Asana means body posture in Sanskrit. In Buddhist art, the ritual body positions serve a function similar to mudras in conveying a message to the devotees. In this blog, we discuss three commonly seen asanas of Buddha and bodhisattvas statues.

Vajrasana or the full lotus posture

The Vajrasana position is the position that the Sakyamuni Buddha adopted when attaining Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.  This position is also known as the full-lotus or double lotus posture.  In this position, each foot is resting on the opposite thigh with the right leg crossed over the left leg.  Both soles are pointing upwards.

Due to the significance of the Buddha’s Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, the vajrasana position is commonly seen on Buddha statues.  It is common also to see meditation practitioners attempting the Vajrayana position as it is a more stable position locking both legs during meditation.  However, it is a challenging position so newcomers can try the half lotus position first.

Half Lotus posture

The half-lotus posture is where the right leg is folded over the left leg.  Both soles are pointing upwards.  Some names given to this posture are virasana or hero posture.  This posture is also commonly seen on Buddha statues.

Bhadrasana posture

The bhadrasana or seated position is sometimes known as the “European posture” or the royal posture.  In this posture, the Buddha is seated on a chair (or throne) with both legs in front.

In all the statues, both the Buddha and the bodhisattvas statues will be forming hand gestures, thus giving devotees a full idea of the significance of the statues.

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