“Yoga Sūtra Chapter One verse 2 is a Lakṣaṇa Sūtra in that it
describes the characteristics of Yoga as Citta Vṛtti Nirodha.”
– TKV Desikachar

“The mind has the characteristics that make other things possible.
To develop tendencies or Saṃskāra.
The mind can also adapt and change or Pariṇāma.
Saṃskāra is the opposite of Pariṇāma.”
– TKV Desikachar on Sāṃkhya and Yoga

“The Āsana in which you sit can alter the characteristics of the breath.”
– TKV Desikachar 1980

“Forward Bends are back stretching Āsana in terms of Bhāvana.
Thus in Paścimatāna Āsana one of the foci is on avoiding pushing
from the lower back as you bend forward.
Thus move forward from the abdominal area by drawing it back,
to encourage the lower back to respond by lengthening.
If we push from the lower back in forward bends,
such as Paścimatānāsana, it can tighten this area,
thus inhibiting the focus on the quality of the Apāna Lakṣaṇa,
as well as transferring stress to the sacrum, hips and hamstrings.”

“As a teacher it can be helpful to consider Āsana as
vehicles to transmit the fundamental principles of practice.
For example a cardinal principle of practice is that Āsana
have a primary and a secondary aspect within their Lakṣana.
Thus we must inquire into what is the primary aspect in this Āsana,
and what is the secondary aspect in this particular Āsana?
The idea is to maintain the integrity of the primary characteristics.
Thus we may need to compromise the secondary characteristics.
For example in Uttānāsana to sustain the primary work in the spine
we can consider a secondary compromise by releasing the knees.”

Links to Related Posts:

• A sample Parivṛtti and Paścimatāna Themed Group Practice
• Guidelines for skilful dynamics within the performance of Vīrabhadrāsana……
• Nāma, Rūpa, Lakṣana – The Name, Form and Characteristics of Āsana
• The teaching of Krishnamacharya around Āsana included an in-depth appreciation of the Lakṣaṇa……
• The Viniyoga of Āsana Part 5 of 15 – Common Points within the Variables in Āsana Practice
• The Viniyoga of Inversion as an Āsana or as a Mudrā……