siddhasana

Siddhasana is a meditative asana, or seated posture, in hatha yoga and other Eastern spiritual traditions. It is considered one of the most advanced and subtle postures in yoga, requiring both physical and mental discipline to practice safely and effectively.

In siddhasana, the practitioner sits on the floor with their legs crossed and their feet tucked against their groin. The left foot is typically placed on the perineum, and the right foot is placed on the pubic bone, with the knees bent in a way that the soles of the feet face upwards. The back is straight, and the hands are placed on the knees, with the fingers interlocked and the palms facing upwards.

The purpose of siddhasana is to facilitate the concentration of the mind and to quiet the mental chatter. According to traditional yoga texts, this asana awakens the kundalini energy, or the spiritual energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine. When practiced with proper alignment and technique, siddhasana is said to promote spiritual growth, self-awareness, and inner peace.

While practicing siddhasana, many yogis find it challenging to maintain breath awareness, as the physical sensation of the body can be intense. Breathing in and out of the nostrils becomes more relaxed as the asana is learned and mastered. Regular practice of siddhasana can lead to increased awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, allowing for a deeper understanding of the self.

Not everyone can sit in this posture and results may vary as people have different body flexibility and experience with meditative postures.