Sarvangasana - Revision history

Xenja at 22:15, 25 March 2026

2026-03-25T22:15:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:15, 26 March 2026
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	[[File:SarvangasanaXK.png\|250px\|thumb\|Sarvangasana - Shoulder Stand]]		[[File:SarvangasanaXK.png\|250px\|thumb\|Sarvangasana - Shoulder Stand]]

	'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name "Sarvanga" is composed of the words "Sarva" - "all, whole, entire, complete" and "anga" — "limb or body" <ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>		'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name "Sarvanga" is composed of the words "Sarva" - "all, whole, entire, complete" and "anga" — "limb or body"<ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>

	In the Rishikesh series as described by [[w:André Van Lysebeth\|André Van Lysebeth]], the shoulder stand is the first position. <ref name=":2">André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79; p.93,p. 95, p. 101.</ref> In [[w:Ashtanga (Vinyasa) Yoga\|Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]], it is practised at the beginning of the closing sequence. <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing Sequence''] In: ''https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/'', Retrieved 18 January 2026 </ref>		In the Rishikesh series as described by [[w:André Van Lysebeth\|André Van Lysebeth]], the shoulder stand is the first position.<ref name=":2">André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79; p.93,p. 95, p. 101.</ref> In [[w:Ashtanga (Vinyasa) Yoga\|Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]], it is practised at the beginning of the closing sequence.<ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing Sequence''] In: ''https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/'', Retrieved 18 January 2026 </ref>

	== Preliminary remarks ==		== Preliminary remarks ==
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	== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==		== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==

	To the picture and the meaning of the exercise Heinz Grill formulates the following imagination <ref>"The word imagination does not mean illusion and also has very little to do with fantasy." Rudolf Steiner coined the term for a form of thinking that is pictorial and has a lively spiritual connection. This pictorial thinking is not only typically intellectual, but also relational and includes spiritual and mental truths in its consideration. Imagination therefore provides spiritually real, content-related representations."		To the picture and the meaning of the exercise Heinz Grill formulates the following imagination:<ref>"The word imagination does not mean illusion and also has very little to do with fantasy." Rudolf Steiner coined the term for a form of thinking that is pictorial and has a lively spiritual connection. This pictorial thinking is not only typically intellectual, but also relational and includes spiritual and mental truths in its consideration. Imagination therefore provides spiritually real, content-related representations."
	"<br />Heinz Grill: "Übungen für die Seele" (Exercises for the Soul) in German - 3rd, expanded edition. Synergia Verlag, 2022, ISBN 978-3-906873-33-6, p. 182. </ref>:		"<br />Heinz Grill: "Übungen für die Seele" (Exercises for the Soul) in German - 3rd, expanded edition. Synergia Verlag, 2022, ISBN 978-3-906873-33-6, p. 182. </ref>
	:"In this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this exercise its expression."<ref>Heinz Grill (2024): "The Soul Dimension of Yoga." ISBN: 978-1-916732-32-2 </ref>		:"In this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this exercise its expression."<ref>Heinz Grill (2024): "The Soul Dimension of Yoga." ISBN: 978-1-916732-32-2 </ref>

Xenja at 20:10, 23 March 2026

2026-03-23T20:10:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:10, 23 March 2026
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	[[File:SarvangasanaXK.png\|250px\|thumb\|Sarvangasana - Shoulder Stand]]		[[File:SarvangasanaXK.png\|250px\|thumb\|Sarvangasana - Shoulder Stand]]


	'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name "Sarvanga" is composed of the words "Sarva" - "all, whole, entire, complete" and "anga" — "limb or body" <ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>		'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name "Sarvanga" is composed of the words "Sarva" - "all, whole, entire, complete" and "anga" — "limb or body" <ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>
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	Heinz Grill points out the possibility of a dynamic movement from the thoracic spine. With increasing practice, this movement leads the body into a vertical line as if weightless: "Raise yourself up with a gentle dynamic out of the thoracic spine, leaving, however, the legs, the abdomen and the shoulders relaxed. A subtle upright dynamic in the trunk is combined with a relaxation of the rest of the body."<ref>Heinz Grill: ''Harmony in Breathing'', p. 88.</ref>		Heinz Grill points out the possibility of a dynamic movement from the thoracic spine. With increasing practice, this movement leads the body into a vertical line as if weightless: "Raise yourself up with a gentle dynamic out of the thoracic spine, leaving, however, the legs, the abdomen and the shoulders relaxed. A subtle upright dynamic in the trunk is combined with a relaxation of the rest of the body."<ref>Heinz Grill: ''Harmony in Breathing'', p. 88.</ref>




