Beyond Asana - Meditation

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Beyond Asana - Meditation BEYOND ASANA - MEDITATION Manish Pole Founder: [email protected] www.21stCentury.yoga TABLE OF CONTENTS LEARNING OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................................... 3 KEY CONCEPTS ............................................................................................................................................... 4 CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 Meditative Asanas ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Types of Meditation ................................................................................................................................... 8 Meditations covered in Beyond Asana Module ........................................................................................ 9 ASSIGNMENT ............................................................................................................................................... 10 SWADHYAY (SELF STUDY) ............................................................................................................................ 10 DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................................. 10 Confidential (Only for Members) | 21stCentury.yoga LEARNING OBJECTIVE In this module we will cover Meditation, as described in classical Yoga. We also explain the five different meditative asanas and the different types of meditative practices. We have also included meditations for you to enjoy and these include Gratitude Meditation, 108 OM chants Meditation, Yamas & Niyamas Meditation and Dynamic Meditation. By the end of this module you will have practiced the different meditations and will be able to lead any of the meditation practices covered in the module. Use these as the base for you to lead a Meditation, and with time and experience, you will find that you use your own words and style making it special and unique. Confidential (Only for Members) | 21stCentury.yoga KEY CONCEPTS The main premise of Meditation or Dhyan as it is known in classical Hatha Yoga is about setting your life in order so that your whole life becomes Meditative. This beautiful Practice allows you to experience the interconnectedness with every living thing. Confidential (Only for Members) | 21stCentury.yoga CONTENTS You may already know of Patanjali's Yog Sutras (eight-limbed system). These consist of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayam, Pratyahar, Dharana, Dhyan and Samadhi. (we also have a module for the Beyond Asana - Yoga Sutras) Meditation is Dhyan, in the yogic context, it is being in a state of pure consciousness. Of course in the modern day, it is a great practice to find a little bit of quiet and peace from the daily scribbles of thought and chaos that goes on in our mind. I am sure you have heard the use of the term “monkey mind” in that context. When you are able to sit still in peace and the mind moves away from worldly noise, it starts to look inward, making a connection to your pure inner self. There are many techniques that can get you into that state of stillness which we will explore here. Before that however, it is important to understand that to be able to sit in meditation, in the classical yogic way, you will need to keep your back straight. It is said that all the asanas in Yoga exist primarily to help the Yogi develop the strength and flexibility to sit in one of the 5 classic meditative postures! Meditative Asanas To understand the meaning of Asana we again refer to the “Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras”; Asana is defined as “Sthiram Sukham Asanam” meaning “Steady Ease Asana”, meaning that one must be steady/ unmoving and at the same time at ease/ comfortable in Asana (also, sitting posture). And it is to be able to achieve this, the yoga asanas help. A Meditation pose needs to fulfil one main criterion – that your back should be kept straight! The Meditation poses generally lock the legs so that there is less loss of Energy (Prana) through your feet, whilst your hands are held in a Mudra to conserve Prana inside the body for the purpose of Meditation. There are five different Meditative Asanas. Siddhasana OR Siddhayoniasana (Adept/Accomplished pose) Siddhasana (for men) and Siddhayoniasana (for women) are the highest of the meditative postures. However, this is primarily for Yogis and renunciates. It is not advisable for family persons; since sitting for a long time on meditation in this pose daily may negate one’s sex drive – the same sexual energy is transmuted into meditational energy in Dhyaan. As a layman, always bear this in mind. What makes Siddhasana so special? Siddha means accomplished and refers to success in the yogic path. However just accomplishing this asana does not mean that you have become an accomplished yogi. This asana can be used instead of Padmasana because it is easier to practice and achieve. Classic Yoga texts speak highly of this asana as the most important of them all for Meditation. Confidential (Only for Members) | 21stCentury.yoga To practice this asana, Begin by sitting on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you and hands at your sides. Sit on a small cushion or blanket so that your hips are higher than your knees. Bend your left knee and bring your left heel close to your body by your groin area (touching the perineum). Bend your right knee and move it toward the front of the left ankle. From this position, lift your right foot and place it just above your