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Which asanas are specifically described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and what are their benefits?
Six classical postures stand out in that crisp, fourth-century manual—each a gateway to steadiness and subtle energy shifts.
- Siddhāsana (Adept’s Pose)
• Description: One heel pressing the perineum, the other heel tucked above it.
• Benefits: Anchors the mind, seals the mula bandha, awakens dormant kundalinī sparks. In today’s hustle, it’s like hitting the “pause” button on a frantic playlist.
2 Padmāsana (Lotus Pose)
• Description: Ankles crossed over opposite thighs, spine upright.
• Benefits: Aligns the spine, soothes the nervous system, cultivates inner fire without agitation. Modern meditators use it to rack up calmer cortisol readings—no wonder it’s a staple on every International Day of Yoga mat.
3 Simhāsana (Lion Pose)
• Description: Knees apart, body settled on heels, hands splayed on thighs; a loud “ha” roar.
• Benefits: Clears throat chakra congestion, boosts circulation in face and neck—perfect for combating Zoom-call tension and that stiff “tech neck.”
4 Bhadrasana (Gracious Pose)
• Description: Soles together, knees wide, spine tall.
• Benefits: Opens hips, massages the lower belly, steadies breath. Feels like unlocking a hidden door in the pelvis, releasing trapped stress from long hours at the desk.
5 Gomukhasana (Cow-Face Pose)
• Description: One knee stacked over the other, opposite arm reaches over shoulder to clasp the other hand behind the back.
• Benefits: Stretches shoulders, improves lung capacity, dissolves energy knots around the heart center—ideal for anyone juggling back-to-back meetings.
6 Mayūrāsana (Peacock Pose)
• Description: Hands planted, elbows hugging torso, body lifted horizontally.
• Benefits: Fire-building asana that tones the abdomen, ignites digestive agni and clears gut sluggishness—a timely antidote to late-night snacking trends on TikTok.
These age-old shapes aren’t about flashy acrobatics but rather about settling inner dust so the light of awareness can shine through. Amid today’s whirlwind, their simple elegance continues to whisper: “Less is truly more.”