Tṛtīyopadeśaḥ (Mudrā) · Verse 80
प्रथमे दिवसे कुर्यादल्पं किञ्चित्तु भूगतः | ऊर्ध्वपादः क्षणं तिष्ठेदभ्यसेद्दिनदिने ततः
prathame divase kuryād alpaṃ kiñcit tu bhū-gataḥ | ūrdhva-pādaḥ kṣaṇaṃ tiṣṭhed abhyased dina-dine tataḥ
The first day it should be done a little, lying on the floor.You should stand with your feet up for a moment, then practice day after day.
This verse provides practical instructions for the gradual development of Viparīta Karaṇī.Prathame divase alpaṃ — the first day, just a little.Yoga wisdom always emphasizes gradual progression;Inversions especially require the body to adapt to the new orientation.
Bhū-gataḥ ūrdhva-pādaḥ — lying on the ground with the feet up — describes the basic position.It can be started by simply raising the legs against a wall, progressing to the full position with the hips elevated over the shoulders.
Kṣaṇaṃ tiṣṭhet — to remain for a moment — indicates initial short duration.Tradition suggests starting with seconds or a few minutes, gradually increasing.Dina-dine — day after day — emphasizes consistency.It is better to practice briefly each day than to do long sporadic sessions.The body adapts best to regular and moderate stimuli.