51 Days Yoga Consciousness Series 2nd May-21st June 2021

Namaste All My Yoga Yaatris! May Yog Bless You!

Knowledge of Yoga is infinite, boundless and timeless. “Learning Yoga is an everlasting journey that leads you within and Within is where you find the world of immortal bliss”. –Mitraasha

The idea behind running this 51 Days Yoga Consciousness series is to proffer my modest learnings and share the divine pearls of Yoga science with people at large. Let’s have a conjoint intent to learn, implement and extend the wisdom of Yoga with a positive co-action and harmonious reverberation amongst each other.

Meditative Asanas

Hundreds of different asanas are performed in yogic practice, however it is stated all these asanas came into being elementally to support the Yogi develop the strength and resilience to sit and stay in one of the classic meditative postures for long and accelerate on the journey of finding the final objective of Yoga!

Meditation is the asana for the mind. A meditative posture incites a prayerful state and a meditative practice takes your mind in quietude. Sitting for long is not the motive, it is about the reconstituting of the swaying mind to a state of calmness and the reverberations of tranquility, peace that precipitates as a result of practising in the meditative posture. There develops mindfulness and a realization of being in the present is instilled.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras on Dharana states: ‘Deśa bandhasya cittasya dhāranā’, which means- “Dharana is when the mind stuff is held concentrated in one place”, and on Dhyana it says: ‘Tatra pratyaya eka tānatā dhyānam’, which translates as – “Then (when the mind force) is held onto that one essence/place for an extended/continuous duration is dhyana.”

Note

  • For someone who is a beginner, it may take a while before he/she gets comfortable and accustomed in the posture. For them, it is advised to start practicing for a smaller duration and when proficient, gradually increase the time. Initially the mind may often get distracted, however try gently bringing it’s focus back on your breath or the chosen external/internal point/object of focus/concentration.
  • Once you are well composed and settled in the posture, gently close your eyes, ease down your facial muscles and subtly notice your breath. Starting from about 10 to 20 minutes each day and gradually expanding the duration as per your time, need, capacity and willingness will be fruitful in the long run.

Today’s Meditative Posture Is: 

Vajrasana—The Adamant Posture

The inspiration holding this asana is the mythical weapon -”Vajra” operated by Lord Indra. Believed to possess the potentiality of a thunderbolt and extensive power, practice of this posture empowers one  with enhanced vigour and stability, that of a divine nature. Characteristically, it illustrates the resoluteness of ethereal valour and heroism. Vajrasana develops immense strength, increases concentration, enhances stability and virility. It is the only yoga pose that can be safely done after having a meal. 

Limitations / Contraindications 

  1. People with acute arthritis, stiffness of the lower limbs, acute knee pain, very high or low blood pressure, mental disorder should avoid doing this.
  2. People experiencing depression or feeling lost-low may try doing this posture with eyes open and the mind regulated in maintaining a still body. 

How to Practice?

  • On a mat laid out on the floor, take a kneeling position in a way that your knees touch each other, both toes touch each other, whereas the heels stay apart. 
  • Gently lower your body ( you may use your hand support if you are a beginner and not comfortable going down straight) and sit unhurriedly on the gap-the vacant space created by your toes joined and heels apart. 
  • Keep your body straight with your back, neck, head, chest in an upright line, with the abdomen held in a normal contour and chin parallel to the floor.
  • Place your hands upon your respective knees with your palms facing downwards. 
  • Stay in this position with either your eyes closed or your gaze fixed at one point straight in front and subtly observe your breath. You can remain in this posture beginning from 3-5 minutes initially, taking up to 10 minutes or more gradually with regular practice. 
  • To release the posture gently open your eyes and unwind your legs one after another, gently stretch your legs forward and come back to the sitting position. 
Vajrasana

Benefits

As the spine is held erect in this posture, it proffers undeviating postural fixity and minor postural defects are corrected over time. 

It extends a good stretch to the thighs, calves, ankles, hips and spine and gives extended flexibility to the lower extremities. 

Due to an enhanced blood circulation to the abdominal region, problems like constipation, stomach disorder, digestive issues or acidity gets resolved with regular practice.

It is also very beneficial for people suffering from sciatica or severe lower back problems. 

It tones generative organs and provides relief from urinary problems.

Slow and rhythmic breathing in this posture calms the mind, relaxes the nerves and initiates a meditative state.

Over time, the practitioner develops more mindfulness, awareness of thoughts and learns to live in the present.

Thought of the day: “Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen-that stillness becomes a radiance” – Morgan Freeman

Link to day 19: Meditative Asana- Padmasana and Ardha Padmasanahttps://kreately.in/day-19-meditative-asana-padmasana-ardha-padmasana-mitraasha/

Link to day 21: Meditative Asanas: Vrushasana & Virasana https://kreately.in/day-22-meditative-asanas-vrushasan-virasana/

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