________________
Hold for as long as is comfortable without strain. Release the left foot and return to santolanasana. Turn the body over to the left, balancing on the left hand and foot only. Place the right foot on the left thigh in ardha padmasana. Take the right arm behind the back and catch hold of the right big toe with the right hand. Balance in the pose for the same length of time as on the right side. Come back into santolanasana, placing the right palm back on the floor.
Relax in shashankasana. Breathing: Normal throughout. Duration: One time on each side. Awareness: Physical - on maintaining balance.
Spiritual - on manipura chakra. Benefits: This asana provides a deep muscular massage to the
abdomen, toning the digestive organs, alleviating disorders of the large intestine and stimulating the digestive fire. Manipura chakra and samana are activated. A sense of
balance and concentration is developed. Note: This asana is dedicated to Sage Kashyapa, son of Sage Marichi,
who was said to be the son of Brahma. He is also said to be the father of all living beings and is often called Prajapati, the progenitor.
358
