Bakasana, commonly known as the Crane pose, is a balancing yoga posture that has intrigued practitioners for centuries. This pose, along with its counterpart Kakasana, or Crow pose, has a rich history rooted in the traditions of hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise. The distinction between these poses lies in the arm positioning, with Bakasana featuring straight arms, symbolizing the taller crane, and Kakasana with bent arms, akin to the shorter
crow. This article delves into the historical journey of Bakasana, tracing its origins and evolution through time.
Origins and Early Mentions
The origins of Bakasana can be traced back to ancient yoga texts, with references dating as far back as the 17th century. The Hatha Ratnavali, a significant text in the history of yoga, lists Bakasana as one of the 84 poses taught by Shiva. This early mention highlights the pose's longstanding presence in yoga practice. Additionally, the 19th-century Sritattvanidhi, created for a Raja of Mysore, provides descriptions and illustrations of both Bakasana and Kakasana, further cementing their place in the historical yoga canon.
Norman Sjoman, a scholar of yoga history, suggests that Krishnamacharya, a prominent yoga teacher in the Mysore Palace, may have derived these asanas from the 1896 Vyāyāma Dīpikā exercise manual. This connection indicates a blend of traditional yoga practices with more modern interpretations, showcasing the adaptability and enduring nature of Bakasana.
Modern Interpretations and Variations
In the 20th century, Bakasana continued to evolve, with different yoga schools offering their interpretations of the pose. Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga, in his 1969 book, uses the name Bakasana for a completely different pose, Dandayamana Janushirsasana, in Bikram Yoga. This variation highlights the diverse ways in which Bakasana has been adapted and interpreted across different yoga traditions.
B.K.S. Iyengar's 1966 book, Light on Yoga, describes Bakasana with straight arms, while Swami Vishnudevananda's 1960 Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga focuses on Kakasana with bent arms. These differing descriptions reflect the pose's flexibility and the varying emphasis placed on arm positioning by different yoga lineages.
Bakasana in Contemporary Practice
Today, Bakasana is a staple in many yoga classes, often practiced alongside its variations. Asymmetric variations such as Parshva Bakasana (Side Crane Pose) and Eka Pada Bakasana (One-Legged Crane Pose) offer practitioners new challenges and opportunities to deepen their practice. Preparatory poses like High Plank and Downward Dog help strengthen the arms and shoulders, making Bakasana more accessible to beginners.
The historical journey of Bakasana illustrates its enduring appeal and adaptability. From ancient texts to modern yoga studios, Bakasana continues to be a symbol of balance and strength, inviting practitioners to explore its depths and variations.
