What is Yogashchittavrittinirodhah?

Yoga is the science of life. It is ancient science with more than 15,000 historical scripture mentioned in Rig Veda, first sacred text of the world. But as a first pure and authentic text is Yoga Darshna out of Shata-darshan (six eastern philosophies) written or designed by Maharshi Patanjali. Today whatever practice all over the world is based on this Yoga philosophy. This is the first recommended yogic text. More about Yogashchittavrittinirodhah.

Before this, so many descriptions and commentaries were partially or briefly touched on or scripted in different texts. Such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Samkhya Yoga Darshana, etc. We give here in the Himalayan Yoga Academy the basic concept about sacred texts and the yogic message to Human beings.

Yoga Darshana is the complete text of Yoga for beginning levels to higher levels of practitioners and readers. It has 195 verses and is divided into four chapters. When Maharshi Patanjali made a plan to write this philosophy, firstly he started from “Atha Yogaanushaasanam”, which means now the discipline of yogic science begins. Immediately, he formulated the definition of Yoga “Yogashchittavrittinirodhah” P. Y 1.2. in the second verse. Here in our Himalayan Yoga Academy, we focus on the different authentic and sacred definitions mentioned in sacred and holy texts.

Yoga is “Yogashchittavrittinirodhah,” that means the cessation of modifications of thoughts in chitta or Mind; that is Yoga. Chitta is more about the Mind. Chitta includes Mind, Egos, Intellects, and Consciousness all together. Yoga is concerned with the Mind and supreme consciousness, but has no concern for the body. The body is something, just the foundation or device for higher practice. Yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively toward an object and sustain that direction without any distractions. 

“Yogashchittavrittinirodhah” – Yoga + Sh + Chitta + Vritti + Nirodhah: Yoga means the cessation of fluctuating thoughts in chitta. Chitta is a composition of four fundamentals, e.g., mind, ego, intellect, and consciousness. Maharshi Patanjali gives his formal definitions of yoga for the classical school of Yoga itself: Yoga is the stilling of the changing states of the mind or the stilling of all thought.

The commentators have packed a substantial amount of dense information into their writings on this Yoga Darshana or Sutra. Since Maharshi Patanjali defined and summarized the entire system of Yoga in these verses, the commentators use this Darshana to lay out the psychological and metaphysical foundation of the Yoga process. They explain how Yoga helps practitioners calm, reduce, and still unwanted and excessive thoughts to reach a state of inner clarity. Patanjali presents Yoga as the state of being free from mental distractions. Moreover, he formulates and channels the remaining 193 verses with precision to guide practitioners toward their ultimate spiritual goals.

Vajrasana, also known as the Thunderbolt pose, is a sitting posture that involves sitting on the knees with the calves beneath the thighs. It is the only pose that can be done on a full stomach. The pose is ideal for practicing meditation and breathing exercises like Pranayama, Kapalabhati, and Anulom Vilom. Further on, How to do Thunderbolt Pose.

You will also notice that this pose is used across various religious cultures for the purpose of praying, which in itself speaks a lot for the tranquility it will offer to your mind. One of the most spectacular things about this yoga pose is that, unlike most asanas, this doesn’t have to be carried out on an empty stomach; rather, it is more efficient when practiced post-meal.

How To do Thunderbolt Pose

1. Kneel Down on the floor.
2. Place your both toes together and heels apart. Then bring down the buttocks and place the gap in between your heels. Touch your toes together.
3. With your Hands in Chin or Jnana Mudra, simply place the palms down on the knees.
4. Stay Erect. Then Closing your eyes breathe normally.

Health benefits of Thunderbolt Pose

1. Improves posture
   
   While practicing Vajrasana, one thing that is required of you is to always keep your back straight. This helps you retain the position for a longer time and also helps in better absorption of all the benefits offered by the posture. Regular practice of this pose would then condition your back to always be straight and thus results in the improvement of the posture.
   
2. Betters digestion
   
   When you sit in Vajrasana you obstruct blood flow to the lower part of your body – thighs and legs. This increases blood flow to your pelvic area and stomach,, due to which bowel movement and digestion become better. It aids liver functions as well.”
   
3. Losing weight
   
   Becomes possible with regular practice of Vajrasana. You will see the difference in your belly fat after a few weeks of regular Vajrasana practice.
   
