Links to Related Resources & Longer Articles:

• Compare Paścimatānāsana, Janu Śīrṣāsana, Upaviṣṭa Koṇāsana and Baddha Koṇāsana with regard to the following:
• Guidelines for skilful dynamics within the performance of Vīrabhadrāsana……
• Yoga Postures in Practice – A series on Āsana by Paul Part 1 Samasthiti
• Yoga Postures in Practice – A series on Āsana by Paul Part 2 Tāḍāsana
• Yoga Postures in Practice – A series on Āsana by Paul Part 3 Uttānāsana
• Yoga Postures in Practice – A series on Āsana by Paul Part 4 Utkaṭāsana

Collated Related Short Posts & Quotes:

“Traditionally legs remain straight with thighs contracted and knee caps lifted.
Practically the idea is to bend the knees when strain is felt.
This can be observed in several areas.
In the knee caps by movement,
thigh muscles by contraction and resistance in the hamstrings.
When coming up straighten the legs after half way.”
– TKV Desikachar

“Feet –
Front Leg Focus on Toes Down
Rear Leg Focus on Heel Down
Knees –
Front Knee Bent Forwards
Rear Knee Straightened Backwards
Hips –
Front Leg Hip Lifted Backwards
Rear Leg Hip Lifted Forwards
Shoulders –
Front Leg Shoulder Drawn Back
Rear leg Shoulder Drawn Forward
Spine –
Upper Back and Chest Arching Forwards
Resisting the Lower Back from Bending Backwards”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers…

“Janu Śīrṣāsana, known as the head to knee Āsana,
combines the qualities of a seated forward bend with
those of an asymmetrical pose, in that it works first,
on one side of the body more, then on the other side.
In this Āsana, the physical focus is on the lengthening
of the muscles of the back, spine and the extended leg,
and the rotational effects on the joints in the folded leg.
Plus, with its seated forward bend Bhāvana, there is
a natural support favouring the exhalation, offering
opportunities to both lengthen and deepen the breath.
This support, along with its  internalising and closing
qualities, offers possibilities for the student to focus on
the quality of the attention within the form of the body.
Thus, using Janu Śīrṣāsana with its seated forward bend
Bhāvana, and when linked with a mindful breath, can help
the student to experience the deeper function of the Āsana,
even if there are limitations with regard to its Śikṣaṇa form.”
– 108 Postural Practice Pointers