Mudras are hand gestures that direct the body's flow of energy. When used wisely during pranayama, asana, and meditation, they bolster the impact the practice can have on the energy body. Hridaya mudra redirects energy that might usually dissipate from the hands, back towards the heart space, nourishing and opening the anahatta, or heart, chakra. It is a powerful tool to use when faced with grief or great stress.
Most of us have tried our hand at yoga at some point in life. It may have been a college fad, or a newbie job one. Or it may have been something far more health-oriented and passion-driven. So let’s talk a little about yoga asanas today and that too of a specific kind.
Tapas is the yogic principal of hard work and dedication. Tapas is the internal fire that fuels a yogi and keeps them on the path. An apt modern translation of the word tapas would be gumption…initiative, drive, shrewdness. For yogis this means sticking to the practices when life gets tough.
Ardha Chandrasana is commonly called Half Moon Pose, but the word chandra has a double meaning. Chandra translates literally as moon, but the word by definition evokes the shinning luminous quality of the moon. Just as the moon’s luminosity comes from reflecting the light of the sun, the Yogi’s luminosity comes from the connection to the unifying energy of the universe. According to yoga philosophy, if any being goes deep enough inside themselves they will find a spark of love.
