclusion Asana and pranayama practice are integral components of a good yoga session or class. These components of a Yoga class offer almost an endless challenge for the student especially pranayama 5 Minute Quiz, feedback and handout

6. References Saraswati, Swami Muktibodhananda & Swami Satyananda: Commentary of Saraswati, Swami Muktibodhananda & Swami Satyananda: Commentary of Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Yogi Swatmarama, Bihar School of Yoga Munger, Bihar, India, 1985 Saraswati, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Swami Satyananda Kundalini Tantra Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India, 1984 Saraswati, Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, Swami Niranjanananda Prana Pranayama Pranavidya Bihar School of Yoga Munger, Bihar, India, 1994 Saraswati, Swami Satyananda Saraswati, Swami Satyananda Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha Bihar School of Yoga, Munger, Bihar, India, 1966