Author: Anna Godfrey

In the Hands of Destiny

A great Japanese warrior named Nobunaga decided to attack the enemy although he had only one-tenth the number of men the opposition commanded. He knew that he would win, but his soldiers were in doubt. On the way he stopped at a Shinto shrine and told his men: “After I visit the shrine I will toss a coin. If heads comes, we will win; if tails, we will lose. Destiny holds us in her hand.”

Nobunaga entered the shrine and offered a silent prayer. He came forth and tossed a coin. Heads appeared. His soldiers were so eager to fight that they won their battle easily.

“No one can change the hand of destiny,” his attendant told him after the battle.

“Indeed not,” said Nobunaga, showing a coin which had been doubled, with heads facing either way.

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose A (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana A)

What is One-Legged King Pigeon Pose A?
One-legged king pigeon poses A, or eka pada rajakapotasana A in Sanskrit, is a deep and challenging backbend that opens the chest and develops flexibility in the hips. From pigeon pose, the yogi bends the back foot in toward the buttocks, clasping the toes in a deep backbend.
Instructions
Begin in pigeon pose with the right foot back.Exhale and bend the right foot toward the buttocks.Inhale and reach the right arm (and left arm, if possible) up and back. Clasp the right toes with both hands.Breathe while holding the pose.

Ayurveda Recipes: Peach Rosewater Lassi With Cardamom

A western twist on the famous Indian lassi. Peach warms cool yogurt, while rosewater adds a sensual soft touch. Light, aromatic cardamom adds depth and complexity to this sweet treat. Best if prepared with fresh-ground cardamom.
Ingredients
2 pinch CARDAMOM
1 tsp HONEY
1/2 whole PEACHES
1/3 c ROSE WATER
1/3 c WATER
1/3 c YOGURT
Instructions
Puree in a blender. Garnish with pistachios on top if desired.

Balancing Butterfly Pose (Malasana)

What is Balancing Butterfly Pose?
Balancing butterfly pose is a variation of malasana, or garland pose. Here, the yogi balances on the toes with the hands in prayer. The pose stretches the feet and develops both strength and balance.
Instructions
Begin standing with the feet together.Exhale and lower into a squat.Place the fingertips on the floor in front of the feet to find stability. Open the knees wide and lift onto the toes, bringing the balls of the feet and heels to touch.Slowly bring the hands to prayer in front of the chest and then toward the sky.Breathe while holding the pose.Place the fingertips on the floor, bring the knees together, and inhale to stand.

In the Hands of Destiny

A great Japanese warrior named Nobunaga decided to attack the enemy although he had only one-tenth the number of men the opposition commanded. He knew that he would win, but his soldiers were in doubt. On the way he stopped at a Shinto shrine and told his men: “After I visit the shrine I will toss a coin. If heads comes, we will win; if tails, we will lose. Destiny holds us in her hand.”
Nobunaga entered the shrine and offered a silent prayer. He came forth and tossed a coin. Heads appeared. His soldiers were so eager to fight that they won their battle easily.
“No one can change the hand of destiny,” his attendant told him after the battle.
“Indeed not,” said Nobunaga, showing a coin which had been doubled, with heads facing either way.