Summary: The sanskrit word "Asana" literally means 'seat,' the atual physical thing you sit on. It also refers to our connection, physical and metaphysical, to the Earth. Our connection to the Earth, and therefore our connection to all of the beings with whom we share it. In other words, our Relationships. Through the Asana practice, we put ourselves into situations as a way to investigate where we are resisting the state of yoga, which is joy. We put ourselves into different relationships with the earth, in order to find out where there is still affliction, self-doubt, judgment. The practice of Guru yoga is similar, instead of a physical posture, we use ONE relationship. This one relationship reflects back to us where we are still holding on, where there is still affliction, self-doubt, judgment. By working with one very special relationship, we can resolve these disturbances of mind and clear up all of our relationships.
