Warrior pose (Virabhadrasana) is named after a mythical warrior Virabhadra. One of the main bases of yoga is non-violence so why do we practice a pose named after a warrior? The significance of this pose is that it shifts our attention to the fact that the real battle is the battle within us – our struggle with self-ignorance, false perceptions and distracted mind.
Practicing this posture cultivates strong will and determination, openness and readiness to embrace higher values in life. The combination of determination and openness is the key point in our personal progress where determination drives us forward and openness allows us to see the multitude of chances, the diversity of choices and protects us from looking over our mistakes. Determination without openness is stubbornness.
Notice while holding the posture the strength of your body: your stable steady feet, your strong legs. Notice how your lower back is flattened and abdomen slightly tightened (the solar plexus involved). Notice how your heart center is opened, your arms are stretched up to reach higher while your shoulders are pulled down (the spiritual significance of these opposite moves is keeping ourselves moderate even in our spiritual longing). Notice the balance between eagerness and refrain, between the grounded-ness of your lower body and the uplifted-ness of your upper body. Noctice the balance created in your core.
