Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926
Yoga-sutras 2.47, English translation with modern and ancient interpretation. The Patanjali Yogasutras describe an ancient Indian tradition spanning over 5000 years old dealing with Yoga:—Meditating the mind on the Atma leading to the realization of self. This study interprets the Yogasutras in light of both ancient and modern commentaries (e.g., Vyasa and Osho) while supporting both Sankhya and Vedanta philosophies.
Sūtra 2.47
Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 2.47:
प्रयत्नशैथिल्यानन्तसमापत्तिभ्याम् ॥ २.४७ ॥
prayatnaśaithilyānantasamāpattibhyām || 2.47 ||
(47) By relaxation of effort and meditation on the infinite (āsanas are perfected).
Ancient and Modern interpretation:
Araṇya explains,[1] that when a posture is practised for some time, pain will be felt in various parts of body.It disappears with realaxation and meditation on infinite. When mind is fused with the posture, one meditates on same and generates equilibrium of body and mind.
Āsanas increase the flexibility of the body and also reduce body fat.The most important benefit of same is to retain the flexibility of spinal cord. In modern day lifestyle, āsanas play very important role in maintaining the overall health of body. Hence, they are also used for therapy purpose as they impact greatly on various anatomical systems such as respiratory system, nervous system, digestive system etc.There is lot of scientific research done on the same.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Araṇya, op.cit., p.229