Counterposes to Padmasana?

[Guest guest]

Something I've been wondering about: John Scott

points out that Triangmukhaikapada Paschimattanasana is

the counterpose to Ardha Baddha Padma

Paschimattanasana, at least as far as the hips are concerned.

Following that priniciple I guess Virasana would be the

counterpose to Padmasana, but of course Virasana isn't in the

Primary Series. Considering the large number of

Padmasanas in the primary series (including finishing

postures), which poses are specifically meant to be

counterposes to Padmasana? Any

thoughts?<br><br>Thanks,<br>Spunky

[Guest guest]

I'd say that Padmasana doesn't really get a

counterpose in the same way that forward bends are

counterposed by backbends.<br><br>But I'd agree with you that

virasana (and bhekasana) are counterposes to the knee bend

in padma.<br><br>Maybe you could also say that since

vinyasa extends the legs, it's is a counterpose to padma

(or tiriang), as in cautauranga dandasana, the legs

are extended straight, UMS, straight and toes

pointed, AMS, straight and foot flexed.

[Guest guest]

I have tried doing Virasana after padmasana and I

would advise against it. After the padmasana it is too

much stress on the knees even though it is the

counterpose, it is still working the knees. One teacher said I

could do a quick virasana to help prepare for

Triangmukhaikapada Paschimattanasana.

[Guest guest]

<< Considering the large number of

Padmasanas in the primary series (including finishing

postures), which poses are specifically meant to be

counterposes to Padmasana?<br><br>Maybe

Savasana?<br><br>Tongue in cheek. Seriously, I don't think Padmasana

needs any counterposes at all; however, I myself have

always enjoyed it to lie down in Savasana for at least 5

minutes after a longer period sitting cross-legged in

lotus. I think it's better *always* to rest in Savasana

for some minutes after a longer Padmasana session,

before standing up again.

[Guest guest]

screwgee/skull, thanks for your feedback. I guess

since, as John Scott also points out, one of the

purposes of the Primary Series is to enable one to sit

comfortably in Padmasana, it isn't thought to need to be

balanced out by counterposes. My knees and hips are just

taking awhile to realise that.<br><br>As for Savasana, I

always take 10 minutes (I even set a

timer).<br><br>Spunky