“To relax is to cut tension. To cut tension is to cut the threads that bind us to identity. To lose identity is to find out who we are not. Did I not say that intelligence is the scalpel that cuts away the unreal to leave only the truth? As you are lying on the earth in Savasana, do you not, when the posture is harmonious and balanced, feel both present and formless? When you feel present yet formless, do you not feel an absence of specific identity? You are there, but who is there? No one. Only present awareness without movement and time is there. Present awareness is the disappearance of time in human consciousness.”
In this quote, B.K.S. Iyengar eloquently illuminates how Savasana, the art of deep relaxation in yoga, serves as a pathway to transcending identity and discovering a profound state of presence. This teaching goes beyond the physical act of lying still; it speaks to the transformative potential within Savasana—a potential to release not only muscular tension but also the mental and emotional constructs that we often mistake for our true selves.
Relaxation as the First Step to Freedom
When Iyengar speaks of relaxation as the first step, he’s not simply referring to comfort or rest. This type of relaxation involves a conscious release of tension, a surrendering of the effort we hold in our bodies and minds. In Savasana, this release becomes an invitation to set down the masks and roles we carry. By softening these physical and mental boundaries, we begin to peel back the layers that define us, revealing the essence that exists beyond them.
Cutting the Threads That Bind Us
To “cut tension is to cut the threads that bind us to identity.” With each breath, as we let go of tension, we’re not just relaxing our bodies; we’re loosening the grip of our identities. We let go of the roles, labels, and stories that shape our sense of self—our identity as a parent, a professional, a friend, or even a yoga practitioner. This process doesn’t negate who we are but rather helps us see beyond these constructs to a deeper, more timeless awareness.
Discovering Who We Are Not
Iyengar’s words, “To lose identity is to find out who we are not,” invite us into a profound inquiry. When we set aside the constructs of identity, we come to understand that our true essence lies beyond them. This practice is not about renouncing our experiences or relationships; instead, it’s about recognizing that these are parts of our lives, not the entirety of who we are. By letting go of the need to cling to a defined identity, we make space for a deeper truth—a state of being that is present, formless, and free.
Intelligence as the Scalpel of Truth
Intelligence, in Iyengar’s view, becomes the tool that “cuts away the unreal to leave only the truth.” It is through the lens of intelligent awareness—attentive, precise, and curious—that we discern what is real and what is constructed. As we lie in Savasana, fully aware yet fully relaxed, we can use this intelligence to observe without judgment, allowing each layer of tension and identity to dissolve, leaving only pure presence.
Present Yet Formless: The Essence of Awareness
In Savasana, when the posture is harmonious and the body balanced, Iyengar describes a state where one feels “present yet formless.” This experience is a powerful reminder that while we exist in physical form, there is an aspect of ourselves that is beyond form. In this moment, we are both here and beyond here. We inhabit the present moment fully, yet the usual boundaries of identity and time fall away, allowing us to experience an absence of specific identity. This “present awareness without movement and time” is a state where consciousness transcends the ordinary and touches the eternal.
The Disappearance of Time in Human Consciousness
In this state of awareness, time itself seems to dissolve. There is no past or future—only the present. This is not an abstract or mystical experience; it is a tangible state accessible through the disciplined practice of relaxation and presence. When we reach this point in Savasana, we are no longer confined by the linear perception of time. Instead, we experience a timeless awareness, a pure state of being that is beyond all limitations.
Key Takeaways for Practice
The Role of Savasana in Self-Discovery: Savasana offers more than physical relaxation; it serves as a gateway to self-inquiry. By releasing tension, we open the door to recognizing and setting aside the layers of identity that obscure our true nature.
Intelligent Awareness as the Key: Iyengar’s guidance suggests that through an intelligent, mindful approach to relaxation, we can “cut away the unreal.” This intelligence allows us to differentiate between the constructs of the mind and the essence of awareness that lies beyond them.
Presence Beyond Identity: In the practice of deep relaxation, we can experience a sense of presence that is not tied to identity. This state reveals that who we are is not confined by labels or roles; it is a presence that is both complete and formless.
Embracing Timeless Awareness: By fully embracing the present moment in Savasana, we touch a state of consciousness where time dissolves. This awareness allows us to experience life beyond the ordinary limits, offering a glimpse into the timeless nature of our being.
Bringing This Wisdom Into Your Yoga Practice
As you practice Savasana, approach it with a sense of reverence. Allow each breath to release not only physical tension but also the mental attachments that shape your identity. When you lie on the mat, invite yourself to explore this quote by Iyengar: let go of “who” you are and simply be. In that stillness, in that state of presence without movement or time, experience the fullness of awareness. You may find that beyond the constructs of identity, there exists a boundless, formless self—one that is connected to the truth of all that is.
Iyengar’s words remind us that yoga is more than a practice of postures; it is a journey inward, a process of discovering who we are by recognizing what we are not. Through the art of relaxation, we uncover the essence of awareness, allowing us to live with greater clarity, depth, and freedom. So the next time you rest in Savasana, remember that you are not simply lying down—you are stepping into a space of profound self-discovery, where presence reveals the timeless truth of your being.