Meditation Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800354

Bound Lotus Baddha Padmasana

Full lotus with the arms crossing behind to catch the opposite toes.

Practice Bound Lotus (Baddha Padmasana) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Bound Lotus (Baddha Padmasana) — Meditation Yoga Posture Illustration

Bound Lotus (Baddha Padmasana) — Meditation posture targeting Hip Flexors, Shoulders, Inner Thighs · Natural breath · Nasagra drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Neutral (0)
Sanskrit Name
Baddha Padmasana
Posture Family
Meditation
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
180 seconds
Breath Pattern
Natural
Drishti (Gaze)
Nasagra
Target Muscles
Hip Flexors, Shoulders, Inner Thighs
Energy Expenditure
1.8 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Bound Lotus

Bound Lotus (Baddha Padmasana) belongs to the Meditation posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Shoulders, Inner Thighs at an intensity of approximately 1.8 METs. Full lotus with the arms crossing behind to catch the opposite toes.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Natural throughout the 180-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Nasagra to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Hip Flexors, Shoulders, Inner Thighs.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 18 years (216 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 180 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Neutral (0) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Shoulder injury

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