Tag Archive for: yoga

 

 

ETYMOLOGY: The close resemblance between the Sanskrit term TRIKONA and the Greek term TRIGONOS is striking. Thus, the translation for TRIKONASANA is ‘The Posture of the Triangle’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ETYMOLOGY:
The word YONI means, in translation from Sanskrit, “vulva” (the feminine genital organ). Yet this position is not only for women. The men can also perform it because it increases their virility.

As part of the subtle anatomy of the being there is a second power centre, subordinated to SWADHISTAHANA CHAKRA, called YONI CHAKRA. At subtle level, this power centre is “placed” on clitoridian area at women and on penis insertion at men. YONI CHAKRA lets you experience sexual and erotic pleasure, preorgastic state and orgasms.

The weak stimulation of the YONI CHAKRA leads to the absence of the orgasm. Lack of orgasm is, for men, a part of impotence that appears either through painful ejaculation without orgasm, or through the impossibly to have an erection, or orgasm.

In case of women the lack of orgasm leads to frigidity, apparently determined neurotically. The lack of orgasmic energy can be generated even by psychic or mental sexual inhibitions. When it is awake, this power centre makes it possible the appearance of the erotic fulfilment and coordinates certain physiological and psychic phenomena.

The waking up of YONI CHAKRA produces certain pleasant physiological transformations that manifest through: the increasing of heart-beating rhythm and arterial pressure, the increasing of skin temperature, of the respiratory rhythm, of the blood flow in the erected tissue, in the genitals, lips, ear lobs as well as the euphoric contractions of all muscles and light contractions of the perineum muscles accompanied by pleasure thrills.

The orgasmic creative energy resulted from the fully experience of the orgasm, circulate freely through the healthy body. It amplifies extraordinarily in case of those who practice continence (the sexual energy control during lovemaking). Blocking this energy in case of inhibitions, repressions or frustrations leads to the appearance of psycho-physiological disturbing and also somatic affections.

By becoming fully aware of YONI CHAKRA’s activity there will be a euphoric inner force inside you called the ORGASMIC FORCE. This force wakes up very easily if there isn’t any sexual potential discharge (ejaculation in men’s case, orgasm with sexual energy discharge in women’s case).

By amplification of this orgasmic force in your being you will notice a flourishing and harmonization of the entire organism. If it lacks you’ll remain a prisoner of anxiety. In such situations the subject often tries to defend through suppression. One of the consequences is the lack of relaxation, a deep tension or the muscles’ hypertonicity in certain area of the body.

By performing of this asana you collect in your aura, through the resonance process, the specific energies of YONI CHAKRA (the orgasmic energy of the being). The free flow of this energy in your body favours the overcoming of the life’s obstacles. Practicing this position makes it easy for you to come back to a satisfying sexual activity and to become aware of the orgasmic energy.

 

 

 

EFFECTS:
Due to the position of your legs your blood flow will be a lot slowed down at that level. As a consequence of this fact the blood quantity that cannot get to your feet will irrigate other body parts. The abdominal parts will be the first that will take advantage of this.

There is also a better circulation through the capillary. In time, this will lead to the increasing of the elasticity and tonus of certain areas, such as ligaments.

The practice of this asana is an excellent exercise that prepares us for other difficult positions: SIDDHASANA (the perfect position) and PADMASANA (the lotus position). The execution of this position increases the flexibility of the coccyx – femoral articulation, knees articulation and ankles articulation.

For women the position of pelvis, of lumbar and sacral areas as well as the intensifying of the energies’ flow in the sacral area, they all eliminate the physiological disorders that appeared during period or menopause. YONI ASANA eliminates sexual problems: frigidity and impotence. It also eliminates cases of early ejaculation and leads to sexual continence.

The intense practice of this asana creates the possibility of becoming aware of the action of different muscular groups like: anal sphincters, perineum muscles. Thus you get the control of the muscular contractions from the inferior area of the abdomen.

You will be able to make distinction between anal sphincters contraction and profound vaginal muscles contraction (the pelvic muscles). YONI ASANA eliminates stress and tension and gives you serenity and spontaneity.

