Introduction to Asana pranayama, Meditation and Yogic Kriyas Health and Physical Education

Asana
     Asana is the state of body in which it may be kept easily. As a matter of fact the ability to sit comfortable for an extended period of time in any position is called asana. body is kept in various position in such a way that the activities of organs and glands of body become more efficient and finally improve the health of mind and body.
Asana is a means through which physical and mental development prevention and control of diseases, delaying ageing, which are the desired effects of yogic practices, can be achieved. 

Classification of Asana  
1.  Meditative Asanas
2.  Relaxative Asanas 
3.  Cultural or Corrective asanas 
    
1.  Meditative Asanas:
     The practice of these asanas should be done before performing meditation. meditation is done by remaining constant in these asanas. It is more beneficial to perform such asanas in complete peaceful environment. By practicing these asanas the meditation power of an individual is enhanced.

2.  Relaxative asanas 
     The practice of these asanas removes fatigue and relaxes an individual physically and mentally. An individual gets complete relaxation after performing such asanas. 

3.  Cultural or Corrective asanas 
      These type of asanas regulate and systematise different activities of the body and finally provide energy to the body to perform pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, etc.
                                               

                                                             Halasana corrective asana 

Meaning of Pranayama 
Prana means vital energy or life force and ayama means control. In this way pranayama means the control or regulation of prana. There are three parts of pranayama. 
    1. Puraka. Puraka means inhalation.
     2.  Rechaka means exhalation.
    3.  Kumbhaka means retaining
the breath. There are two types of Kumbhaka.
  1.  Internal Kumbhaka 
  2.  external kumbhaka
1. Internal kumbhaka . To retain the breath after complete inhalation is called internal kubhaka.
2. External Kumbhaka . To retain the breath after complete exhalation is called external kumbhaka.

Types of Pranayama. There are following main types of pranayama. 
1. Suryabhei Pranayama.
2. Sheetkari Pranayama.
3. Bhastrika Pranayama.
4. Plavini Pranayama. 
5. Ujjayi Pranayama.
6. Sheetli Pranayama.
                                

                                                                          Pranayama 

Meaning of Meditation
Dhyana is a process of complete stability of mind. the concentration and the process of thinking on any subject oe object is called. when perception starts directly is called real. The way we can see an object directly in front of our eyes, inthe same way able to clarify the subtle perceptions of mind in front our internal eyes, it should be assumed the stage of  meditation is reached. if this stage is clarified the stage of dhyana is clarified itself. as in the practice of yognidra by naming the trees plants, fruits, flowers etc., it is said to clarify by imagination only. In the beginning, we do not see anything but gradually by creating figures in imagination, images appear one after the other. When the stage of meditation is deep and the image of a particular object is seen, it is called the stage of meditation.
                                                       

                                                                       Meditation 

Meaning of Yogic Kriyas 
             Similar to a machine which requires inner and outer cleanliness for smooth and systematic functioning , human machine also needs inner and outer cleanliness which is easy but inner cleanliness is slightly difficult. As a matter of fact the inner cleanliness of our body can be done properly by Yogic Kriyas which are called. The cleanliness of internal organs of our body can be done by six action. Yogic Kriyas are very essential for maintaining the health of our body.