Myths of the asanas : the stories at the heart of the yoga tradition

by Alanna Kaivalya

Paperback, 2010

Publication

Imprint: San Rafael, California ; Mandala Publishing, 2010. Responsibility: Alanna Kaivalya & Arjuna van der Kooij with a foreword by Shiva Rea and an afterword by Manarama. Physical: Text : 1 volume : 184 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm.

Call number

Yoga / Kaiva

Barcode

BK-08526

ISBN

9781601090577

Collections

Your library, Adult Materials, Contemplative Practices, New Arrivals

CSS Library Notes

Description: Practitioners around the world reap the physical benefits of yoga, assuming poses and frequently calling them by their Sanskrit names. While many know that hanumanasana is named for the deity Hanuman, few understand why this is the case. Behind each asana and its corresponding movements is an ancient story about a god, sage, or sacred animal, much like Aesop’s fables or European folktales. Myths of the Asanas is the first book to collect and retell these ancient stories. The myths behind yoga’s spiritual tradition have the power to help students of all levels realize their full potential. Meditating on the tolerance of trees while standing in tree pose can help one become more tolerant. Learning how the disfigured sage Astavakra came to be the teacher of a king can liberate us from anxieties about our external appearance and our self imposed limitations. Marveling at Hanuman’s devotion to Ram can serve as a source of spiritual strength and determination. With more than sixty beautiful illustrations to frame the stories, Myths of the Asanas will add a new dimension to your practice and study of yoga. -- from publisher

Table of Contents: Foreword by Shiva Rea
Introduction
Poses of the yogi
Poses of the gods
Poses of the sages
Animals & earth

FY2022 /

Physical description

184 p.; 26 cm

Awards

Independent Publisher Book Awards (Bronze — 2011)

Description

Enhance your yoga practice with this all-new expanded edition of the ultimate guide to the stories behind the most beloved poses of all time. Many yoga practitioners explore the benefits of yoga through its poses, but did you know that the magic and mystery of yoga lie within the power of yogic mythology? Myths of the Asanas was the first book to collect and retell the ancient tales of yogic myth to a modern audience, and has since become a beloved resource for yoga practitioners and instructors the world over. This expanded edition contains nine unheard stories about some of the yoga world's most beloved poses. The myths behind yoga's spiritual tradition have the power to help students of all levels realize their full potential. Understanding the subtle whimsy and power of the child while in child's pose gives us permission to recall forgotten dreams and find the power to manifest them now. Learning of the disabilities of the great sage Astavakra while attempting his arm-balance pose encourages us to understand how powerful we are when we recognize the strength that lies beyond any perceived limitations. Marveling at the monkey-god Hanuman's devotion to his best friend, Ram, keeps us in alignment with our integrity during the hanumanasana splits pose as we dig deeply to discover the source of spiritual strength within ourselves. … (more)