310 Light on Yoga
of kings and the author of several Vedic hymns, particularly of the
seventh Ma!f<;fala of the �g Veda. He was a typical representative of the
brahmanic dignity and power and is one of the seven sages who are
identified with the stars of the Great Bear. The rivalry between him
and the royal sage Visvamitra, a k�atriya (a man of the warrior caste) who
by his piety and asceticism raised himself to brahman status, forms the
subject of many legends.
The asana is dedicated to the sage Vasi�!ha.Technique- Stand in Ta<;iasana. (Plate 1.) Bend forward, rest the palms on the
floor and ' take the legs back about 4 to 5 feet as if you are doing Adho
Mukha Svanasana. (Plate 75) - Turn the whole body sideways to the right and balance on the right
hand and foot only. The outer side of the right foot should rest firmly
on the floor. Place the left foot over the right one, rest the left palm on
the left hip and balance, keeping the body straight. (Plate 396.) In order
to learn the art of balancing in this position, be close to a wall so that
the inner side of the right foot rests against it.
396(^3) · Exhale, bend the left leg at the knee, move the body slightly forward
and catch the left big toe between the thumb and the index and middle
fingers of the left hand. (Plate 397.) Pull the left arm and the left leg up
vertically. (Plate 398.) The grip on the toe will be like that described in
Supta Padangusthasana. (Plate 284.) Balance in this position, keeping
the arms and legs rigid, with deep breathing, for about 20 to 30 seconds.
4· Release the toe grip, rest the left leg again over the right foot and
lower the left hand to the hip once more.
5· Exhale, turn the body over to the left so that it balances only on the