	== Focusing attention during the exercise ==		== Focusing attention during the exercise ==

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	Based on many years of experience, B. K. S. Iyengar states: "It is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practices Sarvangasana he will feel new vigour and strength, and will be happy		Based on many years of experience, B. K. S. Iyengar states: "It is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practices Sarvangasana he will feel new vigour and strength, and will be happy
	and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace and he will feel the joy of life. After a long illness, the practice of thisasana regularly twice a day brings back lost vitality."<ref name=":1" />		and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace and he will feel the joy of life. After a long illness, the practice of thisasana regularly twice a day brings back lost vitality."<ref name=":1" />


	==References==		==References==

	~~[[index.php?title=Category:Asana]]~~

Xenja: /* Physical execution */

2026-03-23T20:08:22Z

Physical execution

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:08, 23 March 2026
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	Iyengar teaches that beginners can now bend the knees and move the legs towards the stomach till the thighs press it. The trunk is to raise up perpendicularly supported by the hands. Then the legs need to be stretched straight with the toes pointing up. Advances practitioners keep the legs stretched out from the beginning to the end and support the dynamic, pressing the palms gently against the floor<ref name=":1" />		Iyengar teaches that beginners can now bend the knees and move the legs towards the stomach till the thighs press it. The trunk is to raise up perpendicularly supported by the hands. Then the legs need to be stretched straight with the toes pointing up. Advances practitioners keep the legs stretched out from the beginning to the end and support the dynamic, pressing the palms gently against the floor<ref name=":1" />

	According to Erling Petersen, a student of [[~~wen~~:Swami Narayanananda\|Swami Narayanananda]], attention must be paid to the position of the elbows. These should be pushed "as far together as possible". He also considers the position of the hands to be crucial for the final posture. They should not support the back "somewhere in the lower back area", but "as close as possible to the shoulder blades".<ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 124 ff.</ref>		According to Erling Petersen, a student of [[Wen:Swami Narayanananda\|Swami Narayanananda]], attention must be paid to the position of the elbows. These should be pushed "as far together as possible". He also considers the position of the hands to be crucial for the final posture. They should not support the back "somewhere in the lower back area", but "as close as possible to the shoulder blades".<ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 124 ff.</ref>

	The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center specifies the position of the fingers: "The thumbs around the front of the body, fingers around the back."<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 40.</ref>		The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center specifies the position of the fingers: "The thumbs around the front of the body, fingers around the back."<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 40.</ref>
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	With regard to breathing, André van Lysebeth teaches that when raising the body into the inverted shoulder stand position, the breath should flow "calmly and evenly;" It should not be held.<ref name=":2"/>		With regard to breathing, André van Lysebeth teaches that when raising the body into the inverted shoulder stand position, the breath should flow "calmly and evenly;" It should not be held.<ref name=":2"/>

	Heinz Grill points out the possibility of a dynamic movement from the thoracic spine. With increasing practice, this movement leads the body into a vertical line as if weightless: "~~Align~~ yourself with a gentle dynamic ~~movement from~~ the thoracic spine, ~~while keeping your~~ legs, abdomen and shoulders relaxed. A subtle dynamic ~~of straightening connects~~ the ~~torso~~ with ~~the~~ relaxation of the rest of the body."<ref>Heinz Grill: ''~~Der freie Atem und der Lichtseelenprozess~~'' ~~(Free Breathing and the Light Soul Process) in German. Heinrich Schwab Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-7964-0268-5~~, p. ~~179~~.</ref>		Heinz Grill points out the possibility of a dynamic movement from the thoracic spine. With increasing practice, this movement leads the body into a vertical line as if weightless: "Raise yourself up with a gentle dynamic out of the thoracic spine, leaving, however, the legs, the abdomen and the shoulders relaxed. A subtle upright dynamic in the trunk is combined with a relaxation of the rest of the body."<ref>Heinz Grill: ''Harmony in Breathing'', p. 88.</ref>



