Detachable meditation stick with intricate hand carving. Meditation stick, also known as Yoga danda is a special T - shaped wooden stick that is mainly used by yogis from ancient times for meditation purposes. This ancient meditation tool when supported under the armpits, regulate the breathing, hence often used prior to Pranayama or meditation. It offers a convenient way to alter breath flow between nostrils and help gaining the maximum out of Pranayama techniques, especially those requiring alternate nostril breathing, such as Nadi Shodhana Pranayama. This danda is used to create a balance between Ida nadi (mental energy) and Pingala nadi (physical energy), and ease the flow of Sushumna nadi (spiritual energy).
The meditation stick is a very practical massage tool too, especially on those hard to reach spots in the back and the pressure points where the shoulder joins the neck. Using the curved section of the stick one can run it over all the limbs to provide instantaneous relief. This is an overlooked but necessary aspect of practice as long hours of meditation do cause some physical stiffness.
Use of meditation stick:
The meditation stick is a T-shaped wooden staff which is usually 2 feet in height and has a U shaped bent in its horizontal part to provide a comfortable support to the armpit.
To use Yoga danda sit on the floor in any meditative posture such as Siddhasana,Sukhasana or Padmasana with your spine straight. Support your torso on the Yoga Danda by resting your armpit on the U-shaped horizontal member of the staff. The Danda should be placed under the side that has the open nostril. For example, if the flow is free on the right nostril, support your right armpit on the Yoga danda. After a few minutes, you will feel the flow of breath easier through other nostril, the left nostril. Once you achieved the balanced flow you can remove the Yoga danda. The stick can also be used to rest arm while rotating mala beads.
This excellent meditation tool has been used by yogis as it assists in one's spiritual practice.The wandering yogis used this stick as a vital complement to their yogic practices. It has a great symbolic value, when viewed straight on,it resembles a spinal column descending from the shoulders of a human being. In spiritual terms, this is known as the Meru Danda,or the cosmic pillar that is the center of the Universe. The yoga danda is supposed to remind us that wherever we are is the center of the universe - and that is within us, the spinal column up which rises the Kundalini Shakti - the creative power of the universe.
In yogic terminology, a danda is used to alter the predominant swara of the user; usually to create a balance between Ida nadi (mental energy) and Pingala nadi (physical energy), allowing Sushumna nadi (spiritual energy) to flow.
Swara yoga states that during the day we switch between Ida and Pingala dominance every 60-90 minutes. For a few minutes during the transition Sushumna flows. When Sushumna flows there is a balance in the flow of air in the nostrils, a balance in the pranas, a balance in the autonomic nervous system, we experience a state of equilibrium. When this occurs it becomes much easier to practice pranayama and to develop dharana (effortless prolonged concentration) and dhyana (meditation).
Height: 19.5 inches
Width: 6.5 inches
Weight: 354 grams