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[[File:Padmasana.png|thumb|right|''पद्मासन (padmasana)'']]
The '''Padmasana''' <ref name="Padmasana"/> or '''Lotus Position''' (Sanskrit: पद्मासन [pɐd̪mɑːs̪ɐn̪ɐ], IAST: padmāsana) is a cross-legged sitting asana originating in meditative practices of ancient India, in which the feet are placed on the opposing thighs. It is an established asana, commonly used for meditation, in the Hindu Yoga, Jain and Buddhist contemplative traditions. The asana is said to resemble a lotus, to encourage breathing proper to associated meditative practice, and to foster physical stability.
Shiva, the meditating ascetic God of Hinduism, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, and the Tirthankaras (Teaching Gods) in Jainism have been depicted in the lotus position.
The Lotus position is adopted to allow the body to be held completely steady for long periods of time. This allows the mind to calm—the first step towards meditation. The asana applies pressure to the lower spine which may facilitate relaxation. The breath can slow down, muscular tension can decrease and blood pressure may subside. The coccygeal and sacral nerves are toned as the normally large blood flow to the legs is redirected to the abdominal region, which may help to improve digestion. The practice of this asana leads to a straight spinal cord. It is believed that sitting in this posture causes good thoughts to come to the mind and thoughts of anger and lust to subside. The practice of this asana with repetition of Aum leads to reduction in stress.
== References ==
<references>
<ref name="Padmasana">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_position "wikipedia"]</ref>
</references>
[[Category:Yoga]]
