Asana question

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hi there :slight_smile:

I am still relatively new to my yoga practice (have been doing hatha for about 6 months or so and just recently added bikram).

Anyway, I came across an image of a pose today (I attached a copy of it to this post) and I was blown away by it. Now, I know it’s pretty advanced stuff and that I should not try it at my current level of balance and strength.

Really I was just wondering if anyone here might be able to tell me if this is even a yoga asana to begin with? And, if it is, what the name of the pose?

Thanks so much!

Bri

#2

Mayuraasana Variation

(my-yer-ahs-anna)

mayura = peacock

there’s no reason you can’t begin the prep poses for it now with a really strong Chaturanga pose.

#3

Thank you, JSK!

#4

The way I incorporated this pose was to first become familiar with full lotus while in shoulder stand and head stand both with no waist bend, than notice she is tendering on her elbows taking most of the strength out of it.

#5

Padma Mayurasana

#6

Thank you, Gordon, for the variation name!

And thanks, Ray! It is actually really helpful to know how I can start working toward a pose like this.

I very much appreciate your help everyone!

:slight_smile:

#7

Hi there,

Have you seen the article in The New York Times with the title of “How yoga can wreck your body?” . Maybe it?s good to read it before preparing for Padma Mayurasana.

Yoga gets healthy and beneficial when it?s used in the right way.

#8

Gradually strengthening the wrists while taking a lot of care when it comes to hand alignment doesn’t harm either. Shouldn’t Bakasana help as well?

#9

Oh, thanks for the link to that NYT article, asmile! I genuinely appreciate the concern for my safety!

I absolutely don’t intend to even contemplate trying this pose at my current level of flexibility, strength & balance. I have no desire to injure myself in pursuit of an impressive asana. I understand yoga isn’t a sport and I’m not looking to compete (even with myself). I just wish to increase my admittedly low level of balance… to find mental focus, spiritual calm, and bodily strength and suppleness.

I was merely curious about this pose. I’d like to keep it in my mind as something I might one day work up to. Or, maybe I will never get there. That will be fine too. Either way, it’ll serve as a beautiful pose that can inspire me to make me my personal best.

Thanks!

#10

mukimuki, I agree. I think finding consistent balance and arm strength (for my wrists in particular) in Bakasana would be a great stepping stone. And, I’m definitely going to need to work on my protecting back and neck as well by building up strength in my core and back as well. Padma Mayurasana is still a very long way off for me. :slight_smile:

Thanks so much!