left ankle. Bring your right heel into your groin area. This step should feel comfortable not forced. Slide the toes of your right foot into the space between the left calf muscles. This will help to keep your posture steady. See if you can pull up the left toes to tuck into the right thigh. Contra-Indications: The Siddhasana pose is generally safe for most fitness levels. However, if you have any knee, hip or sciatica issues, you should avoid this exercise. Additionally, if you have issues with your ankles, make sure you address any discomfort or limited range of motion when performing this pose. If you feel any pain, do one of the modifications. Ease into the pose and avoid forcing the position as you lower your knees to the floor. It is normal to feel a stretch in the inner thighs, hips, and groin area, but you should never feel pain. 2. Padmasana (Lotus pose) Padmasana is a classic Yoga Asana and is immediately identified with images of the Buddha, Agiyogi and other legendary Yogis throughout history! It’s also perhaps the first asana that comes to mind when one tries to imagine a Yogi. What makes Padmasana so special? Actually, more than the form of the pose; it is what Padmasana stands for that has defined it’s iconic status – the complete mastery over Body & Mind which Yogis are renowned for, and a certain Composure that we all aspire to! There are thousands of other asanas that we see all over Instagram, but nothing comes close to Padmasana if we were to attempt to encapsulate all of Yoga in a single posture. Significance of the Lotus in Eastern Philosophy The ‘Lotus’ symbolises Transcendence, growing deep from the dirt and mud, yet rising out of it to full bloom and beauty beyond the water. It is symbolic of our Seeking to transcend our basal nature in our Journey of Life. Hence the Lotus finds repeated allegorical reference in ancient Indian and far Eastern philosophical writings. To practice this asana, • Begin by sitting on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you and hands at your sides. Sit on a small cushion or blanket so that your hips are higher than your knees if you need to. • Bend your right knee and bring your right heel as close to your navel as possible. • Bend your left knee and cross it over the right leg, bring your left heel as close to the navel as possible. • From this position, your ankles will make an X shape and your heels (ideally) will be towards your navel. This step should feel comfortable not forced. • Straighten your back, your knees should be touching the ground. Confidential (Only for Members) | 21stCentury.yoga • If this is too hard, you can start with Ardha Padmasana, where you have only one heel touching the navel whilst the other is under your hip. Contra-Indications: If you have weak knees, be careful about doing Padmasana. You can take up Sukhasana if your knees continue to give you trouble. Here’s hoping most of you train yourself to take up Padmasana. Amongst Yogasanas, the two most beneficial I think are Padmasana and Sirsasana (headstand) – and it’s a view shared by the peerless ‘Father of modern yoga’ T Krishnamacharya! So there you have it, the Joy of sitting in Padmasana has INSPIRED countless yogis over the millennia – and hope it inspires you too! 3. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt pose) Vajrasana is one of the most popular meditative postures, being used for five thousand years. And when Buddha attained enlightenment, Vajrasana was called the “Indestructible seat.” As, the posture helps in absolute stillness inside-out. What is so special about Vajrasana? Vajrasana or Thunderbolt pose is considered to be the best sitting posture, for practicing breathing exercises and meditation. Besides, in India, a lot of people sit in this asana after eating their meals. This is a great posture for smooth digestion. To
Recommended publications
  • I on an Empty Stomach After Evacuating the Bladder and Bowels
    • I on a Tllt' Bi11lr· ol' \lodt•nJ Yoga-It� Philo�opl1� and Prad il't' -hv thr: World" s Fon-·mo �l 'l'r·ar·lwr B • I< . S . IYENGAR \\ it h compldc· dt·!wription� and illustrations of all tlw po �tun·� and bn·athing techniqn··� With More than 600 Photographs Positioned Next to the Exercises "For the serious student of Hatha Yoga, this is as comprehensive a handbook as money can buy." -ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION "The publishers calls this 'the fullest, most practical, and most profusely illustrated book on Yoga ... in English'; it is just that." -CHOICE "This is the best book on Yoga. The introduction to Yoga philosophy alone is worth the price of the book. Anyone wishing to know the techniques of Yoga from a master should study this book." -AST RAL PROJECTION "600 pictures and an incredible amount of detailed descriptive text as well as philosophy .... Fully revised and photographs illustrating the exercises appear right next to the descriptions (in the earlier edition the photographs were appended). We highly recommend this book." -WELLNESS LIGHT ON YOGA § 50 Years of Publishing 1945-1995 Yoga Dipika B. K. S. IYENGAR Foreword by Yehudi Menuhin REVISED EDITION Schocken Books New 1:'0rk First published by Schocken Books 1966 Revised edition published by Schocken Books 1977 Paperback revised edition published by Schocken Books 1979 Copyright© 1966, 1968, 1976 by George Allen & Unwin (Publishers) Ltd. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. Published in the United States by Schocken Books Inc., New York. Distributed by Pantheon Books, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.
