Comments on: Hanumanasana – the amalgamation of the myth with the practise

By: Saira

Saira — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:58:14 +0000

I am thoroughly enjoying the read. Almost looking for the like button!! Love your classes because it appeals to the mind as much as it does to the body.

By: Monisha Krishna

Monisha Krishna — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:03:46 +0000

Hi Mayank ! I read your mail every week and the blog post with great interest and look forward to more enlightening posts 🙂 Just read about the new initiative you are supporting – lions in Kenya. Conservation of our natural resources (be it forests, wild life or even resources like paper/ electricity, etc.) is a cause close to my heart and I look forward to contributing in any way I can. Another issue which causes me great anguish is poaching – its rampant all over the world and especially so in India, as I learnt first hand during my recent visit to the Kanha Tiger Reserve.

By: Mayank

Mayank — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:30:22 +0000

Thank you Rakhi and Chitra for your comments. The asanas when performed correctly and as per individual requirement have a therapeutic effect. And similarly the associated myths delve into the roots of human emotions and actions, teaching us valuable lessons along the way. Together, they help us discover the Healer and Teacher that are present [but often dormant] within us.

By: Chitra

Chitra — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 06:32:22 +0000

Being consistent for over two years at Mayank's class I am actually in bliss and harmony. I am surprised at my own ability to heal a severe knee dislocation and reducing my stress level. The Tue garden class is a blessing …..thanks Mayank for motivating us and prividing this great avenue…always look forward to it as combining breathing correctly with each posture makes so much sense now……

By: Rakhi Purohit

Rakhi Purohit — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:30:01 +0000

‘The myths and symbols of India resist intellectualization and reduction to fixed significances. Such treatment would only sterilize them of their magic’! ….so well said Mayank…Totally enjoying the yoga classes…look forward to learning many more mythological links to yoga

By: Mayank

Mayank — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:38:25 +0000

Hi Manoj,

A renowned yoga teacher commented - 'Modern Yoga has become just about the physical process, more specifically about stretching and even more specifically about 'stretching the hamstrings'! What an insightful comment!

And so while Hanumanasana is one of the most effective hamstring stretches it also one of the most easily 'linked to the myth' asana's (the correlation is direct and does not require much abstract or convoluted thinking) and it is only by understanding such history that we are able to go beyond the 'physical'. It is safe to assume that asanas were built around the stories (i.e. the stories came first); what is more difficult to distinguish is whether the asana was 'created' first and 'named' thereafter or whether the myth served as a muse for the asana.

In the end, it would be worthwhile to not over-think this lest we lose the 'lesson', rather better to remember what the famous Indologist Henrich Zimmer had to say, ‘The myths and symbols of India resist intellectualization and reduction to fixed significances. Such treatment would only sterilize them of their magic’!

Wish you many more magical moments on your yoga journey! Om shanti.

By: Manoj Menon

Manoj Menon — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:46:48 +0000

I found this Asana very effective. It is a difficult one but served multiple muscles & great on the hamstring too. Great story! I however have the "chicken or egg" curiosity over the myth. Were the asanas built around these stories or vise versa 🙂

By: Mayank

Mayank — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:09:24 +0000

Thank you Mehboob, Yulia and Savio for your feedback. Yes its fascinating how much the myths can teach us!

By: Savio Dcosta

Savio Dcosta — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 19:56:08 +0000

Thanks for the detail, the breathing helps progress deeper into the pose. Love the stories embedded deep in mythology. Great work Mayank - you are an inspiration.

By: Yulia

Yulia — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 06:16:27 +0000

Thanks a lot for this interesting and useful information. It is very important to understand what asanas mean in order to practice yoga more efficiently.