YOGA + Life® Magazines
  • Partner With Us
  • Subscribe
  • Education, Trainings + Retreats
  • Events
  • “The Practice”
  • HOME
  • FEATURED
    • Community + Culture
    • Wellness + Nutrition
    • Products
    • Profiles
    • Yoga + Fitness
    • Events
  • ALL CONTENT
    • Community + Culture
      • Art
      • Books
      • Community
      • Culture
      • Family
      • Fashion
      • Food + Drink
      • Nourish Me
      • Motivation
      • Music
      • Outdoors
      • Travel
    • Wellness + Nutrition
      • Self-Care
      • Nutrition
      • Psychology
      • Recipes
      • Therapy
      • Weight Loss
    • Products
      • Product Spotlights
      • Roundups
      • Try It On – Reviews
      • Try It Out – Reviews
    • Profiles
      • Business
      • Partner Profiles
      • People
      • Spotlight Cities
      • Students
      • Studios
      • Teachers
      • Seva Story
      • Sustainability Story
      • Storytelling
    • Yoga + Fitness
      • Asana
      • In the Practice
      • Meditation
      • Philosophy
      • Physiology
      • Sports
      • Workouts
    • Events
      • Festivals
      • Retreats
      • Training Spotlights
    • Inspiration From Y+L Partners
  • Y + L COMMUNITIES
    • COLORADO
    • MINNESOTA
    • NEW YORK
  • CONNECT
    • Order A Magazine
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contribute
    • Contact Us
  • LIVE CLASSES
Featured Posts
  • What We Love : Summer + Fall 2022
    • 20 views
  • photo of leaves
    Celebrating the Seasons with Ayurveda | By Marissa Angeletti
    • 44 views
  • Introducing Lightworker UV : Fitness & Yoga Mat Sanitizer
    • 64 views
  • Partner With Us
  • Subscribe
  • Education, Trainings + Retreats
  • Events
  • “The Practice”
0 Followers
0 Likes
Partners
YOGA + Life® Magazines
Subscribe
  • HOME
  • FEATURED
    • Community + Culture
    • Wellness + Nutrition
    • Products
    • Profiles
    • Yoga + Fitness
    • Events
  • ALL CONTENT
    • Community + Culture
      • Art
      • Books
      • Community
      • Culture
      • Family
      • Fashion
      • Food + Drink
      • Nourish Me
      • Motivation
      • Music
      • Outdoors
      • Travel
    • Wellness + Nutrition
      • Self-Care
      • Nutrition
      • Psychology
      • Recipes
      • Therapy
      • Weight Loss
    • Products
      • Product Spotlights
      • Roundups
      • Try It On – Reviews
      • Try It Out – Reviews
    • Profiles
      • Business
      • Partner Profiles
      • People
      • Spotlight Cities
      • Students
      • Studios
      • Teachers
      • Seva Story
      • Sustainability Story
      • Storytelling
    • Yoga + Fitness
      • Asana
      • In the Practice
      • Meditation
      • Philosophy
      • Physiology
      • Sports
      • Workouts
    • Events
      • Festivals
      • Retreats
      • Training Spotlights
    • Inspiration From Y+L Partners
  • Y + L COMMUNITIES
    • COLORADO
    • MINNESOTA
    • NEW YORK
  • CONNECT
    • Order A Magazine
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contribute
    • Contact Us
  • LIVE CLASSES
The Stories Behind the Poses
  • Books
  • Philosophy

Book Review : “The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology That Inspired 50 Yoga Postures” | Review By Kristen Grace

  • YOGA + Life® Magazines
  • 142 views
  • 3 minute read
Total
1
Shares
1
0
0

The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology That Inspired 50 Yoga Postures brings well-known yoga postures to life by explaining the captivating stories from which the poses grew. The stories are told by scholar of Hindu mythology Dr. Raj Balkaran and are paired with vibrant illustrations by Devika Menon.

“Some consider mythology as history, while others consider it as fantasy. Irrespective, myths are tools for making meaning, most importantly about what it means to be human,” writes Dr. Balkaran. The tales compiled in this book are enlightening for all story lovers and yogis. Those interested in Indian tradition and yogic philosophy, beginner yogis and yoga teachers searching for inspiration will surely find fulfillment in this book.

Each story features Dr. Balkaran’s telling of the myth that aligns with the yoga pose of focus, important themes from each story and a sum of the lessons attributed to each passage.

