How to do Samakonasana – The Right Angle Posture

In today’s faced-paced digital world, a common misconception is that yoga is only about asanas, pranayama, kriyas, and other such techniques. It is interesting to note that every yogic technique is supported by a philosophical base. Without an understanding of the underlying philosophy of any technique, it merely becomes a form of exercise.

The concept of ‘bhavas’  is one such philosophical principle which is applied to asana practice and other techniques as studied at The Yoga Institute. The word ‘bhava’ can be translated as an expression of an emotion or feeling. One such bhava is the Vairagya Bhava. It is often misunderstood as giving up all the good things that life has to offer and to practice renunciation.  The essence of this bhava, however, is the principle of non-attachment and acceptance of the world as it is. This encourages a better understanding of the world around us and allows peaceful existence without causing stress to oneself or to others.

Vairagya bhava fosters a letting-go attitude and humility. At The Yoga Institute, all the forward-bending asanas such as Hastapadasana, Paschimmotanasana, Balasana, Pavanamuktasana, Samakonasana, etc. are believed to promote these qualities.

 

As an example, let us examine Samakonasana from this perspective.

Samakonasana, also known as The Right-Angle Posture, is a simple asana which can be practiced by beginners too. The technique of practicing this asana is as below:

Starting position:

Stand erect with your feet hip width apart and parallel to each other. Ensure that all parts of your feet are placed firmly on the floor. Keep your arms by your side, fingers together and pointing down.

• Inhaling, raise your arms above your head and close to your ears with palms facing each other.
• Exhaling, tighten your core muscles and gently bend forward from your hips with your head and hands in one line and parallel to the floor.
• Breathe while holding this position for a few moments and make sure that your lower back is held firmly.
• Shift your weight slightly to your toes to maintain your balance.
• Inhaling, lift up your hands and head in one line.

Learn More: Yoga Asanas For Healthy Body and Mind

Posture Release:

Exhaling, bring your hands down with a backward rotation.

Repeat 2 times.

There are some limitations and contraindications to this asana, as follows:

• High blood pressure
• Cardiac problems
• Abdominal inflammation
• Hernia
• Piles
• Serious eye disorders or surgery
• Spinal injuries
• Vertigo
• Pregnancy

The benefits of this asana are:

• Strengthens and develops the muscles of your chest, waist, back, shoulders and arms
• Releases tension by stretching the hamstrings and thighs
• Improves posture by straightening the spine
• Prevents constipation
• Relaxes the back if practiced after performing intense backbends

Must Know: Yoga Asanas Dos and Donts for Beginners

These physical benefits are more than enough to motivate amateur yogis to practice Samakonasana and other forward-bending asanas every day. The psychological benefits that arrive with regular practice are – a marvellous feeling of gratitude and humility. With patience, a day will come when you find true ‘vairagya’ as all the hostilities in the world will fade away and with a mind devoid of arrogance, you will accept the world with open arms.

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