How to Do the Lotus Pose
The Lotus Pose is one of the classic seated meditative postures, fostering a calm, serene sense of internal connection. Eventually it'll feel like heaven—we mean, Nirvana.
Up next in How to Do Yoga Poses (57 videos)
Learn all the basic yoga poses -- downward facing dog, lotus, plank, and so on -- so you can get toned and find a little inner calmness, too.
You Will Need
- Comfortable clothing suitable for stretching and moving
- A calm place where you won't be distracted or disturbed
- A yoga mat or folded blanket
Steps
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This pose takes a high degree of hip and knee flexibility, both very delicate joints. Don't force yourself further than you can easily go.
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Step 1
Sit on mat
Sit on the mat with your legs extended out in front of you.
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Step 2
Lift right foot onto thigh
Bend your right leg at the knee, moving your right foot toward your left thigh. Gently lift the foot up onto the thigh near the hip crease. The sole of your foot should be facing up.
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If you can, move your foot across to the outside of the thigh in order to deepen the pose. The sole of your foot will be facing out.
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Step 3
Repeat on left leg
Now do the same with your left leg, moving your left foot onto your left thigh.
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Step 4
Rest hands on knees
Place the back of your hands on your knees, and form a circle with your index finger and thumb on both hands. Allow the other three fingers to point directly outward.
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You may also simply rest your hands on your knees, palms-down.
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Step 5
Hold pose
Breathe steadily and smoothly. Stay in the pose as long as you are comfortable—some yoga practitioners meditate in this pose for extended periods of time, sometimes even several hours.
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Step 6
Release pose
Release the pose by removing your right foot and then your left foot from your hips, relax, and return to this earthly plane of existence.
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Blue lotus petals, a variety popular in ancient Egypt, were found scattered over Tutankhamen's body when the pharaoh's tomb was opened in 1922.