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	==References==		==References==

	[[Category:Asana]]		[[index.php?title=Category:Asana]]

Xenja at 14:47, 19 February 2026

2026-02-19T14:47:24Z

Xenja at 22:01, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T22:01:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:01, 13 February 2026
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			[[File:SarvangasanaXK.png\|250px\|thumb\|Sarvangasana - Shoulder Stand]]


	'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name „Sarvanga“ is composed of the words „Sarva“ - „all, whole, entire, complete“ and „anga“ — „limb or body“ <ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>		'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name „Sarvanga“ is composed of the words „Sarva“ - „all, whole, entire, complete“ and „anga“ — „limb or body“ <ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>

Xenja at 21:13, 26 January 2026

2026-01-26T21:13:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 26 January 2026
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	With regard to breathing, André van Lysebeth teaches that when raising the body into the inverted shoulder stand position, the breath should flow "calmly and evenly;“ It should not be held.<ref name=":2"/>		With regard to breathing, André van Lysebeth teaches that when raising the body into the inverted shoulder stand position, the breath should flow "calmly and evenly;“ It should not be held.<ref name=":2"/>

			Heinz Grill points out the possibility of a dynamic movement from the thoracic spine. With increasing practice, this movement leads the body into a vertical line as if weightless: "Align yourself with a gentle dynamic movement from the thoracic spine, while keeping your legs, abdomen and shoulders relaxed. A subtle dynamic of straightening connects the torso with the relaxation of the rest of the body."<ref>Heinz Grill: ''Der freie Atem und der Lichtseelenprozess'' (Free Breathing and the Light Soul Process) in German. Heinrich Schwab Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-7964-0268-5, p. 179.</ref>



	== Focusing attention during the exercise ==		== Focusing attention during the exercise ==
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	== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==		== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==

	To the picture and the meaning of the exercise Heinz Grill formulates the following:		To the picture and the meaning of the exercise Heinz Grill formulates the following imagination <ref>"The word imagination does not mean illusion and also has very little to do with fantasy.“ Rudolf Steiner coined the term for a form of thinking that is pictorial and has a lively spiritual connection. This pictorial thinking is not only typically intellectual, but also relational and includes spiritual and mental truths in its consideration. Imagination therefore provides spiritually real, content-related representations."
	„In this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine		"<br />Heinz Grill: ‚'Übungen für die Seele“ (Exercises for the Soul) in German - 3rd, expanded edition. Synergia Verlag, 2022, ISBN 978-3-906873-33-6, p. 182. </ref>:
	element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this		:„In this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this exercise its expression.“<ref>Heinz Grill (2024): „The Soul Dimension of Yoga.“ ISBN: 978-1-916732-32-2 </ref>
	exercise its expression.“<ref>Heinz Grill: „The Soul Dimension of Yoga.“ </ref>

	== Health aspects ==		== Health aspects ==

Xenja at 17:08, 25 January 2026

2026-01-25T17:08:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:08, 25 January 2026
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	„In this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine		„In this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine
	element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this		element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this
	exercise its expression.“<ref>Heinz Grill: ~~''Die Seelendimension des~~ Yoga.~~'' 7. unveränderte Auflage. Stephan Wunderlich Verlag, Sigmaringen 2022, ISBN 978-3-948193-00-3, S. 136.~~</ref>		exercise its expression.“<ref>Heinz Grill: „The Soul Dimension of Yoga.“ </ref>

	== Health aspects ==		== Health aspects ==

Xenja: Created page with "'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, IAST ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of Hatha Yoga and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name „Sarvanga“ is composed of the words „Sarva“ - „all, whole, entire, complete“ and „anga“ — „limb or body..."

2026-01-25T17:05:44Z

Created page with "'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, IAST ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of Hatha Yoga and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name „Sarvanga“ is composed of the words „Sarva“ - „all, whole, entire, complete“ and „anga“ — „limb or body..."

