Tantra Magazine
ETYMOLOGY:
The English translation of the Sanskrit term BHADRA is “throne”. BHADRASANA means thus “the posture of the throne”. This physical /bodily posture must not be mistaken for BHADRASANA, “the posture of the blessing”, which is quite different.

BACKGROUND:
The great Yogi GORAKSHA used to spend much time sitting in this posture. Therefore, this asana bears also the name GORKSHASANA. In other treaties, you may find this asana under the name BADDHA KONASANA. BADDHA means “caught”, “held”, and KONASANA means “angle”.

In the renowned yogic treaty HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA, sloka 55-56-57 we find the following description:
“Place the heels on either side of the seam of the Perineum, keeping the left heel on the left side and the right one on the right side, holding the feet firmly joined to one another with both the hands. This Bhadrasana is the destroyer of all diseases.
The expert Yogis call this Goraksa asana. By sitting with this asana, the Yogi gets rid of fatigue.”

HOW TO PERFORM THIS ASANA:

  • Sit on the floor, feet stretched in front.

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  • Slowly bend your knees, bringing your soles towards the perineum.

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  • Stick your soles together. Hold your toes with your fingers and bring your heels as closely as possible to the perineum. The ideal is to touch the perineum with heels and the ground with the knees.
  • Finally, the spine and the head are straight up, the head as a prolongation of the spine. Breathe normally and freely, without modifying your breath in any manner.
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  • Keep this pose for as long as possible. Stop if you feel any discomfort or pain.

    FOCUS:

  • Focus on the flow of tellurian energy that activates Muladhara Chakra. Become aware of the feeling of regeneration, inner revitalisation.

    BENEFICIAL EFFECTS:

  • This asana acts efficiently on the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor and on the genital-urinary system. It also renders the articulations of the thighs and knees more elastic.
  • The stretching of the muscles and ligaments causes an intense excitation of the proprioreceptors. Through the vegetative centres in the hypothalamus, the activity of the heart and respiratory system are highly stimulated.
  • This posture is remarkable as regards its effects in the case of anal-rectal diseases. The constant practice of this asana cures the haemorrhoids.
  • The pelvis, abdomen, and back are highly flooded with blood and thus stimulated.
  • Brings and maintains a state of perfect health of the kidneys, prostate, and urinary tract.
  • Prevents hernia.
  • Eliminates the states of certain forms of frigidity. Practised in combination with SARVANGASANA and SHALABASANA (asanas which will be presented furthermore in this section) it brings to normal the internal activity of the ovaries. It may be included in the training programme of pregnant women, preparing them for a painless delivery.
  • You may perform this asana right after eating because it stimulates and facilitates the digestion, even increasing the appetite to a healthy level.

    CAUTION:

  • It is forbidden to practice this asana if you suffer of sciatica, especially during the crisis. Nevertheless, if it is practised moderately, without forcing, BHADRASANA may eliminate sciatic pain.

    SUBTLE EFFECTS:
    This asana unifies PRANA VAYU (the subtle flow of ascending energies) with APANA VAYU (the subtle flow of descending energies). Through this phenomenon of junction, the resultant energy is directed in an upward sense through Sushumna Nadi (the central subtle nadi). Thus, the fundamental energy KUNDALINI SHAKTI is awakened and forced to go up.