Q:

What is Veerasana/ Virasana? There are so many variations, which one is it? What is the best way to do this pose?

A:

Here is the Ashtanga (8 steps) of the Warrior pose as per my limited knowledge and experience:

1) Simple Meaning: Veera or Vira means chief, hero or brave in simple mirror translation

2) Root Meaning: In samskruta the meaning of the word is derived from the root instead of the synonyms or translation. The word "Veera" comes from "Virya". Virya means vital fluid (known as reproductive fluid/ skukra dhatu) or fluid creative energy. It can be defined as an attitude that inspires one to accomplish virtuous action (called Dharma). This vital energy is the essence of the 7 tissues (blood, muscle, fat etc.) in the body. Here it means the ability to moderate and internalize this vital energy. This can be accomplished by moderating the outgoing tendency of the organs of action- legs, arms, vocal cords, excretory and reproductive organs) and internalizing it to transform it into pleasant, stable and still state of mind and emotions. This transformed energy is known as soma, it brings sense of peace and calm to the mind.

3) Iconography and the 3 Shaktis: If you look at the iconography of the posture, the arms and legs are spread out externally symbolizing action, but the hidden meaning here is to internalize the energy/ prana shakti. We as humans are born with three super powers. The power of desire, knowledge and action known as ichcha shakti, gyana shakti and kriya shakti. The birth place of any action is desire. Desires arise from the heart so the internal focus in this asana is the heart (anahata chakra). The pose is practiced with the intention for the dissolution of the un-purposeful desires. Let it dissolve before it becomes thought (gyana shakti) transforming into action (kriya shakti). This attitude prevents the leakage/drainage of energy.

4) Mis-translation: Commonly known as Warrior pose or let me say commonly mistranslated as Warrior pose, it is often seen that while practicing people bring extra energy to their arms and legs by tensing them and activating the centrifugal force (Vyana Vayu). Instead relax all the tension in the limbs and let the posture be firm yet relaxed to redirect the vyana vayu from the limbs to the Prana Vayu in the heart. Let the asana energize you and not take the energy from the body.

5) Purpose: It is a posture for developing moon like calmness, friendliness and reflection and not fierceness, fiery energy and reaction

6) Who is a warrior: The meaning of this asana shall change as per the understanding of what is strength and who is a warrior. For me the warrior is one who is calm, gentle, kind, balanced and knows the answer to the three most important questions: when, what and how much

7) Layers: The practice of asanas transforms as we go deeper, from physical to mental to pranic realms. There are layers to the same practice

8) Variation: There cannot be a possible variation of the emotion/intention (known as bhava) in Warrior pose/ Veerasan, only of the body. Keep your focus on what it feels like rather than what it looks like. With such a knowing you will be able to practice it while walking, talking, standing still, seated, in any possible situation in life/ position of body!

We get so involved with the body that we forget the purpose.

May we all develop the veera bhava (spirit of the warrior) and may we all attain Veeragati- the realization of Dharma.

Learn more details about this Asana in my book, Yoga Ancient Heritage Tomorrow's Vision

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