Padmasana is traditionally regarded as one of the best postures for pranayama and pratyahara as it allows the body to be held completely steady for long periods of time. As the body is steadied, the mind becomes calm and gives a firm foundation for concentration. The Padmasana group of asanas is a part of the intermediate yoga poses series. In case you are beginner in yoga, you should explore the beginner group of yoga poses. These include Pawanmuktasana series, relaxation postures in yoga, meditation postures in yoga, vajrasana group of asanas, standing asanas, Surya Namaskara (Sun salutation), and Chandra Namaskara (moon salutation).
You should also read Padmasana (lotus pose), ardha padmasana (half lotus pose) how to do the padmasana before getting further into the padmasana group of asanas (in case you haven’t read about them). They are also a part of the meditation postures in yoga.
This series ‘Padmasana Group Of Asanas’ is mentioned in the book ‘Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha’ by Swami Satyananda Saraswati under the Intermediate asanas. In this article we will be learning about all the asanas mentioned in the Padmasana Group of Asanas, the general benefits and precautions of this series
Benefits of Padmasana Group of Asanas
- Padmasana directs the flow of prana from mooladhara chakra in the perineum to sahasrara at the crown of the head, heightening the experience of meditation.
- The asanas in this series clear physical, emotional and mental blocks, help awaken the energy centres of the body and induce tranquillity.
- They increase the ability to sit in padmasana for extended periods of time as required for advanced meditation practices, but should only be practised by people who can already sit in padmasana without the slightest difficulty or strain.
Precautions while doing Padmasana Group of Asanas
- Those who suffer from sciatica or weak or injured knees should not perform these asanas until flexibility of the knees has been developed through practice of the pre-meditation asanas.
- Padmasana is not advisable during pregnancy as the circulation in the legs is reduced. The contra-indications given for individual asanas should also be closely observed.
- In all the asanas discussed in this chapter, either the left or the right leg may be placed uppermost. It is a matter of personal preference and depends on whichever is more comfortable. Ideally, the leg position should be alternated so that the balance on both sides of the body is maintained.
The following asanas are the Padmasana Group of Asanas
There are 8 yoga poses in this series.
- Yogamudrasana – Psychic Union Pose In Yoga
- Matsyasana – Fish Pose In Yoga
- Gupta Padmasana – Hidden Lotus Pose In Yoga
- Baddha Padmasana – Locked Lotus Pose In Yoga
- Lolasana – Swinging Pose In Yoga
- Kukkutasana – Cockerel Pose In Yoga
- Garbhasana – Womb Pose In Yoga
- Tolangulasana – Weighing Scale Pose In Yoga