Why we love Hanuman
It’s entirely possible you’ve practiced Hanuman’s pose numerous times, but perhaps have no idea about who is he or what this pose HANUMANASANA is. Hanuman is the great monkey God; the archetype of devotion, strength, and courage.
In this asana, the legs are split forward and back (aka THE SPLITS) which mimics Hanuman's famous leap from the southern tip of India to the island of Sri Lanka. Students who are just learning this pose will struggle at first with tightness in the backs of the legs or the groin - so we’re making sure that it’s accessible to all using a multitude of props such as bolsters + blocks so that EVERY BODY can enjoy the freedom of flight!
Not only does this pose lengthen and open the hamstrings, groin and the thighs it stimulates the abdominal organs too! When practiced under the guidance of an experienced teacher it can help alleviate sciatica using one of many modifications or variations! As we arrive into OUR own unique version of the asana, we are required to be fully present - to feel and to remember that some leaps of faith require us to be fully devoted - without attachment to the final outcome, instead enjoying the journey or the leap itself.
Hanuman fits in well with our offerings at the studio this month, as the first Bhakti yogi, he is said to have devoted his entire life to the service of Ram, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his wife, Sita. Hanuman has great powers as a warrior, but, like us, he has a tendency to forget his own Divinity. He reminds himself by chanting Ram’s name, and in doing so, he returns himself to the path. When we summon our hearts and voices to chant with Hanuman, we too are reminded that we are at once human and Divine.
We welcome musicians Asakti Evans and Branan Silvius for an evening of devotional chanting - where mantras/chants are repeated many times, creating a beautiful opportunity for deep immersion into sound and rhythm. The mantras will be printed out for those who want to join in and chant, or simply let yourself sink into the joy and resonance that come from being in a group setting.
We would love to share the joy that is HANUMAN, either through asana or in the devotional practice of BHAKTI.