The Sanskrit word for practice is sadhana. But, it’s subtle meaning implies more than rote repetition of physical postures. It is an intelligent practice. The Yoga Sutras tell us that our practice is meant to be done with devotion, without interruption, over a long period of time. This is called abhyasa. Our practice is meant to be a spiritual practice, or practice for a higher good. In the case of yoga, it is for the realization of the Self.
If you have a home yoga practice, BKS Iyengar says in his book Light on Life, you gain intelligence:
“I sometimes tell my pupils that the practice they do in yoga class is not, strictly speaking, yoga practice. The reason for this is that in a class, although you are undoubtedly “doing” and, hopefully, learning you are subordinate to the teacher. The directing intelligence comes from him, and you follow to the best of your ability. At home, on the other hand, it is your own intelligence that is the master, and the progress that you make is yours and will be maintained. In addition, the will that you employ is yours. It is not derived from the power, the charisma, the strength, or the fieriness of the teacher. It comes from you, and its effect profound. This is not yoga by the body for the body, but yoga by the body for the mind, for the intelligence.
There is a great difference between just practicing and sadhana. Sadhana is the way of accomplishing something. That something is— by effective performance and correct execution—the achievement of the real. What is real must be true and so lead us toward purity and emancipation. This is yoga sadhana and not the mechanical repetition merely of yoga practice or yogabhyasa. The end of yoga sadhana is wisdom. You might translate yoga sadhana here as “the yoga pilgrimage” as it is a journey that leads somewhere, not the mere treadmill of thoughtless practice.”
Iyengar, B.K.S.; John J. Evans; Douglas Abrams. Light on Life (Iyengar Yoga Books) (pp. 166-167). Harmony/Rodale. Kindle Edition.
BKS described yoga asana practice as a body mantra. In order to achieve advanced asanas, your practice has to be pursued with abhyasa and also with vairagya (detachment). It is not possible to force yourself into advanced asanas without getting hurt. The process of practicing shows you where you are stuck physically as well as mentally. It shows you where you lack intelligence in your body and your mind. As BKS Iyengar says in the paragraph above, “This is not yoga by the body for the body, but yoga by the body for the mind, for the intelligence.”
Swamij, from swamij.com, says: ” All sadhanas, all practices, are meant to purify and strengthen the mind that disturbs your being and prevents you from being aware of the Reality that is within you. This is the intelligence you gain.”