Now, Siṃhāsana: place the ankles beneath the scrotum, on the sides of the perineum, the left ankle on the right side and the right ankle on the left side.

The description of Siṃhāsana, the lion posture, begins. It is the third of the four principal postures and has unique characteristics that distinguish it from typical meditation postures.

The position of the crossed ankles beneath the genitals creates an elevated base for the perineum. Unlike Siddhāsana, where one heel presses directly on the perineum, here both ankles provide lateral support.

Vṛṣaṇa (scrotum) indicates this description is directed at male practitioners. For women, the instruction is adapted by placing the ankles beneath the vulva.

Sīvanyāḥ pārśvayoḥ — “on the sides of the perineum” — means the ankles do not press the center of the perineum but its flanks. This configuration has different effects on the nāḍīs than the other postures.

The name “lion” will be better understood in the following verse, which describes the characteristic facial expression.