(“staff-posture”) One of the sitting postures (asana) mentioned in the Yoga Sutras' commentaries (aphorisms on yoga).
The arms are straight with the palms flat on the ground and facing forward, while the legs are extended with the big toes, ankles, and knees contacting one another in this posture.
Dandavat ("stick-like") is a word that means "stick-like." Pranam is a kind of respectful salutation in which the individual falls down on the ground with arms outstretched (thus the resemblance to a stick).
Because one's whole body is in touch with the earth, this is the most reverent of all greets.
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