In backbends, one touches the body physically, mentally, intellectually, consciously and spiritually everywhere.

Asanas penetrate deep into each layer of the body and ultimately into the consciousness itself.

The body has to be invaded by the intelligence; each part has to become intelligent.

Fear and fatigue block the mind. Face both, then courage and confidence flows into you.

When you are practicing, do not just do that for the sake of doing. Learn to reflect while you are practising. Make your mind and brain observe and relearn what you are doing. Doing is mechanical; learning is dynamic.

We must create a marriage between the awareness of the body and that of the mind. When two parties do not cooperate, there is unhappiness on both sides.

The challenge of yoga is to go beyond our limits - within reason. We continually expand the frame of the mind by using the canvas of the body. It is as if you were to stretch a canvas more and create a larger surface for a painting. But we must respect the present form of our body. If you pull too much at once, we will rip the canvas. If the practice of today damages the practice of tomorrow, it is not correct practice.