Sitting in Full Lotus—Is This Even Possible?
The full-lotus sitting meditation position is something that most people can gradually achieve, regardless of what you might initially think is possible. In Falun Dafa, a spiritual cultivation practice of mind and body, many practitioners who began not being able to even sit properly in the half-lotus position could eventually sit in the full-lotus position.
Mr Li Hongzhi, founder of Falun Dafa, says this in his book The Great Way Of Spiritual Perfection:
“There are two kinds of leg crossing for meditation; in true practice there are just two ways to fold your legs…”
“Let me explain the half-lotus position. This position can only be used as a transition, as a last resort, when you can’t manage to sit with both legs crossed. Half-lotus is done with one leg below and the other above. While sitting in the half-lotus position, many people hurt in their anklebones and can’t bear the pain for long. Even before their legs have begun hurting, the pain caused by their anklebones has become unbearable…”
“Of course, even though I’ve told you to do the exercise this way, you might not be able to achieve this at the very beginning. You can work on it gradually."
Mr Li Hongzhi further explains that, from the single-leg crossing position, a practitioner can then pull the leg from underneath to the top – from the outside rather than the inside.
“That’s the full-lotus position. Some people cross their legs fairly tightly. By doing so, the soles of both feet face up and they can achieve Five Centers Facing Heaven.”
Differences between male and female positions
With the half-lotus position, males have their right leg on the ground and their left foot on their right thigh. Women have their left leg on the ground and their right foot on their left thigh. When progressing to the full lotus, the leg on the ground will become the upper outside leg. So the left leg for males and right leg for females will be tightly tucked into position and held in place by your opposite leg. The right leg for males and left leg for females will lift over the top and lock the opposite leg into position. Over time you will be able to lift the outside leg right up, which will lock it into place.
With persistent practise and the opening up of the body and its energy channels, the legs slowly become more flexible and the full lotus position can be achieved safely and comfortably.
You can learn how to do the Falun Gong sitting meditation here. Classes are held online where you can learn them for free from the comfort of your own home. For more information about Falun Gong, visit this website: www.en.falundafa.org
Many Buddha statues and pictures from Buddhist-related arts show the Buddha sitting in a lotus flower. This indicates a deeper meaning when you achieve the full-lotus sitting position.
Views expressed in this article represent the author's own opinions or understandings.
‘Learn Falun Gong—Australia’ is a website run by Australian Falun Dafa volunteers for the benefit of the general public.