Himalayan Yoga Academy

Education & research Foundation

15 Sanskrit Words Every Yogi Should Know

Sanskrit is universally recognized as the language containing earliest literature in the world. Originally, the yoga practice was transmitted by communication of guru and student in an Indo-Aryan language called Sanskrit. Sanskrit words is meaningful word so yoga asana can be better understood when referred by their Sanskrit names rather than their given English names.

Here are some Sanskrit words that is often used and useful for your everyday practice.

  1. AUM/OM

AUM/OM is the sacred sound which is believed to resonate at the same vibration of the universe. It represents the union of mind, body and the spirit. It is used in contemplation of ultimate reality.

  • Asana

It is traditionally defined to be seated in pleasant and relaxed position which are meant to facilitate meditation. Late, extended in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercises. The asana has physical, spiritual and mental benefits.

  • Namaste

It is often used as greeting in part of India. The Namaste mudra is accompanied by placing both palms together in front of your heart. It is often translated as “ the light in me honors the light in you.”

  • Bhakti

Bhakti simply means participation, attachment and devotion for a personal god, worship and purity. The idea of Bhakti is present in Bhagavad Gita, a sacred book of the Hindus. The path of Bhakti is often linked to Krishna, although nay god or personal deity can be worshipped.

  • Shanti

Simply means peace or inner peace which is often chanted three times after the final OM in a yoga class. It is deep word that symbolizes the universal peace and when repeated three times, calls for peace of mind, peace of speech and peace of body.

A Sanskrit word  mantra” from the roots “manas” which means the linear thinking mind. Although there are thousands of mantras which have been recorded and memorized for many generations, there is no actual definition for what a mantra is. But all those mantras main purpose is cultivate awareness, intention and elevated connection.

  • Karma

Karma is the universal casual law which means each and every action we do has its own corresponding energy. This spiritual principle goes much deeper than that. Following the laws of karma, we can change our life`s path and make our future better through our good deeds and actions. Everything we do is connected to Karma.

Chakra means a rotating wheel in Sanskrit. It refers to the energy centers that is located all over the body where prana activates and accumulates. There are seven main chakras in our body located from our root to the crown. They are:

  • Muladhara Chakra- root
  • Svadhisthan Chakra- sacral
  • Manipura Chakra- solar plexus
  • Anahatha Chakra- heart
  • Visuddha Chakra- throat
  • Ajna Chakra-third eye
  • Sahasrara Chakra-crown
  • Yoga

This is the most known Sanskrit word all over the world till now maybe. Yoga is simply defined as the unification of body, mind and soul. Also it unites the inner self with the ultimate reality.

It is yogic practice which simply means the regulation of breath. There are various techniques to practice pranayama, but all purpose is to deepen and lengthen breathe fro meditation.

  • Kirtan

It is derived from Sanskrit root which simply means to call, recite, praise or glorify the divinity. It is also said as devotional singing of mantras or any divine words usually accompanied by musical instruments which is really fun to sing and listen too. It helps in connecting to the divie world through this pure sound, music and mantras.

  • Mudra

Mudra means a gestures which is spiritually linked where different mudras has its own energy, benefits and gestures. The word Mudra is divided into two separate words mud- joy and ra- produce. So mudras  are meant to spread joy around you and spread positive vibe around you at the time of practice.

Hatha means the unification of sun and moon forces. The word hatha means willful or forceful. It promotes physical and spiritual discipline of Yoga. It balances the mind, body and chakras through specific asanas and controlled meditative breathing.

Bandhas are locks that are practiced in different parts of body in order to direct and regulate the flow of energy and prana. These locks are located in the specific locations:

  • Mula Bandha- the root lock
  • Jalandhara Bandha- the throat lock
  • Uddiyana Bandha- lifting of the diaphragm lock
  • Maha Bandha- all three locks at the same time

Guru is the Sanskrit term for mentor, teacher, guide, expert or master. A guru is the one spiritual`s guide who hold a duty to pass on transmitted knowledge to their students and disciples. They do not have only knowledge of books, but they are believed to have a great wisdom of the teaching which is inherited from generation to generation.

Conclusion :

All these sanskrits words will be taught during your yoga course where you will be guided by the gurus and will be taught how these words help you understand your body and the world. These worlds are highly meaningful and all these words will help you understand you the meaning of yoga . During our yoga teacher training nepal course as well we have taught many western students the meaning of these sanskrit words which has highly influenced them in knowing more about them and hence using these words to learn more on yoga and meditation. We also teach our yoga students about the mantras which consists most of these sanskrit words which activates the body, mind and soul in many ways. The word AUM is taught to all the people in the world as it is the universal word.

