A N J A N A Y A S A N A

The name of this asana is composed from the following Sanskrit roots: “anj” that means to honor, to celebrate, to sanctify. The Sanskrit word “anjanaya” is translated by the word salutation having the meaning of praise. Thus, ANJANAYASANA is the Salutation Pose.

WHO CAN PERFORM THE ASANA?
Anyone can attempt to perform this asana, there are no adverse effects from performing this asana.

HOW TO PERFORM THIS ASANA

EXECUTION ON THE LEFT SIDE

STARTING POSITION:
Sit comfortably in Vajrasana. Then lift your pelvis until you are on your knees with your back, thighs and buttocks aligned.

FIRST STAGE:
Extend your right leg forward so that the thigh and the ankle of your right leg make a 90 degree angle. The right sole will be entirely stuck to the floor.

SECOND STAGE:
Stick your palms together in a prayer-like position and place them in the area of the cardiac plexus. This gesture is called the salutation gesture – Anjanaya mudra.

Lift your hands until your two palms held together are above your head. Look at your palms while you are raising them. Finally, when the arms are stretched, the head bends backward. Look at palms that are still held together.

FINAL POSE:
Stretch your arms as much as possible, look at your palms and bend backwards curving your back. Meanwhile, stretch your left leg as much as possible. Close your eyes and hold this pose as long as it is comfortable. Breathe through the nostrils.

FOCUS:
During the performance of the asana on the left side focus to perceive the cosmic energies that flow through your palms and arms awakening ANAHATA CHAKRA and the telluric energies that ascend through your left leg awakening the receptive (yin) aspect of SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA.

BECOMING AWARE:
Return to Vajrasana after you perform the pose on the left side. Be mainly aware of the awakening of ANAHATA CHAKRA and secondary of SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA in its receptive aspect. Perceive soft vibrations in the area of the cardiac plexus, the awakening of a deep state of love and sacredness.

Feel a euphoric state irradiating from the level of SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA. Perceive the stimulation of the erotic energy and the awakening of the creative imagination.

EXECUTION ON THE RIGHT SIDE:

STARTING POSE: Sit comfortably in Vajrasana. Then lift your pelvis until you are on your knees with your back, thighs and ankles aligned.

FIRST STAGE:
Extend your left leg forward so that the thigh and the ankle of your left leg make a 90 degree angle. The sole of your left leg will be completely stuck to the floor.


SECOND STAGE:
Stick your palms together in a prayer-like position and place them in the area of the cardiac plexus. This gesture is called the salutation gesture – Anjanaya mudra.

Lift your hands until your two palms held together are above your head. Look at your palms while you are raising them. Finally, when the arms are stretched, the head bends backward. Look at palms that are still held together.


FINAL POSE:
Stretch your arms as much as possible, look at your palms and bend backward curving your back. Meanwhile, stretch your right leg as much as possible. Close your eyes and hold this pose as long as it is comfortable. Breathe through the nostrils.


FOCUS:
During the performing of the asana on the right side focus to perceive the cosmic energies that flow through your palms and arms awakening ANAHATA CHAKRA and on the telluric energy that ascends through your right leg, activating the emissive (yang) aspect of SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA.

BECOMING AWARE:
Return to Vajrasana after you perform the pose on the right side. Perceive soft vibrations in the area of the cardiac plexus, the awakening of a deep state of love and sacredness. Feel a euphoric state irradiating from the level of SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA in your entire being. Perceive the stimulation of the erotic energy and of the ability to control it.

ERRORS TO AVOID:

• Bending your arms
• Not curving your back properly
• Not extending your unbent leg sufficiently