History of Kaos’ikii
The dance was invented in 6th September 1978 at Patna, Bihar, first demonstrated on A’c. Cittabodha’nanda Avt, by the spiritual master Sadguru Shriii Shrii Anandamurtii as a holistic exercise to develop all of the layers of the mind known as kosas, increasing their vitality and allowing the light of the soul to shine through more easily. Like most Indian classical dances, Kaoshiiki is based on mudras, which are movements that are imbued with deeper spiritual meanings. The science of mudra is based on the idea that certain positions of the body stimulate different types of feelings and thoughts. If we walk with our shoulders rolled forward and our head down, our body will express a certain feeling of dejection, which we may begin to experience if we continue for some time. If on the other hand we stretch both arms open towards the sky, lift our face towards the sun and smile, it would be hard to continue feeling depressed – rather such movements tend to evoke a lighter feeling of freedom and joy.
Kaos’ikii – a yogasan dance!
The Kaoshiiki dance is one of the most complete, all-round workouts ever invented. It is a rhythmic yogic dance, that uniquely combines a stretching of the spine in all directions while at the same time giving an aerobic workout to the heart. The cross-lateral movements of the feet, which tap a toe behind the heel of the opposite foot, this crossing over the body’s center line, are considered by authors such as Eric Jenson, who wrote “Brain Based Learning” to be connected to improved brain coordination and increased mental acuity. At the same time, the arms are gracefully bending to the sides, forwards and backwards, open up the major meridians of the body, increasing circulation and energy flow. The forward bends are calming, while the backward bends are invigorating and energizing. Kaos’ikii’s rhythmic movement regulates the body-mind-spirit rhythms like sleep-awakening, pause-speed, monthly cycle. Touching ta’ (heel) and dhin (toes) stimulate s acupressure points balances organs glands secretions. The Yoga postures Tadasana, Ardhakaticakrasans, Padahastasana, Hastottanasana, Ardhacakrasana has their own benefits like:-making muscles tendons backbone elastic, decreasing fat around waist shaping sides, removing constipation, regulating menses, increase blood flow to brain, balancing body etc..
Meaning of the movements
Each of the component mudras of Kaoshiiki has a subtle spiritual meaning. The arms raised above the head with the palms touching, for example, signifies the entire mind focusing on a single Divine point. The bending to the sides, like the swaying of a tree in the wind, symbolizes the way to attract Divine Grace. The forward bending to touch the earth is a sign of letting go of our small ego, while the lifting of the heart as we arch the arms backwards, represents the ability to overcome all obstacles. The final steps of the dance connect us to the continual cosmic rhythm of the universe.
Holistic dance
The dance thus becomes not only a physical exercise, but a spiritual one as well. There are six different positive affirmations associated with the meaning of the mudras that can be repeated during the dance and are designed to help free the mind of all superiority and inferiority complexes. The movements are also coordinated with a certain special pattern of mantra that helps to further deepen the meditative effect as well as amplify the vibrational resonance on the subtler systems of our body.
Benefits of Kaos’ikii:
The dance has a medicinal effect and listed the following 22 benefits:
1. It exercises all the glands and limbs from head to foot.
2. It increases longevity.
3. It facilitates easy childbirth.
4. The spine will become flexible.
5. Arthritis of the spine, neck, waist and other joints will be removed.
6. Gout in the spine, neck, hand and waist will be healed.
7. The mind becomes strong and sharp.
8. Irregularities in menstruation will be cured.
9. Glandular secretions will become regulated.
10. Troubles in the bladder and urethra will be cured.
11. It gives control over the limbs.
12. It adds charm and shine to the face and skin.
13. It removes wrinkles.
14. It removes lethargy.
15. It cures insomnia.
16. It cures panic attacks.
17. Fear complexes will be removed.
18. Hopelessness will be cured.
19. It helps in self-expression and develops one’s potentiality.
20. Spinal pain, piles, hernia, hydrocele in men, nervous pain, nervous disability will be cured.
21. It cures kidney and gall bladder troubles, gastric trouble, dyspepsia, acidity, dysentery, syphilis, gonorrhea, obesity, thinness and liver diseases.