Lets Learn these amazing sanskrit words to learn more about yoga and meditation.

The 12 Laws Of Karma: Let’s Understand Cause And Effect

What really is the law of karma? What is good karma and bad karma? And what do you need to do in order to make sure you don`t attract bad karma?

There are 12 laws of karma in altogether. When you live in accordance with the 12 laws of karma, you create good karma in your life.

Let`s begin with the definition of karma.

What is Karma?

Karma simply defined as an individual`s good and bad actions in one of their lives where good deeds will lead to a future beneficial effect, while a bad deed will lead to future harmful effect. Karma is the law of cause and effect in the universe. Laws of Karma are all about positive and negative balances. And they come from our words, thoughts, and deed.

Each and every actions we do creates its corresponding energy. That energy come back to us in some form or another. Simply we can say everything we do is connected to our karma. Following the laws of karma, we can truly become the best versions of ourselves so that we can change our life path`s and make our future better through our good deeds and actions.

What are the 12 Laws of Karma?

Everything in the Universe is related to energy. Our thoughts and emotions are also energy in motion. Everything we do has corresponding consequences according to your positive or negative deeds, actions and thoughts. Individual creates his own destiny by thoughts, deeds, words and actions.

For the good karma throughout your life, follow these 12 laws of karma as guidelines.

  • The Great law

It is also translated as Law of cause and effect. Whatever thoughts, energy, words, deeds and actions you give out is also what you will receive back either positive or negative. So If you want to be loved then be loving to others, if you want strong financial then be generous to others. If you want happiness, peace, generosity and love then u must treat other the same way you want to receive from them.

  • The Law of Creation

We ourselves are in charge of creating our life, making it what you want and leading our life in better path. We need to be active in our lives if we want to get something we desire. We cannot simply wait for the things to happen. Instead, go out, explore and create yourself. Surround yourself with what you want in your life. Look at the environment, feel it and find yourself within the nature, create your own space for the things you wish to show up.

If you aren`t satisfied with your life or your recent life is not the way you wanted to be then, look within you. Just ask yourself if I could bring any change to create the future you desire.

  • Law of Humility

You must be able to accept reality and understand that your current situation is a result of your past actions. If you constantly blame others for things you have created, you are out of step with reality. If you fall into this category then it will be difficult to make the necessary shifts. One must accept something in order to change it.

Start with where you are. If you really want to change anything, you must have understanding of what, where and why you are starting. Accept the current reality with humility then actively work to change what needs to be changed. Self- reflection helps you make the most out of this law.

  • Law of Growth

The growth within you should never stop. Bring some growth in yourself then only we can change the world around us. You have to expect growth in yourself before expecting the growth around you. There are always new ideas, skills traits we need to develop. So focus on your development before trying to control or change others. The only focus should be on you. Do not stress over the people around you. For a positive world, start with yourself, have control on yourself and work on personal growth. Then life will follow. Maybe even the world will follow.

  • The Law of Responsibility

Honestly, you are the only one responsible for what`s happening throughout your life`s journey.

Humbly, just accept what`s going in your life whether its good or bad. Don`t make excuses. Deal with the bad too. What is happening around you is a mirror for what is happening within you. Whether your life experience is unpleasant or fantastic, you are responsible for it. Make sure to take the ownership for any good or bad thing you create yourself. Whatever happens to you it is because of your own actions. You can`t control what`s happening rather you can take responsibility for how you respond to those things.

  • Law of Connection

We have to accept the fact that everything around us is somehow connected. Also our past, present and future are also connected. It reminds us that the control over the present and past can help destroy the bad energy of our past actions. This law reminds us about the new chances to redress our karmic wrongs from the past. At the present you are going through something this is all because of your past actions so if you want your future to be the way you wish, today`s actions can define your future life. We are all interrelated. Everything you have experienced in the past makes you who you are today. And it influences who you will be tomorrow. Our interactions with others also have an influence on their lives as well.

  • Law of Focus

  Just concentrate on one thing at the one time, Don`t lose focus that may slow you down and open      doors to negativity. Our mind shouldn`t be following multiple train of thoughts with equal competency. So, if you have several important goals, follow them in a systematic order. Don`t divide your energy while doing at same time. You must give your all energy to one goal at one time. Also another lesson from this law is to focus on your higher values. Don`t ever focus on lower thoughts and emotions like anger, possessiveness, greediness.