New page

'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name „Sarvanga“ is composed of the words „Sarva“ - „all, whole, entire, complete“ and „anga“ — „limb or body“ <ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>

In the Rishikesh series as described by [[w:André Van Lysebeth|André Van Lysebeth]], the shoulder stand is the first position. <ref name=":2">André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79; p.93,p. 95, p. 101.</ref> In [[w:Ashtanga (Vinyasa) Yoga|Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]], it is practised at the beginning of the closing sequence. <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing Sequence''] In: ''https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/'', Retrieved 18 January 2026 </ref>

== Preliminary remarks ==
Sarvangasana is not yet mentioned in the main texts of Hatha Yoga such as in the [[w:Hathapradipika|Hathapradipika]] (written in the 14th century) and the [[w:Gherandasamhita|Gherandasamhita]] (probably written in the 17th century ). Today, however, this asana is an important position in almost all yoga traditions.

In some yoga traditions, Sarvangasana is also called ''Salamba Sarvangasana''. The word ''sālamba'' means "with support" and refers to the supportive use of the hands.<ref name=":1"/>

== Physical execution ==

The starting position for the shoulder stand is lying on your back with your legs stretched out and closed. Your hands are at the sides of your legs, palms facing down.

Iyengar teaches that beginners can now bend the knees and move the legs towards the stomach till the thighs press it. The trunk is to raise up perpendicularly supported by the hands. Then the legs need to be stretched straight with the toes pointing up. Advances practitioners keep the legs stretched out from the beginning to the end and support the dynamic, pressing the palms gently against the floor<ref name=":1" />

According to Erling Petersen, a student of [[wen:Swami Narayanananda|Swami Narayanananda]], attention must be paid to the position of the elbows. These should be pushed "as far together as possible". He also considers the position of the hands to be crucial for the final posture. They should not support the back "somewhere in the lower back area", but "as close as possible to the shoulder blades".<ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 124 ff.</ref>

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center specifies the position of the fingers: "The thumbs around the front of the body, fingers around the back.“<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 40.</ref>

Swami Sivananda says: "Do the Asana very gracefully" He describes that the back of the neck,
posterior part of the head and the shoulders should touch the ground. The body must not move back and forth. When leaving the exercise, „bring the legs down slowly with elegance. Avoid jerks.“<ref>Sri Swami Sivananda: ''Hatha Yoga.'' 5th edition, The Divine Life Trust Society, Sivananda Nagar, p. 33 </ref>

With regard to breathing, André van Lysebeth teaches that when raising the body into the inverted shoulder stand position, the breath should flow "calmly and evenly;“ It should not be held.<ref name=":2"/>

== Focusing attention during the exercise ==

In the so-called static, i.e. stationary final position of the posture, André van Lysebeth directs attention to the complete immobility of the body or to the steady flow of breath.<ref name=":2" />

Attention can also be focused on a thought about the meaning of the shoulder stand:

== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==

To the picture and the meaning of the exercise Heinz Grill formulates the following:
„In this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine
element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this
exercise its expression.“<ref>Heinz Grill: ''Die Seelendimension des Yoga.'' 7. unveränderte Auflage. Stephan Wunderlich Verlag, Sigmaringen 2022, ISBN 978-3-948193-00-3, S. 136.</ref>

== Health aspects ==

[[Swami Vishnudevananda]] explains that in the shoulder stand, the chin lock by the chin on the chest exerts an extra pressure on the thyroid through which its secretions are kept at par. Furthermore the exercise gives the thyroid a rich supply of blood.<ref>Swami Vishnu-Devananda: ''The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga'' Edition Three Rivers Press, New York, , ISBN 978-0-307-78620-3, p. 70.</ref> He explains that the asana is a good substitute for modern thyroid treatment.

