About this Asana Digest

Poses

• Lolasana (Pendant), Tolasana (Scale), and related poses such as Kukkutasana (Cock / Rooster Pose).
• While from one perspective, Garbha Pindasana may be considered in a different pose family (since it’s not an arm balance), David Keil uses the relationship in shape and balancing requirements with Kukkutasana to teach them together here.

Objective

Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.

Description

Explain the Sanskrit naming; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; 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 – Arm Balancing Poses.

Lolasana

lo-LAHS-anna
“lola” = dangling (like an earring), moving to and fro, tremulous, quake
Pendant Pose

Tolasana

toe-LAHS-anna
“tola” = scale, pair of scales, balance, poising one’s self
Scale Pose

Heart of the Poses

Arm Balance

Historical Roots

Lolasana Was Once Known As Jhula

According to yoga researcher N.E. Sjoman, [Lolasana] was once known as jhula (“to swing” in Hindi) and belonged to a system of Indian gymnastics described in the early text “Light on Exercise” (Vyayama Dipika). The Mysore Palace’s yoga teacher, T. Krishnamacharya… used the classic text and probably rechristened jhula and other exercises, elevating them to asana status and changing the face of traditional yoga forever. – Richard Rosen, Yoga Journal, Want Cut Arms? Try Pendant Pose link

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More Tools & Support

• Asana Categories
• General Alignment Principles
• Alignment Cueing