Behind the Pose: Garudasana

The pose Garudasana is named for Vishnu's carrier, Garuda, a bird-diety with the head, wings, talons, and beak of an eagle, and the body and limbs of a man.

Garuda is an immense godlike being who shines as brilliantly as a million suns.. This, of course, can be overwhelming, and he is often asked to reduce his size and energy. Garuda's mother was being help captive by snakes in the underground serpent city of Patala and Garuda agreed to bring the snakes a cup of amrita (the nectar of immortality) in exchange for his mother's freedom. Enduring multiple perils and using his powers, he is able to collect the nectar for the snakes. It is said that the amrita was so powerful that it split the snakes tongue in two, which is why snakes have bifrucated tongues. The snakes, for their part, held up their end of the bargain and released Garuda's mother to him.

Sometimes, like Garuda, your own spiritual potential has to remain hidden, either unconsciously or by choice. In eagle pose, you "fold" our wings up and wrap in on yourself to contain your energy, but when it's time to release the posture you return to your power and openness - ready to take on whatever challenge life has to offer. 🦅