André van Lybeth mentions that there are favourable reactions on the veins of the legs. Furthermore it helps to remedy ptosis or prolapsus, and drains the abdomen…..eliminating at least temporarily, congestion in the lower abdomen.<ref name=":2" />

Based on many years of experience, B. K. S. Iyengar states: “It is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practices Sarvangasana he will feel new vigour and strength, and will be happy
and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace and he will feel the joy of life. After a long illness, the practice of thisasana regularly twice a day brings back lost vitality.”<ref name=":1" />

==References==

[[Category:Asana]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:47, 19 February 2026
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	'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name ~~„Sarvanga“~~ is composed of the words ~~„Sarva“~~ - ~~„all~~, whole, entire, ~~complete“~~ and ~~„anga“~~ — ~~„limb~~ or ~~body“~~ <ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>		'''Sarvangasana''' (Sanskrit सर्वाङ्गासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''sarvāṅgāsana''), known in English as the '''shoulder stand''' or colloquially as the "candle", is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the category of inverted poses. The Sanskrit name "Sarvanga" is composed of the words "Sarva" - "all, whole, entire, complete" and "anga" — "limb or body" <ref name=":1">B. K. S. Iyengar: ''Light on Yoga.'' 7th edition. Nikol Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-86820-175-8, p. 205; p. 2o5; p. 208; p. 213.</ref>

	In the Rishikesh series as described by [[w:André Van Lysebeth\|André Van Lysebeth]], the shoulder stand is the first position. <ref name=":2">André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79; p.93,p. 95, p. 101.</ref> In [[w:Ashtanga (Vinyasa) Yoga\|Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]], it is practised at the beginning of the closing sequence. <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing Sequence''] In: ''https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/'', Retrieved 18 January 2026 </ref>		In the Rishikesh series as described by [[w:André Van Lysebeth\|André Van Lysebeth]], the shoulder stand is the first position. <ref name=":2">André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79; p.93,p. 95, p. 101.</ref> In [[w:Ashtanga (Vinyasa) Yoga\|Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]], it is practised at the beginning of the closing sequence. <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing Sequence''] In: ''https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/'', Retrieved 18 January 2026 </ref>
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	According to Erling Petersen, a student of [[wen:Swami Narayanananda\|Swami Narayanananda]], attention must be paid to the position of the elbows. These should be pushed "as far together as possible". He also considers the position of the hands to be crucial for the final posture. They should not support the back "somewhere in the lower back area", but "as close as possible to the shoulder blades".<ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 124 ff.</ref>		According to Erling Petersen, a student of [[wen:Swami Narayanananda\|Swami Narayanananda]], attention must be paid to the position of the elbows. These should be pushed "as far together as possible". He also considers the position of the hands to be crucial for the final posture. They should not support the back "somewhere in the lower back area", but "as close as possible to the shoulder blades".<ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 124 ff.</ref>

	The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center specifies the position of the fingers: "The thumbs around the front of the body, fingers around the back.“<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 40.</ref>		The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center specifies the position of the fingers: "The thumbs around the front of the body, fingers around the back."<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 40.</ref>

	Swami Sivananda says: "Do the Asana very gracefully" He describes that the back of the neck,		Swami Sivananda says: "Do the Asana very gracefully" He describes that the back of the neck,
	posterior part of the head and the shoulders should touch the ground. The body must not move back and forth. When leaving the exercise, ~~„bring~~ the legs down slowly with elegance. Avoid jerks.“<ref>Sri Swami Sivananda: ''Hatha Yoga.'' 5th edition, The Divine Life Trust Society, Sivananda Nagar, p. 33 </ref>		posterior part of the head and the shoulders should touch the ground. The body must not move back and forth. When leaving the exercise, "bring the legs down slowly with elegance. Avoid jerks."<ref>Sri Swami Sivananda: ''Hatha Yoga.'' 5th edition, The Divine Life Trust Society, Sivananda Nagar, p. 33 </ref>

	With regard to breathing, André van Lysebeth teaches that when raising the body into the inverted shoulder stand position, the breath should flow "calmly and evenly;“ It should not be held.<ref name=":2"/>		With regard to breathing, André van Lysebeth teaches that when raising the body into the inverted shoulder stand position, the breath should flow "calmly and evenly;" It should not be held.<ref name=":2"/>

