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Siddhasana

Introduction

Siddhasana is a yoga posture most suitable for Meditation. It is one of the ancient yoga postures like Padmasana.

Normally, householders don’t take this posture for practice. This is because people believe that this posture is for those yogis who have renounced the world. This is the reason why Siddhasana has not become as popular as other traditional yoga postures.

However, this posture can be a good alternative to Padmasana, because it is comparatively easier to get mastery over. Classic Yoga texts eulogize this posture as the most important one for meditation.

This article sheds light on its meaning, step-by-step procedure, and benefits.

Siddhasana Information

Pose NameSiddhasana
Sanskrit Nameसिद्धासन
IASTsiddhāsana
English NameAdept Pose
Accomplished Pose
OriginAncient Indian
Difficulty LevelIntermediate
TypeSeated Posture
Adept Pose Information

Siddhasana Meaning

The word Siddha means a yogi who has accomplished or succeeded in the yogic path. In other words, Siddha means an Adept Yogi.

However, A modern yogi who has simply mastery over yoga postures could not be termed a Siddha. In particular, only a yogi who has reached the very goal of yoga is a Siddha. Alternatively, Siddha is a realized yogi or Jivan Mukta.

We call this posture in English Adept Pose or Accomplished Pose.

Moreover, a number of Siddhis or psychic powers will accrue with the yogi who regularly practices this posture. In this sense, it may be called Psychic Power Pose.

Siddhasana Procedure

The practice routine includes precautions, preparatory postures, step-by-step procedures, and follow-up postures.

Siddhasana Safety and Precautions

Persons having knee ailments or sacral ailments should avoid this pose. For instance, one who has a degenerated disc or sciatica pain should be taken care of before attempting this one.

While perfecting this posture, one should not overdo and harm oneself. Hence, one should attempt this posture in a gentle and conscious way, and if she/he senses any discomfort either in her/his knees or the sacral area of the spine, she/he should not proceed further. However, consistent practice leads to perfection in due course.

Preparatory Poses

The following poses are preparatory poses for Adept Pose.

How to Master Siddhasana?

The first step to mastering Siddhasana is to sit in Sukhasana. This will make you comfortable in a cross-legged sitting position which is the basis for advanced postures like Adept Pose and Lotus Pose. Next, Butterfly stroke or Titali Asana, a dynamic yoga pose, is a hip opener that helps to perform adept poses for a longer duration of time. To summarize, Sukhasana and Titali Asana prepare you to master Siddhasana.

Siddhasana Steps

Step 1

Sit with legs stretched out. Bend the right leg and place the heel under the perineum. Then, the perineum should be seated on top of the right heel. Further, place the right sole flat against the inner left thigh.

Step 2

Bend the left leg and place the left ankle over the right one. Now place the left heel above the genitals so that the genitals lie in between the two heels.

Step 3

Place the right toe in between the left calf and thigh and the left toe in between the right calf and thigh. Adjust the knees suitably. Ensure the knees touch the floor.

Step 4

Place the hands on the knees in Chin Mudra or Jnana Mudra. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly.

Practice Note

If you feel discomfort placing the ankles on one another, place a piece of cloth in between them.

One may place either of the heels under the perineum.

Duration

Initially, a longer duration is not possible. For getting psychic powers one should extend the duration for a period of at least three hours.

Variation

Hatha Yoga Pradipika gives two versions of Adept Pose. The first version is mentioned above. In the second version, both the heels are placed one on another above the genitalia instead of placing the genitals in between them.

Siddha Yoni Asana

Ladies should modify Step 2 of the complete version. They should place the left heel against or inside the labia majora of the female organ.

yoga poses for meditation

Ardha Siddhasana

Similar to Ardha Padmasana, there is a variation called Ardha Siddhasana. In this variation, one heel is placed under the genitals and another heel is placed on the floor. It is comparatively easy to perform. Therefore, a beginner may start this practice first. After some days of practice, he may attempt the complete version. While practicing the half version, he should change the legs and practice it for an equal duration.

Advanced Pose Variation

Like Yogamudrasana, the forehead is placed on the floor after sitting in the Adept Posture. This advanced variation is called Padayoniyasana.

Siddhasana and Padmasana

Both Adept Pose and Lotus Pose are sitting-yoga postures. Moreover, the two poses are the most ancient yoga postures and are used mainly for meditation. Ancient Yogis of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism used either of these two poses for meditation. The difficulty level of Adept Pose is comparatively lesser than that of Lotus Pose.

Normally, Sannyasins and yogis prefer adept poses and a householder prefers any other seated yoga posture for meditation or breath control exercises.

Though the mastery of both poses gives Siddhis or psychic powers, Yogis prefer mostly Adept Pose.

Considering the physical aspects of the poses, both are hip openers. Butterfly Stroke and Easy Pose are very good preparatory poses for mastering these Seated Poses.

Siddhasana Vs Sukhasana

Both are sitting yoga Postures. Sukhasana (Easy Pose) is comparatively easy to perform. Hence, the Easy Pose is more beginner-friendly than the Adept Pose. The names themselves describe this fact. However, the Adept Pose gives more benefits than Sukhasana. Hence, Yogis who want to achieve heights in Yoga and Meditation prefer Adept Pose to Easy Pose. In essence, the Easy Pose is the preparatory pose for Adept Pose.

