Natarajasana: The Cosmic Dance of Proportion and Sacred Geometry
In the grand design of the universe, proportion is the key to balance and existence. A micro-tilt in Earth’s axis could catastrophically alter the climate, while a slight shift in Jupiter’s orbit could expose Earth to devastating meteor impacts. Proportion is not just a principle in cosmic mechanics but also in our bodies, nature, and yogic practices.
Our spine is a perfect example of proportion in human health. The natural curvature of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions ensures flexibility, stability, and shock absorption. An imbalance, such as excessive curvature or misalignment, can lead to chronic pain, restricted movement, and nervous system issues. Similarly, organ proportions play a crucial role in well-being. The heart’s size relative to the chest cavity ensures optimal circulation, while an enlarged or shrunken liver affects detoxification. The proportion in the lungs maintains efficient gas exchange, sustaining life force energy.
One of the most profound expressions of this universal proportion in yoga is Natarajasana, the Lord of the Dance Pose—a posture that embodies sacred geometry, cosmic harmony, and the delicate balance of life. Let’s explore how proportion manifests in various aspects of existence and why it is the foundation of a sustainable and joyful life.
1. Proportion is Aesthetics
The Fibonacci sequence appears in galaxies, flowers, and even our DNA—nature inherently follows golden ratios to create visual harmony.
In Natarajasana, the lifted leg and extended arm form a graceful arc, embodying the golden spiral seen in nature. When executed with proportion, it radiates beauty and fluidity. The aesthetics can be graced internally by the effortless flow of breath in and out!
Temples, like the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, are designed using sacred geometric ratios. Similarly, yoga postures follow natural biomechanical aesthetics, reflecting divine order.
2. Proportion Strengths
The symmetrical arrangement of galaxies and the proportionate energy distribution within the sun allow for unwavering cosmic strength.
Balanced muscle engagement in Natarajasana develops strength without stiffness ( as the breath is reaching deep spaces), supporting the spine and joints. The axial symmetry is generated by the hip facing forward and lifting the torso up. The moment the symmetry is reached, the strength is realized.
Just as a pyramid’s symmetry provides stability, the equilibrium of strength and flexibility in yoga ensures endurance.
3. Proportion Offers Vital Energy
Just as the planets move in precise orbits, spin and speed to sustain life and offer abundance of vital energy, the human body must maintain structural and energetic balance to movement of breath.
When performing Natarajasana, the extension of one leg and arm counterbalances the backbend, ensuring that energy flows harmoniously through the spine. This alignment activates the pranic life-force channels, keeping the body vibrant and dynamic. Feel the breath travelling along the spine between the pelvis to the crown of the head; by doing so, the abundance of vital energy can be realized.
The Sri Yantra, a geometric representation of cosmic energy, is designed with perfect ratios to channel divine energy. Similarly, a well-proportioned asana aligns the body’s energy meridians, making movement more powerful and effortless.
4. Proportion Empowers Livelihood
The balance of air, water, and soil composition sustains life and agriculture in our planet.
Our muscular-skeletal system needs proper proportion in strength and flexibility to prevent injuries and ensure longevity. Natarajasana activates stabilizing muscles, improving functional movement in daily life. Feel the breath finding its space, feel the circulation of the blood, feel the grounding of the foot. The scared proportion of air, water and soil can be realized.
The Vastu Purusha Mandala, a part of manai adi sastra used in architecture, ensures spaces are energetically aligned for abundance. Similarly, proportional posture cultivates physical and energetic abundance.
5. Proportion Ensures Sustainability
The delicate ratio of oxygen, carbon dioxide and other compounds in the atmosphere maintains ecological balance. Similarly, a delicate ratio of biological matters is required to sustain fertile soil.
A sacred ratio of harmonal balance has to be reached to enjoy abundance. For example, in natrajasana, by pushing the chest up, the ribs lift up, a physical touch at the adrenal gland can be felt. This touch leaks a tiny bit of epinephrine, stimulating a sustainable enthusiasm. The head facing up stretches the neck, the thyroid is touched and optimized. The pelvic expansion touches vital organs to secrete testosterone and estrogen. More is happening inside and can be realized only by moving the mind inward.
6. Proportion Creates a Happy Space
The harmony in planetary orbits creates stability, allowing life to flourish in happiness.
A well-executed Natarajasana enhances serotonin production, uplifting mood and cultivating emotional balance. As the total body expands and extends in natarajasana, the stretching reaches deep, thereby can stimulate the release of tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, thereby it creates a space for happiness, in yoga terms, Anantha tandavam
7. Proportion Creates Peace
The precise gravity in the solar system is sustaining life to flourish in divine proportion. Peace is like gravity; a disturbance in gravity has immediate consequences in life.
Achieving symmetry in yoga through breath and movement united in the mind, fostering peace. This unification creates gravity, the gravity that leads to peace, and the peace that leads to wisdom.
8. Proportion Encourages Celebration
Festivals like equinoxes and solstices mark nature’s perfect proportions and inspire celebration.
Natarajasana, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s dance, celebrates rhythm, flow, and grace in the body. Achieving peace in the mind and effortlessnes in the movement of breath is the way to celebrate life the yogic way.
Dance, music, and sacred symbols follow geometric rhythms, making celebration a mode of cosmic expression.
9. Knowledge of Proportion is Wisdom
The wisdom of ancient civilizations was based on astronomical and geometric alignments.
Understanding the body’s natural proportions in yoga leads to sustainable movement towards holistic health.
Sacred geometry is the mathematical representation of divine intelligence—a blueprint for both the cosmos and our inner world.
Sacred Geometry: A Celebration of Life in a Yogic Way
Ultimately, sacred geometry is not just a concept—it is a way of living, moving, and connecting with the universe. Natarajasana reminds us that every breath, movement, and alignment mirrors the grand cosmic dance. When we move with proportion, we resonate with nature’s rhythm, embodying harmony, beauty, and joy.
Let us embrace this awareness through our practice, making every posture a celebration of life—a divine yantra in motion.