Siddhasana

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Siddhasana

Siddhasana (Sanskrit: सिद्धासन; IAST: siddhāsana) or Accomplished Pose, is an ancient seated asana in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise suitable for meditation.[1] The names Muktasana (Sanskrit: मुक्तासन, Liberated Pose) and Burmese position are sometimes given to the same pose, sometimes to an easier variant, Ardha Siddhasana.

Etymology and origins[]

Siddhasana in the 19th century Jogapradipika; the yogin is meditating on a tiger skin
Statues of Buddha at Gangaramaya Temple

The name comes from the Sanskrit words siddha (सिद्ध) meaning both "perfect" and "adept",[2] and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".[3] The name Muktasana comes from मुक्त mukta meaning "liberation".[4][5] Ann Swanson writes that the pose is called accomplished as it was the goal of all other asanas to ready the body to sit in meditation in this way.[6] In Light on Yoga, B. K. S. Iyengar quotes several scriptures, stating that the yogin who contemplates Atman and practises Siddhasana for 12 years obtains the yoga siddhis, supernatural powers; and that once the pose is mastered, samadhi follows "without effort".[7] While in The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, Edwin F. Bryant quotes Śaṅkara's verse, among others from a survey of scriptures and commentaries, stating that mastery of postures does not produce the goals of yoga; only getting rid of the Kleshas obstacle to yoga, and samadhi, undeviated absorption on the object of meditation, can produce the goals of yoga.[8]

Siddhasana is one of the oldest asanas, being described as a meditation seat in the 10th century Goraksha Sataka 1.10-12. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika praises the asana, implying it is the only one that practitioners would need, asking "When Siddhasana is mastered, of what use are the various other postures?"[9] Siddhasana is traditionally used for dhyana (meditation) and pranayama (breath exercises).[7][10]

Description[]

From a seated position, one heel is brought to press on the perineum with the sole of the foot flat against the inner thigh. The body sits on top of this heel. Adjustments are made until the body is comfortable and the pressure is firmly applied. Then the opposite ankle is placed over the first, so the ankle bones are touching and the heels are above one another with the top heel pressing the pubis directly above the genitals. The genitals will then lie in between the two heels. The toes and outer edge of the top foot are pushed down into the space between the calf and thigh muscles. The toes of the bottom foot are pulled up into the similar space on the opposite side. The spine is held erect. A small meditation cushion or zafu is sometimes used to help align the back vertically.[11] The same pose for women is sometimes called Siddha Yoni Asana.[12]

Variations[]

Muktasana, an easier variant with the feet on the ground, also used for meditation

Muktasana, Liberation Pose, is either exactly the same as Siddhasana, as stated in the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika, or a variant with the feet close in to the perineum but resting on the ground, that is, left foot touches the perineum, and the right foot is close to the left foot, but resting on the ground.[5] This variant is sometimes called Ardha Siddhasana (Sanskrit अर्ध ardha, half), and is found to be much easier for beginners.[13] Both variants are sometimes called Burmese position when used for meditation.[14][15]

Sukhasana, Easy Pose, has the legs crossed at mid-calf. The pose can be supported by sitting on a cushion.[6]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Witold Fitz-Simon - Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose)". Retrieved 4 July 2011.
  2. ^ Feuerstein, Georg; Payne, Larry (5 April 2010). Yoga For Dummies. For Dummies. p. 92. ISBN 978-0-470-50202-0.
  3. ^ Sinha, S. C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications. p. 18. ISBN 978-81-7041-293-9.
  4. ^ "Pavana Muktasana". The Yoga Tutor. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b "Muktasana". Yogapedia. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b Swanson, Ann (2019). Science of yoga : understand the anatomy and physiology to perfect your practice. New York, New York: DK Publishing. p. 46. ISBN 978-1-4654-7935-8. OCLC 1030608283.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Iyengar, B. K. S. (1979) [1966]. Light on Yoga. Thorsons. pp. 116–120.
  8. ^ Bryant, Edwin F. (2009). The Yoga sūtras of Patañjali : a new edition, translation, and commentary with insights from the traditional commentators (First ed.). New York: North Point Press, New York. pp. Ch 2, Verse 46 (Patañjali II.46) referenced commentary. ISBN 0-86547-736-1. OCLC 243544645.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ Upadhyaya, Rajnikant; Sharma, Gopal (1 January 2006). Awake Kundalini. Lotus Press. p. 54. ISBN 978-81-8382-039-4.
  11. ^ Swami Satyananda Saraswati (1996). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha (PDF). Yoga Publications Trust. p. 100. ISBN 978-81-86336-14-4.
  12. ^ Swami Satyananda Saraswati (1996). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha (PDF). Yoga Publications Trust. p. 102.
  13. ^ Maehle, Gregor (2011). Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy. New World Library. p. 57. ISBN 978-1-57731-986-3.
  14. ^ Reninger, Elizabeth (2015). Meditation Now: A Beginner's Guide: 10-Minute Meditations to Restore Calm and Joy Anytime, Anywhere. Callisto Media. ISBN 978-1623154981.
  15. ^ Powers, Sarah (2020). Insight Yoga: An Innovative Synthesis of Traditional Yoga, Meditation, and Eastern Approaches to Healing and Well-Being. Shambhala Publications. ISBN 978-0834822429.
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