Sukhasana, aka: Sukha-asana, Sukhāsana; 7 Definition(s)

Introduction

Sukhasana means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India, 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).

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

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

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Sukhāsana (सुखासन) refers to a type of Āsana (sitting poses), according to Ganapati Sthapati in his text Ciṟpa Cennūl, as defined according to texts dealing with śilpa (arts and crafs), known as śilpaśāstras.—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 Viṣṇu or Sukhāsana Śiva.

Sukhāsana is where 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 and the hands held together in equilibrium. The sukhāsana posture is usually favoured for Śiva and Viṣṇu images which are consecrated separately (without supporting figures) and are called Sukhāsana Viṣṇu or Sukhāsana Śiva. Subrahmanya is also found in sukhāsana posture.

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.

India history and geogprahy

Sukha-asana.—(Ind. Ant., Vol. IX, p. 95), translated as ‘a palanquin’; enumerated as one of the five prasādas granted by a king to a subordinate. Cf. pañcāṅga-prasāda. Note: sukha-asana is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary” as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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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