2.46 Sthira Sukham Asanam
Sthira: Steady, Stable, firm, Grounded
Sukham: At ease
Asanam: Asana, Posture
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali define asana as sthira sukham asanam, (Sutra 2.46). This roughly translates to the postures should contain the qualities of strength, stability, power and at the same time relaxedness and comfort without unnecessary tension. A great yogi will make an asana look effortless despite the amount of strength it takes.
The quality of effortlessness is where there is no unnecessary tension. The amount of strength used is the amount necessary. No more, no less. When moving the body or holding it in a position, if this quality of no unnecessary effort or apparent effortlessness is actualized, the asana or held posture will appear graceful, relaxed, strong and soft.
This is the point where lightness of the body comes naturally. Once lightness of the body is achieved, it creates inner peace and centeredness. We move forward and ahead and at the same time contented.
