The Focus for February is backbends/heart openers, as well as the heart chakra - the Anahata Chakra.
"Backbends are rejuvenating. They give energy and courage and combat depression. They open the chest and make the spine flexible. The arms and shoulders become strong. The mind and body become alert."
B.K.S. Iyengar, "Light On Yoga"
we will be practicing:
- ustrasana (camel pose)
- urdhva dhanurasana (full wheel)
- eka pada rajakapotasana (king pigeon)
- bhujangasana (cobra)
- purvottanasana (intense stretch of the east)and other delightful backbend variations and modifications.
benefits of backbends:
- prevents the arteries of the heart from thickening, and ensures healthy blood circulation throughout the body
- tones the spine
- strengthens the abdominal and pelvic organs
- stimulates the pituitary, pineal and thyroid glands
- prevents prolapse of the uterus
- increases lung capacity
- removes stiffness from the shoulders, back and ankles
- relieves abdominal cramps
- regulates the menstrual flow
We will also be looking at Anahata Chakra, the heart chakra. There are many interpretations of this chakra, its meaning and symbolism. A full description of the Anahata Chakra fills volumes, following are only some of the most common interpretations.
Anahata in sanskrit means unbeaten or unstruck. Here, it is often interpreted as, "unstuck sound," and it is from this chakra that the inner sound or natural music of the body is said to arise. Part of this chakra's strong association with inner sound is due to its relationship with the heart, which throbs, beats or vibrates to a constant unbroken life-giving rhythm. The scriptures describe that there is a sound which is non-physical and non-empirical, which is transcendental in nature, and that this sound is endless and unbroken in the same way that the heart beats faithfully and continuously from before birth until death. In yoga, the heart center is also known as hriday-akasha, which means 'the space within the heart where purity resides'. This chakra is a very delicate center, directly connected with that part of the brain which is responsible for creativity in the sciences and fine arts.
Each chakra has a corresponding vibratory sound energy which helps us get in touch with that region. At the center of the image of the heart chakra is the sanskrit letter for the bija mantra "YAM" (pronounced more like "yum.") This is the anahata sound, the sound vibration of the "absolute word" or Shabda Brahman. Bija mantas are sounds which have certain esoteric powers associated with activating a center within the subtle body or in building the capacity to hold a charge for a spiritual principle. Each seed is conceived of as the sound-form of a particular Hindu deity, and each deity is in turn a particular aspect of the Absolute (Brahman). It’s said that just as a great tree resides in within the seed, so does a god or goddess reside in each bija. When we chant the bijas, we identify each syllable with the divine energy they represent. The anahata chakra is associated with Vayu, the vedic god of the wind. Other major dieties associated with the heart chakra include Isha (Lord in an all-pervading form), the devi Kakini (benefactress of all), who is yellow in color, three-eyed, four-armed,"auspicious and exhilarated." Shiva and Lakshmi are also associated with the Anahata Chakra.
Within the Anahata Chakra counterclockwise from center: Vayu, Isha and Kakini
Vayu is the Vedic god of the air, the wind that stirs the clouds, and the breath of all beings. Within this Chakra we see two smoke colored interlocking triangles creating the "Vayu Mandala," or "Vayu Yantra." The Vayu Yantra is associated with the element of air and the energy state of gas. This geometric shape represents the harmonius relationship between male and female forces in the universe. The inverted triangle is the symbol of creativity, Shakti; and the upright triangle represents consciousness or Shiva. Within the mandala is an antelope. With its great speed, the antelope is the vehicle (vahana) of Vayu.
Vayu riding his antelope
In the center of the mandala is a small inverted triangle, within which burns the akhanda jyotir, unflickering eternal flamewhich represents the individual soul. Around the mandala are 12 petals or "Yoga Nadis." The petals of the heart chakra are intoned with the first twelve consonants of the Sanskrit alphabet. The sounds that are produced by each petal of the heart chakra are:
The petals symbolize:1 lustfulness; 2 fraudulence; 3 indecision; 4 repentance; 5 hope; 6 anxiety; 7 longing; 8 impartiality; 9 arrogance; 10 incompetency; 11 discrimination; 12 an attitude of defiance.
Meditation on the heart chakra enhances the qualities of love, security, compassion, moral responsibility and benevolence. It is said to benefit the heart, lungs, blood pressure and touch. Through meditation on the anahata chakra there comes the freedom to escape from a preordained fate and to determine one's own destiny. According to the tantras, at the root of anahata there is a wish fulfilling tree. When this tree bears fruit, whatever you think or wish becomes a reality.
Other associations and visualizations within the heart Chakra include:
Color: ruby red
Animals: Antelope, Dove, Nightingale
Crystals: Ruby, Emerald, Rose Quartz, Tourmaline
Day: Friday
Element: Air
Energy State: Gas
Foods: Vegetables
Force: Love
Incenses: Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Meadowsweet, Orris Root
Inner State: Compassion
Metal: Copper
Planets: Venus
Sense: Touch