4. It can help with arthritis
   
   Regular yoga practice for a few months, coupled with a few pranayamas (breathing techniques) and meditation, helps you deal with arthritis.
   
5. Increases leg muscle strength and flexibility
   
   The stretching of your leg muscles and the intensive use of the joints involved in the practice of this pose stretches the ankles, thighs, knees, as well as hips, and thus results in ensuring their flexibility.
   
6. Keeps you calm
   
   The pose requires you to sit for a long duration of time with full concentration. It might make you uneasy initially, but regular practice will help you build the required patience and will also keep you calm.

Contraindications of Thunderbolt Pose

• People with injuries to the ligaments at the knees or ankles should avoid this pose.
• Intestinal ulcers or hernia patients.
• People with severe arthritis pain should not practice this pose.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek in Nepal is intrinsically known as Annapurna Sunrise or Annapurna Panorama trek. It is one of the most popular treks among the trekkers and climbers that rambles among the beautiful natural scenery and traditional villages of the Annapurna Region in the Myagdi district of Nepal. The way through the Poon Hill trek assembles different rhododendron forests and beautiful natural views of mountains including the Annapurna mountain ranges. The occupancy of terrace farming along with the greenery of farmland accomplishes the photo shoot for the photographers. In addition, the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges give the feeling of fulfillment of desire.

The Poon Hill Point provides you with a huge combination of Himalayas including Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, Lamjung Himal, Gangapurna and Manaslu ranges, and others. The Gurung village of Ghandruk and the cultural magnificence of the Gurung Museum identify the unique culture of Nepalese society. The views of waterfalls and the small village settlement give a thrilling experience for the photographers.

Trekking from Kathmandu to Poon Hill is the best experience for tourists. It gives you a perfect sight of vision of different Himalayas and villages. You have different routes to travel from Kathmandu to Poon Hill. The Kathmandu to Poon Hill distance is around 271 km. You should go to different places to reach Poon Hill. This makes the distance so long. But it gives you the best feeling along the tour. You need to travel to Pokhara to begin the journey.

Why Ghorepani Poon Hill Yoga Trek in Nepal?

Yoga shows a continuously positive vibe within us. There are several scientific and spiritual explanations for Yoga. The vibration or frequency of continuous repetition of words like OM and other mantras vibrates in a frequency that evokes physical and mental health. Positivity leads to overcoming our Kleshas. Furthermore, Yoga brings us close to Mother Nature, the vital nature preserve for us. Yoga has a relationship with Panchatatva—the five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and sky, which are the precise foundations of our existence. Similarly, Trataka, where you concentrate on a specific pose at a single point of light, can help decrease the number of thoughts.

There are numerous benefits of yoga trekking to the physical, mental, and psyche health. Therefore, yoga trekking is the most essential addition to your daily life. We have come to a stage of an era where stress is the most common word and where mental, physical as well and emotional intelligence has depleted. To overcome that incorporation of Yoga trekking once a year is the most.

Yoga helps cure those stressors inside your body and calms your body with care. When your body is in a calm state, you respond better and you’ll be happier.

In today’s world, many people live their lives at full speed without pause. Low-grade stress, in the form of worry, is our constant companion. Often, we’re concerned about work, family life, and finances. Sometimes this leads us to cram more activities into or eke more productivity out of every day. It is as if we’ve become hamsters on a wheel. And forget that we have a choice about whether or not to get off that wheel. We rarely pause long enough to allow another perspective to enter our hearts. Meditation retreat in Nepal helps us get off the hamster wheel.

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a process of calming the mind down and focusing on a single thought (a breath in and out) at a time. It’s not necessarily related to religion. You get back the ability to be fully present in what’s happening at the present moment. So, meditation retreats are designed to help you slow down and shut out all of the external noises. Listen to yourself and reconnect with yourself.

On a wellness vacation (Meditation Retreats), you relax fully. Your health and well-being are the primary focus of your time away from home. You step out of your busy daily routines and into a slower pace of life, which encourages you to deepen your meditation practice, engage in daily physical activity, and modify your mindset. Taking time for yourself and with yourself is an essential part of the itinerary.

Often journaling while on retreat is a perfect way to spend quality time with yourself and at the same time record your emotions and thoughts to reflect back upon later.

Why Meditation Retreats?

