Energy And Symmetry In Language And Yoga

The structures of syllables and of yoga poses are compared. Syllables are tripartite, with sound segments rising in sonority (acoustic energy) to a peak, then falling. Likewise, asanas are tripartite, with symmetrical movements flanking the sustaining, vital energy peak. In both entities, then, symmetric structure flanks energy peaks. This organization is not a physical necessity, but a cognitive preference. ©2008 ISAST LEONARDO, Vol.41, No. 4, pp. 332–338, 2008 333 g e n e r a l a r t i c l e Energy and Symmetry in Language and Yoga Sally Hess and Donna Jo Napoli Sally Hess (educator), Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA 19081, U.S.A. E-mail: . Donna Jo Napoli (educator), Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, PA 19081, U.S.A. E-mail: . Fig. 1. Syllable structure. article Frontispiece. Tadasana (Mountain Pose). (Photo © David neal)