• Home
  • About
    • Meet Shree Maa
    • Meet Swami Satyananda Saraswati
    • Gurus of Our Lineage
      • Shiva
      • Ramakrishna
      • Trailinga Swami
      • Ramprasad Sen
      • Shirdi Sai Baba
      • Adi Shankaracharya
      • Sir John Woodroffe
    • Mission and Goals
    • Who We Are
    • Our Pujas
    • In the Media-Exploring Spiritual Wisdom: A Journey Through Books, Articles, and Media
    • Testimonials
  • What’s New
  • Ways to Worship
    • Goddesses
      • Annapurna
      • Chandi
      • Durga
      • Gayatri
      • Kali
      • Lakshmi
      • Lalita
      • Saraswati
    • Gods
      • Ganesh
      • Hanuman
      • Krishna
      • Navagraha
      • Rama
      • Shiva
      • Vishnu
    • Gurus
  • Practices
    • Free Classes
    • Mantras
    • Philosophy
    • Yoga
  • Spiritual Life
    • Astrology
    • Cooking
    • FAQs & Video Excerpts
      • Deities
      • General Philosophy
      • Scriptures
      • Worship and Practices
    • Poetry
    • Presentations
      • Cosmic Puja
      • Dasnami Sannyasins
      • Das Mahavidyas Presentation
      • Family Wealth
      • Generals of the Chandi
      • Jyotirlingams Mantra
      • Kashyap Sutras
      • Nine Steps of Devotion
      • Panchang Tutorial
      • Tattva Jnana: A Comprehensive Overview of the Principles
      • Mudras used for Puja
      • Sadhana Panchakam
      • The Yamas in Devi Gita
    • Sanskrit
    • Spiritual Business
    • Stories and Articles
    • Travel
    • Wisdom on Relationships
  • Free Classes
    • Current Class
    • Video Excerpts
    • Video Classes
      • Introductory
        • Durga Puja
        • Ganesha Puja
        • Guru Gita Class
        • Ramakrishna: The Nectar of Eternal Bliss
        • Shiva Puja for Beginners
        • Swami Purana
        • Tattva Jnana
      • Intermediate
        • Annapurna Sahasranama
        • Bhagavad Gita
        • Gayatri Sahasranam
        • Hanuman Puja
        • Kashyapa Sutra
        • Lakshmi Puja
        • Lalita Trishati
        • Pronunciation and the Chandi Samputs
        • Satyanarayan Vrat Katha
        • Sundar Kanda
      • Advanced
        • Chandi Path
        • Cosmic Puja
        • From Birth to Death: Sixteen Initiations
        • Devi Gita
        • Kali Puja
        • Rudrashtadhyayi
        • Shiva Puja and Advanced Yajna Class
    • Podcast Commentaries
      • Introductory
        • About Worship
        • Bhuta Shuddhi
        • Ramakrishna Series
        • Sadhu Stories
        • Sandhi Puja
        • Shree Maa on Gurus
      • Intermediate
        • Bhagavad Gita
        • Guru Gita
        • Lalita Trishati Stotram
        • Shiva Sankalpa Stotram
      • Advanced
        • Chandi Path
        • Cosmic Puja
        • Devi Gita
        • Devi Yajna
        • Five Fires Sadhana
        • Kali Puja
        • Rudrashtadhyayi
        • Sahasra Chandi Yajna
    • Podcast Chanting
      • Introductory
        • Durga Mantra
        • Ganesha Mantra
        • Mahamrtyunjaya Mantra Chanting
      • Intermediate
        • Hanuman Puja
        • Lalita Trishati Stotram
      • Advanced
        • Advanced Shiva Puja
        • Chandi Path
        • Cosmic Puja
        • Rudrashtadhyayi
        • Sundar Kanda
    • Swamiji Bhava Videos
      • Puja and Worship
      • Sahib Sadhu
      • Swami Ramkripalu Visits
      • Two Men and the Prostitute
  • Shree Maa Sings
    • Shree Maa Sings (Audio)
      • Individual Songs
        • Ganga Stotram
        • Guru Bhajare
        • Guru Bina Rahana Jai
        • I Am That
        • I Love You All
        • Jago Jana Mohana
        • Jaya Jaya Kali
        • Kali Thanksgiving
        • Maa
        • Pratah Smarami
        • Sakali Korecho Dur
        • Shree Maa on Gurus
      • Mantras
        • 32 Names of Durga
        • 108 Names of Durga
        • Annapurna Stotram
        • Devi Prapannarti
        • Mahalaksmi Astakam
        • Ramakrishna Mantra
        • Sarva Baddha
        • Sharanagatadinartha
      • Songs from CDs/Albums
        • Bara Aka Kori
        • Bhava Bhakti
        • Jago Maa
        • Krishna
        • Matanga Vadana
        • Oh Dark Night Mother
        • Satyam Shivam Sundaram
    • Shree Maa Sings (Video)
      • Abhay Pade
      • Hari Nam
      • Jaya Jaya Dekho
      • Kali Kali
      • Madhu Bane Base
      • Om Namah Shivaya
      • Premer Jishu
      • Ramachandra
      • Sakali Tomar Iccha
      • Song For Ramakrishna
    • Shree Maa Bhava Videos
      • A Day in the Life of Shree Maa
      • Across the States
      • Interview with Shree Maa in Sedona
  • Our Store
  • Sponsor/Donate
  • Daily Calendar
  • Contact Us