22. It increases the capacity to work until 75-80 years of age
Easy to practice anywhere!
While it can take some practice to master the dance at first, as it requires a significant amount of coordination, once learned, it is a form of exercise that can be easily practiced anywhere. No special equipment is needed, and it can be practised even in extremely confined spaces, or in wide open spaces outdoors in nature. Gradually increasing the practice time to up to 21 minutes is a very complete workout, and builds determination and willpower.
KAOSHIKII
The name Kaoshikii comes from the Sanskrit word kosa, meaning “layer of mind”. Kaoshikii develops the subtler layers of mind, cultivating the feeling of mysticism – the endeavour to establish a link between the finite and the infinite – in one’s consciousness. It instills self-confidence and encourages self-expression. It is a total body exercise, and a medicine in itself. It prolongs the lifespan, keeping the body youthful, strengthens the leg joints, increases flexibility and endurance, prevents and cures disease (including many types of liver diseases) and eases the pain of menstruation and childbirth, enabling easy delivery. Although kaoshikii is for both women and men, it is particularly beneficial for women.
Here’s how to practice it:
Kaoshikii has four phases: to the right, to the left, forwards, and backwards (see the diagrams below):
1. Stand with your palms together and arms beside your ears, pointing up vertically.
Now start with the right-movement phase. It is three stages to the right, then two back to the center:
2. As you place your right foot behind your left heel, move your body the first stage to the right.
3. As you place your left foot behind your right heel, move your body a further stage to the right.
4. As you place your right foot behind your left heel, move your body the final stage to the right.
Now come back to the center the same way, but this time in two stages:
5. As you place your left foot behind your right heel, move your body half way to the left.
6. As you place your right foot behind your left heel, move your body the remaining stage back to the center-vertical position.
Now the left-movement phase. It is the same as the first phase, only this time to the left:
7. As you place your left foot behind your right heel, move your body the first stage to the left.
8. As you place your right foot behind your left heel, move your body a further stage to the left.
9. As you place your left foot behind your right heel, move your body the final stage to the left.
Now come back to the center again in two stages:
10. As you place your right foot behind your left heel, move your body half way to the right.
11. As you place your left foot behind your right heel, move your body the remaining stage back to the center-vertical position.
Now the forward-movement phase. It is two stages down, and one back up to the center-vertical position:
12. As you place your right foot behind your left heel, extend your arms directly out in front of you, parallel to the floor.
13. As you place your left foot behind your right heel, bend down and touch the floor with your fingertips.
14. As you place your right foot behind your left heel, come back up to the center-vertical position again in one movement.
Now the backward-movement phase. It is two stages back, and one to the center-vertical position again:
15. As you place your left foot behind your right heel, bend your body back the first stage.
16. As you place your right foot behind your left heel, bend your body back the final stage.
17. As you place your left foot behind your right heel, come back to the center-vertical position in one movement.
18. Stamp your right foot on the ground.
19. Stamp your left foot on the ground.
Repeat the whole cycle as many times as you like.
Benefits of Kaoshikii
1. It exercises all the glands and limbs from head to foot.
2. It increases longevity.
3. It makes for easy delivery.
4. The spine will become flexible.
5. Arthritis of the spine, neck, waist and other joints will be removed.
6. Gout in the spine, neck, hands and waist will be lost.
7. The mind becomes strong and sharp.
8. Irregularities in menstruation will be cured.
9. Glandular secretions will become regulated.
10. Troubles in the bladder and urethra will be cured.
11. It gives control over the limbs.
12. It adds charm and shine to the face and skin.
13. It removes wrinkles.
14. It removes lethargy.
15. It cures insomnia.
16. It cures hysteria.
17. Fear complexes will be removed.
18. Hopelessness will be lost.
19. It helps in self-expression and develops one’s potentiality.
20. Spinal pain, piles, hernia, hydrocele in men, nervous pain, nervous disability will be cured.
21. It cures kidney and gall bladder troubles, gastric trouble, dyspepsia, acidity, dysentery, syphilis, gonorrhoea, obesity, thinness and liver diseases.
22. It increases the capacity to work until 75-80 years of age.