Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga

388 Light on Yoga

538

abdomen is contracted. Try to maintain normal breathing and stay in

the pose as long as you can from 10 to 15 seconds.

6. Then drop the legs to the floor beyond the head to perform Urdhva
   Dhanudisana (Plate 486) and either stand up in Tac;tasana (Plate 1) or
   perform Viparita Chakrasana. (Plates 488 to 499)
   7. To get relief from the strain on the back caused by Vrschikasana,
   bend forward and touch the palms on the floor without bending the
   knees - Uttanasana. (Plate 48)

Effects

The lungs expand fully while the abdominal muscles are stretched. The

entire spine is vigorously toned and remains healthy. The asana has also

psychological significance. The head which is the seat of knowledge and

power is also the seat of pride, anger, hatred, jealousy, intolerance and

malice. These emotions are more deadly than the poison which the

scorpion carries in its sting. The yogi, by stamping on his head with

his feet, attempts to eradicate these self-destroying emotions and pas­

sions. By kicking his head he seeks to develop humility, calmness and

tolerance and thus to be free of ego. The subjugation of the ego leads

to harmony and happiness.