Baddha Padmasana/Locked Lotus Pose(Power Yoga Pose)

Baddha Padmasana – Locked Lotus Pose

Baddha Padmasana or the Locked Lotus Pose is a meditation pose that gives physical and mental stability. This is the forty-seventh Pose in Power Yoga Pose. Locked Lotus Pose is an enhanced form of the classical Lotus pose. The gaze is fixed at the tip of the nose. Those who wish to learn this asana should first master sitting in the simple Lotus pose or Padmasana.

How to do Baddha Padmasana (Locked Lotus Pose)?

1. Sit in Padmasana or the Lotus pose. To accomplish this, sit on the floor with legs relaxed. Take the right leg and place it on the left thigh and then take the left leg and place it on top of the right thigh. One may also place the right leg over the left leg which can be seen in ancient sculptures of yogis and of Buddha in meditation.
2. Take the left hand behind the back and hold the toe of the leg on the opposite side. Similarly, take the right hand behind the back and hold the toe of the feet on the left side. This requires a bit of flexibility.
3. Bend the head down and place the chin on the chest. This is the chin lock or Jalandhara Bandha.
4. Place your gaze on the tip of the nose. The eyes keep partially closed.
5. Maintain this pose for as long as comfortable.
6. One of the popular variations of Baddha Padmasana that is practiced today does not use the chin lock and the nose tip gazing. Instead, after step 2, bend the trunk forward and touch the ground with your forehead. Exhale slowly while you bend forward. Do this slowly with full awareness. Remain in this pose for as long as possible. Then inhale slowly and raise the head and straighten the trunk. Take few normal breaths. Repeat the process as many times as you desire.

Benefits 

1. Baddha Padmasana helps to achieve physical and mental stability. The mind calms down and practitioner experiences peace.
2. This pose creates a certain flow of panic currents towards the brain that calms down the mind making it fit for introversion and higher practices of meditation.
3. Gives a lot of flexibility of the arms and the legs.