Definition - What does Padmasana mean?

Padmasana is a seated asana with the legs crossed and the feet placed on top of the opposite thighs. The name comes from Sanskrit meaning “lotus seat.” This asana is traditionally used in meditation, both of which originated in ancient India.

In padmasana, the body resembles a lotus flower and it is also said that practicing padmasana helps the yogi blossom like a lotus. It encourages the body to be physically stable and the breath to slow and deepen, allowing the mind to enter a meditative state.

The English name for padmasana is lotus pose.


Yogapedia explains Padmasana

Along with a range of physical benefits, padmasana is considered the ideal posture for practicing meditation and pranayama. This is because once in the posture, the body is supported with minimal muscular effort. It is, therefore, highly restful and allows for complete stillness in the body and, subsequently, the mind.

The meditative mindset encouraged by padmasana is thought to foster good thoughts and reduce negative ones. This posture can also be combined with a repetition of "Om" as a mantra to reduce stress. The hands may also be placed in various mudras to support and refine the flow of energy through the body.

It is claimed in traditional Hindu texts that padmasana destroys all disease and awakens kundalini energy, allowing it to travel up the spine.

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