I

n the Hopi tradition, the butterfly is seen as the embodiment of spiritual 

growth and transcendence because of its transformation from caterpillar to 

butterfly. This transformation is a demonstration of complete surrender as its 

journey requires that it set aside everything once known in order to embrace an 

entirely new way of being. The spiritual path requires the same metamorphosis 

of us—letting go of the past so we can transform our life as we journey toward 

Self- and God-realization. As we awaken spiritually, we are able to spread our 

wings and fly just as a butterfly does.

The summer sunshine that brings us the exquisite beauty of colorful butterflies 

flitting from one blossom to the next can also overheat us, stressing our body. 

Butterfly Pose can relieve tension as it releases the upper and inner thighs. Enjoy 

the cooling feeling of turning your thoughts inward in this pose.

Do not be conformed to this world,  

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

—Romans 12:2

Be Transformed!

 

Baddha Konasana 

 

(Butterfly Pose)

Sundari Jensen

Enlightenment Journal | Summer 2017

12

HATHA YOGA