    [Show full text]
  • Patanjali Yogsutra & Mantras
    THE LITTLE MASTER OF YOGA -2021 (Curriculum for TGMY Yoga) THE POSTURES Basic Level Advance Level (Day-3) (Day-1) (Day-2) 1. Siddhasana 16. Vrikshasana 1. Dhanurasana 11. Shirshana 2. Swastikasan 17. Mandukasana 2. Paschimottanasana 12. Rajkapotsana 3. Padmasana 18. Vrishasana 3. Sankatasana 13. Purn 4. Bhadrasana, 19. Shalabhasana 4. Mayurasana Matsyendrasana 5. Muktasana 20. Makarasana 5. Kukkutasana 14. Tittibhasana 6. Vajrasana 21. Ushtrasana 6. Kurmasana 15. Kaundinyasana 7. Svastikasana, 22. Bhujangasana 7. Uttanakurmakasana 16. Astavakrasana 23. Yogasana 8. Uttanamandukasan 8. Simhasana 17. Eka Pada Free Hand 9. Gomukhasana 24. Utkatasana 9. Garudasana Chakrasana 10. Virasana, 25. Savasana 10. Chakrasan 18. Purn 11. Mritasana Dhanurasana 12. Guptasana 19. Yoganidrasana 13. Matsyasana 20. Vrischikasana 14. Matsyendrasana 15. Gorakshana PATANJALI YOGSUTRA & MANTRAS Understanding of Yoga according to Text Mantras & Prayers - Definition of Yoga in - 5 general benefits of Yoga - Aum Chanting Patanjali - 5 general benefits of Asana - Aum Sahana Bhavtu - Definition of Yoga in Gita - 5 general benefits of - Gayatri Mantra - Definition of Yoga in Vedas Pranayama THE LITTLE MASTER OF YOGA The Little Master of Yoga contest is a great way to celebrate true sense of Yoga among the children for their individual practices, learning, and understanding with the philosophy of Yoga. The Little Master of Yoga contest for children of 9 to 17 years age group. Each phase of contest is taking the Little Masters towards various aspects of yoga and motivating them through proper understanding and its amazing benefits of Yoga. While preparing himself for this contest, the contestants are also advised to go through some other available resources also such as Yoga Literature, YouTube clips, newspaper articles, magazines, Yoga sites, and ancient texts.