Making new connections and friendships with like-minded people, who often have similar concerns or interests, is an additional benefit of meditation retreats. These people become your support system as you work toward your goals and also provide a sounding board to help you identify and resolve personal challenges. Most importantly, they let you realize that you are not alone.

Retreats provide an opportunity to explore some of the world’s most beautiful settings. They allow us to step out of busy, sometimes urban, life and into a slower way of being. Connecting deeply with nature and the energy that flows through it is an integral part of these meditation and qigong retreats. Intentionally engaging with the life force found in natural settings helps us rejuvenate our internal energy or qi.

Why Meditation Retreat in Nepal?

Nepal is a one-stop spiritual destination. Every activity here revolves around finding yourself and seeking your roots, whether it be practicing yoga or going on a mighty trek, or just visiting a temple. Apart from several temples and monasteries, it is also a hub for yoga meditation seekers. The spiritual relevance between Hinduism and Buddhism has made this place a perfect destination for meditation retreats. Several resorts and hotels have tied up with multiple yoga experts to offer world-class service. Meditation retreat in Nepal is taught in day retreats, in which participants learn the basics and practice enough for it to be beneficial. Meditation retreats include sitting and walking meditations and are perhaps best known for their requirement that participants remain silent. 

Nepal is the easiest and safest country to visit, even alone; you can travel to Nepal. Now you can do a Yoga Teacher training course, Yoga retreat, Yoga Detox, Special Pranayama Course, Yoga Nidra and Meditation course, Mudra Yoga, Mantra, Reiki Healing and Training, Singing Bowl healing and meditation, Basic Ayurveda, and Pancha Karma course under the same umbrella. More reasons about the Best Place to Learn Yoga in Nepal. It is cheaper and easier to learn Yoga Teacher Training Nepal at the Himalayan Yoga Academy in Nepal.

Nepal is the beauty of Culture, Nature, and diversity. You can fully enjoy with Nepalese lifestyle, Traditions, and Costumes throughout the Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal. Here, you will learn very authentic Yoga, including all the means of Shata karma, Prayer,  Asanas, Bandha, Mudras, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Meditations, and Sahara Yoga (Food Yoga). You will learn here at Himalayan Yoga Academy about good lifestyles throughout the biological clock and what time to do.

It is an easy way to be a yoga Master, not only for Yoga Teachers cum Instructors. It will be a nice initiation, and you just need to give continuity with full determination for your perfection. You may continue this journey of making a difference by using natural remedial ways of life.

“There is a will, there is the way”. So your willpower makes you start your journey to Nepal and learn about Nepal. The overall well-being of humankind is a product of Yoga masters to a great extent these days, and to become a perfect Yoga Master in Nepal, the third pole of the world.

If you want to groom your yogic or spiritual knowledge, Nepal is the best place for you. Nepal is the birthplace of yoga, the origin of yoga referencing the Shiva civilization, Janak Civilization, Kapil, and Patanjali Buddha Civilizations. In all the South Asian countries, Nepal is the core place due to the Himavat Kshetra.

The traditional Yoga cultures are the essence and beauty of Nepal. Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) at Himalayan Yoga Academy in Nepal will promote your values and roles as a Yoga master.  

Apply Now: 200 HRS and 300 HRS Yoga Teachers Training In Nepal

To learn yoga in Nepal to increase your skills and sharpen your Intelligence, it is highly advisable to become a good trainee or disciple; you should be conscious and silent. A Yoga Master is a practitioner and healer who updates a source of true knowledge and may rebuild the circuit of yogic tools, with traditional standards to help people with a physical, mental, and spiritual foundation.

Himalayan Yoga Academy is affiliated with Yoga Alliance USA, which is a global Yogic Brand for the quantity and quality of Yogic science. So you will get global validity to work in this faculty as well. Yoga Alliance recommends the standard course for 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal. So this concludes the Best Place to Learn Yoga in Nepal.

Himalayan Yoga presents an article on the 5 Best Places for 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal. Nepal has a lot of places for yoga teacher training Nepal opportunities to explore and also to enhance your yoga skills. We highly focus on updating our yoga knowledge in a pure environment of yoga. Our yoga teacher trainers in Nepal also provide yoga knowledge in various destinations.

