Padmasana, or lotus posture is one of the basic and simple asanas, considered to be practiced for meditation purposes by a significant number of yoga practitioners. As a practitioner sits in an erect and upright position while performing Padmasana, it becomes easier for him to concentrate while performing prayers, meditation and contemplation. Padmasana is highly recommended to people who spend a lot of time while sitting in a chair, as performing this asana requires folding the knees and moving leg joints.
Etymology of Padmasana
The word Padmasana is a combination of two words- “Padma” Meaning lotus and “Asana ” meaning posture. The legs of the practitioner resemble the position of petals of a fully bloomed lotus.
Performing Padmasana
1. Sit with your legs straight.
2. Move your right foot inward, bend your knee and with the help of both hands, rest it on your left thigh.
3. Move your left feet inward, bend your knee and with the help of both hands, rest the left leg on your right thigh.
4. Keep your back straight and sit in an upright position.
5. Assume Gyan Mudra with both of your hands, i.e. join the index finger with the thumb and keep other fingers straight facing the sky. Alternatively, you can keep both hands on your lap. Breath slowly.
Precaution for beginners
1. In the beginning, a practitioner can retain this posture for three to five minutes. as you feel comfortable in Padmasana you would be able to sit for up to half an hour.
2. Practitioners who are suffering from ankle or knee injury or have undergone a surgery of leg joints must not perform this asana. People who have back pain or sprain in the legs must also avoid this asana.
Benefits of Padmasana
1. Helps in removing excess fat from the hips and thighs
2. Improves the strength and flexibility of leg joints.
3. Helps in curing reproductive problems in women.
4. Provides muscle relaxation and increases the concentrating power.