Yoga posture – Koundinyasana 2

Translation: Named after the sage Koundinya.
The sage Koundinya was a descendent of Vasihta. Belonging to an ancient tribal clan he founded the Koundinya Gotra (sect).

This is the second arm balance posture B.K.S Iyengar dedicated to Koundinya and is actually easier than the first. It is easier to breathe in and also easier to enter.

Take the hands in front of you about shoulder width apart or wider. Bring one knee up beside the shoulder or half way down the tricep. Lean forward until the other leg raises of the floor. Straighten both legs.

Allow the back leg to move to the side. Tuck the elbow under the extended leg and the other elbow into the side of the body for stability. Alternatively if you are just learning this posture the elbow can be tucked under the ribs. This is a good way to begin performing this pose but does suppress the breathing and conflict with the movement of the diaphragm. Work on arm strength so that this posture may be performed with ease.

Tips
Turn the hands slightly in. This will open the elbows out and may provide a better position for the leg to rest on.

Leaning forward with the chest is the secret entering this pose and holding with ease. If you learn little ways to move force and energy that which seemed impossible can suddenly be done with ease.

See this posture blended in a nice Vinyasa in the video clip below.

Vinyasa Yoga postures to transition from and to:

Adho Mukha Dandasana Parsva Dandasana Chaturanga Dandasana Astangasana Bakasana Parsva Bakasana Koundinyasana Salamba Kapotasana Kapotasana Adho Muka Kapotasana Janu Sirsasana Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana Parsvakonasana

Yoga Teacher Tips
Teach this posture with the back leg on the floor a first. This enables student to stay in the flow and you can be sure with proper guidance and inspiration in no time they will be raising that back leg up.