Virabhadrasana : warrior 2

The image of the warrior inspired three yoga postures. Not to convey an image of violence but to teach us to work on our inner strength and our will.

These poses are dedicated to Virabhadra, hero of Hindu mythology.

Shiva, one of the most important gods and representative of yoga, falls in love with Sati. Together, they decide to get married. Her father, Daksha (guardian of traditions and rituals) opposes this union. He decides to organize a big ceremony by inviting all the gods except his daughter and son-in-law. Sati decides to go to the ceremony, humiliated by her father, she throws herself into the fire of the sacrifice and dies burned by the flames. Learning of the death of his wife, Shiva goes into a monstrous rage. He tears out a hair and throws it on the place of the ceremony. From this hair will be born a very powerful hero, Virabhadra. The hero destroys the ceremony and executes all the guests present, including Daksha. At the request of his master, he will have to overcome many trials to bring back Sati's body.

This passage shows us how faithful the hero is to his creator and will do everything to fulfill his requests. It also shows us how his strength, both physical and mental, allows him to overcome the almost impossible. To achieve and hold the hero's posture, the yogi must demonstrate discipline, willpower and inner strength.

Identity card

Vira means hero, bhadra virtuous and asana posture. This is the posture of the virtuous warrior, warrior 2. This posture is a standing pose. When held long enough, it decreases the Vata and Kapha doshas. On the contrary, it increases Pitta. People with a Pitta dominance or an excess of Pitta should hold the posture briefly and without forcing too much so as not to increase Pitta too much.

Benefits

On a physical level

The warrior 2 posture strengthens and shapes the leg muscles. It opens the hips, chest and heart chakra. The posture strengthens our breathing capacity. It tones our arms and abdominals. It works on our sense of balance and our anchoring.

On a mental level

Virabhadrasana improves the ability to concentrate and a return to oneself, two elements necessary to hold the posture. It strengthens inner strength and increases self-confidence and self-confidence.

Perform the posture step by step

Before the posture

Start in the high lunge posture (see the article Astha Chandrasana, the high lunge), with your right leg in front. Place your right hand on your right thigh, your left hand on your hips, then open your hips and your back leg without moving the front leg.

The posture

The knee of the front leg is bent. The leg is parallel to the ground, a right angle is formed between the thigh and the calf. The knee is well above the ankle, it should not be forward or backward.

The arms are outstretched, parallel to the ground, on either side of the body. The palms are facing the ground. The hands are in line with the shoulders. The shoulders should not be tense, they should be away from the ears.

The gaze is forward, at the level of the right hand or the horizon.

Do the same thing on the other side.

Alternatives

I can't hold the posture ?

I can reduce the distance between my legs to be more comfortable in the posture.

I can place my hands on my hips.

I want to go further in the posture ?

I can bend my front knee lower.

I can lift the heel of my front leg, sensations guaranteed!

Points of vigilance

It is not recommended to practice the warrior 2 posture in case of injuries or problems with the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders or cervicals. Hold the posture for a short time in case of heart problems or high blood pressure. Always consult and seek the advice of your doctor in case of health problems.

In all cases, it is strongly recommended to be accompanied by a person qualified in yoga in order to adapt the postures to your situation.

Practice your warrior 2 posture, to work on anchoring and inner strength!