“BREATH IS THE VEHICLE OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND SO, BY ITS SLOW MEASURED OBSERVATION AND DISTRIBUTION, WE LEARN TO TUG OUR ATTENTION AWAY FROM EXTERNAL DESIRES TOWARD A JUDICIOUS, INTELLIGENT AWARENESS.”
“THE MATERIAL BODY HAS A PRACTICAL REALITY THAT IS ACCESSIBLE. IT IS HERE AND NOW. AND WE CAN DO SOMETHING WITH IT. HOWEVER, WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT THE INNERMOST PART OF OUR BEING IS ALSO TRYING TO HELP US. IT WANTS TO COME OUT TO THE SURFACE AND EXPRESS ITSELF.”
This posture strengthens the arm and shoulder muscles, and stretches the chest. It develops a sense of balance and stability. It is used in the process of kundalini awakening due to the stimulation of mooladhara chakra.
In this asana the arms and wrists must be strong enough to support the body. People with a lot of hair on their legs may find it difficult and painful to insert the arms between the thighs and calves. Applying oil to the legs will ease the problem.
Take a deep breath in and raise the body. Breathe normally in the final position. Exhale while lowering.
Physical-on a fixed point at eye level. Spiritual-on ajna or anahata chakra. Tree pose develops nervous balance. It also streng thens the leg, ankle and foot muscles.
Assume the final position of Vrikshasana. Keeping the arms above the head, palms together. Hold the position with the breath inside and, on exhalation, lower the hands back in front of the chest.