Yogic Prayer Pose is what is required in the beginning of the yoga class for peace of mind and preparation for yoga class.
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Starting Posture for Yogic Prayer
- Keep your eyes closed, either stand straight with feet together or sit straight.
Technique for Yogic Prayer
- Fold your hands with the thumbs on the throat-cavity (sternal notch)
- Press forearms against the chest by the sides.
- Concentrate your mind on the Supreme Being. As soon as you have attained this mental state, relax the pressure of your forearms and palms. As long as you are unsuccessful in achieving this state of mental concentration, keep the forearms pressed against the chest.
Precautions of Yogic Prayer
You may be surprised as to why I have added precautions even for yogic prayer pose. Yes, closing eyes with no particular direction of thinking may cause discomfort to the one under depression, as he/she can fall in the loop of negative thinking. So, in this case, it may be difficult for him/her to concentrate on Supreme Being. Instead, he may be asked to recall the five blessings of his/her life that he is grateful to the God. Learn more about how to being grateful.
Benefits of Yogic Prayer
Swami Dhirendra Brahmachari, in his book on Yogic Suksham Vyayama, has mentioned four spiritual benefits that can be derived by the practice of the Yogic Prayer Pose:
- This exercise, by its effect on the Manovaha nerve, helps to sublimate the sexual instinct. There are two types of nadis – one is gross nadis which are composed by blood vessels, nerves, lymph canals, etc. and the second one are subtle nadis. This subtle nadis are further of two types: 1. Pranavaha Nadis which carry prana (vital force) and the other one is Manovaha Nadis which carry manas shakti (mental force).
- This exercise helps to increase the powers of concentration. There is also one sthula vyayama for improving concentration.
- The exercise is an unerring means for bringing about communion with one’s inner self.
- Acting on the advice of some unknown saint, Lord Buddha was able to attain the perfect peace with the help of this exercise, while sitting under the Bodhi tree. It was this exercise, which gave him the strength to triumph over worldly passions.