Introduction to Lotus Pose

Padmasana, or lotus pose, is a very famous asana indeed. Buddha, yogis, and yes, even instagramers are often depicted in this position. For many yogis, this pose is one of their biggest goals. The key to the pose is opening up the hips, and making sure not to cause any pain to the knee. The lotus is a very important and prominent symbol in many Eastern Religions. This is because of the roots of the lotus grow from the mud. It transcends the murky waters of a pond, to bloom into a pure, untainted flower. Likewise, we can transcend the layers of the impure mind to arrive at a pure level of consciousness.  Contrary to what some may say, achieving this pose won’t bring you the keys to enlightenment! It will, however, make for a comfortable way to meditate with practice.

How to do Lotus Pose

To enter Lotus pose, first make sure the hips are warmed up. If at any point you feel pain in the knee, back off from the pose. Starting with the legs straight, fold the left leg in so that the foot meets the crease of your hip. Then, fold the right leg on top of the left leg, so that the foot comes to the opposite hip crease.

The heels of your feet should be near to each other close to your second chakra (Svadhisthana), forming a blooming lotus.

Lotus Pose is also the final pose of the Ashtanga Primary Series.

Jnana Mudra 

Lotus Pose is often paired with Jnana Mudra. This is formed by bringing the tip of the thumb and the index finger of the same hand together to form a circle. The hands then rest with palms upwards on the knees. This is a mudra commonly used in meditation.

Avoid Injury

Forcing the to hips open before they’re ready is an easy way to cause injury to the knee. Please be patient with your body, and honor where you are today! It may take time and patience to open the hips enough for Lotus Pose. Please remember that patience is key in deepening your practice.

More Ways to Open Your Hips

• • Hips Workshop Introduction Doron Explains the energetic impact of the hips on both on the physical body and the subtle body
  • 20 Minute Hip Opening Practice Mini class from Doron Yoga
  • Powerful Vinyasa Hip Opening Class A 45-minute practice focused on opening up the hips
  • Baddha Konasana Video Doron explains how to do this gentle yet powerful hip opener safely
  • Double Pigeon Pose An intense hip opener to practice.

Spread like the Petals of a Lotus 

Share this article and video with your friends, maybe you can all discuss it whilst in Lotus Pose! Leave us a comment and share the link, we can reach more people and you can deepen your practice! 

Check out Doron’s YouTube channel. If you want to work with Doron personally, come visit us at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center in Guatemala, for daily yoga classes, retreats and workshops, and Yoga Alliance-certified yoga teacher training!

For more information on specific poses have a look at the Doron Yoga Manual.