Vrikshasana or Manuasana / The ‘Tree of Life’ pose

The Myth

Vrikshasana is commonly understood by most practitioners, in its literal Sanskrit to English translation, as tree pose and teachers will frequently ask students to rise tall like a growing tree or render other such symbolic guidelines associated with a tree when instructing a class.

However tree pose needs to be seen in light of its alternative but lesser known name – Manuasana; which offers a better understanding of its etymology and origin. The pose is dedicated to the first ‘human being’ and the reference to tree is more in terms of ‘Tree of life’.  According to Indian mythology Manu was the ‘first man’ and we are all descendants of the genealogy tree he spawned.

What also needs to be understood is that Manu is the title given to the first man of every ‘era’ or ‘age’ and is not an actual name. MANU is the root-word for both the Sanskrit 'Manushya' and the English ’Man’.

The Manu for this period is considered to be king Satyavrata, the son of Surya or Sun God.  According to the Puranas, Satyavrata (or Vaivasvata), is the seventh Manu.

As the story goes, Satyavrata was performing his morning prayers standing in a river and when he cupped his hands to collect water and offer it to the Sun he realised that he had collected a small fish which spoke to him and asked for protection. The fish was an avatar of Lord Vishnu and Satyavrata being kind hearted took it home and placed it in a pitcher. The fish outgrew the pitcher overnight and then began a succession of transfers as the fish kept outgrowing its ‘home’  –  to a larger container, a well, a small pond, river and finally the ocean.

Satyavrata realised he was in the presence of a divine being and offered obeisance. Lord Vishnu then forewarned him of the impending deluge and saved him and his accompanying companions and deposited his ship to safety on the top of the Himalayan mountains.  (Will cover the detailed story under fish pose).
 

Some historians believe the spot to be present day Manali in India. Manali comes from the composite word  – Manu-Alaya, meaning ‘adobe of Manu’. Manali is the only place in the world having a temple dedicated to Manu.

The genealogy of Vaivasvata, the 7th Manu, is as follows:
1. Brahma
2. Marichi, one of the 10 Prajapatis created by Brahma.
3. Kashyapa, son of Marichi and Kala. Kashyapa is regarded as the father of humanity.
4. Vivasvan or Surya, son of Kashyapa and Aditi.
5. Vaivasvata Manu, originally Satyavrata, son of Vivasvan (Surya) and Saṃjñā.
6. Ikshvaku, Nabhaga, Narishyanta, Karusha, Prishadhra, Dhrishta, Sharyati, Pramshu and Nabhanedishta were the nine sons and Ila was the only daughter of Vaivasvata Manu
 

Ikshvaku was the founder of the Suryavansh / Solar Dynasty of Kshatriyas in Vedic civilization in ancient India. Rama, the main protagonist of the epic Ramayana was a descendant in the linage of King Ikshvaku. The ‘solar meridien’ in the human body is called Pingala which means fire.
 

Through Ila, started the Chandravansh / Lunar Dynasty and Krishna, one of the central characters in the Mahabharata, traces his linage to the Lunar dynasty. Ila is referred to Ida in some texts and the ‘lunar meridien’ in the human body is also called Ida.
 

The Practice

1. Stand in Samasthiti with both feet planted firmly on the floor

2. Pick up the toes and separate them and slowly place them back establishing a strong padha-bandha [foot lock].

3. Keeping your gaze focused on a central point ahead of you or on the floor, slowly pick the right foot and place it on the left inner thigh with the toes pointing down

4. Lengthen the spine, relax the shoulders and bring your hands in prayer position (anjali mudra) in front of your chest

5. Hold for 3 breaths and then on an inhale slowly raise the hands above your head while keeping the arms close to the ears.
 

6. Stay for 3 to 5 breaths
 

7. To come out of the pose slowly release hands to your sides and then release the leg and place on the floor
 

Incorporating the story into the practice
 

As we raise one leg and place it on the other thigh, we need to consider how Satyavrata needed to keep his balance in the flowing waters of the river as he offered his prayers. The current did not affect him since he kept his focus on his ablutions. Similarly if we can remain focused on a central point in front of us the quivering in the leg will cease.
 

Raising your hands in prayer position reflect on how Manu’s compassion saved him from the deluge and became the starting point for a new ‘tree of life’. As your thumbs touch your heart in Anjali Mudra, bring your heart back in touch with its true nature of kindness and compassion and realize the interconnectedness of everything in the universe; a gigantic tree that spawns every creature and living entity.
 

And as you further raise your hands above your head and join them in symbolic reference to the peak that Manu landed on, be reassured that no matter how catastrophic the inevitable and constant changes in your life initially feel, you will rise above them safely through your faith and tenacity.
 

In India, sages often performance penance standing in Vrikshasana for prolonged periods and this is because of the belief that the pose helps channel attention back to the source of creation. As a last step, close your eyes [challenge your balance] and similarly meditate on the ‘tree of life’ and awaken to the realization you are but a microcosm of the cosmic macrocosm.