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Pranayama, Hatha Yoga, and Raja Yoga Meditation on Executive Function and Metacognitive Regulation
    ISSN: 2455-2631 © November 2020 IJSDR | Volume 5 Issue 11 Impact of Pranayama, Hatha Yoga, and Raja Yoga Meditation on Executive Function and Metacognitive Regulation 1Susmita Patra, 2Dr. Ishita Chatterjee, 1Debolina Dasgupta 1Outgoing Post Graduate Student, 2Associate Professor Department of Applied Psychology, University Of Calcutta, Kolkata, India Abstract: The present investigation studies the effects of Pranayama, Hatha yoga and Raja yoga meditation on Executive Function and Metacognitive regulation. A sample of 60 students was selected for the study. They were randomly allotted to one of three yoga groups (pranayama, hatha yoga, raja yoga meditation) of 20 members. The working memory, inhibitory control and metacognitive regulation were measured by WAIS-IV working memory subtest, Stroop test and metacognitive awareness inventory (MAI) respectively. The pre-training test scores were collected following which they were provided yoga training for 30 days. Tests were again conducted at the 10-day point and at the end of training after 30 days. Findings revealed that all the three types of yogic patterns lead to an increase in Executive function and Metacognitive regulation. The length of training also affected the test scores. Longer the training, better were the scores on all three tests. The interaction effect of yoga type and length of training was only significant for metacognitive regulation. Index terms: Pranayama, hatha yoga, raja yoga meditation, executive function, metacognitive regulation. I. Introduction: ‘Yoga’, the connection of the Supreme Being with the living, is an orthodox school of Indian philosophy. In India, yoga is not only a form of physical exercise, but also a spiritual practice and a way of living.
    [Show full text]
  • Sedentary Behavior and Cancer: a Systematic Review of the Literature and Proposed Biological Mechanisms
    Published OnlineFirst September 10, 2010; DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-10-0815 Cancer Review Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention Sedentary Behavior and Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Proposed Biological Mechanisms Brigid M. Lynch Abstract Background: Sedentary behavior (prolonged sitting or reclining characterized by low energy expenditure) is associated with adverse cardiometabolic profiles and premature cardiovascular mortality. Less is known for cancer risk. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the research on sedentary behavior and cancer, to sum- marize possible biological pathways that may underlie these associations, and to propose an agenda for future research. Methods: Articles pertaining to sedentary behavior and (a) cancer outcomes and (b) mechanisms that may underlie the associations between sedentary behavior and cancer were retrieved using Ovid and Web of Science databases. Results: The literature review identified 18 articles pertaining to sedentary behavior and cancer risk, or to sedentary behavior and health outcomes in cancer survivors. Ten of these studies found statistically signifi- cant, positive associations between sedentary behavior and cancer outcomes. Sedentary behavior was asso- ciated with increased colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, and prostate cancer risk; cancer mortality in women; and weight gain in colorectal cancer survivors. The review of the literature on sedentary behavior and bio- logical pathways supported the hypothesized role of adiposity and metabolic dysfunction as mechanisms operant in the association between sedentary behavior and cancer. Conclusions: Sedentary behavior is ubiquitous in contemporary society; its role in relation to cancer risk should be a research priority. Improving conceptualization and measurement of sedentary behavior is nec- essary to enhance validity of future work.
    [Show full text]
  • Level 1 Asanas
    LEVEL 1 ASANAS Standing Poses Tadasana (Mountain Pose) Vrksasana (Tree Pose) Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose 2) Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Lateral Flank Stretch) Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose) Virabhadrasasana (Warrior Pose 1) Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) Prasarita Padottanasana (Extended Leg Stretch) Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch) Seated Poses Vajasana (Thunderbolt Pose) Virasana (Hero Pose) Sukhasana (Comfortable Seated Pose) Dandasana (Staff Pose) Upavista Konasana (Seated Angle Pose) Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) Forward Bends Paschimottanasa (Intense Seated Back Stretch) Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Leg Stretch) Twists Sukhasana Twist (Easy Cross Leg Twists) Bharadvasjasana (Chair Twist) Bharadvasjasana I (Seated Twist) Jathara Parivartanasana ( Supine Adominal Twists) Crocodile Twists Maricyasana III LEVEL 1 ASANAS Hip Openers Supta Padangusthasana II (Reclining Leg Stretch 2) Judith’s Hip Opener Gomukhasana (Face of the Cow Pose) Arm Work Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose) Plank Pose Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Point Staff Pose) Half Handstand Simple Backbends Passive Chest Opener (Lie over a rolled up blanket) Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) Ustrasana (Camel Pose) Restorative Poses Supported Uttanasana (Forward bend with head on block - or buttocks on wall) Supported Adho Mukha Svanesana (Dog Pose with head support) Supported Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose with block under sacrum) Supta Virasana (Reclining Bound Pose) Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) Viparita Karani (Two blankets under hips- legs up wall) Savasana (Corpse Pose).
