Virabhadrasana, The Warrior

The warrior. This can be an intensely energetic pose as we inhabit the fierceness, the strength, the determination of the warrior. I try to begin this pose with the question, “What would I fight for, as a warrior?” Even, or perhaps especially, for us devout non-violent pacifists, this is a powerful examination of our deepest beliefs and ethics.Virabhadra was one of Shiva’s most fierce warriors. He was born in a fit of rage, as Shiva tore one of his matted dreadlocks off and threw it to the ground. From the impact, Virabhadra and Bhadrakali arose, and were ordered to kill Shiva’s father-in-law and everyone in his company. A blood-drinking, party-crashing Rasta-born soldier, Virabhdra takes to towards our wild, unleashed potential-self.This pose, in its two most common variations, is rooted strongly through the outer edge of the back foot. Take time to set the foundation here, grounding through both feet, again trying to “disturb tadasana as little as possible.” Externally rotate the inner thighs, opening the groin and dropping a bit deeper in the pelvic floor. The front leg bends at 90 degrees, keeping knee and foot in alignment. Drop the tailbone and engage the lowest abdomen, inviting uddiyana bandha (abdominal lock).If you tend to mostly practice the first variation of this pose (arms and hands overhead), I encourage you to drop your arms into Virabhadrasana B to further establish your lower body foundation. With the arms spread wide at shoulder height, the strong backbend of the posture is reduced, and here, again dropping the tailbone, you can work on engaging the feet, drawing muscular energy up through the legs with each breath.