Hatha Yoga
ANJANEYASANA – The Crescent Moon – Variation
Begin from hands to feet pose. Stretch back the right leg, while leaving the left foot on the mat. The left knee is bent and you are on the toes of the right foot. Push the right thigh down and come onto the right knee. With palms together, inhale and arch back, stretching arms and head back. You are now curved in the crescent moon shape, which is often called the symbol of yoga. Flexibility is needed for the pose and good balance. The back leg is the main support so that you can bend backward. The toes are another source of support, as is the left foot in front. With each exhalation, pull yourself a little further back. Breathe deeply. Come out of the pose and reverse your leg position to perform the pose on both sides.
Variation: From the crescent moon asana, with body upward and curved back, bring the back foot off the toes and flat with toes pointing back. Reach your hands back further to your maximum bend and down, arching the back. Hold leg behind you with both hands at the ankle and pull yourself back further with arms. The front leg remains bent at knee and foot flat on mat. Always reverse the leg position so pose is performed on both sides.
Benefits:
- Opening the front hip crease, legs, thighs and arm pits
- An opening of the shoulders, middle back and front of throat
- A balance posture
This yoga asana is an edited contribution for the Sivananda Gurugram partly sourced and edited from the Sivananda Publication : “Yoga: Your Home Practice Companion” – Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre – 2010.
Time is life. Utilize time profitably in spiritual pursuits. – Sri Swami Sivananda
Quick Links
Spiritual Calendar
| MAY 2016
03 Ekadasi JUNE 2016 01 Ekadasi. |
Glossary
KEVALA KUMBHAKA – Kevala: ‘only’. Kumbhaka: ‘breath retention’ or ‘cessation’
Kumbhaka is of two kinds – Sahita and Kevala. That which is coupled with inhalation and exhalation is termed Sahita. That which is devoid of these, is called Kevala (alone). When you get mastery in Sahita, then you can attempt this Kevala. When in due course of practice, the Kumbhaka subsists in many places without exhalation and inhalation and unconditioned by place, time and number—then that Kumbhaka is called absolute and pure (Kevala Kumbhaka), the fourth form of ‘Regulation of breath’. Such powers as that of roaming about in space unseen, follow this last form of Pranayama. In Vasishtha Samhita it is said: “When after giving up inhalation and exhalation, one holds his breath with ease, it is absolute Kumbhaka (Kevala).” In this Pranayama the breath is suddenly stopped without Puraka and Rechaka. The student can retain his breath as long as he likes through this Kumbhaka. He attains the state of Raja Yoga. Through Kevala Kumbhaka, the knowledge of Kundalini arises. Kundalini is aroused and the Sushumna is free from all sorts of obstacles. He attains perfection in Hatha Yoga. You can practice this Kumbhaka three times a day. He who knows Pranayama and Kevala is the real Yogi. What can he not accomplish in the three worlds, who has acquired success in this Kevala Kumbhaka? Glory, glory to such exalted souls. This Kumbhaka cures all diseases and promotes longevity.
God is watching all your thoughts and movements. – Sri Swami Sivananda