Question:Most schools of yoga recommend 5, 8, or 10 minutes minimum for Savasana (Corpse Pose) at the end of an asana practice. How can this be reconciled in a practical sense with the exigencies of clearing the room in a busy studio or gym? As a student, I feel a sense of agitation when I don't have a chance to take at least 5 minutes to integrate and be still. How important is it for a teacher to manage this? — T.

Answer:

Dear T.,

Savasana is an important aspect of the practice. Most of us live incredibly busy and hectic lives. It is wise to take at least a little time at the end of our practice to assimilate the soothing benefits we have accrued during practice.

There are different ideas as to how long one should remain in Savasana. I have a general rule of thumb: Stay at least until the heart rate and breath rate return to a resting rhythm. This may be a different length of time for each student.

As a teacher, it isn't always easy to manage the timing of the class—but that is part of being an effective teacher. We must be aware of the flow and pace of the students in order to save a bit of time at the end to close the class properly. If students want to talk after class, they can always do that outside of the room.

So, as a general answer to your question, I would say that we need to place the same importance on Savasana that we place on all other aspects of the class.

--- David Swenson

公元前600年至公元200年，印度哲学出现了百家争鸣的繁荣局面，当时的哲学思潮有两大类：一是沙门思想，主要有佛教、耆那教、顺世派和生活派；二是婆罗门教的正统及其支流，及下表所列的“正统六派”哲学