It’s time to finish your search and finally get engaged in the practice of Yoga. Get this wholesome experience, and give a boost to your personal and professional growth. The 200-hour yoga teacher training is an opportunistic program that skillfully shapes you to become an established yoga teacher. If you are willing to take your yoga practice to a higher level, then it’s important to find the best destination where all the original teachings are being distributed.

Perfect 5 Best places for 200 hour yoga teacher training in Nepal

1. Kathmandu

Kathmandu Valley, a city seated in the lap of the Great Himalayas, is considered the abode of the Gods. Doused in stories of divinity and godly power, the valley maintains its spiritual status with the hundreds of thousands of temples it houses. Often called the playground of the gods, the valley’s mystical element was even featured in Marvel’s Dr. Strange.

Deeply rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism, the Kathmandu valley flaunts many religious and powerful places. Also, Kathmandu valley is covered by an evergreen forest of Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park. Hence, while you may enjoy both the natural activity as well as the city tours, you will also learn traditional yogic knowledge during your yoga teacher training in Nepal. It can be considered one of the best places for a 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal.

2. Pokhara (Fewa Lake Side)

Phewa Lake is the focal point of all tourist activities, often the hub from which people start their Pokhara tours. This over-visited-always-crowded area is a beauty in itself. With the beautiful backdrop of the snow-white Machhapuchhre (fishtail) mountain, the stark greenery on the other side of the lake, and colorful boats dispersed all around, it’s a view worth all the hassle.  The skies are clear and blue; the air is fresh, although the surroundings have been quite polluted with the increase of tourists in recent years. The lake has a Vishnu temple situated right in the center of the 5km stretch, which is filled with local people on Saturdays.

On a clear morning, you can see the mirror image of the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain on the lake, which is a breathtaking sight. Boat rides take you to the Tal Barahi temple in the center or simply show you around the lake, whichever option you choose. Personally, a boat ride in Phewa Tal while in Pokhara is a must. It’s a completely different experience as you paddle in this beauty with the mountains surrounding you in every direction possible. Locals are more than happy to help you with their boats in case you can’t find one. The market stretched on the entrance of Phewa Tal is popularly known as the lakeside and is the perfect destination for shopping, eating, hanging out, or just following the peaceful trail.

3. Pokhara (Begnas Lake Side)

Begnas Lake is a freshwater lake in Pokhara Lekhnath Metropolis of the Kaski district of Nepal, located in the southeast of the Pokhara Valley. It is a quiet freshwater lake in the Kaski district of Nepal that changes color depending on the season. it is the second largest of the eight lakes in Pokhara valley with a maximum depth of 10 meters.

The Begaskot (Mountain View Point) is located 2 km away from this property, while the Begnas Market is 3 km away. The Pokhara Airport and Pokhara city are located 12 km away. You can do  Boating, fishing, and swimming are some of the activities you can indulge in, the bonus being surrounding green mountains. The nature of the Begnas Lake area is so refreshing that it will rejuvenate you in several ways. You can do your yoga teacher training feeling refreshed.

4. Bhaktapur  

Bhaktapur is an ancient Newar city located in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley, approximately 13 km (8 miles) from Kathmandu. Also known as an open museum, it is home to some of the best preserved historical monuments, including palaces, courtyards, temples, pagodas, monuments, craftwork, hand-crafted peacock windows, etc., reflecting mostly Hinduism. It has two of the seven monument zones within the Kathmandu Valley listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Here, in Bhaktapur, you will find a lot of places to do yoga classes. Bhaktapur is more a city than nature. But if you go side of Bhaktapur city. Then you may enjoy the forest and the view as well.

5. Nagarkot

Just 32km from Kathmandu, the village is packed with hotels lining a ridge, affording one of the broadest possible views of the Himalayas, with eight ranges visible (Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Everest and Number ). 

For adventure seekers, it’s an excellent opportunity for hiking and nature walks as Nagarkot provides the broadest views of eight Himalayan ranges. Nagarkot is also very popular for relaxing your mind and soul throughout the year. Nagarkot becomes quite popular for relaxing the mind and soul throughout the year.

