Yoga Journal – Thailand

“I took Prasad’s class at the Bangkok Yoga festival 2010 and it was a wonderful combination of explanation, practice and exploring the deeper meaning behind a series of basic poses. Even the more experienced delegates seemed delighted to re-explore the connection between each pose and get a deeper understanding of the history of yoga. Less experienced among the group understood that there is so much more to yoga than the physical application.”

- Nigel Oakins
Publisher, Yoga Journal – Thailand

Parighasana

Parighasana, also called the ‘gate posture’, is an excellent posture for grounding the body and mind.

Step-by-step

Kneel on the floor with your spine perpendicular to the floor. Extend your right leg away from your body to the right side (not in the front), with knee pointed towards the ceiling.
The left knee should be directly below your left hip joint.
Now, gently place your right hand on your right thigh, take a deep inhalation and simultaneously slide the hand lower towards the right foot.
As you slide it down, raise the left arm upwards. Feel the extension in the torso as you bend towards your right.
Stay stable and sturdy on your knee. Gaze at the ceiling and hold the posture for 30 seconds.
Come up slowly and with awareness on the breath. Keep both hands along side the body and bend the right knee back next to the left.
Repeat on the left side the same way as above.

Benefits
This posture helps in stabilizing the mind.
It strengthens the legs and improves balancing ability by building the core muscles around the abdomen and waist area.

Video – Yoga and movement of the mind

In this talk given at the Self-Transformation through Yoga Retreat in Thailand, Prasad answers the basic question, “What makes the mind move?” and explains the reasons for the swinging of the mind.