Thoughts on Virabadrasana

Virabhadrasana is the "Warrior Pose". There are three different warrior poses: I, II, and III. I'm not sure why they are labeled such, but in Downward Dogs and Warriors the author (Newell) states that it does not indicate an order to the poses, but the number of limbs extended in the pose. That does not really sit with me as there are two limbs extended for each I and II. I digress.

What I do like about her discussion in the book is that she suggests moving through the poses II to I to III. I tried this, and I like the flow. To mimic a common phrase of a warrior, I think the poses are "READY, AIM, FIRE". Virabhadrasana II is the READY position. Virabhadrasana I is the AIM position. Virabhadrasana III is the FIRE position.

The story the author uses behind Virabhadrasana is one of Shiva as a destroyer. After his first wife was sacrificed by her own family, Shiva became incensed. One hair fell from his head and from it sprang Virabhadra, the "personification of righteous anger and the noble impulse to defend the innocent." A warrior. Virabhadra then flew to Shiva's in-laws and destroyed everything.

Throughout the book, Newell suggests that asanas invoke particular emotions within individual people. The warrior pose may invoke strength in some people. She suggests that once you are in the pose, think about how you feel. Angry? Strong? Drained? This may give you insight to what pose invokes what energy (ie relaxed vs vigorous).