SAHASRARA CHAKRA
KEY WORDS Enlightenment, yoga
BIJA MANTRA Silent Om (pronounced aum)
ASANA Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand).
Sahasrara means “thousand-petaled” and represents a
thousand-petaled lotus flower thought to reside just above
the crown of your head, says Mari. “This chakra is the gateway
to enlightenment—the place where it’s no longer possible to
experience yourself as separate from anyone or anything,” she
adds.
ASK Who or what represents that which is beyond my egoic
self? How do I realize my highest Self?
SALAMBA SIRSASANA
Supported Headstand
From Tabletop, interlace your fingers and set your forearms on
the floor, elbows at shoulder width. Roll your upper arms slightly
outward and press your inner wrists firmly into the floor, then set
the crown of your head on your mat. Come off your knees and
onto your toes, carefully walking your feet closer to your elbows.
Exhale and lift your feet away from the floor, taking both feet up
at the same time, even if it means bending your knees. As the legs
(or thighs, if your knees are bent) rise to perpendicular to the floor,
turn your upper thighs slightly inward and press your feet actively
toward the sky. Do this pose close to a wall at first, which will keep
you safe should you lose your balance. Also, keep in mind that
you should place very little weight on your head; instead, use the
strength in your arms, shoulders, and core to lift up through your
toes, almost as if you could lift your head off the ground. Remain
in Supported Headstand for 10 seconds or longer.
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february / march 2017yogajournal.com.sg