Bhishmasana

Bhishmasana is a yoga pose also known as the Bed of Arrows Pose.  This pose is an elevated version of savasana, using seven blocks to promote deeper relaxation and introspection.  It is particularly beneficial for those with cardiac conditions, anxiety, and depression, supporting heart health and relaxation. The pose is named after the warrior Bhishma, symbolizing resilience and strength.

It stems from the Mahabharata epic (Bhagavad Gita), which recounts the great war between two groups of royal cousins and lays out family conflicts, moral choices, and the struggle between right and wrong, and at its heart, it explores the idea of dharma. The story is told from the perspective of Lord Krishna, who guides the great warrior Arjuna on life, duty, and spirituality.

The story goes that Bhishma, the crown prince of Hastinapur and a master archer, was wounded by arrows fired by his own pupil, Arjuna. As he fell, his entire body was pierced by arrows, yet he did not touch the ground. Arjuna, in reverence, shot arrows into the earth to create a bed of arrows beneath him. Bhishma lay on this bed, suspended above the ground, and in this position, he meditated and peacefully passed away. According to some accounts, the arrows were strategically placed to support key points of his body.

The benefits of the pose include complete surrender and the release of tension, creating deep relaxation and mental stillness while supporting the body and creating perfect alignment.

There are various ways to set this up and to determine how many blocks to use, but the most basic setup requires seven blocks. Although it is helpful to have assistance to get into the pose correctly, you can do it on your own. The seven blocks go under the head, one behind the heart, one on the sacrum, one for each heel, and one for each hand.

You start by laying out the blocks (they need to be the same size) in the appropriate shape for your body, then carefully sit on the block for the sacrum. Next, carefully reach back and put your hands on the floor, lift your buttocks slightly, and center your sacrum on the block. Then arch back, lay the block for the heart, and place the back of your head on that block. Put the heels and those blocks, then the hands. Finding the perfect balance and alignment can take a bit of practice, but once you find it, you will be in heaven. On a personal note, if you have one extra block, you can place two under the sacrum, which makes it easier to get in.