Anything done without the right attitude, without the right feeling, is a waste and a wrong action.
Dharma Bhava – The attitude of duty: All meditative asanas fall under dharma bhava.
This says, be responsible for your own actions and this will bring enthusiasm and direction in life. The first priority is towards self, thus before undertaking any task one should get into a peaceful, quiet and balanced state of mind. This is your dharma towards yourself. All the meditative asanas induces discipline in all our actions
Jnana Bhava – The attitude of knowledge: All asanas for the extemeties involving co-ordination fall under jnana bhava.
Proper co-ordination of breath and all the muscular movements brings about self-awareness. Know yourself and be aware of every body movement while doing asanas. Such study not only increases concentration but also helpls us in understanding our body better. With this knowledge we work on our body more effectively and above all in a correct and appropriate manner.
Vairagya Bhava – The attitude of detachment/objectivity: All forward bending and relaxation asanas fall under vairgya bhava.
This is the attitude of letting go. Ego limits our behavior, attitude and thinking to a negative channel. Thus while bending forward one should inculcate the feeling of humbleness and accept the limitations as human. Similarly while relaxing, let go off all your worries and detach yourself from all emotions.
Aisvarya Bhava – The attitude of self-reliance: All backward bending asanas fall under aisvarya bhava.
Once you practice self-awareness, develop self-confidence by practicing all the backward bending asanas. While doing any of the aisvarya bhava asanas acknowledge the physical strength required to do these postures. Once this is acknowledged a feeling of self-efficacy is developed that helps us to better the posture and hold it for a longer duration.
Thus asanas with attitude…