Added: 04/05/2006 |
A Yoga Symbols Review - Understanding the Meaning of AsanaThe practice of Asanas -- yogic exercises -- represents the most popular part of yoga practice. Some people tend to regard the study of these postures sometimes independently without correlating it with other essential parts of yoga practice, such as mental activity, concentration and breathing while asana is performed. Asana is indeed the main part of yoga practice, but nevertheless other aspects are as significant and indispensable.
For many centuries ago yoga hurus while observing and studying different plants, birds, animals trying to understand the most efficient and natural way to happiness, health and peace of mind. They have developed the exercises that copied the postures and movements of different creatures. These positions have become the yoga symbols and the basis for all Asanas. Many of them are named after the animals and plants, which they copy and symbolize. The most popular Asanas are listed below in our yoga symbols review.
The most popular asana that is associated with yoga itself is padmasana or lotus posture. So it naturally comes first in our yoga symbols review.
It is the most important as lotus or padmasana symbol is a symbol of sun, rebirth, creation, beauty, prosperity, purity, divinity, and eternity. The list of associations is endless. It is an important part of mythology, culture, religious and art in India and some other Asian countries.
The padmasana looks like a very simple posture but it is quite hard to perform.
The initial position is a sitting one. Extend your legs forward. Then bring your left foot up to the right thigh. The sole of the foot is supposed to be turned upward. Then bring your right foot up over the left leg so that it rests on the left thigh.
Usually the last part is a problem for many people at first. It quite easy for young and flexible people, but it takes longer for those who take up yoga later in their age.
It is recommended to remain in this position for a minute. Then get some rest and then repeat the exercise but swap the legs i.e. first goes the left leg and then the right.
It is the most effective asana for the purposes of relaxation, flexibility development and concentration training. It also promotes muscle strengthening, soothes the nervous system and improves the state of blood vessels thus affecting circulation.
The next in our yoga symbols review is bakasana symbol. It copies the posture of a crane.
The hands are raised above the head and are held together. The feet are kept close. Then bring your hands downward to the toes, touch the toes of your left foot. Bring your right leg back and then up. Maintain this position for as long as you are able to without feeling discomfort. Then take the initial position. Repeat the exercise but this time touch the toes of the right foot and raise the left leg.
This asana improves coordination and blood circulation as well as strengthens the leg and wrist muscles, bringing relaxation to the lower part of your back.
To continue our main yoga symbols review we should name also matsyasana (fish), shalabhasna (locust), simhasana (loin), vatayasana (horse), syryasana (sun), bhujangasana (cobra), dhanurasana (bow),trikosana (triangle), halasana (plough) etc.
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