Veerasana - Half-Lotus Pose Meditation.

Note:

If you are keen and have queries, please contact Coach Rameshon at 9100 4369 or you can email him at m.rameshon@gmail.com or swift.rameshon@gmail.com. Please refer to website http://flexifitness.com.sg (for more information on him and his programmes)

By Rameshon

Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)

Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)

Half - Lotus Pose

Yoga Half Lotus Pose

The best pose to meditate is padmasana (lotus pose). If one does not have leg flexibility, the next best pose to do meditation is the half-lotus pose. Only when I find that it is hard to do these two, it is better to meditate in sukhasana.

Benefits of Sukhasana.

The Half Lotus Posture (Ardha Padmasana) helps in reducing  fats in the body, especially in the abdominal area

 It aids the digestive and excretory systems of the body.

The yoga posture assists in the cure of pain in the knees, ankles, and back.

Its practice helps those suffering from insomnia and asthma.

The yoga posture keeps the mind focused because it requires one to sit upright.

This is similar to the lotus posture. In a seated position, one of the legs, for example, the right leg foot, should go up on the thigh of the left leg. The foot of the left leg is on the floor, similar to sukhasana pose. It is that easy.

Half-Lotus Position in detail.

Sit on the ground with your head and spine erect without drooping your shoulders. Extend your legs forward such that your knees and heels are placed together. Bend your right leg at the knee and get the bent knee toward your chest. Keep your calf touching the thigh and place the bent knee toward the floor. Hold your right foot heel with the right hand and the toe with the left hand and bring the right foot over the left thigh with the sole facing upward. Keep the other leg straight.

After attaining this position, bend your left leg and place it under your right leg such that your left sole is under the right thigh.

Touch the thumb of each hand to the index finger at the tips to form a circle. Ensure that the other three fingers are straight. Rest your left hand on your left knee and your right hand on your right knee with the palms facing upwards. Keep your arms straight at the elbows. This hand position is called Jnana Mudra (Knowledge Hand Gesture) because it signifies the knowledge of connecting the Individual Soul (Atma) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma).

Remain in this final posture with your eyes closed for about 1-2 minutes (in the early stages) or your breakpoint*. Repeat the above steps except that you swap the position of the legs by placing your left foot over the right thigh, to begin with. This will ensure that both legs are built uniformly.

Note:

By Narayanan

Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes do a marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners do sub-4 hours for the marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’  by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).

He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.