346 Light on Yoga- To release the position move the hands in front and bear the weight
on them. Lift the trunk, turn the heels and then straighten the legs.
While releasing the pose do not put any weight on the legs.
Effects
This as ana exercises M iiladhara Chakra, the prostate gland and gonads.
It also has the wonderful effect of controlling excessive sexual desire
and helps to save energy. It therefore controls and stills the mind.
'The mind is the lord of the Indriyas (organs of the senses); Pr�a
is the lord of the mind ; Laya or absorption is the lord of Pra�a; and
that Laya depends on Nada (the inner sounds). When the mind is
absorbed, it is called Mok�a (emancipation); but others say that it is
not: however, when the PraJ?a and Manas (the mind) have been
absorbed, an undefinable joy ensues.' (Ha?ha Yoga Pradipikii, 4th
chapter, verses 29 and 30.)
Baddhakonasana (Plate 101) and Miilabandhasana are a great help
to people with excess�ve sexual desire. When this desire is controlled,
energy is sublimated and real joy of life is limitless.
166. Vamadevasana I Fifteen* (Plate 465)
Vamadeva is the name of a sage, and also of Siva, the third god of
the Hindu Trinity, who is entrusted with the work of destruction.
Technique- Sit in Baddhakor;tasana. (Plate 101)
- Insert the right hand between the right thigh and calf. Keep the
toes of the right foot on the ground, raise the heel and drag the foot
near the perineum. Remove the hand and push the heel forward
towards the floor, lift the body off the floor, move the right hip forward
and put the right knee on the ground. The right foot is now in
Miilabandhasana. (Plate 464)
3· Now place the left foot at the root of the right thigh, that is, in
Padmasana. (Plate 1 04)4· Swing the left arm from the shoulder behind the back and with
an exhalation catch the left big toe. With the right hand grip the
front of the left foot.
- Turn the neck to the right (Plate 465) and balance for^30 seconds
with deep breathing. - Release the position, come back to Baddhakor;tasana and repeat the
asana on the other side for the same length of time following the
technique described above, reading left for right and vice versa.