  • Law of Hospitality

In life, we will have many opportunities or tests to demonstrate our commitment to that belief. You actions will reflect what you believe. These test reminds you to grow a bit more if you are not able to put your beliefs into actions. Demonstrating our selflessness shows true intentions. We must show into actions all the things we claim to believe.

  • The law of Here and There

Sometimes, we totally forgot to enjoy the present time by worrying about future and remembering the past. This law reminds us to live in the present moment. We shouldn`t observe our past experiences, choices and grieve over them because we can`t change them now. Present is all you really have. So, be engaged and enjoy to the fullest right now.

  • Law of Change

History repeats until you learn from the experiences and make some positive change to stop the cycle. If your life seems to be on repeat then evaluate what lessons you are missing and use that to create the new and fruitful future. Meanwhile, if the things around you shows a dramatic change then take this is a sign that you have recently taken significant growth in your life.

  • The Law of Patience and Reward

All the greatest success requires a hard work and patience. If you expect immediate results then you will ultimately be disappointed, your success will be minor in comparison to what you are capable of achieving. If you put in the work as long as the time needed then success will eventually follow. It may take a little longer but you have to believe that with the consistency good reward is waiting for you. And your hard work will pays off for sure. Also, real joy and happiness come during the journey, not when the journey is over.

  • The Law of Significance and Inspiration

When you need a motivational boost then this can be a good law to follow. If you feel yourself useless then this law is a good reminder to feel like you really matter. This law stresses that every contribution affect the world around you no matter how small or big it seems to you. When you make loving and creative contributions around the world, you inspire, you inspire similarly positive thoughts and behavior from others. Later on this will attract more positivity back into your life. Every action you make has great significant impact on world around you. This is quite similar to Great Law. The Great Law focuses on the individual whereas, this law focuses how those action affects the society and world.

You may not always feel significant, but you always are. You have been born in this beautiful world with a specific gift, mission and purpose. Only you can bring that into the world with your uniqueness.

Final Thoughts on Karma

 I am pretty sure these 12 laws can serve you as guidelines or a roadmap for you. Make sure you follow these law in your daily life then you will start to notice some change in your life and start to understand how karma really works.

 Karma is not about doing good and doing bad, it just teaches us that each and every actions we do affects us and changes us and the world around us.

 Whether you hold spiritual beliefs or not, but understanding the law of Karma helps us to see the relationship between actions and the consequences.

 I believe you will follow these law to find more fulfilled, productive and impactful life.a

Singing Bowl Training ( Sound Healing Course )

Singing Bowl & Sound Healing Training in Nepal

Sound healing through the Singing Bowl is the oldest practice that was used by our ancestors and getting recognized by the modern world. As these singing bowls are made of a mixture of various elements like gold, silver, iron, tin, copper, mercury, and lead which finalizes into the shape of a bowl for creating sound and vibrations for the purpose of sound healing, therapy, and meditation. This ancient practice of creating sounds, and vibrations through singing bowls that awaken our body cells, also called chakras (energy center) is the primary focus of the therapy. 

We make this course, especially for healing, meditation purpose, and the path of the spiritual journey. As sound heals on a physical level because it so deeply touches and transforms us on the emotional and spiritual planes. Sound can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder.

Singing Bowls can help balance the Chakra energy system.   Each crystal bowl is specifically tuned to a chakra frequency.  When singing bowls are played, and particular sound frequencies are projected into a dis-eased area, correct harmonic patterns can be restored. As Scientific studies show that sound can produce changes in the autonomic, immune, endocrine, and neuropeptide systems.  If there is any dis-harmony within the body can be restructured by sound.

The sounds from singing bowls are calming and induce a sense of peacefulness… it is a relaxation that goes beyond the physical body.  The tones of each chakra bowl will permeate your system – resonating your essence – so that inner chaos, conflict, and dissonance seem almost immediately to be transformed into harmony.

Why Singing Bowl Training in Nepal with Himalayan Yoga Academy?

This Singing Bowl Professional Course ( Sound Healing Course ) is designed to teach you to work with the sound of the singing bowls professionally and be able to offer healing sessions with the use of sound and vibration. Here are the reasons why singing bowls training ( level 1 ) :

  1. You will be learning Therapeutic Sound, Healing Sound, and Meditation.
  2. You will be learning Nada Yoga: Knowledge of Cosmic Sound and Individual Sound.
  3. You will be learning Experiences of the state of Therapy, Healing, and Relaxation.
  4. You will get knowledge on the Selection of Singing Bowls.
  5. You will learn how to Balance; energy, Mind, and Psychic Level.
  6. Also, you will learn to Experience the State of Trance, Rejuvenate, Resonate, Pleasure, Relaxation, Gladness, and Blissful.
  7. You will be able to Group Healing and Meditation.

