Padmasana

Padmasana is one of the basic yoga posture. This is probably the most well known pose routinely used by Buddha and is a very popular meditation pose. ' Padma' means lotus. Padmasana acquires its name because when performed this resembles a lotus. This is also known as Kamlasana. This is suited for meditation and for reciting 'mantras '. This is beneficial to both men and women.

Padmasana requires open hips and consistent practice .It is very good for alignment of chakras.Traditional text say that padmasana destroys all disease and awakens Kundlini.

Technique :

• Sit on the ground. Spread the legs forward and place the right foot on the left thigh and left foot on the right thigh.
• Some persons like to place first the left foot on the right thigh and then to put the right foot on the left thigh.Either process is right.
• Let the left hand rest on the left knee and the right hand on the right knee.
• Let the tips of the thumbs of both the hands touch the tips of the index fingers.
• Keep the head and the spinal column erect. Keep your eyes close or open.
• Those who can place only one leg on the thigh should practice this asana daily with zeal. They will be able to perform this asana easily after some practice.
• Stay in the final position for one or two minutes in the initial stage. Later, increase the time gradually.
• While returning to the original position. first stretch out your left leg.
• Then stretch out your right leg also.

Benefits of Padmasana :

• This asana is useful for Japa, Prana, Yama, Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (Self- realisation).
• It has a clambing effect on the mind and the nerves.
• This asana stimulates the endocrine glands.
• Helps keep the joints in flexible condition.
• This asana is useful to cure diseases like asthma, insomnia and hysteria. It is greatly beneficial to the persons suffering from insomnia.
• It prevents abdominal diseases and female disorders connected with the reproductive organs.
• This asana relieves the body of its excessive fat and it increases the vitality. It helps to preserve vital fluids in the body.

Contraindication :

• People having chronic knee pain should not pactice it.
• Those getting cramps in calf muscle should practice it carefully.

Note :
Do not fold leg forcefully. It takes few days for the legs to bend smoothly without pain and discomfort. For the first few days practice folding only one leg. This half posture is also called " Ardha Padmasana".