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Stretch the left arm up vertically from the shoulder and gaze at the up-stretched left hand. This is the final position. Hold for as long as is comfortable. Release the right leg and come back to the starting position. Repeat the pose for the same length of time on the other
side. Breathing: Inhale as the arm moves up.
Exhale as the arm comes down. Duration: One time on each side, holding the position up to
30 seconds. Awareness: Physical - on maintaining balance.
Spiritual - on mooladhara chakra. Benefits: This asana stretches and tones the muscles of the
arms and legs, and the sciatic nerves. It strengthens the internal organs, improves concentration and the sense of
balance. Note: Sage Vishwamitra was originally a kshatriya, a member of
the warrior class, and the king of Kanyakubja. One day while out hunting, he came across the hermitage of Sage Vashishtha. Seeing Kamadhenu, The Cow of Plenty, he offered the sage untold treasures in exchange for her. The sage refused him and so he tried to take her by force. A long contest ensued in which he was defeated. Although sorely vexed, the king was greatly impressed with the power inherent in Brahmanism. He devoted himself to the most rigorous yogic austerities until he successfully achieved the titles of rajarshi, royal sage, rishi, sage or seer, maharshi, great sage or patriarch of mankind, and finally brahmarshi, brahmanical sage. This asana is dedicated to him.
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