The practice of yoga postures, or asanas, dates to around 1200, when the first yoga pose was depicted on a wall in northwest India, according to India Net Zone. Early textual records of yoga asanas can be found in eastern scriptures such as the Vedas and Upanishads. The names of many yoga asanas come from yogic sages, deities, or sacred animals referenced in these scriptures.
Matsyasana
Matsyasana, or fish pose, is performed while lying on your back with the back arched, top of the head on the floor and hands under the pelvis. According to India Net Zone, the legend says a fish named Matsya overheard the Hindu God, Shiva, speaking about yoga. Matsya was deeply interested in the teachings of yoga that Shiva spoke of and became Shiva's first student. This pose represents the importance of the student-teacher relationship.
Ardha Chandrasana
Ardha Chandrasana, or half-moon pose, is a standing pose in which you balance on one foot, extend the opposite leg and spread the arms apart. Shiva's son, Ganesh, the elephant headed God, broke off part of his tusk and threw it at the moon after the moon made fun of him for loosing his balance. This made the moon stop shining. People were sad without the moon, so Ganesh compromised and allowed the moon to shine but only fully every four weeks, says India Net Zone.
Halasana
Plow pose, or Halasana, is performed with the legs extended over the head while lying on the back. Plow pose was named after the Hindu God, Krishna's older brother, Balarama. Balarama was also known as Haladhara because he always carried a plow. Plow pose represents "plowing the mind," or removing negative thoughts from the mind and only leaving the positive ones.
Balasana
Balasana, or child's pose, is a resting pose in which the upper body lies over folded legs. This pose represents a child in the mother's womb, making the body feel relaxed and safe. This pose is a reminder that children can be the best teachers at times. The pose teaches to find the child within and let go of the ego.
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