Power and Consequences: A Quick Warrior Sequence
(And some story-telling about power and vengeance)
When I first learned the Warrior poses, they were introduced to me as representative of Arjuna, the archer warrior-hero of the Bhagavad Gita. These poses are often used to invoke power and strength - and they are splendid for this purpose. The full story, however, is a little more complicated, as such things are. It feels worth revisiting today:
As the (much-abridged) story goes, the Lord Shiva and the goddess Sati were deeply in love and married, living happily in Shiva’s dirty, humble yogi hut. Sati’s father, Daksha, thought Shiva was - in brief - a bum, and refused to acknowledge Shiva or include him in an important gathering. Grief-stricken, the loyal (but perhaps dramatic?) Sati threw herself on the ceremony’s sacred fire and perished horribly.
Shiva, understandably distraught, did what any devoted husband would do: he ripped out a lock of his own hair, creating an avenger, Virabhadra, who promptly set to work.
Thrusting up from the underworld, sword in hand (Warrior 1), Virabhadra quickly found Daksha and drew his sword (Warrior 2), poised for action. Target acquired, he beheaded the loathed father-in law (Warrior 3). I have heard variations of this where Virabhadra then goes on a rampage, but sources disagree. Regardless, after his work is done, Virabhadra is at peace (Peaceful Warrior) and then presents himself to Shiva (Humble Warrior), recognizing that with his role fulfilled it is time for him to be un-created.
Only then does Shiva, looking around at the destruction, begin to feel some remorse and sense that he may have over-reacted. Fortunately, being a god and possessed of godlike powers, he revives Daksha (who, lacking a head, gets a new one from a goat) and the guests. All is (more or less) well.
The Virabhadra story, and the Warrior poses, do evoke fearlessness, resolve, and strength, and it can be wonderful and empowering to embody these shapes.
The story is also one of recklessness and un-considered action, encouraging us to think carefully about wise use of power and violence. Unlike Shiva, very few of us have the ability to un-make what we have made, or to un-do the actions we have undertaken. Steadfast resolve and fearlessness are needed - and so is forethought, one thing humans are constitutionally, if not habitually, better equipped for than the gods and goddesses of the old stories. One of our strengths, for what we lack in mythic capabilities.
Interested in a quick power flow for your Monday? This 15-minute, minimally-guided sequence takes a tour of “all” the Warrior Poses, included Exalted Warrior, not mentioned in the story but really just a version of Warrior 1. I like to think of it as Virabhadra peacocking a little, just in case no one noticed his dramatic arrival the first time. When it’s your first visit to the big wide upper world, you can get a little excitable. Should you find yourself in this situation, take a moment to consider that your fellow beings value their heads.
Below: 15-minute yoga practice (warrior flow) + audio version of this post.
Post audio:
15-minute practice: