In one of the greatest stories from Indian mythology, Arjuna is the archer warrior and very accomplished. The Bhagavad Gita is known as the love song to the divine. A conversation between Arjuna and his beloved Krishna, who metaphorically is his higher self, his guide and source. A beautiful story symbolic of the inner struggles we face each and every day, the dialogue Arjuna has with Krishna is the conversation we must have with ourselves. ' a call and response to our higher self' .
"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us" Joseph Campbell
When meeting the warriors in yoga its a gift to understand how they were born. The warrior Virabhadra was born from a family quarrel, between Daksha, Shiva and Sati.
Daksha did not approve of his son in law Shiva, Sati died as she was so distraught by throwing herself to the fire. In retaliation Shiva tore out his hair, threw it to the ground and Virabhadra one was born.
Virabhadra one: Shiva arises from the ground with his sword clasped above his head.
Virabhadra two: Shiva stands in preparation for battle.
Virabhadra three: Shiva springs into action and takes off the head of Sati's father.
This yoga pose with all its twists, turns and bends challenges your fear, to embrace your strength and choose your battles in the strong standing yoga pose of the warrior.
Warrior one was born out of chaos and destruction. When standing in this yoga pose we are being asked to face fear, obstacles and throw whatever is sticking to us, what stands between us and truth into the fire.
Can you find the qualities of the warrior?
Strong but open hearted
Energy without aggression
A balance between will & surrender
Fearlessness & gentleness, the body of a warrior, the heart of a monk
Choose love over fear
The final message of the Gita is to choose love and devotion.
Krishna's last words are
"Be aware of me always, adore me, make every act an offering to me, and you shall come to me this I promise; for you are dear to me"
If you feel challenged, unsure, stuck or fearful remember the qualities of the warrior: fearless with a mission of love.
Love is the answer.