Dear Friends,
Namaste!
Let’s discuss why particular periods during our day are recommended for Ashtanga Yoga practice over others.
“Ayurveda”: is our ancient medical science that complements Yoga-Shastra wonderfully well in preventing and curing diseases of body and mind. Like Yoga-Shastra, Ayurveda also prescribes a lifestyle for enhancing mental and physical health and making the most of life. These sciences have a plethora of overlapping principles and no conflicts. They aid each other in enriching life and it is not surprising that we take the help of Ayurveda to determine the time for practising Yoga.
As per Ayurveda, the entire twenty-four hours of each day are divided into six periods of four hours each. The two periods between 6 and 10 o’clock in the morning and evening are known as “Kapha” periods. The two periods from 10 to 2 o’clock are known as “Pitta” periods and the remaining two periods from 2 to 6 o’clock are known as “Vaata” periods.
Entire material world as we know it has been created through interplay and equilibrium of “Pancha-Maha-Bhoota” (five basic elements), viz., earth, water, fire, air and space. Ayurveda believes that whilst these elements neutralize each other over the entire day, some elements are more predominant during specific periods.
Earth is more dominant during the “Kapha” period. “Pitta” period has strong fire and during the “Vaata” period, air prevails over the other elements. Earth symbolises steadiness, strength and solidity. Fire symbolises consumption, purification and transformation. Air symbolises movement, lightness and freedom. Therefore, it is recommended that we perform heavy-duty physical, mental and intellectual activities during the “Kapha” period, activities such as eating during the “Pitta” period (when the digestive ‘fire’ is burning at full strength) and relatively lighter activities such as sleeping and activities that involve movement (such as excretion involving movement of stools) during the “Vaata” period.
It follows, then, from the foregoing discussion that according to Ayurveda, the best times of the day to perform Yoga (or any other physical exercise for that matter) are between 6 am to 10 am and also between 6 pm to 10 pm.
Let’s see how principles of Yoga-Shastra corroborate this recommendation. As per Yoga-Shastra, the best time to perform Yoga is when “there is natural light in the environment but we cannot see the sun in the sky!” There are two occasions when this happens every day. Before sunrise and after sunset! Generally sun rises after “Kapha” period starts in the morning and sets after the “Kapha” period starts in the evening. Therefore, according to Yoga-Shastra, the best times for starting daily Yoga practice are between 6 o’clock to 7 o’clock in the morning or evening. Assuming that any serious Yoga practice will last for at least one hour but not more than a couple of hours at a stretch, it is evident that it will finish before “Kapha” period ends at 10 o’clock either in the morning or evening. Thus, there is 100% convergence between Ayurveda and Yoga-Shastra as to which times of the day are best for Yoga.
We have already seen the logic from Ayurveda’s point of view. What is the logic in Yoga-Shastra?
The first reason is environmental. Just before the sunrise or after the sunset, the environment is in ‘equilibrium’. There is light but just enough. It is neither too hot nor too cold. The world is either just beginning its daily routine or winding it up so it is a logical point. (If Yoga is done in the middle of daily chores, it may disrupt our natural ‘rhythm’). Generally, the mood is that of peace and tranquillity. This time is really the most conducive for dedicating ourselves to Yoga and overall development!
The second reason is internal and biological. Our blood pressure is the lowest at these times. Our pulse is at its steadiest and lowest. Generally human pulse rate cannot go over 140 to 150 per minute. Also, heavy activities cause our pulse rate to increase. Therefore, by doing these activities when our pulse is at its lowest, we give our body more ‘window’ to undertake heavy-duty work.
In the morning, our body and mind are fresh from a restful night’s sleep. The body may take a wee bit longer to warm up but our mind is at its strongest. Conversely, in the evening, our body needs less warming up and the Yoga postures come ‘easier’ although our mind may have just become a little weary after the day’s exploits. Whether to do Yoga in the morning or evening would depend upon individual routine and convenience. However, if one has the choice, Yoga is always best done in the morning.
Why is this so and are there any more reasons for starting Yoga between 6 and 7?
We will figure our next week.
Enjoy till then...
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