The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING which is described at length by Swatm4ran Swami. But the two most important exercises which all must undergo, should success be desired, are those of A’sana and Pranayama. The first consists of physical exercises which will gain for him who practises them control over the muscles of the body, and the second over the breath. The A’sanas, or Positions. According to the “ Pradipika ” and the ‘“ Shiva Sanhita,” there are 84 A’sanas; but Goraksha says there are as many A’sanas as there are varieties of beings, and that Shiva has counted eighty-four lacs of them.* The four most important are: Siddhasana, Padmasana, Ugrasana and Svastikdsana, which are described in the Shiva Sanhita as follows:+ The Siddhdsana. By “pressing with care by the (left) heel the yoni,t the other heel the Yogi should place on the lingam; he should fix his gaze upwards on the space between the two eyebrows . . . and restrain his senses.” The Padmédsana. By crossing the legs “carefully place the feet on the opposite thighs (the left on the right thigh and vicé versé), cross both hands and place them similarly on the thighs; fix the sight on the tip of the nose.” The Ugrésana. “Stretch out both the legs and keep them apart; firmly take hold of the head by the hands, and place it on the knees.” The Svastikésana. “Place the soles of the feet completely under the thighs, keep the body straight and at ease.” For the beginner that posture which continues for the into the nostrils and pulling it out through the mouth, Trataka in steadying the eyes, Nauli in moving the intestines, and Kapalabhati, which is of three kinds, Vyat-krama, Vama-krama, and Sit-krama, of drawing in wind or water through the nostrils and expelling it by the mouth, and vice versdé. Also see “ Gheranda Sanhita,” pp. 2-10. This little book should be read in conjunction with the “Hatha Yoga Pradipika.” * The “Gheranda Sanhita” gives thirty-two postures. + The “Shiva Sanhita,” pp. 25, 26. { The imaginary “ triangle of flesh” near the perinaeum. 83