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Similarly, bend the right leg and place the heel of the right foot on the floor in front of the left foot with the sole resting against the left shin. The heels will now be one in front of the other.
The hands may be placed on the knees in jnana, chin or chinmaya mudra, or they may be placed on the lap. Close the eyes and relax the whole body. Contra-indications: Swastikasana should not be performed by people with sciatica or sacral infections.
Benefits: Swastikasana is a healthy position to sit in especially for those suffering from varicose veins, tired and aching muscles or fluid retention in the legs.
Practice note: This is the easiest classical meditation asana and is a simplified version of siddhasana.
Note: Here the symbol of the swastika represents the different corners of the earth and universe, the spokes, and their meeting point and common centre of consciousness. This asana may be regarded as the one most favourable for realising the unity of existence.
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