 

 

Etymology:
the Sanskrit term PADMA means “lotus”, consequently the translation of PADMASANA is “The Lotus Pose”. The asana was given this name because the way hands and feet are, while performing this asana resemble somehow to a lotus flower.

Another name for it is KAMALASANA. Some Yogic texts use both denominations alternatively.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

This asana was chosen to represent the whole Yoghic system, owing to its numerous and profound effects. Just as the lotus is considered the sacred flower of India, the yogis are represented most of the times sitting in Padmasana.

The traditional secret texts mention that the practitioner who can perform Shirshasana (the head-stand) for 30 minutes and Padmasana for a similar period of time, correctly, may consider himself/herself an advanced practitioner of the Hatha-Yogic system.

Moreover, it is important that you keep in mind that there are many yogic techniques starting with Padmasana. This asana may be performed also for techniques of focus, breathing, and meditation.

 

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS
This asana is referred to as one of the most efficient in Hatha-Yoga. In the traditional texts, it is mentioned with SIDDHASANA (the Perfect Pose).
In Hatha Yoga Pradipika, chapter 1, the great Yogi Swatmaratma says:

“Place the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh, and grasp the toes with the hands crossed over the back. Press the chin against the chest and gaze on the tip of the nose. This is called the Padmasana, the destroyer of the diseases of the Yamis.

Place the feet on the thighs, with the soles upward, and place the hands on the thighs, with the palms upwards.

Gaze on the tip of the nose, keeping the tongue pressed against the root of the teeth of the upper jaw, and the chin against the chest, and raise the air up slowly, i.e, pull the apana-vayu gently upwards.

This is called the Padmasana, the destroyer of all diseases. It is difficult of attainment by everybody, but can be learnt by intelligent people in this world.

Having kept both hands together in the lap, performing the Padmasana firmly, keeping the chin fixed to the chest and contemplating on Him in the mind, by drawing the apana-vayu up (performing Mula Bandha) and pushing down the air after inhaling it, joining thus the prana and apana in the navel, one gets the highest intelligence by awakening the sakti (kundalini) thus.

(N.B– When Apana Vayu is drawn gently up and after filling the lungs with the air from outside, the prana is forced down by and by so as to join both of them in the navel, they both enter then the Kundalini and, reaching the Brahma randra (the great hole), they make the mind calm.

Then the mind can contemplate on the nature of the atmana and can enjoy the highest bliss.)

The Yogi who, sitting with Padmasana, can control breathing, there is no doubt, is free from bondage.”

This asana is indicated for the awakening and development of latent physic, psychic, mental and spiritual forces.

During the practice of this asana, the practitioner obtains easily a state of profound meditation, contemplation, worship or prayer.
Its persevering practice leads to the revelation of the Supreme Self, Atman, and it makes possible a beatific state of communion/fusion with the Divine (SAMADHI).

While performing Padmasana, the trunk, head, hands and feet form the shape of a pyramid, and this is one of the causes of this asana’s amazing effects.

Some yogis consider that when a person is capable of practising it for 15 minutes, without pause, he/she may approach the Pranayama techniques.
Padmasana cures constipation, indigestion and flatulence.

It cures the pains in the joints, especially the ankles and knees, and it tones the thighs.
The position of the feet determines the rhythm of the blood flow, which will be, consequently reduced in the feet and more intense in the pelvic area and abdomen. The heart will push the arterial blood meant for the feet through the abdominal aorta, and the organs situated in the lower side of the abdomen (the genitalia, kidneys, colon, etc.) will benefit because of this supplementary flow of arterial blood. These organs are thus tones and regenerated.

This asana is highly useful for the women, as it tones the uterus.
It leads to a better digestion, if practised daily.
It also facilitates a very good control over the sexual potential energy.

Those who wish to be successful in the practice of Padmasana must be patient and assiduous. One must never force when practising Padmasana. If you force, you may break the ligaments from the knees, ankles, or you may even have a menisc fracture.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Before practising this asana, ALWAYS begin with preparatory exercises!