Benefits of using a singing bowl:

  1. They are relaxing: Singing Bowls (and sound baths more generally) are most often used to help guide the body and mind into a state of relaxation. The vibrations created by singing bowls highly influence our body by getting our whole body in a state of total relaxation.
  2. They help by stimulating our brain waves to make us calm.
  3. They help us get into meditation by relaxing our whole body and mind.
  4. They make our minds fall into peacefulness by turning inner chaos, conflict, and dissonance into harmony.

Life of Osho

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh , or Osho was a popular and powerful speaker who was born in 1931 in Central India and was the eldest of a 11 children of cloth merchant. He was the leader of a worldwide new spiritual movement. Rajneesh emphasized the importance of free thought, meditation, love, courage, creativity and humor. At the age of 21, he had intense spiritual awakening. At that time he was studying philosophy at the University of Saugar. Then after a Master degree, he taught philosophy at the University of Jabalpur for nine years. After then, he resigned from the University and became a Guru and teacher of Meditation. In 1974, he moved with his disciples to Pune, India and he established a new Ashram in six acres. The basic centre was called dynamic meditation, a process designed to allow people to experience the divine. He also became well-known for his progressive approach to sexuality, which is totally different with the thoughts of other Indian Teachers. In 1980, he was attacked by Hindu fundamentalist who disagreed with Osho`s unconventional stance on religion and spirituality. So he left India and moved to America

. His disciples bought a large plot of land near Antelope, Oregon to refocused on Rajneesh movement`s activities. After a short time, the movement ran into the conflict with country residents and state government. The increased tensions around the Poona ashram, along with criticism of its activities and threatened punitive action by Indian authorities, provided an impetus for the ashram to consider the establishment of a new commune in the United States. While the various legal battles ensued Rajneesh remained behind the scenes, having withdrawn from a public facing role in what commune leadership referred. Several months later, on 30 October 1985, he ended his period of public silence, announcing that it was the time to “speak his own truths”. He was later deported from the United States in accordance with an Alford Plea bargain. After his deportation, 21 countries deny his entry. He ultimately returned to Mumbai, India in 1986, he was given a hero`s welcome by Indian disciples. In 1987, he settled back in Poona ashram, where he would give evening discourses. In Febraury 1989, he expressed his wish to be called as “Osho”. He gave his last public discourse in April 1989. Then onwards he would  just simply sit in the silence with his followers. Osho died on 19 janaury 1990, aged 58, reportedly of heart failure.

Osho on Meditation :

Rajneesh presented contemplation not just as a practice but as a state of mindfulness to be maintained in every moment, a total mindfulness that awakens the existent from the sleep of mechanical responses conditioned by beliefs and prospects. He employed Western psychotherapy in the introductory stages of contemplation to produce mindfulness of internal and emotional patterns.
He suggested further than a hundred contemplation ways in aggregate. His own” active contemplation” ways are characterized by stages of physical exertion leading to silence. The most notorious of these remains Dynamic Contemplation which has been described as a kind of example of his outlook. Performed with closed or blindfolded eyes, it comprises five stages, four of which are accompanied by music. First the meditator engages in ten moments of rapid-fire breathing through the nose. The alternate ten twinkles are for catharsis” Let whatever is passing be.. Laugh, cry, laugh, jump, shake — whatever you feel to do, do it. Next, for ten twinkles one jumps up and down with arms raised, crying Hoo! each time one lands on the flat of the bases. At the fourth, silent stage, the meditator stops moving suddenly and completely, remaining fully motionless for fifteen twinkles, witnessing everything that’s passing. The last stage of the contemplation consists of fifteen twinkles of dancing and festivity.
Rajneesh developed other active contemplation ways, similar as the Kundalini” shaking” contemplation and the Nada brahma” humming” contemplation, which are less animated, although they also include physical exertion of one sort or another. His after” pensive curatives” bear sessions for several days, OSHO Mystic Rose comprising three hours of laughing every day for a week, three hours of weeping each day for a alternate week, and a third week with three hours of silent contemplation. These processes of” witnessing” enable a” jump into mindfulness. Rajneesh believed similar cathartic styles were necessary because it was delicate for ultramodern people to just sit and enter contemplation. Once these styles had handed a regard of contemplation, also people would be suitable to use other styles without difficulty.