Devi Mandir

Temple of Divine Mother

  • देवी मंदिर हिंदी में
  • Soundcloud
  • Devi Mandir Telegram
  • Daily Satsangha via Zoom
  • Costa Rica
  • Nashik

Asana

Last Updated on February 8, 2025 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Sitting with a Straight Spine

Question:

All the Masters say that when we sit, we should keep our spine erect. But I can’t see my spine. How do I figure out if it is straight?

Swamiji says:

You know when your spine is straight when you are paying attention with complete focus.

Swastikasana and Siddhasana

Question:

I thought Siddhasana and Swastikasana were one and the same, but per the link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asana they are different. Can you please let me know if it is Siddhasan or Swastikasan that you recommend as the preferred pose?

Swamiji says:

Some of the asanas in this link have different names from those of the tradition that I studied. According to this link, the Svastik and Siddha asanas differ only in so far as which leg is placed on top. We never made such a distinction, but we always placed the right leg on top, so that would be the Siddhasana according to this nomenclature. Also the poses depicted here for the Virasana and Vajrasana are different from what is described in the Devi Gita.

Proper Asana

Question:

Would you discuss with us, your online devotees, the proper way to sit in meditation, in puja, etc.. Also please discuss the asanas you favor for both brief and longer meditations. Also, would you address the requirements in your method for relative physical stillness? Is that an aspect that is important, or does one let the focus naturally draw one into the increasing stillness?

Swamiji says:

Our tradition emphasizes that every movement of the body is a reflection of the movement of the mind. Therefore, in order to hold the mind still, we must hold the body still. We teach the swastik asana as the asana of our preference. There are two choices: the padma or the swastik. Choose one, and expand the duration of your sitting peacefully.

Sadhana on a Bed

Question:

My question is for someone who is ill: do you feel it is okay to do chanting, propped up at an angle in bed?

Swamiji says:

Being propped up in bed is an excellent place and position in which to recite Chandi. She understands our limitations, and I’m sure She appreciates our every effort to overcome those limitations.

Different Kinds of Asanas

Question:

Verse 138 of the Guru Gita refers to different types of asanas and their effects. Verse 139 states the kusha and the durva mat should be covered by a white blanket. Is it ok to just sit on a kusha grass mat, or do we need to put a white blanket on the grass? Is this only done while doing an ordinary puja, or only for Guru Gita recitation? What is the relevance of a sheepskin used in the Devi Mandir tradition?

Swamiji says:

The sheepskin is white wool. It is ok to sit on the kusha asana, but it will quickly become uncomfortable. You can put a blanket under it, or a different asana on top.

Question:

In your experience, is there a most superior type of asana (seat, rug, or skin) such as tiger skin, lion skin, deer skin, sheep skin, etc. or are certain types more appropriate for certain types of sadhanas or tapas? Is there a best color for these skins as well? Does the skin have to be new and unused to be good and appropriate, or will it become purified and charged over time? Is there a ritual to cleanse and charge it initially?

