Role of Animal Poses in Yoga

Animals can teach us a lot about movement. Have you ever witnessed your pet stretching? Dogs often bend downward, cobras rise to cobra pose, etc. These animals already know how to move their bodies and adjust and survive in their environment. Despite our technological advances and ability to collaborate, humans don’t always understand how to care for our bodies.

Most people start their Yoga journey through asanas or postures. Some scholars note that physical Yoga is the ability to get back in touch with how we move naturally, in other words, being connected with our animal instincts or realm. Animals are recognised for their characteristics; for example, lions may be considered regal and brave, while an eagle may symbolise grace and stealth. Asanas with animal names have deep roots throughout the history of Yoga. Many poses carried animal names in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, including Lion’s pose, Rooster, and Peacock.

The Gheranda Samhita, another classic Hatha yoga text written in the 17th century, mentions even more animal asanas, including the Camel, Crocodile and Frog. Seeking inspiration from animals, these postures require understanding and respect for the animal that inspires them. Reflecting on why certain poses celebrate a specific animal is a great place to explore how asanas are connected to movements and the animals they represent.

Many asanas (positions) used in modern postural Yoga are named after animals. It is believed that ancient Yogis would go out into the forest and develop these postures by observing and copying animal behaviour. Animals also played a crucial role in many religions and Yogic mythology. In shamanism, it is believed that we can learn a lot from the animal kingdom by finding our guiding (totem) animal and studying its unique features.

Reena Makhey

The writer is a resident of Rutu Park. She is the Director of Soham Yog Sadhana and has an M.Sc (Yoga) and an MD (Panchgavya, Naturopath). She is also certified in Pre & Post Natal (Pregnancy) and has 15+ years of experience in the field of Yoga.