Rajneesh`s Some Commandments :

  • Never obey anyone`s command unless it is coming from within you also.
  • Life is now and here.
  • Live wakefully.
  • There is no God than the life itself.
  • Truth is within you, don`t search for it elsewhere.
  • Love is prayer.
  • Die each moment so that you can be new each moment.
  • Do not swim- float.

Yoga for Beginners

When you are completely new to yoga, you may find it difficult and feel intimidating to know how to get started. But there is nothing to worry about. Slowly with more practice, you are going to be perfect yoga teacher. So It`s time to roll out your mat and discover your inner self through yogic life. Here guide on Yoga for Beginners

What is Yoga?

Simply, Yoga can be defined as the set of physical postures and mental exercises, along with breathing techniques and meditation. It is also collection of spiritual techniques and practices aimed at balancing body, mind and soul. The fundamental motive of yoga is to activate harmony in the body, mind and environment. It involves complete system of physical, mental, social, and spiritual development.

If you find that asana is difficult then you can modify the asanas that will help you the most out of your session. Yoga instructors are also always there for guiding you. They make use of props like chairs, blocks, straps, and blankets to help practitioners reach maximum potential and make them flexible. Whether you are old or young, overweight or fit, everyone is individually benefitted. Yoga is for everyone.

Yoga Asanas

Yoga asanas essentially work to lubricate muscles, joints, ligaments and other parts of the body. The asanas harmonize your body, mind and soul. It also helps in increasing flexibility and circulation. Yoga asanas can be classified into different forms like- advanced or basic poses, seated or standing poses, twists, challenging asanas. Asanas also bring out balance of ease and effort into each pose that will help you relax.

When you do Asanas then it should be done with sense of awareness and breathing techniques. You must focus on your breath along with the movements.

Some Yoga for Beginners

Here are some simple and basic asanas for beginners that gives one of the desired comfort.

  1. Sukhasana

It is one of the comfortable and basic, crossed-legged, seated position used in Yoga practices and meditation as well. You can do this asana wherever and whenever you want. It is good for body`s stability, mobility and strength. It has relaxing effect on the mind and body which helps in relieving stress and anxiety. Sukhasana is the beginning of the meditation.

  • Child`s Pose

This is a resting pose when you feel like taking break from asanas that require too much effort, you can simply move on to the child`s pose. Here you feel your whole body more relaxed. After a moment, you can follow other advanced asanas. It will gently stretch your lower back, open your hips, thighs, knees and ankles as well as relax your shoulders, spine and neck.

  • Corpse Pose

It is traditionally practiced in the end of the yoga session. It will allow you to calm your mind and relax your whole muscles. It is also said as the dead body posture because you lie down like a dead body with no movements at all. Some people may find this posture a bit difficult but with the more practice, u will be in more relaxed and meditative state. You can simply modify this pose by placing pillow under your knees or head.

  • Tadasana

It is also said as Mountain pose. This is the foundation of almost all standing poses. It stretches every parts of the body. Along with this, it increases stability, focus and concentration. It also improves your body postures. It is suitable for every yoga practitioners. Skip this asana if you are pregnant. If you feel difficult on balancing the pose in toes by raising the heels then at the beginning you perform this pose without coming into the toes. Day by day you can upgrade a bit by raising the feels a bit higher and higher and finally you can balance the posture in the toes.

  • Cat and Cow pose

This is the two simple poses that is practiced together to gently warm up the spine and abdomen muscles. Here you take the position of cat and cow. This posture helps in boosting energy in the body. They both stretch the lower spine, hips and back muscles. They also open the chest and lungs allowing for easier breathing. Cat and cow poses are simple poses that has great benefits.

  • Downward Facing dog

It is position that places your heart above your head, allowing gravity to increase blood flow and improve circulation. It strengthens arms and legs. It is also one of the asana in Sun salutation series. For begineers, this asana could be challenging initially, but with more practice, it will turm out to be your favorite relaxing yoga asana.

  • Cobra Pose

It is the gentle back bend that helps to open the throat and upper chest. It is generally safe physically and balancing energetically. It is powerful, muscle- strengthening when performed regularly. It is also one of the asana in Sun salutation series. For begineers, this can be the simple asana just lying on your stomach and slowly raising your upper parts of the body. It also makes the spine flexible.