Swamiji says:

In the Guru Gita there are different types of asanas listed for different types of sadhana. All siddhis can be attained using a white woolen blanket. The use of other skins, especially endangered species, comes from a different time, and a different circumstance. A skin previously used for another purpose can become purified by the intention and the intense and prolonged sadhana of an experienced sadhu. The mantras for purification are included in the Advanced Shiva Puja Book and Advanced Shiva Puja iPad App; in the mantra “asanasya mantrasya…”

Join Online Satsangha

Click HERE for online satsangha with Shree Maa and Swamiji. Class is held every day in the morning and evening at 7:30a (PST) and 8:00p (PST).

Miss a class or want to stream them on your devices? Please click HERE.

Jai Maa!

Contact Us

Shop Now

DeviMandir_Store_Icon

Support Us

Join Our Newsletter

Free Downloads

Sundar Kanda

Gayatri Chalisa

Maha Kali Chalisa

Samasthi Chandi Tantra Bijamantratmaka

  • Home
    • 2014 Chaitra Navaratri Homa
    • 2015 Aashadh Navaratri Durga Homa
    • 2014 India Pilgrimage videos
    • 2015 Magh Navaratri Evening Homa
    • 2018 Chaitra Navaratri sadhana in Kamakhya temple, India
  • What’s New
  • About Us
    • About
    • Activate
    • Activation
    • Activity
    • Apps
  • Astrology
  • Books in French
  • Books
  • Books in German
  • Books in Hindi
  • Books in Portugese
  • Books in Tamil
  • Books-Apps
  • Community Chat & Forum
  • Contact Us
  • Cooking
  • Current Video Classes
  • Daily Satsangha – Morning & Evening
  • Devi Mandir Calendar
  • Devi Mandir Christmas 2020 Song Book
  • Download Free Bhajans and Kirtans
  • FAQ Deities
  • FAQ on General Philosophy
  • FAQ on Scriptures
  • FAQs & Video Excerpts
  • FAQs & Video Excerpts
  • Festivals
  • Free Classes
  • Free Shiva Puja Class
  • Goddesses
  • Goddesses
  • Books in Other Languages
  • Cosmic Puja
  • Home
  • What’s New
  • 2014 Chaitra Navaratri Homa
  • 2014 India Pilgrimage videos
  • 2015 Aashadh Navaratri Durga Homa
  • 2015 Magh Navaratri Evening Homa
  • 2018 Chaitra Navaratri sadhana in Kamakhya temple, India
  • Devi Mandir Radio
  • About Ganesh Page
  • About
  • About Us
  • Activate
  • Activation
  • Activity
  • Apps
  • Astrology
  • Books
  • Books in French
  • Books in German
  • Books in Hindi
  • Books in Portugese
  • Books in Tamil
  • Books-Apps
  • Community Chat & Forum
  • Contact Us
  • Cooking
  • Current Video Classes
  • Daily Calendar
  • Daily Satsangha – Morning & Evening
  • Devi Mandir Calendar
  • Devi Mandir Christmas 2020 Song Book
  • Download Free Bhajans and Kirtans
  • FAQ Deities
  • FAQ on General Philosophy
  • FAQ on Scriptures
  • FAQs & Video Excerpts
  • FAQs & Video Excerpts
  • Festivals
  • Free Classes
  • Free Shiva Puja Class
  • Goddesses
  • Goddesses
  • Books in Other Languages
  • Cosmic Puja
  • Home
  • About Us
  • What’s New
  • Ways to Worship
    • Cosmic Puja Presentation
    • Goddesses
      • Annapurna
      • Chandi
      • Durga
      • Gayatri
      • Kali
      • Lakshmi
      • Lalita
      • Saraswati
    • Gods
      • Ganesh
      • Hanuman
      • Krishna
      • Navagraha
      • Rama
      • Shiva
      • Vishnu
    • Gurus
    • Mantras
    • Philosophy
  • Spiritual Life
    • Astrology
    • FAQ
      • FAQ Deities
      • FAQ Festivals
      • FAQ General Philosophy
      • FAQ Scriptures
    • Presentations
    • Sanskrit
    • Spiritual Business
    • Stories and Articles
