Yoga may be approached as a way to keep your body fit and healthy, but the true meaning of yoga is deeply rooted in spiritual enlightenment. As you stretch, contract and contort your body, you're engaging in an ancient ritual, which is meant to cleanse your body and soul. By understanding the spiritual meaning for the various poses that you use in yoga, you'll have a better understanding of why each individual pose works together to give you that post-workout high.
Sun Salutation
The Sun Salutation is often one of the first series of poses done directly after seated breathing exercises during morning yoga sessions. The Salutation is meant to greet the sun and is used as a way to worship the Hindu sun god, Surya, who us the symbol of health and immortal life. The 12 distinct poses of the Sun Salutation each have their own mantra and the series is meant to celebrate the sun and the sun god.
Headstand Poses
Headstand poses are among the most difficult for yogis to achieve, but they are also some of the most spiritually beneficial pose. Kundalini uses headstand poses to awake and uncoiled the serpent energy in the base of the spine, bringing it to the crown of the head. While in a headstand pose, one can achieve an even mind, partial enlightenment and even fearlessness. A variety of headstand poses are meant to bring clarity, which contributes to a sense of enlightenment, which is one of the goals of daily yoga practice and meditation.
Animal Poses
A variety of the poses that you'll complete during a yoga class, especially in a hatha yoga class, are named after the animals that they resemble. For instance, a cat pose is done with an arched back, while the cobra pose looks like a snake rearing its head. The spiritual purpose of each animal pose is to allow you some of the attributes that each animal possesses. For instance, the eagle pose is said to bring you a clear mind's eye and a lion's pose can help you feel brave and in control.
Strength Poses
Certain poses put you in a power stance to help you develop a greater appreciation for the natural world while helping you feel like a stronger individual. The popular warrior pose is to help you feel spiritually powerful, while the tree pose is meant to make you feel calm, balanced and in control. Seated poses, like the lotus poses, are meant to help you turn inward during guided and self meditation for a deeper state of enlightenment. Listen for cues from your yoga teacher for the type of feelings that can be expected during each strength pose.
References
- Jivamukti Yoga Center: Asanas
- Yoga Wiz: Yoga and Its Benefits
- "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga: A Practical Guide to Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit"; Deepak Chopra, David Simon, M.D.; 2005
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