18 Jan An Arm Balance, Twist and a Hip Opener!
Asana/Pose: Astavakrasana – Eight Angle Pose
Astavakra was an enlightened Yogi/Sage who was unfortunately born with 8 crooks. Cursed by his father because whilst in the womb Astavakra mastered the Vedas and teased his father for getting it the pronunciations wrong.
King Janaka, Sita’s father welcomed him in his court for he wanted to know the technique for Self Realization. However, poor Astavakra was laughed and teased beyond humiliation by the public in which Astavakra replied: “They see only skin. They do not see the atma, the soul. They have no realization of the soul and the Supreme Soul. They merely see the surface, and base their judgments solely on this. This is the occupation of a cobbler, who is always saying: ‘This skin is good; that skin is not good. This one is smooth; that one is rough.’ Coming here as been a waste of time.”
King Janaka bowed to Astavakra and asked to be his student instead.
Many asanas are named after great Rishis, Yogis and Sages/Saints and there are always wonderful stories behind them too. Hence, why yoga teaches us not to judge or be judged by the strength of our muscles and the flexibility of the spine but the willingness to step up to our challenges (Alanna Kaivalya).
Mantra: Moola Mantra
Om Sat Chit Ananda
Parabrahma
Purushothama Paramatma
Sri Bhagavathi Sametha
Sri Bhagavathe Namaha
This mantra evokes the living God, asking for protection and freedom from all sorrow and suffering. It contains tremendous potential power! Chanting this mantra is a great devotional act and of great benefit to the seeker of Truth and Enlightenment.
