Purpose

This pose is the most important and probably the most familiar of all the yoga poses. It is easily acquired by those with supple limbs other find it almost impossible but its worth while to attemp it you may be suprised at your ability. It is called the lotus pose because the position of the feet in the pose resemble the lotus petals. This pose provides a firm base on which to sit for meditation , as the spine is allowed to straighten to an erect position. There is a theory in yoga that during meditation all body energies should be conserved for the meditation process, so the points at which energy usually escapes should be conserved or sealed. Energy it is thought usually escapes through the soles of the feet and through the palms of the hands and fingers, so by crossing the feet on the thighs energy is conserved. This is also why the fingers of both hands touch and are placed on the knees. This pose promotes suppleness in the legs and ankles.