KANDAPEEDANASANA – SITTING POSTURE

This asana is difficult to perform. This asana presses the Kanda (the place near the navel). So it is called Kandapeedanasana.

Technique:

Sit on the floor. Bend the legs at the knees. Bring the feet towards the trunk until the heels are close to the perineum, and the knees on the floor. Join the palms in the front of the chest. Keep the trunk erect. Keep the nose, the palms and the feet in a vertical straight line. Breathe in the normal way. This asana should be practiced with caution. Persons whose thighs and calves are heavy will find it difficult to practice this asana. Those having a slim body can perform this asana comfortably.

Advantages:

(1) (1) This asana cures all kinds of ailments and disorders of the knees. It also cures arthritis.

(2) (2) It strengthens the calves, arteries and veins.

(3) (3) It stimulates Kundalini Shakti

(4) (4) This asana is the same as Padmasana or Siddhasana, so it has all the benefits of Padmasana and Siddhasana.

PADANGUSTHASANA – SITTING POSTURE

In ancient times, the persons who lived in Gurukulas and observed celibacy used to practice this asana regularly. With Sheershasana and Sarvangasana, this asana has been given special importance by our sages for the preservations of the semen.

Persons having physical obesity will find it difficult to practice this asana. They may fall on either side while performing this asana. But with constant practice steadiness can be maintained.

Technique:

Place the left heel between the anus and the scrotum. Let the weight of the whole body rest on the feet, particularly on the left foot. Place the right foot on the left leg near the knee. Keep the balance while in sitting posture. A bench or a wall can be used as a support in the beginning. Place both the hands on the waist or the thighs, or keep them in the obeisance posture. Retain the breath. Keep the spine erect. Then inhale slowly. Stare at or concentrate on a white or black dot specially kept for this purpose before the eyes. Repeat silently the japa of Rmanamma or some gurumantra. Begin practicing this asana with 3o seconds and gradually increase it to one minute.

Advantages:

(1) (1) As this asana stimulates Veeryanadi, it cures physical disorders like wet-dreams (spermatorrhoea), impotence and diabetes.

(2) (2) The semen is sublimated by practicing this asana and it changes into vital energy.

(3) (3) If this asana is practiced along with Sheershanasa, Saravangasana and Bhujangasana, it helps one in observing celibacy.