Visvamitrasana July 10th, 2011

Before he became a sage, Visvamitra was the King of India. Known to be a lion of a warrior and having a volcanic temper, Visvamitra demanded immense respect and obedience. Its this anger that, according to rumor, guided Visvamitra to yoga.

The following is a rumor Ive heard:

The King was traveling with his army across India and came up a little ashram, no more than a hut, where a sage lived with his cow and calf. Upon seeing the King Visvamitra (who may have gone by another name at this time, but thats no matter), the sage greeted him and offered food to him. The King accepted and was surprised when the humble sage brought forth enough food and drink for the entire army. Though curious, the King said nothing. As the day was getting late, the sage suggested that the King and his army stay for the evening. When the King accepted, the sage produced enough bedding for everyone. Again the King was curious and decided to engage the sage a bit and asked his name. Being a King, and a rather proud, kinda snobby King, he sometimes ignored basic communication skills. The sage replied “Vasishta”.

That night the King wondered about Vasishta and asked a few of his men if they had ever heard of this man. All that was said was that he was a powerful yogi who lived alone in the jungle, with his cow.

In the morning, Vasishta brought breakfast for the King and the whole army. With this the King could no longer contain his curiousity.

“Vasishta, how is it that a modest sage, with no more than a hut and a cow provide for my entire army? Do you have a secret stash of wealth somewhere?”

“No, I do not, I just have my cow, and she gives me all I will ever need,” he replied, patting his cow.

“Its just you and your cow and that calf? How?” The King was astounded and thinking the sage was lying, needed more information.

“Nandini, my cow, is a powerful divinity, granting me all I will ever need” Vasishta stated.

Upon hearing this, Visvamitra knew immediately who Nandini was and wanted her.

“Surely, Brahmrishi, this cow would be better off in my palace where she could provide for all the people of India. I will give you 100000 cows for her.”

Vasishta politely refused.

“Brahmarishi, I will give you 200000 cows, you will never need anything else.” The King implored.

“My King, I need nothing more as it is. I am now cowherd, how would I care for that many cows?”, Vasishta’s question sparked the infamous temper in the King.

“Rishi, have you forgotten who I am? I want that cow.” Visvamitra’s anger was rising, he was sure that he would leave with the sages cow.

Without any level of disrespect or condescension, Vasishta said, “Even a King can not have everything he wants.”

With this the King ordered his army to seize the cow.

From here, the rumor mill takes a few different paths. The rumor I’ll spread goes like this:

As the Kings army drew up its weapons and advanced upon Nandini, the cow charged and decimated the first wave of soldiers. This enraged the King even more and he ordered the ashram and the sage destroyed. So Vasishta decided to defend himself. Drawing in a deep breath, he let out the sound of Aum. The army froze at the sound. Some were so moved that they dropped there weapons, refusing to fight. Others, unfazed by the sound, charged forward only to be knocked over, paralyzed or killed, as they drew nearer to the source of the sound.

Vasishta closed his mouth, the sound stopped and the King took in his army. He was humiliated and left alone. In his anger he fled to the mountains to perform 1000 years of tapasya for Lord Shiva in order to earn the powers of yoga. He ended up spending 10000 years supposedly, but that’d be a long story.

Class today 7 people

Sun Sal A x5

Sun Sal B x5

kali series with hamstring emphasis

Hurdler Stretch

Wide legged forward fold seated

Hurdler stretch with bind

One footed Vasishtasana

Visvamitrasana

Savanasana