	Heinz Grill points out the possibility of a dynamic movement from the thoracic spine. With increasing practice, this movement leads the body into a vertical line as if weightless: "Align yourself with a gentle dynamic movement from the thoracic spine, while keeping your legs, abdomen and shoulders relaxed. A subtle dynamic of straightening connects the torso with the relaxation of the rest of the body."<ref>Heinz Grill: ''Der freie Atem und der Lichtseelenprozess'' (Free Breathing and the Light Soul Process) in German. Heinrich Schwab Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-7964-0268-5, p. 179.</ref>		Heinz Grill points out the possibility of a dynamic movement from the thoracic spine. With increasing practice, this movement leads the body into a vertical line as if weightless: "Align yourself with a gentle dynamic movement from the thoracic spine, while keeping your legs, abdomen and shoulders relaxed. A subtle dynamic of straightening connects the torso with the relaxation of the rest of the body."<ref>Heinz Grill: ''Der freie Atem und der Lichtseelenprozess'' (Free Breathing and the Light Soul Process) in German. Heinrich Schwab Verlag, 2017, ISBN 978-3-7964-0268-5, p. 179.</ref>
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	== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==		== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==

	To the picture and the meaning of the exercise Heinz Grill formulates the following imagination <ref>"The word imagination does not mean illusion and also has very little to do with fantasy.“ Rudolf Steiner coined the term for a form of thinking that is pictorial and has a lively spiritual connection. This pictorial thinking is not only typically intellectual, but also relational and includes spiritual and mental truths in its consideration. Imagination therefore provides spiritually real, content-related representations."		To the picture and the meaning of the exercise Heinz Grill formulates the following imagination <ref>"The word imagination does not mean illusion and also has very little to do with fantasy." Rudolf Steiner coined the term for a form of thinking that is pictorial and has a lively spiritual connection. This pictorial thinking is not only typically intellectual, but also relational and includes spiritual and mental truths in its consideration. Imagination therefore provides spiritually real, content-related representations."
	"<br />Heinz Grill: ‚'Übungen für die ~~Seele“~~ (Exercises for the Soul) in German - 3rd, expanded edition. Synergia Verlag, 2022, ISBN 978-3-906873-33-6, p. 182. </ref>:		"<br />Heinz Grill: "Übungen für die Seele" (Exercises for the Soul) in German - 3rd, expanded edition. Synergia Verlag, 2022, ISBN 978-3-906873-33-6, p. 182. </ref>:
	:~~„In~~ this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this exercise its expression.“<ref>Heinz Grill (2024): ~~„The~~ Soul Dimension of Yoga.“ ISBN: 978-1-916732-32-2 </ref>		:"In this pose, less emphasis is on the strict, specified linear form, but more on the natural growing in energetic lightness out of the central heart. This growth is an aesthetic gesture of the feminine element of the personality. Not the forces of will-power, the extraneous, powerful impulses, but the invigorating ether forces with their unobtrusive, pure and joyful power of levitation give this exercise its expression."<ref>Heinz Grill (2024): "The Soul Dimension of Yoga." ISBN: 978-1-916732-32-2 </ref>

	== Health aspects ==		== Health aspects ==
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	André van Lybeth mentions that there are favourable reactions on the veins of the legs. Furthermore it helps to remedy ptosis or prolapsus, and drains the abdomen…..eliminating at least temporarily, congestion in the lower abdomen.<ref name=":2" />		André van Lybeth mentions that there are favourable reactions on the veins of the legs. Furthermore it helps to remedy ptosis or prolapsus, and drains the abdomen…..eliminating at least temporarily, congestion in the lower abdomen.<ref name=":2" />

	Based on many years of experience, B. K. S. Iyengar states: ~~“It~~ is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practices Sarvangasana he will feel new vigour and strength, and will be happy		Based on many years of experience, B. K. S. Iyengar states: "It is no over-statement to say that if a person regularly practices Sarvangasana he will feel new vigour and strength, and will be happy
	and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace and he will feel the joy of life. After a long illness, the practice of thisasana regularly twice a day brings back lost vitality.”<ref name=":1" />		and confident. New life will flow into him, his mind will be at peace and he will feel the joy of life. After a long illness, the practice of thisasana regularly twice a day brings back lost vitality."<ref name=":1" />