Lotus position facts for kids

A status of Shiva in the Lotus position. The statue is in Bangalore, India

A yoga teacher meditating in the Lotus position.

The lotus position (Sanskrit: Padmasanam) is a special way of sitting with your legs crossed. It's often used in meditation and Yoga practices, especially in Hinduism. People say this position looks like a lotus flower. It helps you breathe better and feel steady when you sit.

What is the Lotus Position?

The lotus position is a sitting pose where each foot is placed on the opposite thigh. This means your right foot rests on your left thigh, and your left foot rests on your right thigh. Your knees point outwards, and your spine stays straight. It's a very stable way to sit for long periods.

Why is it Called Lotus?

This position gets its name because it looks like a lotus flower. The lotus flower is very important in many cultures, especially in Asia. It grows in muddy water but its flowers stay clean and beautiful. This makes the lotus a symbol of purity, beauty, and new beginnings. When you sit in the lotus position, it reminds people of this special flower.

Where is the Lotus Position Used?

The lotus position is a key part of Yoga and meditative practices. It has been used for thousands of years in Hinduism and Buddhism. Many ancient statues and pictures of Gautama Buddha and other wise teachers show them sitting in this pose. It is believed to help people focus their minds and feel more peaceful.

Benefits of the Lotus Position

Sitting in the lotus position can offer several benefits:

• Better Breathing: When your spine is straight and your body is stable, it's easier to take deep, calm breaths. This helps you relax.
• Physical Stability: The way your legs are crossed creates a strong base. This makes it easier to sit still for a long time without wobbling.
• Focus and Calm: For many people, this position helps them feel more focused and calm during meditation. It can help quiet the mind.
• Flexibility: Regularly practicing this pose can help improve the flexibility of your hips and ankles over time.

How to Practice the Lotus Position Safely

The full lotus position can be challenging for beginners. It's important to be patient and not force your body into the pose.

• Start Slowly: You can begin with simpler cross-legged positions, like the half-lotus (where only one foot is on the opposite thigh) or a simple cross-legged sit.
• Warm Up: Do some gentle stretches for your hips and ankles before trying the lotus position.
• Listen to Your Body: If you feel any pain, stop. The goal is comfort and stability, not pain. Over time, with practice, your body might become more flexible.
• Use Support: You can sit on a cushion or folded blanket to raise your hips slightly. This can make the position more comfortable and help keep your spine straight.

Images for kids

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  Demonstrating lotus position

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  The flower of the sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, grows out of mud, thus symbolising enlightenment.

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  The sage Bharadvaja meditating in half lotus. 19th century

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  Baddha Padmasana

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  Yogamudrasana

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  Padma Sirsasana, lotus headstand

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  Gautama Buddha

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  Mahavira

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  A Padmasana shrine, here of Pura Jagatnatha in Denpasar, Bali

See also

In Spanish: Posición de loto para niños