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2012 POSE OF THE MONTH
In this new series, I will be dropping in notes I have made on the elements throughout many of the postings.
THE FIVE ELEMENTS
The Bhagavad Gita tells us that the body and everything else in the universe that is manifest (that is anything you can hear, touch, see, taste and smell), is made up of five material elements (maha-bhutas). Modern science does not dispute this. The one hundred or so (142?) elements that have been uncovered by modern science can be categorized or grouped as components contained within the five Vedic elements.
The five elements moving from subtle to gross are:
- Ether (or space). Subtle manifestation: sound/volume. Experienced by the ears.
- Air. Subtle manifestation: touch/mobility. Sense organ: Experienced by the skin.
- Fire. Subtle manifestation: heat/light. Associated and seen with the eyes.
- Water. Subtle manifestation: taste/liquidity/movement. Associated and experienced by the tongue.
- Earth. Subtle manifestation: smell/solidity/weight. Associated and experienced by the nose.
WHAT DO THE ELEMENTS HAVE TO DO WITH ASANA?
Understanding and “managing” the five elements that go to make up the body is a strong requisite for yogic culturing. All five elements should be balanced in each and every part of the body. Subjugation of the elements brings about realization of the self. Through asana practice nature (the elements) is brought under control, and individual consciousness is transformed until there is no difference between internal cosmic consciousness and external cosmic consciousness. The yoga practitioner becomes the master of the elements and the elements go into the self.
From notes made during B.K.S. Iyengar’s 70th birthday workshop in Panchgani, India, and from The Maha Bhutas, tape recorded by Prashant Iyengar.
My best wishes to all. Enjoy your practice!
Bobby Clennell
pose of the month 2011 archive
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January:
Welcome in the New Year with Surya Namaskarasana:
Salute to the Sun |
| Practiced individually, these poses build strength. When linked together in this flowing sequence, they keep the mind of the student sharp, and improve coordination, especially when you jump fast. The legs will be agile and light – mercurial even. But they won’t be firm, as they are when they are pranasized by the element of earth in the standing poses.
WATER rules the physiological body, i.e., the energy body, and can be accessed by movement. The element of water gets pranasized in the legs through movement (jumping) where the circulation is increased tremendously.
Through fast and successive jumping sequences, air, along with water, is pranasized in the legs, even when jumping from standing pose to standing pose.Note: Reduce the element of water, and also air, by practicing Virasana or Supta Virasana. The impulse to pace up and down anxiously (a sign of excess Vata–air and ether) is neutralized when the legs are folded up underneath the body
Model: Carolyn Christie. |
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This flowing sequence, where the emphasis is on rhythm and speed, develops alertness and stamina and brings the whole system to life.
Synchronize your breath with each transition, and allow your gaze to follow the direction of the movement as you move from pose to pose. |
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Begin in Tadasana establishing equal weight on both feet.
Bring your palms together in front of your sternum bone. |
Sweep your arms up above your head, simultaneously lifting your chest and allowing your gaze to follow your hands. |
Fold forward and down into Uttanasana. Inhale; raise your head, your chest and your gaze. |
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Exhale, jump back into Adho Mukha Svanasana. |
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| Press your hands into the floor and draw back through your hips. |
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| Inhale and swing forward and up into Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, hopping or stepping onto the tops of your feet. Press down through your hands and draw your shoulders back. |
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| Exhale, bend your arms, and hopping back onto your toes, dip down into Chaturanga Dandasana. The upper arms should be parallel to the floor and close to your side ribs. Straighten your legs. |
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| Inhale, jump lightly back onto your toes, and repeat Urdvhva Mukha Svanasana. |
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| Exhale and, swing back into Adho Mukha Svanasana. |
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| Inhale and jump forward into Uttanasana. |
Inhale and returning to an upright position, sweep your arms above your head. |
End in Tadasana. |
| Do not practice Surya Namaskara during menstruation or for a few days following menstruation. Do not practice this or any other sequence that involves jumping if you have back or knee injuries or any other medical problem. |
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