Published on May 11, 2008

Śirsāsana (Head Standing)

The Attention

While learning the position and while reaching the final posture the attention follows the motion; when reaching the position itself direct the attention to ājñā-chakra or to sahasrāra-padma.

Depending on the spiritual inheritance the aspirant may feel what the point he should bring over the attention to strengthen the abilities developed some other time, or to create new ones.

The Technique

• Sit in vajrāsana.
• Bring the hands in front of the chest, hold the palms together and create within yourself the blissful state of humility; adopt therefore the prayer position and full of humility, surrender to the Supreme One.
• From vajarāsana lean forward and place the palms and the forearms on the ground. Interlock the fingers.
• Place the head in between the palms, forehead on the ground.
• Raise the bottom and lean on the knees.
• Continue rising the bottom, straightening the knees. The body leans on the area between the forehead and the top of the head, and the toes.
• Shift the body weight forward, bringing the legs slightly closer to the head.
• Keep the thighs in this position, but bend the knees while lifting the feet. Remain for a short while in this position.
• Lift and straighten the legs. Straighten the body. Balance the body weight on the forearms and the upper part of the forehead.
• Hold the position. First day one second, second day two seconds, three in the third, and so on, but do not go over half an hour.
• Return slowly from the position. Bend the legs, shift the weight of the body and place the feet on the ground.
• Lower the knees. Keep the head on the ground. Unlock the fingers.
• Wait for the blood circulation to get back in balance in the upper part of the body.
• Mentally give thanks to the Supreme Master for giving you the opportunity to offer Him this āsana.
• Return to vajrāsana.
• If necessary, repeat once more.

Recommendations

• Do not move abruptly in or out of the position.
• Breathe only through the nose during all stages.
• Do not perform the āsana with a full stomach, nor before going to bed.

Observations

• If the weight rests too much on the forehead, the neck is exceedingly crooked and the weight on the forearms is excessive, facing the risk to loose the balance forward.
• If the weight rests too much to the top of the head, the risk of imbalance towards the back is imminent.
• If the posture is correctly performed, it is quite stable, and the muscular effort is insignificant, enabling to maintain it for a long time.