by Yogi Ananda Viraj (Eugene P. Kelly, Jr.)
The word siddha means accomplished, fulfilled, effected, gained, acquired. It also means one who has attained his object or one who is successful. We can therefore translate siddhasana as the “pose of accomplishment.”
Instructions:
- Sit on the floor in an “L” position, feet together legs straight.
- Bending the left leg at the knee grasp the left foot with your hands and place the heel at the perineum (the area in front of the anus and behind the genitals) so that the sole of the left foot rests against the right thigh.
- Grasping the right foot place it over the left ankle keeping the right heel against the pubic bone.
- Place the sole of the right foot between the calf and thigh of the left leg.
- Avoid resting body weight on the heels.
- Place arms out straight, wrists on knees, palms up, index fingers touching thumbs. Extend other fingers.
- Look straight ahead eyes half open or gaze at tip of nose.
- Repeat reversing leg position.
Benefits:
This posture is designated to direct attention. When practicing pranayama (breath regulation) yogis often assume this posture. Some also use this posture instead of the padmasana for meditation.
The position of the legs in this posture loosens the tightness that may collect in feet and knees.
Asanas are 84 in number and these are of many types. Of these four are principal… these are siddhasana, padmasana, ugrasana, and svastikasana.– Siva-samhita III.96