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Buddhasana

Last updated: December 21, 2023

What Does Buddhasana Mean?

Buddhasana is the Sanskrit name for a pose in the fourth series of Ashtanga yoga. Buddhasana is derived from the term buddha, meaning “awakened,” and asana, meaning “posture.”

To perform buddhasana, the yogi starts in dandasana, or staff pose, and brings one leg up and the thigh behind the shoulder. The opposite arm wraps over and around the foot. The hands clasp at the side with the gaze (drishti) upward.

In English, buddhasana is also known as awakened pose.

Buddhasana

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Yogapedia Explains Buddhasana

The fourth series of Ashtanga includes many advanced postures, including buddhasana, where the yogi brings the leg behind the body. A yogi is ready to attempt the fourth series, when they have mastered the primary, intermediate and third series, as they will have developed the strength, flexibility and mental endurance needed to attempt more complicated postures.

Buddhasana is the first in a series of postures that involve bringing one or both legs behind the body. In this advanced foundation pose, the yogi remains seated in an upright position while developing the ability to hold one leg behind the body, without using the hands for support, while the other leg remains extended on the floor. Breath is important in this posture; the yogi inhales as the leg rises and exhales as they bring the leg behind the body and head, holding the posture for five breaths and releasing on an exhale back to dandasana.


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