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