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Garbhasana
Swami Nachiketananda Puri
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arbha means womb and another meaning for Garbha is inside, beginning etc. Therefore, one should know how exactly this asana works on an individual. The fact is that our journey in the world starts in the womb, perhaps the most beautiful place that connects directly to the Divinity. That’s the reason why, the sages of yore who explored the various stages of life considered the womb as not only the best place of transit but also a great place for Samadhi. That’s how caves also have come into existence. If we look at the caves, everything is natural and so it is with the womb. Therefore, when one is practicing Garbhasana one should even look at it this way since this Asana can take one inside to know the connectivity. How to perform? Pose 1. Sit on the floor with legs stretched out, place your hands sideways near the buttocks with palms down and fingers forward
Mahesh Raju, Vidya Mandir student illustrates Garbhasana pose
2. Sit in Padmasana: Place right foot on left thigh and left foot on right thigh 3. Then insert arms through the openings between calves and thighs 4. See that elbows come out below the thighs 5. Then place both the palms on the cheeks or ears 6. Keep spine erect and head straight 7. Close eyes and concentrate on breathing 8. Close the eyes and concentrate on the head region and slowly on the breath Awareness points: 1. Physical: Tip of the nose 2. Subtle: Breathing and also experiencing pulse in between eyebrows. Benefits: Improves blood circulation to all internal organs especially belly region. Energizes pelvis and nerves of the lower back. Helps in seminal weaknesses. It can even help in gout and arthritis. People who are more introvert and have lost faith in themselves also would get benefited. The whole body gets relaxed and one can feel lighter and energetic. Mind gets a taste of higher energies. Counter pose: Shavasan Be careful: Those who have knee, shoulder, and arm problem should be more careful. Please take advice from any asana expert. Sadhak, kind attention please! Please perform Garbhasana at least twice a week and make sure that your eyes are closed throughout the Sadhana.
Nachiketanjali January 2015
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