Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle) / Bhadrasana (Gracious Pose) – Overview
Asana Digest Overview
Poses
Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle / Cobbler’s Pose)
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Forward Bend & Hip Stretching
Poses Overview
Baddha Konasana
BAH-dah cone-AHS-anna
“baddha” = fixed, restrained, bound
“kona” = angle
Bound Angle Pose
Also known as: Cobbler’s Pose and Bhadrasana (Gracious Pose)
Heart of Pose
Hip / Adductor Stretch
Notes
Cobbler’s Pose in the West
Bound Angle pose is also called Cobbler’s Pose, because it is the position that shoemakers use in India. They hold the shoe with the feet, so that both hands are free to work on the shoe that they are making. Westerners can find this pose challenging because of the years we spend sitting in chairs with our knees close together. – Judith Lasater, 30 Essential Yoga Poses 2003 p 157 link
Goal is Not to Get Knees to Floor
The goal of Baddha Konasana is not to get your knees to the floor as quickly as possible. Rather, the intent is to lengthen your inner and outer thighs, strengthen your lower back, and increase flexibility in your legs, hips, knees and back. These benefits may allow your knees to reach the floor, but forcing your knees to the floor could cause harm. – Miriam Austin, Cool Yoga Tricks 2003 p 224 link
Much More in this Digest
Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly get what you need. Please select from the menu above and be sure to review any contraindications and cautions.
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