Category: Virabhadrasana (Warrior)

Warrior: The Story Behind The Pose

5/28/2017

In today's class we talked about (and of course did) Virabhadrasana (warrior pose). This is a pose we frequently endure during a yoga class. Let's face it, no matter which warrior (I, II, or III) that pose can be a bear. I hinted at the story in class. However, here's the story of Virabhadra...

In Sanskrit "vira" means hero and "bhadra" means great. So Virabhadra was the greatest, most fearsome warrior ever known. Here's his (very) abbreviated story:

Lord Shiva (also know as the Destroyer and considered the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon) was married to a beautiful woman Sati. Unfortunately, Sati's father, Daksha, didn't like that she was married to Shiva and set about doing his best to exclude Shiva from family events. This upset Sati and after frequent snubs and insults Sati couldn't take it anymore and threw herself into a ceremonial fire.

Shiva was grief stricken. He didn't realize just how much her father's insults were hurting Sati. He was terribly angry. He loved Sati dearly. So with deep sorrow and anger, Shiva tore out his hair and threw it to the ground. There upon that spot the earth split open and Virabhadra (and Kali) were born. Virabhadra was tall and muscular, his body was dark as storm clouds. He had three burning eyes, and fiery hair. Around his neck were a garland of skulls and he carried terrible weapons. Virabhadra was the manifestation of Shiva's grief and anger.

Virabhadra bowed his knee and raised up his arms in service to Shiva. (Warrior I) Shiva looked at Virabhadra and said, "Lead my army against Sati's father. Destroy him and all those that side with him."

So off Virabhadra went with his huge swords and weapons. When he arrived at Daksha's palace (Sati's father). He began to wield his swords, slicing off the head's of Shiva's enemies. (Warrior II). The battle raged on and Virabhadra continued to fight. Eventually he found Sati's father and in one final act of rage and vengence, he cuts the head off of Daksha. (Warrior III).

What a story! However, when you dig deeper. Virabhadra is simply a bloody warrior. Like Shiva, Virabhadra destroys to save. His real enemy is the ego. His cutting the head off Daksha is symbolic of cutting off the head of the ego. Virabhadra is there to remind us to be humble.

So, the next time your thighs are screaming and your arms are shaking in Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose), reflect on the story of Virabhadra, for whom this pose is named. Tap into the strength of this great warrior. Put that fierce energy into the pose and remember to set aside your ego as you practice and throughout your daily life.

To read more about the mythology of Virabhadra, Shiva, Sati, and Daksha, check out these resources:

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Wednesday's Workout: Feel The Burn!

5/25/2017

Some of you expressed just how much you loved last night's flow session (who knew you folks liked so much pain?!...challenge accepted!) So, should you want to revisit the torture I descended upon you, here's a couple of the flow sequences we did:

Flow 1 - Building up the Burn

From Standing:

Inhale into Eagle (garudasana) - Balancing on your right leg, wrapping left leg around right; left arm under right). Exhale to squat lower, lifting elbows toward ceiling. Hold for two (2) rounds of breath
Exhale into Warrior 3 (virabhadrasana 3) - Continue to balance on right leg. On your third exhale, release arms and bound leg. Keep left leg lifted and press into Warrior 3. Hold for two (2) rounds of breath
Exhale into Standing Half Splits (urdhva prasarita eka padasana) - Continue to balance on right leg. On your third exhale, release your hands to the ground and press into half splits. Hold for two (2) rounds of breath
Exhale & Prep for Revolved Hand to Big Toe - Exhale and release both hands to the floor, Step your left foot to the floor, next to your right. With your left hand grab the outside of your right foot, Bend your knee preparing to rise up into standing revolved half moon.
Inhale Revolved Hand to Big Toe (parivrtta hasta padangusthasana)- Inhale balancing on your left leg and stretching the IT band of your right leg. Hold for two (2) rounds of breath
Exhale release back to standing.
Flow through vinyasa
Do the same sequence on the other side