    [Show full text]
  • Effect of Raja Yoga Meditation on the Distress and Anxiety Levels of Women with Breast Cancer
    religions Article Effect of Raja Yoga Meditation on the Distress and Anxiety Levels of Women with Breast Cancer Raquel Vilanova Araújo 1,*, Ana Fátima Carvalho Fernandes 2, Regina Célia Vilanova Campelo 3, Renan Alves Silva 4 and Inez Sampaio Nery 1 1 Department of Nursing, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, PI, Brazil; [email protected] 2 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil; [email protected] 3 Department of Health Science, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São João dos Patos 65665-959, MA, Brazil; [email protected] 4 Department of Health Science, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, São Mateus 29075-910, ES, Brazil; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect of Raja yoga meditation on the level of distress and anxiety in women with breast cancer. Method: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial was carried out in a specialized center between February and December 2019. The patients in the intervention group (n = 25) participated in four group meditation sessions for one month, and the participants in the control group (n = 25) were exposed to an educational activity for the same period and frequency. Cohen’s d was used to evaluate the effect size. Results: A significant reduction in the level of distress and anxiety was found in the intervention group (p < 0.001). The effect of meditation was average Citation: Araújo, Raquel Vilanova, Ana Fátima Carvalho Fernandes, in reducing distress, anxiety, depression, and vital signs. There was also an average effect on the Regina Célia Vilanova Campelo, increase in saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2).
    [Show full text]
  • Thriving in Healthcare: How Pranayama, Asana, and Dyana Can Transform Your Practice
    Thriving in Healthcare: How pranayama, asana, and dyana can transform your practice Melissa Lea-Foster Rietz, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, RYT-200 Presbyterian Medical Services Farmington, NM [email protected] Professional Disclosure I have no personal or professional affiliation with any of the resources listed in this presentation, and will receive no monetary gain or professional advancement from this lecture. Talk Objectives Provide a VERY brief history of yoga Define three aspects of wellness: mental, physical, and social. Define pranayama, asana, and dyana. Discuss the current evidence demonstrating the impact of pranayama, asana, and dyana on mental, physical, and social wellness. Learn and practice three techniques of pranayama, asana, and dyana that can be used in the clinic setting with patients. Resources to encourage participation from patients and to enhance your own practice. Yoga as Medicine It is estimated that 21 million adults in the United States practice yoga. In the past 15 years the number of practitioners, of all ages, has doubled. It is thought that this increase is related to broader access, a growing body of research on the affects of the practice, and our understanding that ancient practices may hold the key to healing modern chronic diseases. Yoga: A VERY Brief History Yoga originated 5,000 or more years ago with the Indus Civilization Sanskrit is the language used in most Yogic scriptures and it is believed that the principles of the practice were transmitted by word of mouth for generations. Georg Feuerstien divides the history of Yoga into four catagories: Vedic Yoga: connected to ritual life, focus the inner mind in order to transcend the limitations of the ordinary mind Preclassical Yoga: Yogic texts, Upanishads and the Bhagavad-Gita Classical Yoga: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the eight fold path Postclassical Yoga: Creation of Hatha (willful/forceful) Yoga, incorporation of the body into the practice Modern Yoga Swami (master) Vivekananda speaks at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.
