The Lotus Position reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Lotus Position

The Lotus Position (Sanskrit: Padmasanam -- "lotus sitting posture") is a cross-legged sitting posture, which originated in representations and meditative practices of Hinduism, was an established part of the Hindu Yoga tradition, Zen and other meditative disciplines. The position is said to resemble a lotus; and to encourage "proper" breathing and physical discipline.

In this position the right foot is placed on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh with the soles of the feet turned up, the spine is straight. In Yoga the hands are placed on the knees whereas in zazen the hands rest with the palms turned upwards on the heels of the feet.

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