Flow 2 - My Leg's on Fire

From Downward Dog:

Inhale lift right leg up toward ceiling
Exhale Runner's Lunge - Step right foot between hands. When making this move really crunch and lift your knee toward your chest, try to keep both hands flat on the mat and gently step your foot between your hands. Inhale and stretch
Exhale Low Lunge, Prep'ing for Anjaneyasana - Drop knee to the floor. Release the top of your foot to your mat. Press into your feet, engaging and making your legs strong. When firmly planted...
Inhale into Anjaneyasana - Lift your arms toward the ceiling. Feel a stretch in the inner thigh and hip flexor. Hold for two (2) rounds of breath
Exhale Twist to the Left in Anjaneyasana - Arms configured like Warrior 2, stretch left arm back, right arm forward. Look over your left shoulder. Really extend out through your fingertips. Hold for one (1) round of breath
Inhale Back to Center in Anjaneyasana - Lift arms over head, fingers reaching toward ceiling.
Exhale Twist to the Right in Anjaneyasana - Arms configured like Warrior 2, stretch right arm back, left arm forward. Look over your right shoulder. Really extend out through your fingertips. Hold for one (1) round of breath
Exhale into Half Split (Ardha Hanumanasana) - Shift hips back, stacking them over the back knee. Walk your front foot forward. Toes lifted. You should feel like your pulling through the heel of the front foot. Fold over the front leg. Hold for two (2) rounds of breath
Exhale into Runner's Lunge, Preparing for High Crescent - Press into your feet. Engage and make your legs strong. Once you have a solid foundation....
Inhale into High Crescent - Inhale and raise your torso to upright. At the same time, sweep your arms wide to the sides and raise them overhead, palms facing. Don't overarch the lower back. Lengthen tailbone toward the floor. Reach through your back heel. Look up toward your thumbs. Hold for two (2) rounds of breath
Exhale Twist to the Left in High Crescent - Arms configured like Warrior 2, stretch left arm back, right arm forward. Look over your left shoulder. Really extend out through your fingertips. Hold for one (1) round of breath
Inhale Back to Center in High Crescent - Lift arms over head, fingers reaching toward ceiling.
Exhale Twist to the Right in High Crescent - Arms configured like Warrior 2, stretch right arm back, left arm forward. Look over your right shoulder. Really extend out through your fingertips. Hold for one (1) round of breath
Inhale Back to Center in High Crescent - Lift arms over head, fingers reaching toward ceiling.
Exhale into Runner's Lunge, Preparing for Revolved Half Moon - Press into your front leg, bumping up your back foot. Engage and make your leg strong. Once you have a solid foundation....
Inhale into Revolved Standing Half Moon (parivrtta ardha chandrasana) - Leaving your left hand on the floor, lift your back leg, roll your chest toward the right and lift your right arm toward the ceiling. (opposite instructions when sequencing on the left side) Hold for three (3) rounds of breath
Exhale release hand and foot to floor, coming into plank.
Flow through vinyasa
Do the same sequence on the other side

Kickin' Up the Core Workout

Plank (Vasisthasana) - Hold for three (5) rounds of breath
Side plank (Right side) - Hold for three (3) rounds of breath
Revolved Side Plank (Right Side) - Hold for three (3) rounds of breath
Tree Plank (Right Side) - Hold for three (2) rounds of breath
Plank - Hold for two (2) rounds of breath
Side plank (Left side) - Hold for three (3) rounds of breath
Revolved Side Plank (Left Side) - Hold for three (3) rounds of breath
Tree Plank (Left Side) - Hold for three (2) rounds of breath
Boat (Navasana) to Lolasana (Pendant) (5 times for each) - Hold boat for a five-count and pendant for one-breath.

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Ann SEibert

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Warrior: The Story Behind The Pose

Wednesday's Workout: Feel The Burn!

Flow 1 - Building up the Burn

Flow 2 - My Leg's on Fire

Kickin' Up the Core Workout

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