The material body has a practical reality that is accessible. It is here and now, and we can do something with it. However, we must not forget that the innermost part of our being is also trying to help us. It wants to come out to the surface and express itself.

Yoga uses the body to discipline the mind and to reach the soul.

When the asana is correct, there is lightness, a freedom. Freedom comes when every part of the body is active. Let us be free in whatever posture we are doing. Let us be full in whatever we do.

I also say with backbends, you have to be cautiously bold. Not carelessly bold. You have to descend to the dictation of the spine. You cannot command from the brain to do the poses. As you play with a child, guarding the child from injuries, similarly you have to play in backbends, guarding your spine.

Mind is the king of the senses; breath is the king of the mind; and the nerves are king of the breath.

If you practice yoga every day with perseverance, you will be able to face the turmoil of life with steadiness and maturity.

Action is movement with intelligence. The world is filled with movement. What the world needs is more conscious movement, more action.