Abide as Self(awareness)
Hanumantha Rao Kolusu MD MBI.
Healthcare Executive | CWO | Founder Be A Pal,LLC | Holistic Wellness Advocate
Real Asana is to Abide as the Self
In the world of yoga, the term asana is often associated with postures and the physical practice that we see in studios, gyms, and online classes. Yet, at its core, asana is much more than a physical exercise; it is a profound journey towards inner stillness and self-realization. Today, let’s delve into the essence of asana beyond its physical representation and explore what it truly means to "abide as the Self."
The Real Meaning of Asana
The word "asana" originates from Sanskrit, where it simply means "seat" or "to sit." In classical yoga, asana was understood as a steady and comfortable position that prepares the body and mind for meditation. Patanjali, the great sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras, defines asana as a posture that is "steady and comfortable" (Sthira Sukham Asanam). His definition suggests that asana isn’t just about perfecting the physical form; rather, it is about cultivating inner stability and ease.
This perspective of asana is beautifully reflected in traditional yogic teachings, where the goal of practice is not flexibility or strength but rather the ability to remain centered and unwavering, regardless of external circumstances. True asana means to sit firmly in one's own being — to rest in the very essence of who we are beyond the fluctuations of mind and the demands of the physical body.
Abiding as the Self: The Essence of Yoga
In Advaita Vedanta and other Eastern philosophies, the Self (Atman) is the pure consciousness that underlies all of our experiences. It is that silent, unchanging witness to our thoughts, emotions, and actions. When we identify too closely with the body, mind, and external world, we lose connection with this fundamental Self, becoming entangled in the ups and downs of life. To abide as the Self, then, is to rest in our true nature and experience a deep sense of peace, unity, and inner freedom.
Yoga teaches that our true Self is beyond the physical. The physical postures (asanas) are but tools to help us prepare the body, calm the mind, and align our awareness with that unchanging Self within. Real asana is achieved not in any specific pose but in the ability to maintain this awareness of our Self — a space where the mind is still, and the heart is at peace.
Why Abiding as the Self Is the Highest Asana
When we practice physical asanas, we are learning to focus, breathe, and create harmony within our body. However, asana in its truest form transcends the physical. It calls us to abide as the witness — the Self — without attachment to thoughts or emotions. This awareness of Self becomes our "seat," and the more we rest here, the more we realize that we are not our body, not our thoughts, not our emotions. We are something beyond, something infinite.
The mind and body are subject to change, but the Self remains ever-present, untouched by time, space, or circumstances. The ultimate goal of asana, therefore, is not to accomplish an external form but to realize our inner formless nature.
As the Bhagavad Gita poetically puts it, "He who is unmoved by the changes of the mind, who remains stable and steady in both joy and sorrow, is a true yogi." Real asana is this inner stability, the stillness that comes from recognizing and abiding as the Self.
How Can We Practice "Abiding as the Self" in Daily Life?
The beauty of abiding as the Self is that it doesn’t require any special posture or place. Here are a few ways to bring this practice into daily life:
The Journey of Yoga: From Doing to Being
In the journey of yoga, the external form of asana is often where we begin, but it is not the destination. As we practice and deepen our understanding, we learn that real asana lies in simply being — in knowing ourselves as the awareness in which all things arise and fall. This is a state of profound surrender, where the "doer" fades away, and we find ourselves resting in pure presence.
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By abiding as the Self, we experience the essence of yoga — union with our true nature, untouched by the limitations of the body or the fluctuations of the mind. This is real freedom, the freedom to be unconditionally at peace, no matter what life brings.
Final Thoughts
Real asana is a state of inner alignment, where we experience the joy of simply being. When we abide as the Self, we enter into the heart of yoga, where all striving ceases, and we find ourselves embraced by the boundless peace that lies within.
In the end, asana is not something we do; it is a state of resting in our true nature. The next time you step onto your mat or take a moment to breathe and be, remember that the real practice is to abide as the Self — steady, still, and deeply connected to the essence of who you truly are.
As we each deepen our awareness of this inner Self, may we find peace that transcends the temporary and joy that springs from within, guiding us towards a life of purpose, presence, and profound unity with all that is.
Dr. Rao Kolusu MD MBI
CEO, Be A Pal, LLC
Call 563 357 8786
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