What Muscles Do Siddhasana Work?

Siddhasana mainly targets the following muscles.

  1. Hip flexors and external rotators: This Pose involves flexing and externally rotating the hips, which engages muscles such as the piriformis, tensor fasciae latae, and the gluteus medius.
  2. Quadriceps: The quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh are engaged to maintain the position of the legs.
  3. Adductors: The inner thigh muscles, or adductors, are activated to keep the knees together in the posture.
  4. Pelvic floor muscles: The pose can also engage the muscles of the pelvic floor, which are the key to stability and support in the pelvic region.
  5. Core muscles: The core muscles, including the abdominals and obliques, are engaged to help maintain an upright posture and support the spine.
  6. Spinal muscles: The muscles along the spine, including the erector spinae, are activated to help support the back and maintain proper alignment.

Siddhasana Benefits

The ten benefits of Siddhasana are as follows.

1. Siddhasana is the Ideal Choice for Breath Control Practices and Meditation

It is an ideal selection for breath control and meditation practices. This seated pose aids a naturally elongated spine, promoting optimal airflow and helping deep, rhythmic breathing. With its stress on hip flexion and external rotation, it grants stability and comfort, enabling performers to sustain meditation sessions with ease.

Besides, it gives a serene mental state, conducive to self-inquiry and mindfulness. As the body settles into this pose, the mind follows suit, attaining a peaceful state essential for a great meditative experience and mastery over breath control practices.

2. Siddhasana Helps in the Practice of Celibacy

It helps maintain celibacy. It promotes self-control and balance. By sitting in this pose, you learn discipline and self-awareness. It calms the mind and reduces urges. It builds up mental clarity and spiritual growth.

Regular practice aids channel sexual energy. It encourages self-study and the knowledge of desires. With time, it becomes a tool for celibacy and inner peace.

3. Siddhasana Activates the Base and Sacral Chakras

This pose activates the Base and Sacral Chakras. Also, It stimulates energy flow in the lower spine. The Base Chakra denotes stability and grounding. When activated, it gives a sense of security.

The Sacral Chakra governs emotions and creativity. Activation brings about emotional balance and enhances creative expression. Together, these chakras promote a strong basis and healthy emotional life.

This Pose, with its seated position and focus on the lower body, is notably effective in awakening these energy centers. Regular practice helps maintain their balance and vitality, contributing to overall well-being.

4. Siddhasana Opens Hip Joints and Improves Flexibility of the Lower Spine

It opens hip joints and improves the pliancy of the lower spine. The pose involves crossing legs and sitting upright. This gentle stretch helps release tension in the hips. With regular practice, it boosts hip mobility and range of motion.

On top of that, it promotes a healthy curvature in the lower spine. This improves pliancy and alleviates stiffness. As a result, performers experience improved posture and reduced discomfort. The pose’s benefits go beyond physical pliancy, giving a sense of ease and relaxation.

It’s an accessible posture suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

5. Siddhasana Gives Psychic Powers

This pose helps develop psychic powers like clairvoyance, clairaudience, remote healing, etc. Sitting in this pose, you focus your mind and energy. It enhances your inner awareness and intuition. With regular practice, you become more attuned to subtle energies. This can lead to heightened senses and intuitive abilities.

Clairvoyance enables seeing beyond the physical realm. Clairaudience allows hearing beyond ordinary sounds. Remote healing involves sending healing energy over distances.

This pose supports the development of these powers by creating conducive conditions. It’s a simple yet powerful yoga pose for exploring your psychic potential.

6. Siddhasana Provides Serenity and Relaxation

It calms down the nervous system and brain activities. The body feels serene. This makes it perfect for meditation. Sitting in this pose, you relax deeply. It soothes the mind and body. With regular practice, stress decreases. Breathing becomes steady and peaceful.

7. Siddhasana Improves Digestion

It encourages proper alignment of the spine and gentle compression of the abdominal area. This can help stimulate digestion and remove digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion.

8. Siddhasana Enhance Focus

The firm and easy pose promotes focus and concentration by minimizing physical distractions. As the body relaxes, the mind becomes clearer, making it easier to focus on tasks or meditation practices.

9. Relief from Sciatica

It helps alleviate discomfort associated with sciatica by stretching and releasing tension in the hips and lower back. Regular practice can provide relief from sciatic nerve pain and improve overall mobility in the lower body.

10. Balanced Energy Flow

This pose aids the smooth flow of energy throughout the body by activating the subtle energy nerves, or nadis, notably those related to the lower chakras. A balanced flow of energy boosts overall vitality and well-being, promoting a sense of harmony within oneself.

Final Words

Siddhasana is a great yoga pose with a lot of benefits. It helps calm the mind and body, making it great for meditation. Also, it improves pliancy, digestion, and focus. Likewise, It can relieve sciatica and promote balanced energy flow. Regular practice brings peace and harmony to your life. So, give it a try and feel the positive changes it brings.

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