PREPARATORY EXERCISES
The most effective preparatory exercise is:
Sit on the floor, feet stretched in front.
Bend your left foot.
Place the outer side of the left ankle on the palm of the right hand. The wrist supports firmly the heel. Now place the left hand on the inner side of the left knee.
Now press slightly the left knee, in a balancing movement, while the right hand lifts the left ankle in order to place it on the right thigh. This balancing movement will go on for 2-3 minutes and it will always stop at the slightest sign of pain.
The exercise will be then realised with the other foot.
If one joint is more rigid than the other, insist on it.
This exercise acts simultaneously on the coxo-femoral joint, the ankle and the knee joints, making them more flexible.
Another efficient technique for obtaining a better flexibility of the feet is Bhadrasana, the Throne Pose.

 

 

ETYMOLOGY:
In translation VAJRA means literally “Lightning”. So you might say that it means, “The position of thunder” or “The position of lightning”. In other Yogi texts it is also known as “the position of the diamond”.

GHERANDA SAMHITA says, in chapter II, sutra 12, “VAJRASANA, which is realized by maintaining your legs on both sides of your anus, makes your hips as diamonds and gives many powers and paranormal abilities (SIDDHIS) to the yogi who uses it”.

 

 

 

 

 

EFFECTS:

• Due to a mutual interaction of the two force centers this position lets us free a state of MIND INTO YOUR HEART and one of HEART INTO YOUR MIND.
• By simultaneously and equally stimulating Ajna and Anahata you will perceive an extraordinary state of huge inner force. This is because you put together the energies of the two force centers.
• When there is no pain, later on, when this position is “stable and comfortable”, Vajrasana can help you as the fundament for focus exercises (DHARANA), meditation exercises (DHYANA) or breathing exercises (PRANAYAMA). It can even replace PADMASANA (the lotus position) or SIDHASANA (the perfect position) if they are not completely comfortable for a long time.
• Compressing the leg muscles stops considerably the blood from flowing through your legs. Thus the blood that was supposed to go through you legs is sent to the abdominal organs. It will influence the digestive cavity. SWAMI SIVANANDA recommends this position to the ones with dyspepsia, hepatic affections or digestive disturbing.
• It is also recommended to all those who have to stand a lot because of their job. It will heal rheumatic affections and also the gout. It is indicated to the ones with flat feet. It eliminates heel aches because it leads to stretching the ankles and feet. Legs and thighs’ nerves and muscles are enhanced. The myalgia (muscular pain in legs and thighs) will shortly and miraculously disappears.
• Vajrasana brings back the equilibrium to the status of the backbone. It regenerates and relaxes the lumbar area of the back. MERU DANDA (the vital axe of the being), also called the backbone, becomes thus firm and strong. The sciatica is gradually eliminated.
• Due to the pelvis’ position, of the lumbar and sacral area, and also to the subtle energetic circulation from the inferior area of the belly, Vajrasana contributes to eliminating certain disturbing characteristics of the period or of the menopause (in women’s case). It also leads to irrigating the gonads and producing male hormones (in men’s case). Thus this position has an important role in maintaining a normal sexual activity, without tension and super – excitement.
• The ones who will use this position long enough will have a firm attitude.
• The practice of Vajrasana stimulates beneficially the point (KANDA) where the 72000 NADIS of being come from.
• This position can be practiced even immediately after meals. Along with profound breaths Vajrasana secures an excellent and very easy digestion. Only 10 minutes of Vajrasana, after each meal, are enough to accelerate your digestion. (The subtle explanation of this phenomenon is in relation with the direction of the flow of the subtle energy). Immediately after you eat, the flow of energies through NADIS is most commonly oriented downwards. Vajrasana inverses this circulation and turns it upwards and thus accelerates digestion).
• This position is extremely useful for the ones who have the tendency of sleeping too much. By practicing it you reduce considerably the period of sleeping time. It is useful to those who work late at nigh too.
• Your body becomes strong and firm by practicing Vajrasana. Because of that Yogis have called it the diamond position.

   

 

 

 

ETYMOLOGY: The literal translation of NABHIASANA is the pose of the navel. Other names for this asana are DVIPADA UTTANASANA, which means “the pose of the two lifted feet” and UTANAPADASANA, which means “the pose of the lifted feet”.