how to carry out prarthanasana the prayer pose

How to carry out Prarthanasana the prayer pose.

In sanskrit, prarthana means “prayer”, “reverence” or “research”, therefore the literal translation of the name of this position is the “prayer pose”. In any case, even if the meaning of the word prarthana has a very deep religious connotation in Hinduism, the same word has acquired over time also the meaning of “asking”, “requesting”, “seeking something with a feeling of reverence”, and even if it seems like a simple pose it brings with it a very intense impact and should be used well beyond the prayer but precisely as a request, a question.

How to carry out prarthanasana the prayer pose

Standing on the mat with your feet parallel to each other, spread apart about 30 cm. Keeping your spine straight.
While inhaling, join the palms of your hands in anjali mudra (literally, from Sanskrit “the gesture of reverence”) and put them in front of the chest, in such a way that both thumbs rest against the sternum. You can also apply a slight pressure with your thumbs on the sternum to help bring the attention on anahata chakra.
Breathe normally and keep Prarthanasana for a few minutes trying to relax the body and mind.
Exit the position by slowly bringing your arms to the sides of your body.
You can also carry out this pose seated either in the comfortable position (legs crossed) or even in the lotus pose.

What are the benefits of this pose?

This position is very easy from the physical level and therefore the benefits are almost all at mental level:

Induces calm and tranquillity
Stabilizes the thoughts and facilitates the practice of dharana, concentration
Awakens the spiritual aspiration, intuition, devotion, unconditional love, compassion and humility
Helps the practice of the resorption of the senses (pratyahara)