VYAGHRASANA ( Tiger pose )

Vyaghrasana ( Tiger pose ) :

Vyaghrasana is the Sanskrit word when translated into English means Tiger Pose. This pose resembles stretching the body by a tiger when it wakes up from sleep. By stretching and contracting the spine, this pose loosens the spine, hip and leg joints, and tones the spinal nerves. When you practice Vyaghrasana, you will massage your lower muscles and the organs responsible for digestion, elimination and reproduction; and strengthen the muscles in these areas.

Steps of Vyaghrasana ( Tiger pose ) :

  • Assume the starting position for marjari-asana and look forward.
  • Relax the whole body.
  • Arching the back downwards, straighten the right leg, stretching it up and back.
  • Bend the right knee.
  • Look up and bring the toes towards the back of the head.
  • Hold the breath for a few seconds in this position.
  • Straighten the right leg, bend the knee and awing the leg under the hips.
  • Simultaneously, arch the back up and bend the head down, bringing the knee towards the nose.
  • The right foot should not touch the floor.
  • The thigh presses against the chest.
  • Hold for a few seconds while retaining the breath outside.
  • Move the foot straight back and again stretch the leg.
  • Bend the knee and continue with the slow swinging movements.
  • After practicing on one side, relax in marjari-asana.
  • Repeat with the other leg.

Breathing: Inhale while stretching the leg backward. Retain in the final position. Exhale while swinging the knee to the chest.

Duration: Perform this asana 5 times with each leg.

Awareness: Physical- on the forward and backward stretching of the spine and legs, and on the alternate compression and stretching of the abdomen and chest. Be aware of the balance, and the movement synchronized with the breath. Spiritual- on swadhisthana chakra.

Benefits: This asana exercises and loosens the back by bending it alternately in both directions and tones the spinal nerves. It relaxes the sciatic nerves, relieving sciatica, and loosens up the legs and hip joints. It tones the female reproductive birth and those who have given birth to many children thats why Post-pregnancy women should regularly practice Vyaghrasana to tone the reproductive organs and abdominal muscle. It stretches the abdominal muscles, promotes digestion and stimulates blood circulation. Weight is reduced from the hips and thighs.

Namaskarasana

Namaskarasana Yoga Pose is the one of the shakti bandha asanas. This Shakti Bandha Asanas can be said as those asanas which are concerned with improving the energy flow within the body and breaking down neuro muscular knots. This yoga pose or asana helps the human body in many ways. The word Namaskarasana is made up of two Sanskrit words they are ”Namaskar“ which means Salutation and “Asana” which means Pose or Posture.

Steps to do the Namaskarasana or The Salutation Pose :

  • Squat with the feet on the floor about 60 cm apart.
  • The knees should be wide apart and the elbows pressing against the insides of the knees.
  • Bring the hands together in front of the chest in a gesture of prayer.
  • This is the starting position.
  • The eyes may be open or closed.
  • Inhale and bend the head backwards. Feel the pressure at the back of the neck.
  • Simultaneously, use the elbows to push the knees as wide apart as comfortable.
  • Hold this position for 3 seconds while retaining the breath.
  • Exhale and straighten the arms directly in front of the body.
  • At the same time, push in with the knees, pressing the upper arms inward.
  • The head should be bent forward with the chin pressed against the chest.
  • Hold this position, retaining the breath, for 3 seconds.
  • Return to the starting position.
  • This is one round.
  • Practice 5 to 10 rounds.

Breathing: Inhale while bringing the palms together in front of the chest. Exhale while extending the arms forward.

Awareness: On the stretch in the groin and compression at the back of the neck, then changing to relaxation of the upper back and shoulder muscles in the forward position, and the breath.

Benefits of Paschima Namaskarasana (Reverse Prayer Pose)

  1. Paschima Namaskarasana is very good for opening up the shoulder joints. This asana has a profound effect on the nerves and muscles of the thighs, knees, shoulders, arms and neck.
  2. This asana help as it increases flexibility in the hips
  3. It benefits by making the shoulder muscles flexible.
  4. Flexing the shoulder muscles also stretches the muscles of the forearm up to the wrist. This is good for those who engage in typing in front of the computers for hours as this relaxes the muscles of the forearm, wrist, upper arm and the shoulders.
  5. It releases stress and calms down the mind.
  6. Paschima Namaskarasana opens the chest and improves breathing.

Contra-indications-

 Not for people with knee problems or sciatica.