== WHICH ONE IS FIRST ==
Namaskar,
I learned one very good point at a seminar program some time ago in our
bhukti. There were some meaningful things I learned; you may be aware of
these things already. But because it was new for me, I thought I will
write them here.
In the asana teaching class, during the point about do's and don'ts, one
point had been discussed which is a significant one. Tandava and
kaoshiki should be done before starting asanas. That means after doing
half-bath and other preparations, first kaoshiki should be done
for a sufficient amount of time (a few minutes) until one gets tired.
And then tandava should be done accordingly. Then after a brief rest,
asanas should be started.
This was all quite new to me.In the past, I was doing the opposite.
First I was doing asanas and then after that kaoshiki and then after that,
tandava. And finally, massage and shavasana. And then, waiting minimum
15-20 minutes. Then if I was hungry, then I used to take food.
I want to make it more clear, what my routine was up till now. Before
starting asana, I usually finish sadhana. Whatever time I dedicate for
that. So first of all sadhana, all the lessons. And then asanas according
to the guideline of acaryas. And finally kaoshiki and tandava. This was my
sequence.
So the new point was, that the practice of dances should be done first -
kaoshikii then tandava - and then asanas. This should be the cycle.
I was not practicing in this fashion, so naturally I was curious. What
is the reason why tandava and kaoshiki should not be done after asanas.
Then Dadaji replied, by asking one margii to read this following rule of
asanas from CC-3, rule #18.
Baba says, "It is not prohibited for the practitioner of asanas to practise
free-hand exercise, running or sports, but just after asanas all these are
prohibited." (CC-3, p.26)
This above asana rule from CC III leads in that direction. The spirit
of this point is that tandava and kaoshiki should not be done after asanas.
Dada continued, "The definition of asana is "Sthir sukham a'sanam": That
is, 'The posture by which one gets composure'.
As, Baba says in Caracarya-3, "Asana means 'a position in which one feels
comfortable - 'Sthirasukhama'sanam.'" (CC-3, p.23)
Describing about asanas Baba says, that if you do some asana, then
remaining in that very posture is not difficult - rather it is calming.
Such is the nature of our asana practice.
Altogether asanas are a practice when the breathing is normal, not very
fast. The limbs are not moving fast. Everything is done in a very calm and
quiet way. It is not like running or jumping, or fast exercise. So two
divisions are there. One is soft exercise like asana. And one is fast like
running and jumping, and many more.
Whatever glandular effect kaoshiki and tandava has, that is a different
issue. But these dances have a different quality than the peace and
tranquillity and smoothness of asanas. Because when doing kaoshiki and
tandava also, the breathing goes very fast and the body gets tired quickly. Whereas
in asana, the practitioner does not get tired. Especially those who practice
asanas regularly realize this fact.
According to the CC-3 rule #18, kaoshiki and tandava should not be done
after asanas. The best is that kaoshiki and tandava, one should practice
prior to asanas. Dada concluded like this.
After listening to this in-depth discussion, I was convinced. Since then I
am practicing kaoshiki-tandava, and then asanas. This sequence I follow.
You may be practicing asanas since 20, 30, or 40 years or more. What is your
experience - what have you been doing?
Baba's teaching is timeless. We should read this following one.
Baba says, "Without attaining all-round purification it is impossible for
a sadhaka to experience real spiritual ideation. On the path of spirituality,
bhava (ideation) is the main factor." (DT-2, p.51)
Namaskar,
Parashram
Note: Dada was also giving the difference between asana and mudra. Asana and
mudra are both soft exercise. But if the posture is difficult, then that
comes in the category of mudra. Just like lotus posture. Padmasana. It is
not mudra. It is an asana. Those who practice can sit for a long time. But,
mudra is completely different. You have to do constant efforts to remain in
mudra. For example, udha'yan mudra. For that you have to constantly pull
your belly inside. It is constant effort. It is not like asana.
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Sadhana Tips
Baba says, "While doing spiritual practices (meditation) when the aspirant
is required to direct his mind toward Parama Purus'a, then one must not
move, or walk, or practice sit-ups, push-ups etc. One's physical body
should be motionless." (APH-5, p. 345)
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