Woman sitting in lotus position, meditating

Woman sitting in lotus position, meditating. Copyright: Eastnine Inc. The Lotus Position (Sanskrit : पद्मासन ; Sanskrit pronunciation: ; IAST : padmāsana ; PAHD -mah-SAH -nah ) is a cross-legged sitting posture originating in meditative practices of ancient India , in which the feet are placed on the opposing thighs. It is an established posture, commonly used for meditation, in the Hindu Yoga and Buddhist contemplative traditions. The position 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 , and Siddhartha Gautama , the founder of Buddhism , have been depicted in the lotus position. This page is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, anyone associated with the topic.