i was in Kaifeng, Henan last weekend, a city rich in the history of the Song Dynasty, one of the oldest in China, dating from 1500 years ago. the Song emperors were devout Buddhists and Kaifeng was its seat of government. it is about a three hour bus ride from Shaolin Temple, famous for its martial arts. these sculptures appear to be depicting monks doing yoga. they were located in the park of the magnificent Iron Pagoda, so nicknamed because its glazed bricks are a deep brown color, similar to iron. the structure dates to 1049 AD and rises to 55.6 meters. it has survived wars, floods and earthquakes.
4 comments:
Love the first picture, how not to drop back.
Dear Grimmly
Thanks. It was a photo-op to spot them. Your comment reminds me that in the adjustment of drop backs with the hands crossed, several of my teachers said that Guruji would sometimes drop the student when the head was a few inches above the floor, resulting in the cranium clunking the floor. Doug Swenson did a funny skit demonstratng this, making the reason for the drop being that the Guru became distracted by what another student was doing wrong, scream, "bad lady!" and drop the person he was holding. My teacher R. said it was just part of the adjustment to be dropped.
Cheers,
Arturo
I dig the finger power :) one finger to support the whole body!
Dear Yoginicory
Good observation. I had thought it represented a hand supporting the body, which is doable. A finger supporting the body? That might be a transition, and then a dangerous one at that.
Cheers,
Arturo
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