| In this magnificent pose, Parshva Sarvangasana (Side | | | | We are misguided in our efforts when we dwell on |
| Shoulderstand), the shoulders and arms remain rooted | | | | that which is intended merely to help take us to the |
| to the earth while the legs extend toward the horizon, | | | | next level. The primary purpose of the asanas is to |
| reaching out to touch infinity. This suggests the true | | | | make the body strong, stable, and able to withstand |
| purpose of yoga: to be grounded while simultaneously | | | | the energy of prana, the life force cultivated in the |
| stretching into the vastness of the unexplored Self. To | | | | practice of Pranayama. Pranayama, in turn, is used to |
| do yoga is to be fully rooted in the present while at the | | | | strengthen the nervous system so that it can handle |
| same time embracing the possibilities of the future--a | | | | the power of the succeeding limbs of yoga, the |
| state in which we are both being and becoming. | | | | withdrawal of the senses and the ever-deepening |
| Many practitioners of yoga think of asana (the physical | | | | stages of meditation that lead to the greater purpose |
| poses, or exercises) as the whole of the art. Yet | | | | of yoga, the communication with the Self. When we |
| making them the end defeats the real purpose of | | | | practice with this understanding, the asanas serve as a |
| yoga. To practice asana and not reach beyond them | | | | bridge to infinity, to the vastness of the worlds inside. |
| is like having a top-of-the-line automobile that we run | | | | The yamas, niyamas, and the asanas are the ground |
| only on a treadmill in the garage. Although the vehicle | | | | in which we root, while the remaining parts of the |
| works perfectly, it doesn't take us anywhere. Such a | | | | eightfold path are the limbs that rise up endlessly in all |
| car was designed to be on the road, to transport us | | | | directions, seeking our true Self. |
| powerfully into our future, our unexplored potential. In | | | | Reaching Into Infinity |
| the Yoga Sutra, Patanjali describes an ashtanga | | | | In asana practice, no posture better embodies and |
| (eight-limbed) path of which asana is but the third part. | | | | teaches this simultaneous rooting in the present while |
| Our work in yoga begins with yama (ethics towards | | | | stretching into infinity that Parshva Sarvangasana, one |
| others), five guidelines that help us create and live in a | | | | of the most beautiful poses in yoga. As the legs reach |
| sane and peaceful society. | | | | powerfully, the arms and shoulder ground and the |
| Then comes niyama (prescribed observances), | | | | chest receives a mighty opening. The whole body |
| personal disciplines that help us to become more | | | | balances on the fulcrum of the sacrum, and an |
| aware of ourselves. According to one traditional | | | | amazing power is generated as you extend out of |
| categorization of yoga's eight limbs, asana belongs | | | | your center in both directions. This dual extension |
| with yama and niyama as part of bahiranga sadhana | | | | creates heat and energy in the body, forcing prana into |
| (external practices). Pranayama (breathing practices), | | | | the cells of the pelvis and abdomen. In very few poses |
| pratyahara (sense withdrawal), and dharana | | | | are the legs completely unsupported as they reach |
| (concentration) are known as antaranga sadhana | | | | toward the horizon; in most asanas, they're either |
| (internal practices), while dyyana (meditation) and all the | | | | rooted or inverted. In Parshva Sarvangasana, we gain |
| different levels of Samadhi (union) are considered | | | | an awareness of the legs that we cannot get from |
| antaratma sadhana (inner practices), the work that | | | | any other pose. Additionally, it requires a powerful lift of |
| involves connecting with the Spirit within. The great | | | | energy from the pelvis toward the heart center. |
| Indian Sage Sri Aurobindo once wrote, "When we | | | | Parshva Sarvangasana creates a connection |
| have passed beyond knowings, then we shall have | | | | between the hands--which are the most powerful |
| knowledge. Reason was the helper, but reason is also | | | | physical energy emanatory in the body--and the |
| the bar." A similar shift in status from vehicle to | | | | sacrum--which is the most sacred bone, the center of |
| roadblock can occur with the limbs of yoga. As we | | | | balance. The body weight falling through the sacrum |
| move along the way, the yamas, niyama, and asanas | | | | onto the hand creates a very powerful grounding, |
| remain important, but if we focus entirely on them and | | | | charging the sacrum with the hand's energy, which can |
| make them the end of our endeavor, they become a | | | | then rise up through the body. |
| burden. | | | | |