In the vast tapestry of Indian mythology, the Mahabharata offers some of the most profound lessons, and one of its most memorable moments takes place at the celestial lake. Here, Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, finds himself in a moment of great trial and reflection. The story begins with the Pandavas in exile, wandering through the forest, weary and desperate for water. Yudhishthira comes upon a shimmering lake, its surface calm and inviting. But this is no ordinary body of water—this lake is said to represent the mind, tranquil on the surface but holding deep truths and mysteries beneath. Unbeknownst to Yudhishthira, the lake is guarded by a yaksha, a forest spirit who can take the form of creatures to veil its celestial nature. In this instance, the yaksha appears either as a crow or a crane, its presence both playful and commanding. The yaksha is none other than Yama, the god of death, in disguise. Yama’s mission? To challenge Yudhishthira’s wisdom and humility by posing a series of existential questions. 3 of Yama's QuestionsYama’s First Question: "What is happening in the world?" The Pandava replied, "People have forgotten their divine nature—that they hold the universe within them." Pause for a second and let that sink in: you hold the universe within you. But let’s be honest, in the whirlwind of daily life, it’s easy to forget just how miraculous you are. Crow Pose invites you to reconnect with that inner power. So, as you lift off the ground today, remember: you are capable of more than you think. Even if you stumble or faceplant (we’ve all been there), know that the universe is cheering for you. Each attempt, each wobble, is proof of your strength and resilience. Yama’s Second Question: "What is the greatest mystery?" The Pandava replied, "That though people witness death every day, they live as if it will never come for them and forget the preciousness of each moment." Real talk: none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. This isn’t meant to be heavy—it’s a call to live fully now. Crow Pose can be a great metaphor for this. It’s not about perfection; it’s about being present and appreciating the moment, even if that moment is filled with a little sweat and a lot of effort. Laugh at yourself if you wobble. Celebrate the fact that you’re here, trying, and leaning into the joy of simply being alive. There’s no better time to embrace the gift of this moment. Yama’s Third Question: "What is the true path?" The Pandava answered, "The one that leads from the ego to the heart." If you’ve ever tried Crow Pose, you know it’s humbling. It demands focus, trust, and a willingness to fall—literally and figuratively. But it’s also empowering. It teaches you to let go of ego, face your fears, and lead with your heart. When you finally find your balance and lift off, it’s a moment of triumph—not because you’ve mastered the pose, but because you’ve trusted yourself enough to try. That’s the path: moving from self-doubt to self-belief, from ego to heart. Channeling the Wisdom of the Crow As we move today, let’s embody the crow’s qualities: curiosity, boldness, and the ability to find balance in the in-between spaces. Whether you’re soaring in Crow Pose or finding your footing, remember that this practice isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth, humility, and discovering your inner strength. Take a deep breath, step into your power, and prepare to amaze yourself—because the world isn’t ready for just how divine, precious, and heart-centered you’re about to be. Reflection: Journal Prompts1. Reconnecting with Your Divine Nature
Yama asked, "What is happening in the world?" Yudhishthira replied, "People have forgotten their divine nature—that they hold the universe within them."
2. Embracing the Preciousness of Each Moment Yama asked, "What is the greatest mystery?" Yudhishthira answered, "That though people witness death every day, they live as if it will never come for them."
3. Walking the Path from Ego to Heart Yama asked, "What is the true path?" Yudhishthira replied, "The one that leads from the ego to the heart."
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