Nepal is a very unique and pinnacle country known as the country of Shiva Civilization. Shiva is known as by the name Aadiguru, Aadiyogi, Aadinaatha, and Yogeshwora in Himavat Kshetra (Himalayan region), also known as the country of Parvati (Wife and first Disciple of Shiva) known as Shakti (energy, will and action), known as the country of Pashupati as Yogashaalaaa (first School of Pashupati or Shiva Yoga, is known as Chaturtha Yoga i.e.  Hatha Yoga (Physical Balance), Mantra Yoga (Sound Energy), Laya Yoga (Rhythm) and Raja Yoga (Eternal). Learn 8 Reasons To Take Your Yoga Teacher Training In Nepal below:

8 Reasons To Take Your Yoga Teacher Training In Nepal

1. Practice Yoga At Its Birthplace

Nepal is the original home of yoga, many Eastern philosophers, and deep wisdom. Since ancient times, thousands of yogis and Rishis (sages) have meditated and practiced yoga in their quest for the attainment of wisdom in this beautiful country. The yogic vibrations of such great people increase the significance of this land, creating an atmosphere a wonderful practice. The culture and history of yogic meditation have been established here by thousands of Yoga Rishis who reflected nature with their asanas, since time immemorial. According to tradition, Lord Shiva, the true ‘Transformer,’ shared the yogic disciplines of Hatha, Mantra, Tantra, Shiva Yoga, and more with Parvati, the Hindu Goddess of fertility, love, and devotion, during their sacred conversations in the lap of the Himalayas.

2. The Most Affordable Place 

The biggest reason why most people take your yoga teacher training in Nepal is that it costs much less compared to other parts of the globe. According to the research, the regular teacher training course in Nepal including the food, travel, and round-trip flights, will cost you the same as studying in your local studios. 

3. Explore The World And Yoga 

Choosing Nepal for your yoga practice can benefit you in many ways, other than going deep in yoga. If you like traveling and exploring new places then Nepal is the best place to visit. It is a country with diverse climates, Himalayan mountains, Culture, Religion, and many more. Here you choose from various famous destinations such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nagarkot, etc.

4. Reconnect With Mother Nature And Yourself

Nepal is a place where you can find every possible diversification in the land structure. It is encircled by a peaceful environment and lush greenery. The green fields, beautiful hills, calm rivers, and serene atmosphere are all you need besides your yoga training. Yoga Schools in Nepal will provide you with lifetime experiences and lifelong love by making you part of their family.

5. Certified Yoga Teacher Training Programs 

Become a certified yoga teacher by enrolling in any Yoga Alliance Approved school in Nepal. There are various certified schools all over India with beautiful destinations and perfect surroundings that offer everything starting from comprehensive theoretical yoga practice to intense practical yoga practice along with various other activities. Also, the schools offer different levels of yoga teacher training programs, various retreats that vary in days, and daily practice sessions. 

6. Delicious Nepali Food

Nepalese Cuisine combines a range of ingredients, techniques, and characteristics from its neighboring countries, with its own gastronomic history. We provide Dal Bhat which is the staple food of Nepal, this thick lentil soup is made from black lentils or beans, which are slowly boiled to give a thick, gloopy texture, and then seasoned with the Himalayan herb jimbu.

Dal Bhat is normally served as part of a thali set – a metal tray holding separate metal bowls containing rice, curry, pickles, and vegetables.

We provide Ayurvedic meals to meet the daily body nutritional requirements. Besides, you will also get to explore and learn the new cultures, traditions, and people of Nepal.

7. To Learn a Disciplined And Structured Lifestyle

Nepal is widely known for its result-driven and strict educational system. Structure and discipline are, therefore, essential elements during your yoga teacher training in Nepal. The well-organized schedule of the yoga teacher training in Nepal will help you learning and gain experience more wonderfully.

8. Diversity In Climate And Safe Environment 

Here is no seasonal constraint on traveling in and through Nepal. Even in December and January, when winter is at its severest, there are compensating bright sun and brilliant views. As with most of the trekking areas in Nepal, the best time to visit are during spring and autumn. Spring is the time for rhododendrons to bloom while the clearest skies are found after the monsoon in October and November. However, Nepal can be visited the whole year round.

So, Make Up Your Mind. You couldn’t find more reasons Why Choosing Nepal as a destination for your yoga teacher training in 2023/2024.

Join Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal

We present an article on the Himalayan Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal. Yoga is a moment alive as a globalized understanding and practice for cultivating overall health, happiness, and harmony in life. Millions of people do yoga all over the world. The yoga teaching profession has finally begun to establish clearer, stronger standards of competence for yoga instructors. So they have more challenges to gain more knowledge and techniques about the content and subject matter.

