Alone or Together, a Tree Stands Silent: The Spiritual Wisdom & Meaning of the Yogi’s Favorite—Tree Pose

The Advanced Tree Pose

The Earth nourishes a tree
A tree is deep-rooted in Earth
Your Self nourishes you
Are you deep rooted in Self?

For nothing in return
a tree gives flowers, fruits
wood and shade.

For nothing in return
do you reach out to needy
to their aid?

Alone or together
a tree stands silent.
Alone or together
are you silent?

Leaves, flowers, and fruits
a tree loses it all
Still, bare it stands
proud and tall
Do you
when you lose or fall?

If you answered ‘yes’
even to just one
You made Patanjali proud
You have a yogi manah (mind)

The traditional asanas are not just physical postures. Each asana also represents beautiful and practical spiritual wisdom. Living that wisdom is the truly advanced practice of asanas. Without it, any practice on the yoga mat, however advanced it may be, remains basic.