    [Show full text]
  • Yoga and the Five Prana Vayus CONTENTS
    Breath of Life Yoga and the Five Prana Vayus CONTENTS Prana Vayu: 4 The Breath of Vitality Apana Vayu: 9 The Anchoring Breath Samana Vayu: 14 The Breath of Balance Udana Vayu: 19 The Breath of Ascent Vyana Vayu: 24 The Breath of Integration By Sandra Anderson Yoga International senior editor Sandra Anderson is co-author of Yoga: Mastering the Basics and has taught yoga and meditation for over 25 years. Photography: Kathryn LeSoine, Model: Sandra Anderson; Wardrobe: Top by Zobha; Pant by Prana © 2011 Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy of the U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner without written permission is prohibited. Introduction t its heart, hatha yoga is more than just flexibility or strength in postures; it is the management of prana, the vital life force that animates all levels of being. Prana enables the body to move and the mind to think. It is the intelligence that coordinates our senses, and the perceptible manifestation of our higher selves. By becoming more attentive to prana—and enhancing and directing its flow through the Apractices of hatha yoga—we can invigorate the body and mind, develop an expanded inner awareness, and open the door to higher states of consciousness. The yoga tradition describes five movements or functions of prana known as the vayus (literally “winds”)—prana vayu (not to be confused with the undivided master prana), apana vayu, samana vayu, udana vayu, and vyana vayu. These five vayus govern different areas of the body and different physical and subtle activities.
    [Show full text]
  • Twists As Pose & Counter Pose
    Twists as pose and counter pose Open and closed twists General guidelines After back arches do open to closed twists After lengthy forward bends do closed to open twists List of Twists Even Parivritta vajrasana (kneeling) Open Bharadvajrasana 1 and 2 (half virasana half baddha) Parivritta ardha padmasana (sitting half lotus) Parivritta padmasana (sitting full lotus) Parivritta janu sirsasana (janu sitting twist) Marischyasana 1 and 2 Parivritta upavistha konasana prepreparation (wide leg sitting twist) Trikonasana (also from prasarita padottanasana and from table position twist each way) Parsva konasana Ardha chandrasana Parsva Salamba sirsasana (long legged twist in head balance) Parsva dwi pada sirsasana (legs bent at knees twist in head balance) Parsva urdhva padmasana sirsasana (lotus in head balance) Parsva sarvangasana (over one hand in shoulder balance) Parsva urdhva padmasana in sarvangasana (lotus over one hand in shoulder balance) Jatara parivartanasana 1 and 2 (supine twist legs bent or straight, also one leg bent one straight) Jatara parivartanasana legs in garudasana (supine twisting in eagle legs) Thread the needle twist from kneeling forward Dandasana (sitting tall and then twisting) Closed Pasasana (straight squat twist) Marischyasana 3 and 4 Ardha matsyendrasana 1, 2 and 3 Paripurna matsyendrasana Full padmasana supine twist (full lotus supine twist) Parivritta janu sirsasana (more extreme sitting janu twist, low) Parivritta paschimottanasana (extreme low twist in paschi sitting) Parivritta upavistha konsasana (full extreme
    [Show full text]
  • TEACHING HATHA YOGA Teaching Hatha Yoga
    TEACHING HATHA YOGA Teaching Hatha Yoga ii Teaching Hatha Yoga TEACHING HATHA YOGA ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Daniel Clement with Naomi Clement Illustrations by Naomi Clement 2007 – Open Source Yoga – Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada iii Teaching Hatha Yoga Copyright © 2007 Daniel Clement All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written consent of the copyright owner, except for brief reviews. First printing October 2007, second printing 2008, third printing 2009, fourth printing 2010, fifth printing 2011. Contact the publisher on the web at www.opensourceyoga.ca ISBN: 978-0-9735820-9-3 iv Teaching Hatha