In Sanskrit, dhanur is an archer’s bow. The most famous and well-beloved archer in the yoga stories is Arjuna, friend of Krishna.
Krisha as the driver, Arjuna with his Gandiva bow
It is the expert and unconquerable Arjun who asks Krishna to take him to the center of an epic battle before it begins. It’s basically the story of a royal family civil war but the number of allies on both sides is in the millions, so it becomes an epic catastrophe.
Arjun then questions Krishna about the need for this battle since Arjun has now lost his will and desire to fight. This is the backdrop for the wisdom text of the Bhagavad Gita.
One principle Krishna outlines for Arjun is to be fully present, and wholeheartedly engaged in life, whether it is a battle or a more simple household task. Keep your eyes, focus, and devotion on the Divine in every task and this will help you release attachment to the worldly glory or defeat of the outcome. The results of every action will be worthwhile because it is done as a gift to the Divine.
This focus on the Divine is an illustration of the niyama we discussed last year called Ishvara Pranidana.
For a yoga practice, we can look to the heart center or the breath as the Divine and not be attached to gaining any particular yoga posture. If all our stretches and strength postures are done with full enjoyment, attention and deep conscious breathing, then it is of worth no matter how simple or advanced the posture.
Arjun used the ancient Gandiva bow that was used by many gods before Arjun received it as a gift.
Arjun, Gandiva Bow, Hanuman
We will enjoy many variations of dhanurasana in our practice this week. The body is made to look like an archer’s bow. It opens up and stretches the front body, heart center and shoulders. Let’s practice as the Gita suggests: with wholehearted enjoyment and without attachment or judgement.
