Note: I know several of you are yoga teachers. As much as I love learning, if the following translation of Sattva (or the posture) is incorrect, please don’t tell me…I’m way too excited about it 😂 😂 😂
“Sattva is a Sanskrit word meaning “hero,” a spiritual hero who works for the benefit of others. Because it is less physically demanding than full lotus posture, most of us will be able to sit in Sattva posture if we work at it over time.”
- Anyen Rinpoche & Allison Choying Zangmo, The Tibetan Yoga of Breath
When I read that this posture signified “a spiritual hero who works for the benefit of others,” there was no way I wasn’t making it my new breathing position.
Here’s how Anyen and Allison say it’s done:
“Sattva posture is done differently for males and females, but both can begin by sitting cross-legged on the floor. Elevating the hips so that they rest above the knees makes the posture easier to hold, so we need to sit on a pillow or cushion. For males, the left leg is tucked in closer to the body and the left foot placed on the inner right thigh, while the right leg rests in the front. For females it is the opposite: the left leg rests in the front and the right leg is tucked, with the right foot resting on the inner left thigh. This posture is similar to a half lotus posture, except that one leg rests in front of the body for balance.”
Click here to view a picture from the book (it’s the middle image).
If you’re so inspired, give this posture a try and join me in using our breath to become spiritual heroes 🙏