Hatha Yoga Tip
TRIANGLE – Trikoṇāsana – Beginner and Intermediate
Triangle is a unique asana. Its lateral bend stretches and strengthens several muscles on the side of the body at the same time. It also helps with balance. It is the last of the twelve basic asanas in the cycle. After you have practised Triangle, end your session with final relaxation in order to reap all the benefits of your practice.
BENEFITS
Physical
• Increases the sideways mobility of the lumbar and thoracic areas of the spine.
• Strengthens and lengthens the muscles of the legs and back.
• Tones the spinal nerves.
• Tones the abdominal organs.
• Improves the movement of food through the intestines and so invigorates the appetite.
Mental
• Working the muscles of the legs and back while still breathing calmly in the abdomen and consciously trying to relax presents both a physical and mental challenge. Triangle can teach you how to face a challenging task while staying mentally calm and detached.
• Strengthens concentration and mental determination.
Beginner
1. Stand with your legs apart, about twice shoulder-width. Turn your left foot to the left and align it with the instep of your right foot.
2. Inhale and take your right arm up alongside your right ear.
3. If you are unable to reach over your head without bending your leg, exhale and bend your trunk to the left. Bend your left leg, and place your left hand on your left foot. Hold for up to one minute, then repeat on the other side.
Intermediate
If you are able to reach over your head without bending your leg, come into the full pose from Step 2. Exhale, and bend to the left, keeping your left knee straight. Catch hold of your ankle or your calf. Hold for up to one minute, then repeat on the other side.
Joy, ananda, is your nature, which is eternal. – Swami Vishnudevananda
Make discrimination-cum non-attachment your sword to cut the tree of samsara. – Sri Swami Sivananda
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Spiritual Calendar
| MARCH 2023 03 Ekadasi 08 Holi 17 Ekadasi 21 New Moon 30 Ram Navami APRIL 2023 |
Glossary
Ramnavmi
Ramnavami or the birthday of Lord Rama falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra (March-April).
Rama was the Lord Hari Himself, incarnate on earth for the destruction of Ravana.
Lord Rama was the prince of the Ikshvaku race. He was virtuous and of manly strength. He was the Lord of the mind and the senses. Brave and valiant, He was yet gentle and modest. He was a sage in counsel, kind and sweet in speech, and most courteous and handsome in appearance. He was the master of all the divine weapons, and a great warrior. Ever devoted to the good and prosperity of His kingdom and His subjects, He was a defender of the weak and the protector of the righteous. Endowed with numerous wondrous powers of the mind, He was well versed in all sciences–in military science as well as the science of the Self.
Lord Rama was the best of men with a sterling character. He was the very image of love. He was an ideal son, an ideal brother, an ideal husband, an ideal friend and an ideal king. He can be taken to embody all the highest ideals of man. He led the ideal life of a householder to teach the tenets of righteousness to humanity. He ruled His people so well that it came to be known as Ram-Rajya, which meant the rule of righteousness, the rule which bestows happiness and prosperity on all.
The noblest lesson embodied in the Ramayana is the supreme importance of righteousness in the life of every human being. Let mankind follow His footsteps and practise the ideals cherished by Him, for it is only thus that there can be everlasting peace, prosperity and welfare in this world.
One who approaches Sri Rama with love and worshipfulness becomes large-hearted, pure in spirit, good-natured and dispassionate in thought, word and deed. A true devotee of Lord Rama is His representative, with His power and His knowledge.
On the auspicious Ramnavmi day take a firm resolve that you will repeat Ram-Nam with every breath and that you will endeavour to lead a righteous life.