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Have you ever wondered why public classes are so popular? Yoga is something that, once the foundation is built, everyone could ... (continued)

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Heroes, Saints, and Sages

Many asanas take their names from Indian mythological figures who had fantastical lives and superhuman powers. Learn their lore to infuse your practice with the extraordinary.

By Colleen Morton Busch


"Metaphorically, Goraksha's story says that when something in life doesn't look like what we want, we often cast it aside. But in the most discarded thing can be hidden the greatest blessing," Vernon says. And, as with the tale of Matsyendra, Goraksha's life story underscores our potential to awaken despite all sorts of obstacles.

Colleen Morton Busch is a former YJ senior editor.


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Reader Comments

Kat

I loved this article and it made me more conscious in my asanas of the meaning. I was much more intense and present during Virabhadrasana. Where can we find out more?? I've searched online, yet must not be using the correct words in my search. I want to know the history of the other names, it is so empowering.

Francesca Vanegas

Readers may also find inspiration about poses from the Bhagavad Gita, and the Gita's hero warrior, Arjuna.

Julie

Great stuff! Really inspirational - however, I wasn't able to locate neither the Vishvamitra pose nor the Matsyendra twist in YJ's list of poses. Being new to yoga I don't know what they are about. I'm aware that the spirit of mythology goes for all hatha yoga poses, nevertheless I'm really curious about that difficult vishvamitra pose...

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