Yoga with Modi Ji: Suryanamaskar

Suryanamaskar is considered a part of modern-day yogic practices though it was neither considered an asana nor a part of traditional Yoga. Practicing Suryanamaskar before beginning routine activities vitalizes the practitioner and gives a completely energized day. Starting from the Raja of Aundh who first introduced surya namaskar, there is a line of eminent people who popularized this dynamic group of asanas including T Krishnamacharya, Swami Sivananda, Swami Satyananda from Bihar school of Yoga, so on and so forth.

Yoga with Modi Ji: Shalabhasana

Shalabhasana is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Shalabha,’ meaning locust, and ‘asana’ meaning pose. Together, they form a locust pose wherein the posture looks like a locust. It is one of the thirty-two yoga poses taught in the Gheranda Samhita.
 

Shalabhasana procedure entails that one does the posture by lying on their belly and lifting their lower body off the ground. Thus, the body will rest on the belly. And during this process, you must keep your legs and hands straight. The palms are slightly pushed under the thigh, and the spine is bent backward.

Yoga with Modi Ji: Shashankasana

The Rabbit pose, known as Shashankasana in Sanskrit, is inspired by the sight of a rabbit lowering its head to the ground. Rabbits are known for their alertness, agility, and flexibility in navigating difficult spaces. Practising this pose helps embody the qualities of a rabbit and let their inner self connect with nature. It is excellent for clearing emotional and mental clutter. It is a great alternative to the camel pose. This pose helps strengthen your spine by lengthening the space between the vertebrae.

Yoga with Modi Ji: Bhadrasana

Bhadrasana, also known as the Butterfly Pose or Gracious Pose, is a comfortable seated yoga posture that involves sitting with the soles of the feet together and the knees dropped to the sides.

Beyond its physical attributes, People practice this pose as a foundation for meditation, breath control practices and to promote mental calmness.

As we delve into the intricacies of Bhadrasana, we will explore the steps to master this pose, its historical significance, the anatomy involved, and the myriad of benefits it offers.

Yoga with Modi Ji: Padahastasana

Isn’t it thought provoking that yoga uses the body to heal the body? Yoga relies on your own body for strengthening it. It focuses on steady posture and relaxation of muscles. This is what makes yoga different from other exercises. Other forms of exercises focus primarily on external equipment and inducing stress on the body.  

Indian saints developed the traditional methods of yoga to control the mind and bodily activities.  Every human wishes to live in harmony with oneself. Physical, mental and spiritual balance is of utmost importance.1 

Yoga with Modi Ji: Ardha Chakrasana

Ardha chakrasana is an intermediate asana that can help to prepare the body and mind for deeper backbends and heart-opening postures like chakrasana (wheel pose). The name is derived from the Sanskrit ardha, meaning “half,” chakra, meaning “wheel,” and asana, meaning “pose.”

To enter ardha chakrasana, the practitioner begins in tadasana (mountain pose). The hands are placed on the lower back, then the body leans back, bending the back and opening the chest.

Ardha chakrasana is known as half wheel pose in English.