Yoga Pose – Tadasana

Common points to be remembered for any Yogasana

Do asana as per guidance from the mind. Body is just an instrument. Even the mind is an instrument. The violin is not music. A versatile musician takes music out of its strings with his skill. The asana-doer needs to take the spiritual essence out of it as it is the tool to self-realization.  The attitude with which one practices the asana is important. Practice it with the right bhava(attitude). Before commencing any asana, sit in mediation for a minute or two. Cast aside all the distractions and stresses of the daily life. Think that you are the rightful claimant to the state of bliss. Do the asana with eyes closed and think that you are in no way connected or concerned with the outer environment.

Physical/Therapeutic aspects of Tadasana

Tadasana is one of the most popular asanas. This asana is for the beginner. “Tada” is a mountain. Once you are in the position, stand like a mountain, without movement of the body. So, this yoga pose is called Mountain Pose.

The practice of perfect standing position tones up the whole body. You gain control over the muscular movements. In the final position of this asana, the body weight is taken on the heels which strengthen the legs and feet. The whole body participates in this Mountain Pose, stimulating the nervous system. Some other benefits are listed below:

1. Helps to attain flexibility of the hip joints, knee and ankles.
2. Strengthens the oblique muscles, prevents hernia.
3. Strengthens the spine; adds suppleness.
4. Supposed to help the process to increase the height; Practice of this asana right from childhood may be more beneficial to gain height.
5. Those with pain in the backbone should get relief.
6. Improves digestion and assists in elimination of waste.
7. Gives firm, and natural shape to various parts of the body.

Spiritual aspects

You stand with determination, which is a great quality with the spiritual aspirant. Concentrate on a pre-decided object. Muse that physically you are tough and mentally relaxed. This asana is supposed to increase the level of one’s confidence and acts as the agent to promote happiness.

Method / Technique

• Stand erect like one straight line.
• The legs and feet remain joined together. Knees stiff and straight, yet relaxed.
• Look in front with hands at the sides.
• Lift the hands gracefully to attain the Namaskar (Salutation) position. While arriving at this position do not bend your body or jerk.
• Begin to inhale deeply and as you do it, lift the heels in tandem with the rhythm of the breath.
• Stay in the elevated position for a few seconds, try to raise your head and lengthen your neck, exert pressure on the toes, and try to lift the legs as much as possible, beginning with the calves and then the thighs.
• Remain in that position for 60-120 seconds.
• Exhale slowly and bring the heels to the original position. Relax for ten seconds.
• Repeat the performance 3-4 times as per the demand of the body (strength, endurance and the level of comfort need to be considered.)

As you inhale, feel that your breath is drawn thorough Earth, the benevolent mother of all, and the strength and nourishment provider; let it move up slowly through your legs, stomach and then reach the nostrils and to the head. While exhaling follow the same procedure in the reverse order.

Precautions

1. Do not perform this asana if you feel a sense of giddiness.
2. This asana is not meant for persons suffering from low blood pressure and headaches.