Siddhasana

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Siddhasana ("adept's posture") is a yoga asana (posture). Siddhasana and padmasana ("lotus posture") are the 2 asanas traditionally used for dhyana (deep meditation) and various pranayama excercises, although many Western practitioners prefer sukhasana ("pleasant posture") because of its ease on the knees. Being so highly regarded, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika asks, "When siddha-asana is mastered, of what use are the various other postures?"

Siddhasana is performed by placing the left heel against the perineum and the right ankle over the left; the left foot rests beneath the right leg, while the right foot rests in the fold behind the left knee. The spine should be held erect. A small meditation cushion or zafu may be used to aid in proper back alignment. Like padmasana, siddhsana is considered to be very comfortable after overcoming the initial knee pains.

Depending on the particular school of yoga, sidhasana may be referred to as muktasana ("liberated posture"), guptasana ("concealed posture"), or even "the perfect pose". A slight variation can also be performed by switching the positions of the right and left legs. When done in this style, it is known as vajrasana ("diamond posture").