Padmasana, or Lotus pose, is a seated pose for meditation and relaxation in yoga. Padma means “lotus” and refers to this auspicious symbol in many yoga teachings.

The lotus flower symbolizes enlightenment, rebirth, beauty, and renewal. It is often depicted in pictures of Hindu deities; Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Lord Vishnu are often shown sitting on an open lotus. It is said that wherever the Buddha walked, lotus flowers bloomed.

In Padmasana, you cross your legs and place your feet in the crooks of your hips, resembling the folded petals of the lotus flower. While the concept of Padmasana sounds simple, the posture is considered advanced. Achieving Padmasana does not make you a better yogi or more spiritual person, but it does offer some benefits to those who can find comfort in the posture.

Benefits of Lotus Pose

Padmasana stretches the feet, ankles, knees, and hips. It stimulates the tissues and nerves of the pelvis, spine, abdomen, and bladder. It can ease menstrual discomfort and sciatica, and can ease childbirth if practiced late in pregnancy. It calms the brain, and awakens kundalini.

Anjalani mudra signifies the potential for an intention to progress to greatest spiritual awakening. When done properly the palms are not flat against each other; the knuckles at the base of the fingers are bent a little, creating space between the palms and fingers of the two hands resembling a flower yet to open, symbolizing the opening of our hearts. Anjali mudra is also known as Pranam Mudra, Namaste Mudra and Pray position and most of the time we perform it with our hands in the center of our heart chakra, this represents the balance and harmony between the right and left side reunited on our center. This balance can be not only physical but also mental and emotional, and the idea is to bring us to the center to prepare ourselves for meditation and contemplation.