Dr. Balkaran expresses, “Above and beyond facilitating a physical posture, the stories told in this book are aimed at aligning one’s inner positioning, orienting one toward personal growth and yogic aspirations.”The Stories Behind the Poses

In the story of Śiva’s Mountain Abode, Dr. Balkaran explains the origins of Tāḍāsana (Mountain Pose). Because the earth is suffering a drought, Gaṅgā, the great celestial river, descends to the planet at the request of Śiva. The event unfolds, “ … Gaṅgā flung herself from the Heavens, downwards to the earthly plane … Śiva positioned himself so as to receive the turbulent might of Gaṅgā upon his own head. Thus, as she descended, the celestial river found herself slowed, calmed, and grounded by the yogic presence of the lord.” This story makes obvious the importance of a sturdy, grounded foundation and the powerful effects of attention. Dr. Balkaran explains, “Like a tree whose roots burrow down toward the center of the earth, so, too, does the yogī plant their feet firmly on the floor in standing tāḍāsana …This energized, attentive standing is more than milling about, it is the standing which we refer to when something stands the test of time.”

In another thrilling story, Dr. Balkaran teaches about Garuḍāsana (Eagle Pose). The story, Garuḍa, Viṣṇu’s Eagle Mount, introduces readers to Garuḍa, who was a “natural king of the birds,” born extremely strong, bright and powerful. An exciting series of events leads to Lord Viṣṇu rewarding Garuḍa’s tenacity with immortality and freedom. Explaining Garuḍāsana, Dr. Balkaran states, “In order to maintain this posture, one needs to be fully centered, focused, balanced. Imagine yourself riding a powerful eagle across the heavens, finding stillness in the flight.”

In the story Kṛṣṇa’s Divine Play, Dr. Balkaran tells readers about Bālāsana (Child’s Pose). He unfolds the story of Kṛṣṇa — the young incarnation of Viṣṇu, the “Lord of the Universe.” This story teaches us the importance of staying grounded in serenity and play. Dr. Balkaran says, “In many ways, the spiritual question is one of regaining our childlike mindset within the context of a more matured awareness. When engaging this pose, connect with the calm grounding of a child who feels safe and content.”

Dr. Balkaran explains Añjaneyāsana (Crescent Moon Pose) in the story Hanumān’s Feminine Power. We are introduced to a civilization of monkey-people whose strong, caring leader reminds her son to be a warrior driven by devotion and selflessness. In one instance, the leader, Añjanā teachers her son, “You are a great and powerful warrior without question, but your true power will come from within, from devotion, surrender, sacrifice, and service to something greater, just as water, because it is soft and yielding, has strength enough to dissolve mountains.” Dr. Balkaran explains, “The feminine and masculine work in tandem, and their essence runs far deeper than biology or sociology. These two principles inhabit all people, and the work of yoga is concerned with bringing them into balance.”

Dive deeper into your understanding of yoga and Indian tradition with The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology That Inspired 50 Yoga Postures. By adding richness to your yoga practice, the book is a guide to understanding yourself and your world deeper and more authentically.

Available June 21, 2022. Preorder now.

Photo courtesy of “The Stories Behind the Poses” by Dr. Rav Balkaran, illustrated by Devika Menon, from Leaping Hare Press.

HeadshotKristen Grace is a writer, editor and yogi who ardently loves listening to, reading and telling great stories. She is at home near water, so you can often find her barefoot by mountain streams, dreaming of the ocean or jumping in rain puddles. Kristen finds bliss in nature, especially on picnics, as she is also a foodie and amateur baker.
Total
1
Shares
Share 1
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
YOGA + Life® Magazines
YOGA + Life® Magazines

Previous Article
  • Books
  • CO YOGA + Life

Book Review : “My Grandmother’s Hands” | Review by Mary Gavin

  • CO YOGA + Life®
View Post
Next Article
  • Books
  • CO YOGA + Life
  • Community + Culture

“The One Inside: 30 Days to Your Authentic Self” | Review By Cabrini Klepper

  • CO YOGA + Life®
View Post
More from Y+L
  • The Vail Wine Classic Returns This August

    • Lexi Reich | Managing Editor
    View Post
  • An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert : A Revolutionary Woman Is A Relaxed Woman | By Rachel Glowacki

    • YOGA + Life® Magazines
    View Post
  • Telluride Yoga Festival

    Telluride Yoga Festival Makes A Move To Mountain Village | By Kristen Grace

    • CO YOGA + Life®
    View Post
  • Elizabeth Gilbert is Coming to Denver on May 4 | By Kim Fuller

