Sukhasan is the easiest of aasans or yoga positions – if you take a yoga class you probably know this. It is the simple cross legged seated position that is like an easier version of the padmasana or lotus position. The aasan is thought to be very effective for meditation and according to Jnana Yoga guru Ramana Maharshi, it is also suitable for attaining enlightenment. Though Sukhasan is thought to be the easiest of positions, it can also be the toughest. Why is that?
Sukhasan benefits
Sukhasan translates as the happiness position. It is much easier than siddhasana and padmasana and hence is also known as the “easy pose” or the “pleasant pose”. The pose is very useful for people with physical difficulties or limitations who may not be able to perform padmasana. Since it is an easy pose, it can let you concentrate the mind on meditation without feelings of physical discomfort or pain to distract. In fact sukhasana is one of the most natural seated positions for the human body and is thought to have many beneficial impacts. Sitting in Sukhasan lengthens the spine and opens the hips. You will be able to feel a nice stretch along your legs as you sit in this position.
Even modern medical practitioners recognize the benefits of sitting in this cross-legged position and recommend it for people who spend much of their work day seated on a chair at a desk. You can use a modified chair that lets you sit in a sukhasan while working at your desk or at the computer. If it is not possible to sit in a proper cross-legged position, you can try to cross one leg at a time; folding one leg up on the seat and then alternating with the other leg. This helps keep musculoskeletal problems such as lower back pain at bay quite effectively, you may find.
Is Sukhasan difficult?
Absolutely! While most people who are used to sitting on the ground for any duration have no problem with the pose, aged people, people with problems such as arthritis or other mobility issues, or simply someone always used to sitting on a chair may have a problem with it. They might feel uncomfortable after a while, with a feeling of numbness in the feet. They may find that putting blankets or pillows under the knees to cushion them (and in cases adding one under the buttocks) may make things a lot easier.
It isn’t all that easy to perform this aasan perfectly. It is important to have the spine straight and properly aligned to the head and neck. When sitting in Sukhasan it is actually rather easy to slump forward; so it is important to guard against this especially if you meditate in Sukhasan position. Stillness is another challenge. It is generally difficult to remain still and immobile. However as you gain mastery over this; you will be rewarded by a better posture and the enhanced ability to remain still in other life situations. Being able to control fidgeting and similar jittery movements can be very useful – say at a job interview or as you give a presentation at a seminar – when you body language can say a lot about you.
So in conclusion, I would just say that there is much you can derive from Sukhasan – so long as you perform the aasan accurately and with dedication! Start with 5 minutes of sitting cross legged, unmoving and relaxed, with your spine straight and your eyes closed. You will realize it isn’t simple at all. Start slow and build it up.