Symbolism of Mountain Pose

Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, is physically less demanding than many other postures, but it is symbolically rich. Therefore anyone can practice it, even without prior yoga experience.  If you already have a background in hatha yoga, working with a simpler pose will entice you to contact the symbolic levels of the asana, without getting caught exclusively in the physical.

Before you actually go into the Mountain Pose, take a few moments to reflect on the word "mountain."  Allow any associations, thoughts, or images to arise, then write these down. They are your key words.

Then come to a standing position.  Have your feet a little apart, so you create a firm foundation.  As you assume the pose, quietly observe what comes to mind.  Be aware of your body's response, remembering that this practice involves the interaction of body and mind.  Patience, quiet, receptivity, and concentration all come into play.

Think of yourself as standing like a mountain.  As you stand, bring yourself into "listening mode", listening both to the body and to your inner response.  Reflect on your key words.

Bring your attention to your legs.  How do they feel as you stand still?  What does it mean to take a stand?

Draw your attention upward to your torso.  Is your stand truly like a mountain, tall and majestic?  If you find yourself slumping, ask yourself what is happening inside.

Bring your attention to your shoulders and chest.  Can you face the world straight on?  Are you open and receptive, or do you find you are protecting yourself?  First, without adjusting, see if you can find a clue to your body's message.  Then make an adjustment and notice how that feels.

Bring your attention to your face.  Relax it a little more.  Is your head aligned with the rest of your body?  Is the jaw protruding forward or is the head bowed down?

Are there any further adjustments you can make to come into closer alignment with the essence of Mountain?  What does "mountain" mean to you in this moment?

Come our of the pose and briefly note your observations.  The return to Mountain Pose, reflecting on any of the following phrases:

Standing still: not running somewhere.  What is it like to be still and face what arises?

Standing still: feeling.  As you stand, bring your awareness to what you are feeling.  Observe the physical sensations, but also the emotions.  Allow yourself to be still and feel whatever surfaces.

Standing still: seeing.  Wherever you stand, there is always something in front of your eyes.  Each image will trigger a response in your mind.  The emotions and imagination are stimulated by sights, and if you don't have awareness and discipline, you can be swept away by what you see.  Write down what you observe-and your emotional response to it-to gain insight into the nature of your own perception.

Standing still: taking stock.  Take stock of your present position in llife.  Is it where you want to be?

Standing still, asking: Where am I?

Standing still, asking: Where do I want to be?

As you stand still in Mountain Pose, think of how a mountain stand alone, and how you too can learn to face life alone.  If there's place in your life right now where you need to take a stand, then go into Tadasana focusing on the phrase "taking a stand."

You can also try asking yourself questions while working with Tadasana.  As you stand, you can ask: Can I stand on my own two feet?  Are the obstacles in my life mountainous?  What, in life, do I stand for?  Can I stand up for myself?  Can I stand up for a true friend?  Where do I stand on important issues?  Do I stand on my principles?  At the end of the days could I stand really straight in front of the Divine, or would I have to bend my head in shame or look away?

Ask whatever question is most appropriate for you in the moment. The messages that come to you in the pose will contain the answers to the questions that you bring.  But those messages will be in the personal language of your own unconscious.  It is up to you to interpret them and apply your insights to your life.

Sometimes, as you stand in Tadasana, beautiful insights will come to you.  There may be a moment when you are standing so still that you have the feeling that your heart is standing still, too.  Suddenly beautiful, elevating thoughts may occur.

To encourage such thoughts, reflect on these ideas and images:

Climbing the mountain: transcending your little self.

The sacred mountain: where heaven and earth meet.

The sacred mountain: the axis around which the world turns.

According to Swami Radha, through this one pose, we can find the highest we are looking for in ourselves.  It is our challenge to practice Mountain Pose with awareness so we may uncover its highest potential.

Julie McKay

Yoga Journal March/April 1993