Significance of Sitting posture
Synonyms: Sitting arrangement, Seating posture, Seated position, Sitting position
In Dutch: Zithouding; In Finnish: Istuva asento; In Spanish: Postura sentada; In German: Sitzhaltung; In Swedish: ³§¾±³Ù³Ù²õ³Ùä±ô±ô²Ô¾±²Ô²µ; In Malay: Postur duduk; In French: Posture assise; In Finnish: Istuasento
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sitting posture'
In Buddhism, sitting posture is crucial for meditation, promoting focus and calmness. It involves a cross-legged position with an upright body, preferred over standing or lying down, emphasizing stillness for monks and practitioners alike.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The physical position adopted by monks during meditation or prayer, emphasizing stillness and calm.[1]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The recommended body position during concentration exercises, as standing or lying down are deemed less suitable.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The physical position adopted during meditation, which Mahasiva shifts during his practice.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Different ways of sitting during meditation; among these, the cross-legged posture is considered the most calming.[4] (2) The position the Buddha assumes while seated, described as cross-legged with an upright body.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Sitting posture'
Sitting posture in Hinduism encompasses specific seated positions reflecting emotional states, social status, and meditation. Notable postures include Padmasana and Virasana, crucial for expressing characteristics, facilitating meditation, and enhancing focus during spiritual practices.
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) The position of the goddess, which may be cross-legged or erect, symbolizing their characteristics.[6] (2) Another position for the bull statue, where it is carved as if seated.[7] (3) One of the acceptable positions for Buddhist images, alongside the erect posture, demonstrating the image's presence and stance.[8] (4) The specific pose in which the idol is sculpted, distinguished from erect and other postures.[9] (5) One of the positions recommended for creating representations of the Vidyadharas and Yakshas.[10]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The recommended physical position for meditation that facilitates proper concentration without effort.[11] (2) A specific physical position one assumes, particularly in meditation, promoting a state of stillness and focus.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The position one assumes while meditating, which is emphasized as essential for the practice of meditation.[13] (2) The prescribed physical position for performing meditations to aid in concentration.[14]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The specific way one sits during meditation, which is prescribed in the text as essential for the practice.[15]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The physical arrangement of the siddha's body in a meditative pose, specifically padmasana, enhancing his meditative state.[16]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A position assumed by Vritra indicative of readiness and determination, symbolizing his powerful state.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The position in which the ascetic Vipula is depicted, remaining immovable like a stake.[18]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The manner in which the Lord sits, which is depicted as unique and beautiful, making it hard to find apt comparisons.[19]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to a position of the Goddess Ranganayaki, symbolizing contemplation and serenity.[20]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The physical position adopted by Uddhava while engaging in the act of massaging the Lord's feet, indicating humility.[21]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Specific seated positions that reflect a character's emotional state or social standing.[22]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The way in which one sits, embodying various postures like Padmasana and Virasana.[23]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A physical position required for one who has committed certain offences during penance.[24]
Jain concept of 'Sitting posture'
In Jainism, Sitting posture encompasses various yoga positions that emphasize meditation and spiritual practice, underscoring the importance of physical alignment in achieving mental clarity and connection with the divine.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A general term for various yoga positions that involve sitting, including those described throughout the text.[25]
The concept of Sitting posture in local and regional sources
Sitting posture, as depicted in the pose of Lord Jhulelal, typically in Padmasana, symbolizes tranquility, illustrating the significance of physical stance in conveying spiritual serenity and composure within various cultural contexts.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Worship is possible in a sitting posture, as mentioned in the text, and it is connected to meditation.[26] (2) The only thing to remember in the sitting posture is to use any posture in which the spine is perfectly free of the weight of the body, which is important for practice.[27]