These lines are the original source for the physical yoga poses as we know them today. Originally these were mostly different types of meditation postures and a few additional exercises that would give you the strength and flexibility to sit in unmoving meditation for long periods of time.

Here really begins the idea of working on the heart and mind by working from the outside, on the body. By placing the parts of our body into very specific positions, we purposely affect the inner channels. This facilitates the flow of inner wind, or prana. And because our very thoughts ride upon this prana inside the channels, we bring greater kindness and knowledge to our mind, by using our body.

Meditation is defined as maintaining a balance that avoids mental lethargy and hyperactivity. It is a delicate process of correction and countercorrection, like the constant left-and-right of our hands upon a steering wheel.

Through practice, we learn to keep a straight line; then we relax our effort and ride, lest the correcting itself become a distraction. With regular practice, body and mind achieve well-bring that really lasts. Ultimately we attain a higher well-being, as the channels themselves transform into light.