Dhanurasana (THE BOW POSE) Dhanus means a bow in Sanskrit. This is called Dhanurasana because when the full pose is demonstrated, it resembles a bow with a string in it. The hands and the le... Read more
Sarvangasana (ALL-MEMBERS POSE) The next is Sarvangasana. It is so called because all parts of the body function during its performance. Spread a thick blanket on the ground. Lie flat on you... Read more
Bandha Traya (THE THREE BANDHAS) That posture or exercise which shuts the gate of the body at a particular place and thereby stops inhalation and exhalation is called a Bandha. When Mula Ban... Read more
Sukhasana Any easy, comfortable posture for Japa and meditation is Sukhasana, the important point being the head, neck and trunk should be in a line without curve. People who begin Japa and... Read more
Salabhasana (THE LOCUST POSE) Salabha means a locust in Sanskrit. When this pose is demonstrated, it gives one the appearance of a locust. Lie on the blanket face down and the arms touching... Read more
Vajrasana (The Adamantine Pose) Those who sit in this Asana have a quite steady and firm pose. They cannot be easily shaken. The knees are rendered very hard. Merudanda becomes firm and stro... Read more
Mayurasana (THE PEACOCK POSE) Mayura means a peacock in Sanskrit. This is called Mayurasana because when this Asana is performed, it imitates a peacock spreading out his bundle of feathers b... Read more
Bhujangasana (THE COBRA POSE) Bhujanga means a cobra in Sanskrit. This pose is called Bhujangasana because when the full pose is displayed, it lends one the appearance of a hooded cobra. Spr... Read more
Siddhasana (THE PERFECT POSE) Siddhasana is next to Padmasana in importance. Some eulogise it as even superior to Padmasana from the point of view of meditation. The Asana is so called becau... Read more
Ardha Matsyendrasana Paschimottanasana and Halasana bend the spine forwards. Dhanur, Bhujanga and Salabha Asanas are counter-poses to bend the spine backwards. This is not sufficient. It mus... Read more
