Variety of Yoga Asanas

Variety of Yoga AsanasAn important publication of a rather large number of asanas, has been presented in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda. In his book The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga his published 66 136 variations of asanas, which found their basis at 66 different asanas. In his book Vishnu-devananda enlarges on other subjects relating to hatha yoga, like pranayama and the filosofy and aim of yoga. Sri Dharma Mittra, composer of the Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures, states that there are an infinite number of asanas. In 1975, as an offering of devotion to his guru, Swami Kailashananda Maharaj, Dharma set out to catalogue the vast number of asanas. All together he compiled 1300 variations, that he derived from gurus, yogis, and ancient and contemporary texts. Although it will not be possible in any way to establish an exact set of postures, this work is considered a leading collection by students and yogis alike.

Some asanas are practiced most commonly and others rarely, like Downward Facing Tree (hand stand). Here follows just a brief selection:

Sukhasana Easy Pose Uttanasana Standing Forward Bend Paschimottanasana Intense stretch of the west Adho Mukha Svanasana Downward Facing Dog Bhujangasana Cobra Balasana Child's Pose Dhanurasana Bow Halasana Plow Urdhva Dhanurasana Upward Bow Sarvangasana Shoulder Stand Sirsasana Head Stand Savasana Corpse Pose