They must need the sources of different texts matters such as Yoga Philosophy and fundamental ethics, Basic human body science, Yoga ethics and means, techniques of different yogic kriyas like Shatkarma, Yogasana, Pranayama, Bandhas, Mudras, and Meditation. They also need true masters for proper guidance and plans who have qualified academically and practically as well. This mission will be attained in the Himalayan Yoga Teacher Training Nepal 2020 (YTT) under the umbrella of Himalayan Yoga Academy.

Yoga Teachers, Yoga Masters, and even Teacher Trainers need comprehensive guidance and motivational tips. It also requires subject knowledge and authentic practicing patterns. For this achievement, Himalayan Yoga Academy is the perfect school for higher levels of schooling while doing the Himalayan Yoga Teacher Training Nepal under professional Yoga Professors in Nepal.

Yoga originated in Himavat  Kshetra (Himalayan Belt) which is in Nepal, then it is promoted to South, East, North, and West almost south Asia.

There is much more evidence about the origin of Yoga in Nepal whenever talking about the Shiva Civilization developed in Himavat Kshetra, Maharshi Kapil ( Samkhya Yoga) in Kapildham, Kapilvastu, Nepal; Buddha Civilization in Lumbini, Nepal; King Janak Civilization, Janakpur, Nepal; Mahabharat hills in Nepal; Maharshi Patanjali In Nepal (As latest research by Prof. Dr. Vishnu Aatreya). Himalayan Yoga Academy is promoting live history all over the world by conducting different Himalayan Yoga Teacher Training Nepal 2020 and spiritual healing courses.

Himalayan Yoga Academy integrates traditional Yoga patterns and modern yoga asana sequencing while teaching in different courses like Nepal Yoga Teacher Training, and Yoga Retreat. Yoga is an art of living, so we teach here in Academy how to live to be healthier, happier, and more conscious.

The farther we go in our practice, the more we discover the vast universe of elements that are at play in the yogi’s incredible potential for enhancing our lives. We focus on the elements of a complete practice, the best structures to make the sustainable, ways of beginning yoga, ways of including yoga class, subtle exercises, pre-asana, sequence of Asanas, principles of breathing practice, techniques of meditation while teaching Yoga.

The art and science of teaching yoga are creatively expressed in how you craft asana, pranayama, and meditation sequences. It honors the needs and intentions of the students in your classes. Your creativity is given form by yoga philosophy, the style of yoga you are teaching, the biomechanics and energetic requirements and effects of asanas, and by your personal sense of purpose in meaningfully sharing Yoga.

Here we look to use our full palette of knowledge and skills to create classes that resonate with the needs and expressed intentions of students, offering them a clearer pathway to more radiant well-being.

Padmasana is a Dhyanatmak Asana (Meditated Asana) done in a sitting position, highly recommended for meditation. This pose, called Padmasana, is an intermediate to advanced pose that requires a great deal of flexibility in the knees and hips. As such, practitioners should always warm up their bodies with mobility exercises before practicing this pose. If the top knee does not reach the floor, a blanket or block may be used for support. Beginners may work towards padmasana by first practicing ardha padmasana (half lotus Yoga pose), in which only one foot is placed in the hip crease. Those with injured or weak ankles or knees, sciatica, or severe back pain should avoid practicing padmasana.

Padma = Lotus, asana = posture or pose, or position

Pronounced: Pa-dah-maa-sa-na

This asana gets its name from the Sanskrit language and is a combination of two words, padma which means lotus and asana which means yoga posture. This lotus pose is basically a cross legged yoga asana which helps in deepening a meditative state. Practicing this posture activates the internal organs of Abdominal and Pelvic cavity, alleviates many physical ailments, calms the mind and promotes the concentration.

Health Benefits of Padmasana (Lotus Pose)

1. Opens up the hips.
2. Stretches the ankles and knees.
3. empowers the brain.
4. Increases awareness and attentiveness.
5. Keeps the spine straight.
6. Helps develop good posture.
7. Eases menstrual discomfort, digestive disorders, and sciatica.
8. It Helps keeps joints and ligaments flexible.
9. Increase the blood circulation in the lower belt of the human body.
10. Activates the Mooladhaara, Svadhistana, and Manipura Chakras.
11. Increases the concentration by single point gravity.

