The Mythology Behind the Warrior Series Poses
As we practice yoga, it is helpful to remember the ancient mythology and philosophy behind our postures. The warrior series poses—Warrior I, Warrior II, and Warrior III—tell a powerful story of sacrifice and strength that can help us to better understand our own modern-day struggles. Let’s take a deeper look into the mythological tale that inspired these poses and how they can be used as tools for personal healing.
The myth of Shiva’s sacrifice
The story behind the warrior poses has its roots in Hindu mythology. In this tale, Lord Shiva was deeply devoted to his wife Sati but she was often humiliated by her father, King Daksha. Despite Shiva’s love for Sati, Daksha arranged for her to marry another man due to his own disapproval of Shiva’s status outside traditional royalty. Angry and heartbroken, Sati nonetheless honoured her father’s wishes and attended the ceremony with Shiva by her side. At the ceremony, however, King Daksha humiliated both Shiva and Sati by refusing them a seat at the table with the other guests. Overcome with grief and shame, Sati threw herself onto the sacrificial fire on which she was meant to be married off.
Devastated by Sati's death, Shiva tore out a lock of his hair in rage. From this lock arose Virabhadra (or Virab), a fierce warrior who was sent by Shiva to exact revenge on Daksha for humiliating him and his beloved bride. After exacting vengeance on Daksha and all those who had slighted him or been unfaithful to their duties as followers of Lord Shiva, Virab returned from battle wearing a victorious crown atop his head—the same crown still worn today by many yogis during their practice of warrior series poses as homage to Virab's brave tale of devotion and loyalty even in death itself.
How this mythology relates to modern times
The story behind Warrior I, II, and III can be seen as an example of how even in moments when we feel like we have no control over our lives or circumstances—for example when when we are faced with humiliation or injustice—we can still find strength within ourselves through devotion to something greater than ourselves. Like Virabhadra did when he fought against great odds in service of Lord Shiva after experiencing profound loss and grief himself; so too can we turn toward our practice as an outlet for healing during times when life feels overwhelming or unjust. Finding strength within ourselves enables us to confront any challenge that life throws at us while also helping us stay centred amidst chaos or uncertainty. While these poses are rooted in mythology, they are also an opportunity for each individual yogi to take time during their practice to honour where they have come from while simultaneously reminding them what they are capable of achieving if they stay focused on their goals despite external adversity.
The warrior series poses tell a powerful story about finding strength within ourselves even amidst great pain due to external factors beyond our control like humiliation or injustice—a lesson that is just as relevant now as it was thousands of years ago when this myth first came into being. When practiced thoughtfully, these 3 postures serve not only as physical exercises but also spiritual reminders that we all possess immense inner power which can carry us through any storm. By taking time during our practices honouring these precious teachings, we may find increased inspiration, resilience, courage, and peace throughout our day-to-day lives.
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