Happy Baby Pose Yoga: Ananda Balasana
September 27, 2016
Agnistambhasana: Fire Log Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | MANTRA | MUDRA | PREP POSES | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Agnistambhasana (AG-nee-stahm-BAHS-uh-nuh) is sometimes referred to as double pigeon pose because the legs take the same shape as they do in pigeon pose. Fire log pose is a productive stretch for the outer hips.
Philosophy + Origin
Fire is a transformative element as it is both destructive and creative. In agnistambhasana, we physically and mentally create a fire, one that can be harnessed positively or negatively depending on the intention.
In myth and folklore, building a fire represents an opportunity for sacrifice, a chance to create an offering to improve conditions. Sacrificial fire is also a connection to other worlds: the smoke is a vehicle for prayers and blessings to be lifted up to gods and creators of the universe. When practicing agnistambhasana, embrace the physical sensations and use the fire as a way to process your offering. What do you need or want to sacrifice into the flames in order to create lasting transformation?
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Sit on a folded blanket or block to create more space for your hips.
- Use a block under your top ankle.
- Use a block under your top knee to help the hip relax and to relieve discomfort in the knee.
STEP-BY-STEP:
- Sit cross-legged with your right shin in front of your left.
- Shift your shins forward so they are about parallel with your mat.
- Flex your feet and scootch the soles of your feet closer to the edges of your mat, so your right ankle is about under your left knee, and your left ankle is about under your right knee.
- Use your hands to help lift your right shin on top of your left shin, right ankle on top of your left knee.
- Sit up tall or start to hinge forward at your hips. If folding forward, place your hands on the floor or blocks.
- Hold for up to a minute, then return to a neutral seat. Repeat on the other side.
PREPARATORY POSES:
- Bound angle pose | Baddha konasana
- Easy pose | Sukhasana
FOLLOW-UP POSES:
- Bharadvaja’s twist I | Bharadvajasana I
- Seated forward fold | Paschimottanasana
SANSKRIT:
- Agni = fire
- Stambha = logs
- Asana = pose
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Stretches the hips and groins.
- Stimulates abdominal organs
ENERGETIC BENEFITS:
- Builds digestive agni.
- Calms the mind.
MANTRA:
Surya Beej Mantra
Reciting the Surya Beej mantra each morning is said to create positive vibrations that are powerful enough to generate abundance and prosperity. To chant, repeat, “Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryay Namah.” This mantra roughly translates to mean, “I salute the great sun god for his divine grace.”
MUDRA: Surya Mudra
Helpful for stimulating agni, or digestive fire, in the body. To practice surya mudra, bend the ring finger and place the thumb on top. Extend your index, ring and pinky fingers out, keeping the sides of the index and middle fingers together.
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