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## Various Asanas and Their Characteristics
**Yoga Shastra, Fourth Light, Verses 123-128**
In the absence of a suitable place, one should choose a place like a cave in a mountain, or a place suitable for meditation, free from women, animals, and eunuchs, for peace of mind. It is also said, "Sadhus should always take refuge in a secluded place, free from the company of young women, eunuchs, cunning people, etc., and especially during meditation, such a place should be chosen."
For those who have stabilized their yoga and whose mind is steady in meditation, there is no difference between a village inhabited by ascetics or a desolate forest. Therefore, the meditator should meditate in a place where there is samadhi in the mind, concentration of the yoga of mind, speech, and body, and which is free from the disturbance of ghosts and beings.
The word "place" here also refers to time by implication. It is said that the time when the highest yoga-samadhi is attained is the best time for meditation. There is no fixed time of day or night for the meditator.
The conclusion is that for the attainment of meditation, the yogi who practices specific asanas should take refuge in a secluded, peaceful, and solitary place. What kind of yogi is he? His characteristics will be described later. || 123 ||
**Now the instructions for the asanas are given:**
|| 450. Paryanka - Vira - Vajrabja - Bhadra - Dandasanani cha. Utkathika - Godohika - Kayotsargastathaasanam || 124 ||
**Meaning:** 1. Paryankasana, 2. Virasana, 3. Vajrasana, 4. Padmasana, 5. Bhadrasana, 6. Dandasana, 7. Utkatikasana, 8. Godohikasana, 9. Kayotsargasana, etc. are the names of the asanas. || 124 ||
**Now the nature of each asana is described in order:**
|| 451. Syajjanghayordhobhaage, padopari krte sati. Paryanko nabhigottaan - dakshinoत्तर - paanikaha || 125 ||
**Meaning:** When the lower part of both thighs is placed on the feet, and the right and left hands are placed above the navel, facing south and north respectively, it is called 'Paryankasana'. || 125 ||
**Meaning:**
The eternal Jina-images and Sri Mahavira Bhagwan were in this Paryankasana at the time of their Nirvana. Patanjali has described the state of falling asleep with the arms stretched out as Paryankasana. || 125 ||
**Now the nature of Virasana is described:**
|| 452. Vamo'hrirdakshinoorudva - vamorupari dakshinaha. Kriyate yatra tadvirochitam virasanam smritam || 126 ||
**Meaning:** The asana in which the left foot is placed on the right thigh and the right foot on the left thigh is called Virasana, the asana suitable for heroes. || 126 ||
This asana is suitable for Tirthankaras and other heroic men, not for cowards. Some people also call Virasana Padmasana, describing it as a similar posture with both hands placed forward. Placing one foot on one thigh is called Ardhapadmasana. || 126 ||
**Now the characteristics of Vajrasana are described:**
**Meaning:**
|| 453. Prushte vajraakritibhute dorbhyam virasane sati. Grihniyat padayoryatraangusthau vajrasanam tu tat || 127 ||
After performing the previously mentioned Virasana, when both hands are placed behind, forming a diamond shape, and the thumbs of both feet are grasped with both hands, the posture that is formed is called Vajrasana. || 127 ||
Many Acharyas also call it Vaitalasana. According to another opinion, the characteristics of Virasana are described:
|| 454. Simhasanaadhirudhasyasanaapanayena sati. Tathaivaavasthitiryataamanye virasanam viduh || 128 ||
**Meaning:**
If a man is sitting on a throne with his feet on the ground, and the throne is removed from behind, the posture that is formed is called 'Virasana'. The Siddhantakars have described this asana in the context of Kayakleshatapa. || 128 ||
1. Those who talk about meditation collectively should think about this. How can meditation happen in a group?
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