Tṛtīya-prakaraṇam (Āsana) · Verse 15
अवष्टभ्य धरां सम्यक् तलाभ्यां तु करद्वयोः । हस्तयोः कूर्परौ चापि स्थापयन्नाभिपार्श्वयोः ॥
avaṣṭabhya dharāṃ samyak talābhyāṃ tu karadvayoḥ | hastayoḥ kūrparau cāpi sthāpayannābhipārśvayoḥ ||
This verse establishes a foundational posture, mayurasana, through a precise arrangement of the body and its engagement with the prāṇa. Firmly supporting the earth with the palms of both hands – kūrpāra – initiates a grounding action, connecting the prāṇas to the prākṛti, the material foundation of existence. Simultaneously, placing the elbows at the sides of the navel, nabhi, creates a stable base of support and encourages a gentle expansion of the chest. This positioning is crucial for cultivating samādhi – a state of focused awareness – by minimizing extraneous movement and directing prāṇa towards the central cakra located at the heart. The deliberate action prepares the body for balance, a key element in the practice of āsana and a precursor to more advanced postures.