Now Svastikāsana: placing both soles of the feet between the thighs and knees, sitting with the body erect — this is known as Svastikāsana.

Svastikāsana is one of the oldest seated postures for meditation. The name derives from svastika, the auspicious symbol representing wellbeing (su = good, asti = being).

Technique:

• Sit with legs extended
• Bend the left leg, placing the foot between the right thigh and calf
• Bend the right leg, placing the foot between the left thigh and calf
• Keep the spine (ṛju-kāya) straight

This posture is more accessible than Padmāsana for many practitioners, especially Westerners. It provides the stability necessary for prāṇāyāma and meditation without forcing the knees.

The mention of ṛju-kāya (erect body) emphasizes that a straight spine is essential in all seated postures.