Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga

I 56 Light on Yoga

in the human nervous system, is situated there. This chakra corresponds

to the hypo-gastric plexus. The pose is recommended for persons with

rounded and drooping shoulders.

62. Trianga Mukhaikapda Paschimottanasana Five* (Plate 139)

Trianga means three limbs or parts thereof. In this posture the three
parts are the feet, knees and buttocks. Mukhaikapada (a compound of
three words, mukha =face, eka =one, and pada =leg or foot) corresponds
to the face (or mouth) touching one (extended) leg. In Paschimot­
tanasana (Plate r6o) the back of the whole body is intensely stretched.

Technique

1. Sit on the floor, with the legs stretched straight in front. (Plate 77)


2. Bend the right leg at the knee and move the right foot back. Place the
   right foot by the side of the right hip joint, keep the toes pointing back
   and rest them on the floor. The inner side of the right calf will touch the
   outer side of the right thigh.
   3· Balance in this position, throwing the weight of the body on the bent
   knee. In the beginning, the body tilts to the side of the outstretched leg,
   and the foot of the outstretched leg also tilts outwards. Learn to balance
   in this position, keeping the foot and toes stretched and pointing
   forward.
   4· Now hold the left foot with both the palms, gripping the sides of the
   sole. If you can, then extend the trunk forward and hook the wrists
   round the outstretched left foot. (Plate 138.) Take two deep breaths. It
   usually takes several months before one can hook the wrists in this way,
   so do not despair after the first few attempts.