Bhujangasana- Philosophical Aspect
1) Transition to a new phase
Cobra has this majestic ability as a gift of shedding its skin. By shedding its skin, a cobra can transform and renew itself from time to time. We as humans have frequent changes and shifts in life. The archetype of the cobra teaches us to adapt ourselves in all situations. It inspires us to see inherent possibilities in every condition and accept all the challenges and obstacles that we come across in life. Thus, cobra teaches us to embrace them gracefully at all stages of life. Unveiling innate abilities are the only solution to an impending problem. This creature is symbolic of wisdom, change, fire, and enchantment. We all are aware of the story of Adam and Eve, how the snake persuaded Eve to know much deeper about herself and gave her the drive to have a quest for knowledge.
2) No Judgement
The cobra crawls with its belly on the ground as it has no limbs. To have a clear vision, it raises a hood. Similarly, we are so busy with worldly pursuits that we need to make an effort to reach above the material world and peer into the unknown spiritual world. From this new vista, we must learn to see the world without judgment and accept everyone as they are.
3) Ability to overcome fear
Abhinivesha or fear of death doesn’t allow some people to live fully. A cobra is a creature that evokes fear. Our ability to look past this initial instinct and view fear from a new perspective is key to helping us move past it. Its aggressive nature can’t go unnoticed. It comes up suddenly with a deadly force much like the workings of nature or the trappings of the world. The cobra’s venom is a symbol of avidya or the veil of illusion that prevents us from knowing our true nature as divine. It is this veil that keeps us living in fear. Removing this veil removes the fearsome character of the cobra as fear ties to the idea of illusion. Once we understand our true nature, fear is no longer relevant.
4) Hindu Mythology
Lord Shiva bears a cobra around his neck. Lord Vishnu rests on a seven-headed cobra. Maharishi Patanjali composed yoga sutras and has a crown of 1000 white-headed cobra.
5) Sushumna Nadi
Coiled serpent-depicted at the base of the spine, awakened by the rising of kundalini energy up the Sushumna Nadi (main prana channel that runs up the spine), coiling around the chakras as it rises. When the kundalini energy gets awakened through yoga practice and meditation, this energy frees and goes towards the crown chakra, creating a state of enlightenment. Often Buddha has a cobra positioned above his head, depicting his enlightened state.
6) Caduceus
The symbol of the snake in the medical profession also holds significance. It’s called Caduceus- two snakes entwined around a rod or staff. The Greeks regarded snakes as sacred and used them in healing rituals to honour Asclepius. Cobra’s skin-shedding- is viewed as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. The snake signifies renewal or rejuvenation, unity, or the duality of being a doctor, dealing with life, death, sickness, and health. The staff or rod symbolizes healing.