i am wondering why in some classical yoga systems headstand is considered king. I am aware of some of the benefits but surely there are quite a few more risks with it than with other asanas, especially for those with neck/shoulder issues. I would like to hear people’s experience of headstand. Im also interested in the possible dangers and contra-indications.
Hello Anula,
My initial reply to questions such as these are to direct the student or student-teacher to ask the person or persons they’ve chosen to teach them.
Every pose has risk. The teacher’s responsibility (or that of the yoga, its lineage, or light) is to balance effect versus risk. As you must be well aware, some asana practices are very effective (leaving residue in the body of the student) but are also incredibly risky. Other practices are not at all risky but their residue is slight or subtle.
The risk in Sirsasana is exacerbated by poor instruction as a result of ego (asmita), attachment (raga) or, more generally speaking, ignorance (avidya). When the student does not have the requisite actions present in their body it is himsa to have have them still do the full pose. Likewise when the beginning student is told to bear all their weight on the head, that too is harmful. And when the student has a preexisting issue - reverse cervical curve, whiplash, glaucoma, high blood pressure et al - there is no sound reason for the full pose to be employed, either by the teacher’s doing or of the student’s own volition.
Inversions are incredibly important for the physical and energetic bodies. Doing them at the wrong time or doing them improperly shifts them from important to dangerous. Postures are powerful tools. When they are well handled they are fruitful. When they are poorly handled they wreak havoc.
gordon
Anula,
Gordon’s comments give a lot of insight on how important it is to be skilled in deciding when a pose is appropriate, and why we want to learn poses that carry more risk with the guidance of an experienced, qualified teacher.
I think one of the reasons Sirsasana is referred to as the king or grandfather of asana is because it takes such devoted practice to experience it in aligned and focused balance. When headstand is practiced with a humble connection to the heart, exquisite alignment, and mindful breath, it can be an expression of being that has benefits well beyond the excellent effects on the body. That said, I believe you can apply these same elements to a more simple or basic pose to penetrate the profound.
Om Namah Shivaya
Katrina
Anula,
All of the above is right-on and very mindful.
Being “king” means it’s serious business - the stakes are very high, and while the rewards might be equally high, only harm will come to one who is unprepared.
Why is it king? Sirshasana is the ultimate alignment of ascending and descending energy, prana and apana. In no other asana are they directed with such a high degree of force. Hence, it’s why without proper guidance, it can also be very destructive.
If you want to be a “king,” be a wise one.
peace,
siva
If you want to be a “king,” be a wise one.
Well said! Of course, if you want to be Queen, wisdom and proper application of skill are equally important as well. So all of the above pretty much goes for Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) as well. (And on down the metaphorical royal family line of asana.)
-Katrina