The classification of yoga postures has always been a topic of discussion in yogic culture. Some yoga schools classify yoga poses as STANDING, SITTING, LYING ON THE BACK, and LYING ON THE STOMACH. While some schools of yoga will classify as: FORWARD BEND, BACK BEND, TWIST, INVERSES, EXTENSIONS AND BALANCE.

Here I would like to put the traditional view on the classification of yoga postures, where there are only 3 categories as shown below:

Cultural Positions

Postures for Relaxation

Meditative Postures.

CULTURAL POSES: All yoga poses that help stretch the body from various directions/angles are known as cultural poses. By activating specific muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, the purpose of cultural poses is to release tension from each and every part of our body. The effects of cultural postures are not limited to the muscles and joints, but also stimulate our internal organs and help us regulate the functions of our internal organs. As a result, we not only gain flexibility and strength in our bodies, but also gain greater physical well-being and a greater sense of control. These postures can be very therapeutic as they help prevent various conditions, such as back pain. All types of forward bend, back bend, twist, balance, inversion, and extension are cultural postures. For example: Pachimottasana (Seated Forward Bend), Bhunjasana (Cobra Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Vrikshasana (Tree Pose), Ardhya-matysendrasana (Seated Twist), Shirshasana (Headstand), etc. They are cultural positions.

RELAXATION POSTURES: The purpose of these postures is to rest the body between and/or after the practice of cultural postures. Traditionally, there are only 2 postures for relaxation: SHAVASANA (Corpse Pose) and MAKARASANA (Crocodile Pose). Usually, a typical Hatha Yoga session ends with Shavasana as it provides complete rest to the body and the yoga practitioner feels more refreshed and energized after feeling tired. In the yogic tradition, SHAVASANA has great importance since the practice of YOGA NIDRA (physical sleep) is done in SHAVASANA. SHAVASANA is also very therapeutic and is highly recommended for those who suffer from high blood pressure, insomnia, etc. MAKRASANA (Crocodile Pose) is very beneficial to strengthen the diaphragm in order to activate diaphragmatic breathing. Proper breathing literally means living joyfully and more carefully. Especially in the modern world, where we do not breathe well, MAKARASANA is of great importance for those who often breathe through the chest. We must not forget that (chest breathing produces anxiety and tension within the body). Diaphragmatic breathing is also a great basis for PRANAYAMA and MEDITATION.

MEDITATIVE POSTURES: The purpose of CULTURAL POSTURES and RELAXATION POSTURES is to prepare the body for the meditative posture. Meditation poses provide good stability and comfort to the body so that you can sit longer without physical distractions during meditation. We must not forget that physical stability and comfort both complement each other. Stability in meditative postures provides great comfort and vice versa. Meditative postures help keep your back straight by maintaining the natural curves of your spine. By keeping our back straight, we allow our diaphragm to move freely and therefore there is no blockage in the flow of energy during meditation. One can choose a comfortable meditative posture for meditation, which allows adequate blood flow to the lower half of the body. There are a total of 4 MEDITATIVE POSES according to tradition: SUKHASANA, PADMASANA, SIDDHASANA AND SWASTIKASANA

Note: Some traditions recommend VAJRASANA (thunderbolt pose) as a meditative posture. But, traditionally it is not a meditative posture.