    • Travel
    • Wisdom on Relationships
    • Yoga
  • Free Classes
    • Video Classes
      • Introductory
        • Shiva Puja
        • Durga Puja
        • Ganesha Puja
        • Guru Gita
          • Guru Gita – 2013
          • Guru Gita – 2006
        • Ramakrishna: The Nectar of Eternal Bliss
        • Swami Purana
        • Tattva Jnana 
      • Intermediate
        • Annapurna Sahasranama
        • Bhagavad Gita
          • Bhagavad Gita – 2013
          • Bhagavad Gita – 2006
        • Gayatri Sahasranam
        • Hanuman Puja
          • Hanuman Puja – 2006
        • Kashyapa Sutra
        • Lakshmi Puja
        • Lalita Trishati
          • Lalita Trishati – 2013
          • Lalita Trishati – 2006
        • Pronunciation and the Chandi Samputs
        • Satyanarayan Vrat Katha
        • Sundar Kanda
      • Advanced
        • Aparajita Stotram
        • Chandi Path
          • Chandi Path – 2010
        • Cosmic Puja
        • Devi Gita
          • Devi Gita – 2013
          • Devi Gita – 2007
        • From Birth to Death: Sixteen Initiations
        • Kali Puja
        • Rudrashtadhyayi
        • Shiva Puja and Advanced Yajna
          • Shiva Puja and Advanced Yajna – 2006
    • Video Excerpts
    • Podcast Commentaries
      • Introductory
        • Bhuta Shuddhi
        • Ramakrishna Series
        • Sadhu Stories from the Himalayas
        • Sandhi Puja
        • Shree Maa on Gurus
      • Intermediate
        • Bhagavad Gita
        • Lalita Trishati Stotram
      • Advanced
        • Chandi Path
        • Devi Gita
        • Devi Yajna
        • Five Fires Sadhana
        • Kali Puja
        • Rudrashtadhyayi
        • Sahasra Chandi Yajna
    • Podcast Chanting
      • Introductory
        • Durga Mantra
        • Ganesha Mantra
        • Mahamrtyunjaya Mantra
      • Intermediate
        • Hanuman Puja
        • Lalita Trishati Stotram
      • Advanced
        • Advanced Shiva Puja
        • Chandi Path
        • Cosmic Puja
        • Rudrashtadhyayi
        • Sundar Kanda
    • Swamiji’s Bhava Videos
      • Puja Techniques
      • Sahib Sadhu
      • Shivaratri Q&A
      • Swami Ramkripalu Visits
      • The Story of Two Men and the Prostitute
  • Shree Maa Sings
    • Shree Maa Sings (audio)
    • Shree Maa Sings (video)
      • Shree Maa Bhava Videos
  • Our Store
  • Get Involved
    • Contact Us
    • Devi Mandir Facebook Page
    • Sponsor/Donate
  • Daily Satsangha – Morning & Evening
  • Other Languages
  • Hindi Page
  • Devi Mandir Christmas 2020 Song Book
  • SwamiBook Social Media
  • Media Gallery
  • Activation
  • Registration
  • Activate
  • Register
  • Members
  • Activity
  • Password Recovery
  • User Registration
  • Community Chat & Forum
  • Other Languages
  • Daily Satsangha – Morning & Evening
  • Hindi Page
  • Devi Mandir Christmas 2020 Song Book
  • SwamiBook Social Media
  • Media Gallery
  • Activation
  • Registration
  • Activate
  • Register
  • Members
  • Activity
  • Password Recovery
  • User Registration
  • Community Chat & Forum
  • Other Languages
  • Daily Satsangha – Morning & Evening
  • Hindi Page
  • Devi Mandir Christmas 2020 Song Book
  • SwamiBook Social Media
  • Media Gallery
  • Activation
  • Registration
  • Activate
  • Register
  • Members
  • Activity
  • Password Recovery
  • User Registration
  • Community Chat & Forum
  • Costa Rica
  • Other Languages
  • Nashik
  • Home Backup
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Cart
  • Checkout
  • My account
Go to mobile version