Padmasanam

                                                           Padmasanam
'Padma' means lotus. Padmasana acquires its name because when performed this resembles a lotus. This is also known as Kamalasana. This is best suited for meditation and for reciting 'mantras'. This is beneficial to both men and women.

How to do Padmasana Lotus yoga
Sit on the ground. Spread the legs forward and place the right foot on the left thigh and left foot on the right thigh. Some persons like to place first the left foot on the rightthigh and then to puttheright foot on the left thigh. Either process is right. Let the left hand rest on the left knee and the right hand on the right knee. (See figure.) Let the tips of the thumbs of both the hands touch the tips of the index fingers. Keep the head and the spinal column erect. Keep your eyes close or open. Those who can place only one leg on the thigh shouId practise this asana daily with zeal. They wiII be able to perform this asana easily after some practice. Stay in the final position for one or two minutes in the initial. stage. Later, increase the time gradually.
Advantages of padmasana Lotus yoga:
This asana is useful for Japa, Prana¬yama, Dharana (Retention or Concentration), Dhyana (Meditation) and Samadhi (Self-realisation).
■ This asana stimulates the endocrine glands.
■This asana is useful to cure diseases (like asthma, insomnia and hysteria. It is greatly beneficial to the persons suffering from insomnia.
■This asana relieves the body of its excessive fat and it increases the vitality.