Lotus position

Padmasana - Yoga Class - Chamrail - Howrah 2013-08-24 2027

Sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera

Sukhasana

Bharadwaja (detail)

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Flickr - Nicholas T - Taut

A scene of Yoga mudra

Lotus Position or Padmasana (Sanskrit: पद्मासन) is a cross-legged sitting asana originating in meditative practices of ancient India, in which each foot is placed on the opposite thigh. It is an ancient asana in yoga and meditation that is widely practiced for its health and relaxation benefits. The position is said to resemble a lotus, encouraging proper breathing and fostering physical stability.

Etymology

The name "Padmasana" comes from the Sanskrit words "padma" (पद्म), meaning "lotus", and "asana" (आसन), meaning "posture" or "seat". This asana is named so because the position of the legs while seated resembles the lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment in various cultures and religions.

Practice

To enter the Lotus Position, one starts in a seated position, preferably on a flat surface. The practitioner then places the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh, with the soles facing upward and the heels close to the abdomen. The hands can rest on the knees in Mudra (symbolic or ritual gesture) position, with the spine held erect and the head straight. This posture requires flexibility in the hips and knees. Practitioners often use this position for meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises).

Benefits

Practicing the Lotus Position can have several benefits, including:

• Improved digestion
• Enhanced posture and spinal alignment
• Stimulation of the pelvis, spine, abdomen, and bladder
• Increased ease in meditation and concentration
• Development of flexibility in the hips and knees

However, individuals with knee or ankle injuries should approach this asana with caution or avoid it altogether.

Cultural Significance

The Lotus Position holds significant cultural and spiritual significance in various traditions. It is a symbol of purity and enlightenment, often associated with deities in Hinduism and Buddhism. The posture is believed to aid in the physical stability necessary for prolonged meditation, which is a central practice in many spiritual paths.

See Also

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Asana
• Pranayama