Story Behind the Pose: Koundinyasana

Eka Pada Koundinyasana (the pose dedicated to Koundinya) is an arm balance, In this pose the key to success is more related to leverage than strength. Therefore, in order to achieve this pose, we must have faith like Koundinya. Faith to find the middle way between balance and strength; belief in our self and physical ability (readiness)  in order to achieve the pose.  ​

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​Who was Koundinya?
The sage, Koundinya, was a royal court scholar. He is known for predicting Prince Siddhartha Gautama would become Buddha (the Enlightened One). This news was not well-received by the king. Nonetheless, Koundinya vowed to become one of the Buddha’s most dedicated disciples.

Eventually the prince (Siddhartha) decided to leave his life of luxury behind and followed Koundinya into the forest to live as an ascetic. They lived together for six years in extreme self-deprivation and harsh living conditions. Siddhartha's hope was to find enlightenment. Eventually Siddhartha decided this was not the path to enlightenment and left Koundinya, which greatly saddened Koundinya.

The Middle Way
However, on his own, the Buddha discovered that true happiness was a balance of both extremes, the material and the spiritual, and he called it the Middle Way.

​The Buddha returned to Koundinya and the forest community to share his new philosophy. After initial trepidation, Koundinya became one of the Buddha’s first students and taught this Middle Way for the rest of his life.  

​The story of Koundinya is one of faith and belief. His trust and confidence in Siddhartha remained steadfast even when the Buddha ventured away from Koundinya’s own teachings. 

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Trying out the pose.
If you want to give a go at Koundinyasana A or B, below are two videos by a favorite yogi of mine, Kino. I hope you find them helpful. Please let me know if you gave the pose a try! 

Koundinyasana A

Koundinyasana B

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***DISCLAIMER***
​Do not attempt any of these poses without the aid and supervision of a well-trained yoga instructor. Please be sure to consult a medical practitioner before starting any new exercise regime. This is particularly important if you are overweight, pregnant, nursing, regularly taking medications, or have any existing medical conditions. The information contained in this website may not be tailored to your current physical and mental health. Rock Climbing Yogi and Ann Seibert accept no liability whatsoever for any damages arising from the use of this website. As with any workout or yoga class, be sure to warm up properly and cool down afterward to avoid injury. ​

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