Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana II)
Warrior II expands on what Warrior I began. If Warrior I is the first step forward, Warrior II is the widening of your stance — the moment where you claim more space and ground yourself in unwavering presence. This pose teaches you to open in two directions at once, stretching your awareness and balance across a wider field.
The Myth of Virabhadra: The Stance
When Virabhadra arrived on the battlefield, he did not stay small. His presence widened, his arms stretched across the horizon, and his stance became unshakable. Warrior II represents this moment — his claiming of space, his readiness to face the battle on all sides.
As you open into Warrior II, you channel this same stance of power and expansion. Your gaze is steady, your arms are strong, and your legs are grounded. You are both alert to the world around you and deeply centered within yourself.
(This story concludes in Warrior III…)
How to Practice Warrior II
1. Step wide
From standing, step your feet about 3–4 feet apart.
Turn your right toes forward and position your left foot so the arch aligns with your right heel. Press firmly into the outer edge of your back heel.
2. Bend and anchor
Bend your right knee over your ankle. Aim for a 90° angle if accessible.
Utilize both feet. Your front foot roots you down, your back foot anchors you through the outer edge.
3. Extend your arms
Reach your arms wide at shoulder height, palms facing down.
Keep your shoulders relaxed, arms active, fingertips energized.
4. Find your gaze
Look past your right fingertips with a steady focus, or keep your neck neutral if there’s too much strain.
Your gaze sets your direction—just as Virabhadra’s did.
5. Lengthen through your torso
Keep your torso upright rather than leaning forward or back.
Draw your ribs in and slightly engage your core.
Pull your middle fingers away from each other to create more expansion on your chest.
Props & Modifications
Shorten your stance if your hips or knees feel strained.
Place your back heel against the wall for more stability.
Keep your arms parallel but slightly lower if your shoulders fatigue.
Common Misconceptions/Misalignments
Front knee drifting inward: Keep it tracking over the second toe.
Torso leaning forward: Stay vertical through the centerline.
Arms collapsing: Keep reaching equally in both directions.
Benefits of Warrior II
Physical
Strengthens your legs, core, and shoulders.
Opens your hips and chest.
Improves your stamina and balance.
Mental & Emotional
Builds concentration and determination.
Cultivates presence in both directions — forward and back.
Trains steadiness even when stretched across tension.
Cautions & Considerations
Be mindful of hip or knee injuries; adjust stance width as needed.
Engage your core to protect your low back.
Avoid locking out your back leg — keep it strong but soft.
The Edge Connection
Warrior II pushes you to expand your awareness. Your edge here is the ability to stretch yourself wide without losing your center. Your legs root down, your arms extend, your gaze narrows. Everything about this pose asks you to hold tension without collapse, to open without losing stability.
This is the warrior’s stance — unwavering, balanced, expansive. On the Warrior’s Path, Warrior II reminds you that strength is not just forward momentum, but also the ability to hold your ground in all directions.
Warrior’s Edge Takeaway
In Warrior II, you widen your stance into Virabhadra’s presence. You’re not just in the battle — you are the battle line itself. Each time you embody this pose, you claim space with confidence, expand your awareness, and root yourself in unshakable strength.
