Guest guest Posted March 8, 2004 Report Share Posted March 8, 2004 I believe you are probably meaning to refer to Ashtavakra, who was notably physically deformed. There are many stories about him in the Sanskrit literature, including how he came to be deformed. The Mahabharata defines "Ashtavakra" as meaning "crooked in eight ways" in reference to his physical deformity. From reading his famous discourses in the "Ashtavakra Gita" it is certainly evident that his wisdom was not in any way impaired! There has already been a lot of excellent advice given in this thread so little more need be added. Generally speaking, keeping the spine straight during meditation and worship is almost universally recommended. However, there are notable exceptions, as has been pointed out. Certainly no one is disqualified from worship or meditation because of some physical disability which makes it difficult or impossible to keep the spine straight. In those cases, the best alternative has to be adopted. In addition to the examples already pointed out, in the famous photograph of Ramakrishna seated in samadhi it is obvious that his spine is not straight. He is in a relaxed posture with his spine curved forward. I have personally seen examples of samadhis in unorthodox positions. I think these examples can all be taken as encouragement to those who are physically unable to assume the "ideal" posture, but whose devotion, intention, and intensity of practice is not impaired. Dharmananda > I'm not even sure it was Dattatreya. Perhaps Swamiji, if he has heard > of this example, can either affirm or point you to the right person. > > I will try to remember where I read it. > > Chris > > > , Kali Kali > <kaliananda_saraswati> wrote: > > Yes Chris, this is very much the information which I seek. While I > await other responses, can you say where I can read more on this as > is relates to Lord Dattatreya. > > > > Thanks much. > > > > Kali > > > > > > > > Chris Kirner <chriskirner1956> wrote: Kali, > > > > In the normal course of things, I believe this is true. Alignment > of > > the head, neck, and trunk is vital to proper movement of prana in > the > > nadis. > > > > That said, Pandit R. Tigunait has written that according to > tradition > > one of the great sages of the past (Dattatreya?) had a pronounced > > deformity of the spine. > > > > Is this along the lines of your question? > > > > Chris > > > > > > , "kaliananda_saraswati" > > <kaliananda_saraswati> wrote: > > > Hello to all, > > > > > > I have been told that if the spine is curved deep meditation is > not > > > possible because the energy cannot rise at it should. > > > Can anyone say if this is so and whether it can be corrected. > > > > > > Thanks. > > > > > > Kali > > > > > > > > > > > > Links > > > > > > / > > > > > > > > > > Terms of > Service. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Search - Find what you're looking for faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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