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more difficult practices. This group consists of elementary techniques designed to prepare the body and mind for major and meditation asanas. These practices are in no way inferior to the advanced asanas and are very useful in improving physical health. Included in this group are the pawanmuktasana series, eye exercises, relaxation, premeditation and meditation poses, asanas performed from vajrasana, standing asanas, surya and chandra namaskara.
The intermediate group consists of asanas which are reasonably difficult and are recommended for people who can perform the beginners group without discomfort or strain. These asanas require a greater degree of steadiness, concentration and coordination with the breath. Included in this group are asanas performed from padmasana, backward and forward bending, spinal twisting, inverted and balancing asanas.
The advanced group is intended for people with extensive control over their muscles and nervous system, who have already mastered the middle group of asanas. Practitioners should not be too eager to start these asanas. It is preferable to practise them under the guidance of an adept.
Dynamic and static yogasanas Dynamic practices often involve energetic movements of the body. They are not intended to develop muscles or make the body fitter but to increase flexibility, speed up ci
circulation, loosen the muscles and joints, release energy blocks and remove stagnant blood from different parts of the body. These asanas tone the skin and muscles, strengthen the lungs, encourage movement in the digestive and excretory systems. Dynamic practices are particularly useful for beginners. They include series and postures such as the pawanmuktasana series, surya namaskara, chandra namaskara, dynamic paschimottanasana and dynamic halasana.
Static practices are performed by intermediate and advanced practitioners. They have a more subtle and powerful effect on the pranic and mental bodies. They are performed with little or no movement, the body often remaining in one position for
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