The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian mythology that inspired 50 yoga postures

Discover the traditional stories and wisdom behind your favourite yoga poses in this stunningly illustrated book of Indian mythology for yogis of all levels.

A beautifully written introduction to Indian mythology, join storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, and explore the unforgettable tales behind 50 key yoga poses, such as: Vīrabhadrāsana II, the original warrior poseTāḍāsana, mountain poseBhujaṅgāsana, cobra poseGaruḍāsana, eagle posePadmāsana, lotus poseVīrāsana, hero poseŚavāsana, corpse pose  Meet iconic Gods and Goddesses, from Gaṇeśa, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, to Śiva, Lord of Yogis, and Kali, goddess of mind, body, soul and death. Explore the rivalry between the sages Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra, and their cosmic feud over a wish-fulfilling cow.

Plunge into the depths of one of the richest myths in Hinduism: the battle between the demons and the gods who churn the cosmic oceans in search for the elixir of immortality. And learn how Śiva got his blue throat!
 
Learn, through the mythology of the poses, more about the roots of this ancient practice and how you can use their teachings to better appreciate and respect yoga’s true origins.
 
Enhance your practice by reading one story before or at the end of class, and incorporating the poses and their teaching into your life, as well as your yoga practice, and transform the way you view and practice this timeless art.
 

From the Publisher

The Stories Behind the Poses: the Indian mythology that inspired 50 yoga postures

From storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, The Stories Behind the Poses tells the traditional stories and wisdom behind well-known yoga poses, including:

Vīrabhadrāsana II, warrior posePadmāsana, lotus poseBālāsana, child’s pose

Discover the lesser-known roots of this wide-spread and ancient practice and how you can use these teachings to better appreciate and respect yoga’s true origins – ideal to enhance your own personal practice and for teaching purposes.

Eagle pose

Crane pose

Throne pose

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Leaping Hare Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 26, 2022
Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0711271887
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0711271883
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.7 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 1.1 x 9.3 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #20,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #12 in Yoga (Books) #19 in Folklore & Mythology Studies #97 in Eastern Philosophy (Books)
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