Siddhasana
Siddhasana (Sanskrit: सिद्धासन; IAST: siddhāsana) or Accomplished Pose is an asana, also known as ardha - padmasana where ardha is sanskrit word for half.[1]
Etymology
The name comes from the Sanskrit words siddha (सिद्धा; siddha) meaning both "perfect" and "adept",[2] and asana (आसन; āsana) meaning "posture" or "seat".[3]
Description
From a seated position, one heel is brought to the groin area (perineum), then the opposite ankle placed over the first leg with the toes and heel of the second foot resting in the fold made between the thigh and calf of the first leg beneath it. The spine is held erect. A small meditation cushion or zafu is sometimes used to aid vertical back alignment.[4]
Usage
Siddhasana and Padmasana (Lotus Pose) are the two asanas traditionally used for dhyana (meditation) and pranayama (breath) exercises.[5] Sukhasana (Pleasant Pose) is a substitute that is easier on the knees. Many people are not able to practice Padmasana for them Siddhasana is highly recommended.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika asks,[6]
When siddhaasana is mastered, of what use are the various other postures?
See also
References
- ↑ "Witold Fitz-Simon - Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose)". Retrieved 2011-07-04.
- ↑ Feuerstein, Georg; Payne, Larry (5 April 2010). Yoga For Dummies. For Dummies. p. 92. ISBN 978-0-470-50202-0. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
- ↑ Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD. p. 18. ISBN 978-81-7041-293-9. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ↑ Dr. K S Joshi (1 January 1992). Yogic Pranayama: Breathing for Long and Good Health. Orient Paperbacks. p. 47. ISBN 978-81-222-0089-8. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
- ↑ Upadhyaya, Rajnikant; Sharma, Gopal (1 January 2006). Awake Kundalini. Lotus Press. p. 54. ISBN 978-81-8382-039-4. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
- ↑ Feuerstein, Georg (22 March 2011). The Path of Yoga: An Essential Guide to Its Principles and Practices. Shambhala Publications. p. 63. ISBN 978-1-59030-883-7. Retrieved 5 July 2011.
Further reading
- Iyengar, B. K. S. (1 October 2005). Illustrated Light On Yoga. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-81-7223-606-9. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- Saraswati, Swami Janakananda (1 February 1992). Yoga, Tantra and Meditation in Daily Life. Weiser Books. ISBN 978-0-87728-768-1. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
- Saraswati, Swami Satyananda (1 August 2003). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Nesma Books India. ISBN 978-81-86336-14-4. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- Saraswati, Swami Satyananda (January 2004). A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya. Nesma Books India. ISBN 978-81-85787-08-4. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
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