Yoga Table of Contents · Preface: My Story................................................................................................viii · Acknowledgments...................................................................................................ix · About This Manual.................................................................................................ix · About Owning Yoga................................................................................................xi · Reading/Resources................................................................................................xii PHILOSOPHY, LIFESTYLE & ETHICS.........................................................................xiii
    [Show full text]
  • Yoga Asana Pictures
    ! ! Padmasana – Lotus Pose Sukhasana – Easy Pose ! ! Ardha Padmasana – Half Lotus Pose Siddhasana – Sage or Accomplished Pose ! ! Vajrasana –Thunderbolt Pose Virasana – Hero Pose ! ! Supta Padangusthasana – Reclining Big Toe Pose Parsva supta padangusthasana – Side Reclining Big Toe Pose ! ! Parrivrtta supta padangusthasana – Twisting Reclining Big Toe Pose Jathara parivartanasana – Stomach Turning Pose ! ! Savasana – Corpse Pose Supta virasana – Reclining Hero Pose ! ! ! Tadasana – Mountain Pose Urdhva Hastasana – Upward Hands Pose Uttanasana – Intense Stretch or Standing Forward Fold ! ! Vanarasana – Lunge or Monkey Pose Adho mukha dandasana – Downward Facing Staff Pose ! ! Ashtanga namaskar – 8 Limbs Touching the Earth Chaturanga dandasana – Four Limb Staff Pose ! ! Bhujangasana – Cobra Pose Urdvha mukha svanasana – Upward Facing Dog Pose ! ! Adho mukha svanasana - Downward Facing Dog Pose Trikonasana – Triangle Pose ! ! Virabhadrasana II – Warrior II Pose Utthita parsvakonasana – Extended Lateral Angle (Side Flank) ! ! Parivrtta parsvakonasana – Twisting Extended Lateral Angle (Side Flank) Ardha chandrasana – Half Moon Pose ! ! ! Vrksasana – Tree Pose Virabhadrasana I – Warrior I Pose Virabhadrasana III – Warrior III Pose ! ! Prasarita Paddottasana – Expanded/Spread/Extended Foot Intense Stretch Pose Parsvottanasana – Side Intense Stretch Pose ! ! ! Utkatasana– Powerful/Fierce Pose or Chair Pose Uttitha hasta padangustasana – Extended Hand Big Toe Pose Natarajasana – Dancer’s Pose ! ! Parivrtta trikonasana- Twisting Triangle Pose Eka
    [Show full text]
  • Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodana)
    -1- -2- Ashtanga Yoga - © AshtangaYoga.info Ashtanga Yoga - © AshtangaYoga.info (EX) turn front (IN) grab left foot, head up (EX) Chaturanga Dandasana Intermediate Series 9 IN up 15 EX chin to shinbone 7 IN Urdhva Mukha Svanasana 10 EX Chaturanga Dandasana 5Br KROUNCHASANA 8 EX Adho Mukha Svanasana (Nadi Shodana) 11 IN Urdhva Mukha Svanasana 16 IN head up 9 IN jump, head up 12 EX Adho Mukha Svanasana (EX) hands to the floor 10 EX Uttanasana 13 IN jump, head up 17 IN up - IN come up For proper use: 14 EX Uttanasana 18 EX Chaturanga Dandasana (EX) Samasthitih • Vinyasas are numbered through from - IN come up 19 IN Urdhva Mukha Svanasana Samasthitih to Samasthitih, but only bold lines are practised. (EX) Samasthitih 20 EX Adho Mukha Svanasana BHEKASANA • The breathing to the Vinyasa is showed as 21 IN jump, head up VINYASA: 9 IN / EX. Every Vinyasa has one breath to lead and additional breaths printed in KROUNCHASANA 22 EX Uttanasana ASANA: 5 brackets. VINYASA: 22 - IN come up DRISTI: NASAGRAI • Above the Vinyasa count for a position the name of the Asana is given, with the ASANA: 8,15 (EX) Samasthitih 1 IN hands up number of Vinyasas from Samasthitih to DRISTI: PADHAYORAGRAI 2 EX Uttanasana Samasthitih, the number which represents the Asana, and the Dristi (= point of gaze). 1 IN hands up SALABHASANA 3 INININ head up 2 EX Uttanasana VINYASA: 9 4 EX Chaturanga Dandasana Further explanations: 3 IN head up ASANA: 5,6 5 IN lift feet AshtangaYoga.info 4 EX Chaturanga Dandasana DRISTI: NASAGRAI (EX) toes to the ground PASASANA 5 IN Urdhva Mukha
    [Show full text]