Tadasana is a traditional form of yoga that is used in the Ashtanga style of yoga. Tadasana translates loosely to “Tatted posture”. The Ashtanga style of yoga is one where a series of postures are performed under the guidance of a teacher or instructor. The Ashtanga sequences are called poses. They are not restricted to any particular order or posture. The goal of a student is to master the various asanas and attain an appropriate and comfortable (balanced) body position, known as “asana”, during the sequence of poses.
The word Tadasana comes from the Sanskrit words Tadas (meaning twenty) and Samsana (meaning harmony). Tadasana derives from the twenty-one postures described in the Upanishads. There are a few versions of the Ashtanga asana. One of them, Tadasana Yogasana, is considered by some authorities to be the father of modern yoga. It was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar.
In this form of yoga, the student maintains a standing posture while bending the legs slightly. This may be done by keeping the knees bent and the thighs apart at the same time. The arms may be folded comfortably over the shoulders.
Tadasana is often done in a group. The teacher maintains a position similar to the sitting posture while assisting other students in moving into deeper or more stable poses. In Ashtanga, there are much emphasis on internal awareness, rather than on achieving a state of some transcendent state. Tadasana cultivates self-awareness and self-correction at the same time.
Tadasana may be done alone or in tandem with Vastu, another important part of Ashtanga yoga. Vastu is focused on breath regulation and controlling bodily movements. The theory is that if one can control his or her breath, one can control his or her body. Tadasana requires a student to control his or her body. While this may seem very difficult, it is possible.
One technique for making Tadasana more difficult is for the student to cross his or her legs over one leg and hold that position. At the same time, the other leg is also lifted up and held over the first one. This combination of the crossing legs and the lifting up of the body can be used to create instability in the body and force the mind to question its stability. While the pose may seem difficult, it is actually quite simple.
Tadasana is often seen done without any props. However, because it is done without any physical support, it is more difficult. One technique for supporting the body while performing Tadasana is to use a block, but that is a matter of preference. There are many ways to support your body while Tadasana is being performed, and they do not all have to do with physical props.
It is important to practice Tadasana on a consistent basis. In order to master this pose, it must be practiced often enough that the mind becomes accustomed to it. It should be performed with an instructor who is experienced in teaching yoga. It is important for the instructor to be able to sense when the student is having difficulty. If possible, it would be ideal if you could find someone to help you with your practice as well.
During Tadasana, the student is expected to cross his or her arms over the torso, holding the pose for a half minute. This half minute of static holds strengthens the muscles of the shoulders and the back. Then it is time to return to the start position. Repeat this pattern twenty times. As you become adept at Tadasana, you may choose not to hold the pose for any length of time, instead opting to partially replace the arm in the air by bending the knee or flexing the foot.
You may also choose to place your hands on the inner thighs or soles of the feet as you rest in Tadasana. It is possible to balance your weight on these two body parts throughout the exercise. This is especially important if the person performing Tadasana is not very tall. The benefits of placing your hands on the inner thighs or the soles of the feet are that they help you to gain a stable base, as well as increase circulation and flexibility throughout the body. You will also be held in the proper position, allowing gravity to help with the stabilization of your body.
If you have difficulty getting into a sitting position in Tadasana, or find it difficult to stay in the pose when you arise, you may wish to practice Tadasana in a standing position prior to performing the yoga pose. In a standing position, you can prop your feet up on blocks or other props to help you stay in the pose. Once you have become proficient at Tadasana, however, you may choose to perform Tadasana without any props. The object is to simply keep your entire body in place and allow gravity to take its course. Once you have learned how to effectively hold Tadasana and performed it numerous times, you will find it easy to perform the pose on your own.
Types Of Yoga Poses
- Lotus position Yoga –
- Adho mukha svanasana Yoga
- Handstand Yoga
- Shavasana Yoga
- Balasana Yoga
- Bhujangasana Yoga
- Kapotasana Yoga
- Tadasana Yoga
- Bakasana Yoga
- Vajrasana Yoga
- Vrikshasana Yoga
- Trikonasana Yoga
- Dhanurasana Yoga
- Shirshasana Yoga
- Chaturanga Dandasana Yoga
- Ustrasana Yoga
- Uttanasana Yoga
- Sarvangasana Yoga
- Navasana Yoga
- Bhekasana (Mandukasana) Yoga
- Mālāsana Yoga
- Halasana Yoga
- Paschimottanasana Yoga
- Sukhasana Yoga
- Chakrasana Yoga
- Gomukhasanab Yoga
- Baddha Konasana Yoga
- Virasana Yoga
- Utkatasana Yoga
- Garudasana Yoga
- Ardha Chandrasana Yoga
- Marjariasana Yoga
- Matsyasana Yoga
- Mayurasana Yoga
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana ( Bridge Pose) Yoga
- Salabhasana Yoga
- Viparita Karani Yoga
- Virabhadrasana I Yoga
- Utthita Parsvakonasana Yoga
- Matsyendrasana Yoga
- Janusirsasana Yoga
- Dandasana Yoga
- Siddhasana Yoga
- Hanumanasana Yoga
- Makarasana Yoga
- Natarajasana Yoga
- Pincha Mayurasana Yoga
- Supta Baddha Konasana Yoga
- Simhasana Yoga
- Upavistha Konasana Yoga
