The Rig Veda is an ancient book of hymns to Lord Indra, the king of the gods in Indian mythology. In lesson 127 of the Daily Om online course “A Year to Clear What is Holding You Back!” Stephanie Bennett Vogt notes that “’Indra's Net’ references the web of life that has at every juncture a jewel that reflects all other jewels – a useful metaphor for the interconnection of all life in the universe.”
The yoga pose Malasana comes
from the word “mala,” which is a string of beads such as a rosary that is used
in meditation. Also called “Garland Pose,” Malasana is a fearless hip-opening
pose that improves your balance and re-connects you to the Earth – and to
others. To practice Malasana, squat down keeping your heels on the ground
and your back straight. Place your palms together in front of you in a gesture
of gratitude. Press your elbows and inner legs against each other if it feels
nice. Breathe deeply. To help balance, play with widening your stance, turning
your toes out or lifting your heels. Find what feels right for you.
The
holiday season is like a mala, a string of popcorn or a necklace of lights. We
get an emotional lift when we connect and re-connect with other glittering
lights in our circle: family, neighbors and friends both old and new. Vogt says it best in her
summary of Indra’s Net: “Shine your light brightly today. When
you bring up your vibration, you bring up everyone else's vibration with you.”
Images: Malasana Pose from the blue coloring book “Yoga TeddyBear: Moons, Stars and Earthly Delights” colored by Alison Senior, Age 6. Photo
of K. Mae Copham in Malsana by Robert Oakley, New Paltz, NY, summer 2015.
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