About this Asana Digest

Poses

Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle / Cobbler’s Pose)

Objective

Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.

Description

Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Forward Bend & Hip Stretching

Baddha Konasana

BAH-dah cone-AHS-anna
“baddha” = fixed, restrained, bound
“kona” = angle
Bound Angle Pose
Also known as: Cobbler’s Pose and Bhadrasana (Gracious Pose)

Heart of the Pose

Hip / Adductor Stretch

Notes

Cobbler’s Pose in the West

Bound Angle pose is also called Cobbler’s Pose, because it is the position that shoemakers use in India. They hold the shoe with the feet, so that both hands are free to work on the shoe that they are making. Westerners can find this pose challenging because of the years we spend sitting in chairs with our knees close together. – Judith Lasater, 30 Essential Yoga Poses 2003 p 157   link

Goal is Not to Get Knees to Floor

The goal of Baddha Konasana is not to get your knees to the floor as quickly as possible. Rather, the intent is to lengthen your inner and outer thighs, strengthen your lower back, and increase flexibility in your legs, hips, knees and back. These benefits may allow your knees to reach the floor, but forcing your knees to the floor could cause harm. – Miriam Austin, Cool Yoga Tricks 2003 p 224  link

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