|
If you were to make a TV serial which included synchronized yoga asanas, you would probably feel that you are watching a ballet. Ballet and yoga represent poise grace and flexibility. Yoga asanas are not just physical exercises. Behind each exercise, there is a deeper spiritual meaning. It has nothing do with any culture and religion. It is concerned with the inner mechanism, that we popularly call the body.
The great seers, who wrote the scientific texts on yoga, were great lovers of nature. To many asanas they gave the names of animals and trees, out of sheer love. To them the cosmos is one, and along with humanity, they loved trees and animals. At times, the names had functional value as well. Every pose has a meaning along with great utility for the health of the body.
The Sanskrit name for the tree posture is Vrkshasana. The word Vriksha means tree.
Standing straight appears to be a very simple thing to do. Ask a soldier from the army. Ask a sentry. It is very difficult to stand straight for long hours. In this particular pose, you need to do even more. You need to stand straight on the left leg and there is more....
Precisely, what do you need to do to arrive at the perfect Tree Pose?
1. Do you remember Tadasana? The first step is similar to this asana. Stand arms by your sides with the feet together.
2. Balance yourself properly. Now bend the right leg at the knee, raise the right thigh slowly, and get the sole of the right foot high up, inside of the left thigh.
3. Now, you are balancing yourself on your left foot. Then raise both the arms over the head, but keep the elbows unbent. Join the palms together. Remain in this position to the best of your capacity, but for not more than 10 seconds. Gently breathe through the nostrils.
4. Slowly return to the same position, by reversing the steps one by one. Rest for 15 seconds, and then repeat the asana 3 to 4 times.
This exercise of the body has great benefits for the mind as well. Balancing your body on one leg is no ordinary challenge. Poor balance means you lack concentration and that your mind is distressed. You attain better focus and concentration, with the regular practice of this asana.
You can sway like a tree, but don't sway too much. Maintaining the correct balance is more important. Trees sways but you may notice that they are very firm as well. When you practice this asana regularly, the muscles of the legs get strengthened. If possible, try to close your eyes, for better concentration.
It is a sheer joy to do this asana as it is very challenging. This asana has tremendous physical and spiritual benefits.
|