How to do Padmasana (Lotus Position)

• Sit on the floor or on a mat with legs stretched out in front of you while keeping the spine erect.
• Bend the left knee and place it on the right thigh. Make sure that the sole of the feet points upward and the heel is close to the abdomen.
• Now, repeat the same step with the other leg.
• With both legs crossed and feet placed on opposite thighs, place your hands on the knees in the mudra position.
• Keep the head straight and the spine erect.
• Hold and continue with gentle, long breaths in and out.

Mudras for Padmasana (Lotus Position)

Mudras stimulate the flow of energy in the body and can have amazing effects when practiced with this pose. Every mudra differs from each other, and so do their benefits. When sitting in Padmasana, you can deepen your meditation by incorporating either Chin mudra, Chinmayi mudra, Bhairaba Mudra, Adi mudra, or Bhrama mudra, Mudras of elements, and mudra of Prana as well. Breathe for a few minutes while in the mudra and observe the flow of energy in the body.

Pre-asanas: Half butterfly, Baby Rock, Butterfly, Swastikasana, Half- lotus

Padmasana (Lotus Pose) for Beginners

If you have a problem overlapping both your legs and sitting in Padmasana, you may also sit in Ardha-Padmasana (Half-Lotus pose) by placing one leg on the opposite thigh. Continue doing so till you feel flexible enough to progress to Padmasana.

Precautions or limitations of Padmasana (Lotus pose)

1) If you have weak or injured knees avoid doing this posture as it places lots of strain on the knees.

2) Avoid if you have a fracture and a current operation in parts of the legs, just a few months ago.

3) If you suffer from sciatica, it is preferable not to attempt this yoga posture.

4) In the case of ankle injury, do not practice this posture.

“Sarv” means all or entire in Sanskrit, and “anga” means limbs or parts of the body. So Sarvangasana translates as the all limbs pose, or the pose that benefits the entire body. Also commonly called the “Queen of all asanas”, the shoulder stand is one of the most important and beneficial poses in all of yoga. While this pose benefits the whole body from the toes to the top of the head, the pose also bestows tremendous psychological and energetic benefits. This asana is known to tranquilize the mind, and bring joy and confidence while helping to transmute lower energies.

POSE TYPE: Supine Pose

POSE CATEGORY: Inversion
ORIGIN: Hatha Yoga Pradipika
SANSKRIT: Sarvangasana (सर्वाङ्गासन)
PRONUNCIATION: sar-van-GAHS-anna
TRANSLATION: Sarva = All Anga = Limbs (Posture of All Limbs), Shoulder Stand

Health Benefits of Sarvangasana

• Stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands for proper health.
• Strengthens the arms and shoulders and keeps the spine flexible
• More blood rushes to head creating proper nourishment.
• Stretches the heart muscles by returning more venous blood to the heart
• Brings relief from constipation, indigestion and varicose veins.
• Tones the legs and buttocks, abdominal and reproductive organs.

How to Do Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

1. Lie on your back with hands by your side.
2. With one movement, lift your legs, buttocks and back so that you come up high on your shoulders. Support your back with the hands.
3. Move your elbows closer towards each other, and move your hands along your back, creeping up towards the shoulder blades. Keep straightening the legs and spine by pressing the elbows down to the floor and hands into the back. Your weight should be supported on your shoulders and upper arms, and not on your head and neck.
4. Keep the legs firm. Lift your heels higher as though you are putting a footprint on the ceiling. Bring the big toes straight over the nose. Now point the toes up. Pay attention to your neck. Do not press the neck into the floor. Instead keep the neck strong with a feeling of tightening the neck muscles slightly. Press your sternum toward the chin. If you feel any strain in the neck, come out of the posture.
5. Keep breathing deeply and stay in the posture for 30-60 seconds.
6. To come out of the posture, lower the knees to forehead. Bring your hands to the floor, palms facing down. Without lifting the head slowly bring your spine down, vertebra by vertebra, completely to the floor. Lower the legs to the floor. Relax for a minimum of 60 seconds.

Sarvangasana Contra-Indications

• Neck injury
• Slipped discs
• High blood pressure
• Heart ailments
• Thrombosis or impure blood
• Enlarged thyroid, liver, or spleen
• Cervical spondylitis
• Diarrhea