Swastikasana (auspicious pose)

• Sit with the legs straight in front of the body.
• Bend the left knee and place the sole of the left foot against the inside of the right thigh so there is no contact between the heel and the perineum.
• Bend the right knee and place the right foot in the space between the left thigh and calf muscle so that there is no contact between the heel and the pubis.
• Grasp the toes of the left foot and pull them up into the space between the right calf and thigh.
• Adjust the position so that it is comfortable. The knees should be firmly on the floor.
• Straighten the spine. Place the hands on the knees in chin, jnana or chinmaya mudra.
• Variation:  Sit with the legs straight in front of the body.
• Bend the left leg and place the sole against the inside of the right thigh.
• Similarly, bend the right leg and place the heel of the right foot on the floor in front of the left foot with the sole resting against the left shin. The heels will now be one in front of the other.
• The hands may be placed on the knees in jnana, chin or chinmaya mudra, or they may be placed in the lap.
• Close the eyes and relax the whole body.

Contra-indications:  Swastikasana should not be performed by people with sciatica or sacral infections.

Benefits:  Swastikasana is a healthy position to sit in, especially for those suffering from varicose veins, tired and aching muscles or fluid retention in the legs.

Practice note:  This is the easiest classical meditation asana and is a simplified version of siddhasana.

Note:  Here the symbol of the swastika represents the different corners of the earth and universe, the spokes, and their meeting point and common centre of consciousness. This asana may be regarded as the one most favorable for realizing the unity of existence.