Vairagaya Bhava (Objectivity)
Emphasis is on attitudinal training and experiential learning. The inclusion of correct bhavas (attitude) when performing yoga asanas is an innovation of The Yoga Institute. The four main bhavas have a meaningful impact when we are doing or performing any yoga related asana, pranayama or kriyas. Today we take a look at the ‘Vairagaya Bhava’
Vairagaya Bhava (Objectivity) – Sutra 1.16 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: “ Tatparam Purusakhyateh Gunavaitrshnyam” We should learn to be objective in life. We should keep little distance from any given situation and learn to have a witness-like attitude. We should learn to surrender to a higher reality and learn to keep our ego aside. All forward bending asana like yoga mudra, chakra a sana help. This Bhava helps in stress management and infuses detachment.
YOGENDRA YOGAMUDRA
Yogamudra embodies the symbol of Yoga. It recreates the human form in its role of being a part of the Divine. It brings about humility in the presence of achievement; grace and modesty within greatness. It is the emblem of great understanding and wisdom which knows the frailty of human nature and also its boundless potential. Asana, when done with bhava, should reflect in daily life activity as well. Otherwise if done mechanically our work is comparable to that of machines.
Dynamic variation:
Starting position:
- Sit in Padmasana/ Sukhasa na and hold the hands behind, the right hand grasping the left wrist.
- Focus at one point straight ahead, breathe normally.
The sequence of steps:
- Exhaling, in 3 seconds, bend forward arching the spine to touch the forehead to the ground.
- Tuck in the abdomen and relax the shoulders (no exaggerated dropping).
- Ensure no movement below the waist.
- Maintain this position for 6 seconds, suspending the breath.
- Inhaling, in 3 seconds, gently raise the head and straighten the back to return to the starting position.
- Exhaling, in 3 seconds, twist (waist above) to the right and bend forward to touch the right knee with the forehead.
- Maintain this position for 6 seconds, suspending the breath.
- Inhaling, in 3 seconds, gently raise the head, untwist and straighten the back to return to the starting position.
- Repeat the above steps (4 to 6), without pause, to the left, to complete 1 round.
YOGENDRA YOGAMUDRA
Recommended practice:
Practice 3 rounds, with a pause between rounds.
Static practice:
Assume the position as explained in C2-2 above. Maintain this pose for 30 seconds, gradually taking it up to 1/2 minutes with regular practice.
Breathing should be normal–slow and rhythmic.
Limitations / Contraindications:
- Spinal injury and abnormalities, severe back problem and cervical and lumbar spondylosis.
- Hypertension, serious cardiac conditions, high BP, hernia and high myopia.
- Acute and resolving disc prolapsed (slip disc), acute pain of neck and back, the stiffness of back and joints, bulging tummy.
Benefits:
- Stretches the posterior muscles of the trunk and the neck.
- Improves muscle tone and venous circulation of the spinal column.
- Favourable effects on the viscera due to deep intra-abdominal compression.
- Lateral stretch stimulates vital areas of the colon.
- Acceleration of the venous flow from the sex organs has a favourable effect.
- The compression of the diaphragm and the abdominal walls provide massage to the abdominal contents useful in gastric conditions.
- Ascending and descending colon gets good pressure thereby alleviating constipation.
- Helps prevent sagging of uterus and post natal laxities.
- Lumbar pain is alleviated.
- Overall, improves the health of the abdomen and pelvic organs due to good blood circulation and drainage.