    • CO YOGA + Life®
    View Post
  • Oars

    On The River + In The Flow : Balancing Yoga, Meditation and a Thirst for Whitewater at a Women’s Wellbeing Retreat | By Lisa Blake

    • CO YOGA + Life®
    View Post
  • Break Free Fitness Festival : Colorado’s Largest Fitness Festival With A PARTY Twist

    • YOGA + Life® Magazines
    View Post
  • Vail Symposium Celebrates 50 Years in the Vail Valley | By Katie Coakley

    • CO YOGA + Life®
    View Post
  • Shakti Flow in Mexico : “With Nature, Yoga and Inquiry, We Transformed” | By Peggy Markel

    • YOGA + Life® Magazines
    View Post
  • Tips on Success : Falling Upwards with Nina Williams | By Olivia Lyda

    • CO YOGA + Life®
    View Post
  • Play + Connect at Everland : Sedalia, Colorado | By Lexi Reich

    • Lexi Reich | Managing Editor
    View Post
Archived Posts!
  • Sustainability Story : PEARL iZUMi | By Lexi Reich
    • 320
  • Partner Profile : SunWater Spa
    • 201
  • Grow and Deepen Your Asana Practice With Props | By Heather Lindemann
    • 216
  • Revolution Power Yoga : Avon + Glenwood Springs | By Hannah Bittrolff
    • 254
  • CO Must Eat : River and Woods, Boulder | By Kim Fuller
    • 237
Instagram
Join us here on Wednesday, June 22 at 12:15 pm MST for an Instagram LIVE with our Crown Partner @allisonrissel of @yogateacherconf 🧘‍♀️
As yogis, our work starts with spreading our internal light out into the world. LightWorker UV (@lightworkeruv) — the creators behind the industry’s first UV-C mat sanitizing machine — understands this best. As a brand rooted in bringing safety, peace of mind and light back into the yoga and fitness community, its company mantra “We Spread Light” has never been truer.
@maineyogafest ✨CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT✨
Tabay Atkins became one of America’s youngest certified yoga teachers at the age of 10 and has been discovering and sharing tools for wellness since.
Many CBD companies out there make full-spectrum products, but @miraflora.co, a CBD company based in Boulder, CO, takes it to a whole new level, starting with the way they grow the hemp itself. Call it full-spectrum farming, if you will.
RENEWAL 🌱
Can you create a to-do list prioritizing tasks where contentment and meaning mesh together?
@holisticyogaschoolcolorado was born over a decade ago with the intention to create a Yoga Shala, a community place for learning and growth. Krista Davis founded the school, drawing inspiration from many years of traveling, living and teaching in conscious communities and yoga centers around the world. To this day, the school continues to thrive as a family-owned and operated small business.
Facebook
Facebook
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
Join us here on Wednesday, June 22 at 12:15 pm MST for an Instagram LIVE with our Crown Partner @allisonrissel of @yogateacherconf 🧘‍♀️
As yogis, our work starts with spreading our internal light out into the world. LightWorker UV (@lightworkeruv) — the creators behind the industry’s first UV-C mat sanitizing machine — understands this best. As a brand rooted in bringing safety, peace of mind and light back into the yoga and fitness community, its company mantra “We Spread Light” has never been truer.
@maineyogafest ✨CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT✨
Tabay Atkins became one of America’s youngest certified yoga teachers at the age of 10 and has been discovering and sharing tools for wellness since.
Many CBD companies out there make full-spectrum products, but @miraflora.co, a CBD company based in Boulder, CO, takes it to a whole new level, starting with the way they grow the hemp itself. Call it full-spectrum farming, if you will.
RENEWAL 🌱

Join the YOGA + Life® Newsletter!

Events, Product Reviews, Promotions and More!

about
YOGA + Life® - an online community and magazine.
Recent Articles
  • What We Love : Summer + Fall 2022
    • CO YOGA + Life®
  • photo of leaves
    Celebrating the Seasons with Ayurveda | By Marissa Angeletti
    • CO YOGA + Life®
  • Introducing Lightworker UV : Fitness & Yoga Mat Sanitizer
    • YOGA + Life® Magazines
  • Is It Time To Illuminate What Is Possible For You? Meet Dana Knerl, Holistic Healing Guide
    • CO YOGA + Life®
  • About Us + Policies, Terms
  • Online Columnists
  • Contribute
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
YOGA + Life® - All Rights Reserved

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

 

Loading Comments...