In Hinduism

Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Sthirāsana (स्थिरासन) (Cf. Susthirāsana) refers to “(assuming the) posture of sitting (steady)”, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.3.22 (“Description of Pārvatī’s penance”).—Accordingly, after Menā spoke to Pārvatī: “[...] In the summer she kept a perpetually blazing fire all round and remaining within continued muttering the mantra. In the rainy season she continuously remained sitting [i.e., su-sthirāsana] on the bare ground on the rock and got herself drenched by the downpour of rain. During the winter, with great devotion she remained in water throughout. During snowfall and in the nights too she performed her penance observing fast”.

context information

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve Reflections

Sthirāsana (स्थिरासन) or Susthirāsana refers to a “stable posture”, according to the 11th century Jñānārṇava, a treatise on Jain Yoga in roughly 2200 Sanskrit verses composed by Śubhacandra.—Accordingly, “On a flat piece of wood or stone, on the ground or on sandy soil, the wise [person] should adopt a stable posture (susthirāsana) for the accomplishment of absorption. Thus, sitting cross-legged, sitting half cross-legged, thunderbolt, hero posture and the previously mentioned pleasant and lotus [postures] as well as abandonment of the body is highly thought of. [...]”.

context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Sthira, Asana.

Ends with: Susthirasana.

Full-text: Tiracanam, Susthirasana.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Sthirasana, Sthirāsana, Sthira-āsana, Sthira-asana; (plurals include: Sthirasanas, Sthirāsanas, āsanas, asanas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

The Devi Bhagavata Purana (by Swami Vijñanananda)

Chapter 16 - On the description of Sandhyā Upāsānā < [Book 11]

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