The Easy Pose specific advantages and technique

Sukhasana literally means "Easy Pose" (Sukha = Easy; Asana =Pose). It is one of a number of meditative poses. It has severalcharacteristics in common with other meditation forms.

Specific Advantages

1 A solid, triangular base for trunk and head.
2.The spine is kept straight and thus the nerve flow alongspine and between vertebrae is uninhibited.
3.The lungs are free for exercises in deep breathing as taughtin Pranayama.
4. Said to aid awakening of kundalini (latent nervous energylocked within the central nervous system).

Sukhasana has specific physiological and psychologicaladvantages. Physiologically, the internal viscera are relaxedbecause of the crossed legs, while psychologically the mindand body are brought into a harmonious state of stabilitythrough the consciously willed attempt to remain motionless.

Sukhasana is the ideal technique for those who wish tocondition themselves for shutting the door upon everydayworries, and thus prepare themselves for the meditative peaceto be found within the recesses of their own minds. Thistechnique is also valuable for nervous disorders involving poorneuromuscular coordination, twitches, nervous movements,and "tics."

For those who cannot bend their legs or sit upon the floor,similar mental advantages may be cultivated by sitting in the"Egyptian Pose," or "Egyptian God Posture," on a chair. Wewill discuss this variant after the floor method.

Technique

1.Place a cushion or folded blanket on the floor. Sit uponthe blanket or cushion using only the front edge, or firstthird of the support—this assists by tilting the hipsforward. Have your legs stretched out in front of you inpreparation for bending.
2.Bend your right leg under your left thigh and the left legunder the right thigh, assuming the cross-legged "tailorpose." Check that your kneecaps are roughly level witheach other. If they are not, your trunk will lean slightlyto the lower side, disturbing body symmetry and balance.
3.Keep your spine erect and your head nicely poised uponyour shoulders.
4.Place your hands, palms down, upon your knees in sucha fashion that they will not slip off. Be certain that yourelbows relax naturally against your body.
5.Firmly close your eyes as if you were drawing downshutters. Continue to keep your eyelids under control forthe duration of the session.
6.You are now introverted within yourself. Concentrate yourmind upon the natural rhythm of your breath, controlyourself from dreaming, reasoning, or otherwise becomingmentally active, and keep your body erect, motionless,and as relaxed as possible. Concentrate upon just "being."Meditate upon the movement of Life Force by attentivelyobserving the natural, spontaneous breath cycle as it goesthrough four phases: i.e., inhalation, momentary pause,exhalation, momentary pause. Each time your mindwanders, return to this breath awareness, simultaneouslycultivating a sensation' of total frozen immobility in yourbody—utter motionlessness.

The mind is a dangerous weapon, even to thepossessor, if he knows not discreetly how to use it.