What is Ananta in Yoga?- An Insight into the Infinite
“What is Ananta” has so much in its definition, from an infinite loop of beginning to no end, from a concept beyond the cycles of birth and death to the understanding of Absolute Reality. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of Ananta, its mention in various scriptures and the practice of Ananta in Yoga and more about the concept. What is Ananta in Yoga? The concept of Ananta holds a special place in the ancient art of yoga. It is a Sanskrit word meaning “endless” or “eternal,” Its reference is found in many Hindu scriptures. Ananta is the cosmic serpent which stands for the eternal cycle of creation and destruction, as well as for the infinite potential of the universe. Ananta is also seen as a symbol of the spiritual journey of yoga, and it is often used to represent the idea of non-attachment or detachment from the material world. In yogic philosophy, Ananta symbolizes the eternal nature of the soul, and its presence is seen in many aspects of the yoga practice, from the postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. In this way, the idea of Ananta allows practitioners to approach their practice with a sense of detachment, allowing them to focus on self-enlightenment and spiritual growth. Definition of Ananta Ananta is a Sanskrit word (अनन्त) with a variety of meanings, depending on the context. In its most basic definition, “Ananta” means “endless” or “eternal.” In other contexts, it can also mean “unending” or “infinite.” Ananta is the name of several Hindu deities, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu. Ananta is also the name of AdiShesha, the thousand-headed serpent, which lies at the bottom of the cosmic ocean, on which Lord Vishnu reclines. The concept of Ananta is also used for the infinite potential of the universe, with infinite space with a beginning but no end. According to yoga teachings, Ananta is also the name of the serpent who overheard Lord Shiva teaching goddess Parvati the secrets of yoga. When Lord Shiva learned of Ananta’s eavesdropping, he ordered Ananta to share that learning with the entire human race. Therefore, Ananta assumed human form as Sage Patanjali and taught the Eight Limbs of Yoga for the well-being of mankind. Ananta is often used to denote the path of yoga and the idea of detachment from the material world. In yogic philosophy, Anant represents the eternal nature of the soul, which is timeless and beyond birth and death. Symbology of Ananta Ananta is represented by the symbol infinity (∞).The idea of Ananta extends beyond the realm of yoga, appearing in Hindu myths and stories. However, its particular symbolism has also been explored in yogic philosophy. In this context, Ananta is often seen as a symbol of detachment. The endless serpent can be seen as a reminder that everything in the universe is transitory and that nothing remains the same forever. The Ananta mantra (a special chant used by yogic practitioners) also symbolizes such an idea. It goes as follows: This Sanskrit mantra translates as “May I be free of attachment” or “May I be free of attachment to the material world.” It speaks to the idea of detachment, and the Ananta symbolism can be found in many yogic practices. In this way, Ananta represents the journey of yoga, reminding practitioners that they should take everything slowly and with detachment, allowing them to focus on self-enlightenment and spiritual growth. Presence of Ananta in Yoga Anantasana Ananta is found in almost all yogic practices, from asanas (postures) to pranayama (breathing exercises). One of the most common ways of introducing the concept of Ananta in yoga is by practising the “Ananta-asana, also known as Sleeping Vishnu Pose. The Anantasana is performed by following the below-mentioned steps: 1. Begin by lying on your left side. Gently bend your knees. Fold your left arm and place your left hand above your left ear so as to rest your head on your hand and place your right hand in your front to maintain balance on the floor.2. Keep your drishti or gaze straight ahead, at eye level.3. Straighten your left leg along the floor. Slightly bend your right knee. Lift the toe with the thumb and first finger of the right hand to straighten the right leg upwards.4. Keep your balance firmly on the ground by holding onto your thigh bone and upper arm for stability.5. Release your toes and roll onto your back. Repeat the pose on the other side as well. Anantasana helps us look inward to understand our innate instincts and experience a deep sense of peace and calm. Ananta Pranayama Ananta-pranayama is a breathing exercise that is performed with a seated position. In this exercise, the practitioner focuses on a word or phrase that helps him to enter meditation or a deep state of relaxation. Ananta Bhakti Ananta-bhakti is a type of yoga that focuses on devotion and selfless service. Ananta yoga is a form of meditation that is performed in a seated position, and it focuses on the exploration of one’s inner world. Representation of Detachment The concept of Ananta can be seen as a representation of detachment from the material world. In this context, the yogic journey is likened to a process of detachment from the material world, allowing the practitioner to focus on self-enlightenment and spiritual growth. Yet, detachment does not have to be seen as a negative thing, as it can also be seen as a form of resistance to the negative influences of the material world. In this way, the concept of detachment from the material world also involves resistance towards negativity and a focus on positive ideals and spiritual growth. The material world is a place of imperfection and suffering, representing an endless cycle of change and transformation. It is a place filled with numerous illusions, desires, and attachments. Therefore, yogic practices attempts to detach from such attachments and the negative influences of the material world. Yoga Practice with Ananta in Mind Yoga can be a