Description of the Main Postures

(18) The Cock Posture (Kukkutasana): "If while seated in the Lotus posture one inserts the hands between thighs and calves and placing them on the ground raises the body in the air, this is the cock posture." (Trishikhi Brahmana Up. 41.)

This posture eradicates night pollutions, and strengthens weak digestive organs. The mouth of the central artery of the subtle body opens and the digestive vital energy rises.

(19) The Raised Tortoise Posture (Uttana Kurmasana): "Remaining in the cock posture, if one firmly presses the neck with the two shoulders and stretches the body with the face upward like a tortoise this is the Raised Tortoise Posture." (Trishikhi Brahmana Up. 42.)

(20) The Hero Posture (Virasana): "To remain motionless with one foot placed over the thigh of the other leg is known as the sin-destroying Hero Posture." (Trishikhi Brahmana Up. 37.)

(21) The Comfortable Posture (Sukhasana): "Any posture in which one can remain still without discomfort is known as the Comfortable Posture; such postures should be adopted by those unable (to practice the regular posture)." (Trishikhi Brahmana Up. 51-52.)

The Shiva Samhita however connects the Comfortable Posture with the Auspicious Posture (Svastikasana) and adds:

"By this method the wise yogi does breathing exercise so that no disease can enter his body and he can control his breath. It is called the Comfortable Posture (Sukhasana). It suppresses all pain." (Shiva Samhita 3, 117-118.)

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