Sukhasana, aka: Sukha-asana, Sukhāsana; 6 Definition(s)

Introduction

Sukhasana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Yoga (school of philosophy)

Sukhāsana (सुखासन, “comfortable posture”) is a Sanskrit word referring to a type of posture (āsana) used in Yoga. It is composed of the words sukha (comfortable) and āsana (posture).

Sukhāsana (सुखासन) is a type of standing posture (āsana), according to verse 75 of the Śrītattvanidhi.—Accordingly, “Place the right hand on the right knee and the left hand on the left knee. Do the saccid-mudrā. Keep the eyes half closed. This is sukhāsana, the āsana of happiness”.

The 19th-century Śrītattvanidhi is a sanskrit treatise describing 80 primary āsanas, or ‘posture’ (eg., sukha-āsana) and several additional ones.

context information

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Sukhāsana (सुखासन) refers to one of the asanas (sitting poses) assumed by the deities in sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses.—The body is held erect without shift or curve to any side, with one leg folded flat and the other hanging in a very reposeful manner; the hands are held together in equilibrium. This is called sukhāsana. This posture is usually favoured for Śiva and Viṣṇu images which are consecrated separately (without supporting figures) and are called Sukhāsana Viṣ ṇ u or Sukhāsana Śiva.

1) Sukhāsana (सुखासन) or Sukhāsanamūrti refers to one of the twenty-three forms (mūrti) of Śiva mentioned in the Pūrvakāmikāgama (pratimālakṣaṇavidhi-paṭala): first and foremost among the Mūlāgama. The forms of Śiva (eg., Sukhāsana) are established through a process known as Sādākhya, described as a five-fold process of creation.

2) Sukhāsana is also listed among the eighteen forms (mūrti) of Śiva mentioned in the Kāraṇāgama (pratimālakṣaṇavidhi-paṭala): the fourth among the Siddhāntaśaivāgamas.

3) Sukhāsana is also listed among the eight forms (mūrti) of Śiva mentioned in the Rauravāgama: the sixteenth among the Siddhāntaśaivāgamas.

4) Sukhāsana is also listed among the twelve forms (mūrti) of Śiva mentioned in the Suprabhedāgama: the tenth among the Siddhāntaśaivāgamas.

5) Sukhāsana is also listed among the ten forms (mūrti) of Śiva mentioned in the Ajitāgama (under the Maheśvararūpa heading): the fifth among the Siddhāntaśaivāgamas.

6) Sukhāsana is also listed among the sixteen forms (mūrti) of Śiva mentioned in the Dīptāgama: the sixth among the Siddhāntaśaivāgamas.

7) Sukhāsana is also listed among the eighteen forms (mūrti) of Śiva mentioned in the Śilparatna (twenty-second adhyāya): a technical treatise by Śrīkumāra on Śilpaśāstra.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

sukhāsana (सुखासन).—n (S) A festal couch; a chair or seat of enjoyment or ease. Ex. rāyēṃ baisavilā sukhā- sanīṃ ||; also sapta śatēṃ daśarathayuvatī || tyāhī rāmalagna pāhōṃ yēti || sukhāsanīṃ baisōni nighati ||. 2 A commodious or comfortable vehicle or carriage; an easy coach or litter; an easy seat in general. 3 A chair, not unlike a Tom-John, granted originally by the king to certain persons as a mark of honor or favor.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Sukhāsana (सुखासन).—a comfortable seat.

Derivable forms: sukhāsanam (सुखासनम्).

Sukhāsana is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms sukha and āsana (आसन).

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