"In a well-performed Upavistha Konasana, the legs are grounded, the brain is quiet, and the spinal column is relaxed. In this state, we can become aware of subtle planes of consciousness that are normally inaccessible to us. To help us in our exploration, we can use the maps of consciousness provided by ancient sages and yogis, augmented by some Western scientific insights."
"In traditional yoga philosophy, the human soul is encased in five koshas, or sheaths-layers of interpenetrating 'bodies,' each one subtler than the one beneath. Through asana practice, each of these bodies can be awakened and refined."
"As our sensitivity increases, we begin to become aware of other dimensions of our being. Understanding how ancient teachers have experienced these different dimensions can help us in our practice, but we should not be frustrated if our experiences do not precisely match those they have described."
Upavistha Konasana provides a gateway to exploring inner dimensions of consciousness by grounding the legs, quieting the brain, and relaxing the spinal column. Traditional yoga philosophy describes the human soul as encased in five koshas—subtle layers or sheaths that interpenetrate one another, each progressively subtler than the last. Through asana practice, these bodies can be awakened and refined. Beginning students typically focus on physical flexibility and strength, but as sensitivity increases, awareness of other dimensions emerges. Ancient teachings serve as guides rather than rigid templates, helping practitioners understand their own deepening experiences without requiring exact correspondence to traditional descriptions.
Read at Yoga Journal
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