Half Lotus
Half Lotus requires open hips. The knee should never feel strained — the rotation must come from the hip.
- Level
- Intermediate
- Hold
- 1–10 minutes
- Focus
- Hip rotation for meditation
- Steps
- 5 cues · ~1 min
- Rotate from the hip
- No pain in the knee
Step by step
How to do Half Lotus
StartSit in Easy Seat on a cushion.
- 1
Sit on a cushion with legs crossed.
- 2
Cradle the right shin and rotate the leg outward from the hip.
- 3
Place the right foot on top of the left thigh near the hip crease.
- 4
Keep the left foot under the right knee.
- 5
Sit tall; support the knee with a block if it lifts.
- ↩
Coming out. Lift the foot carefully off the thigh with your hands; switch sides.
Breath
Calm, steady breathing.
Focus
Hip rotation for meditation
Why practise it
A stable meditation seat for those with open hips.
Alignment
Cues & common mistakes
Aim for Rotation from the hip; knee pain-free.
Teacher’s cues
- “Rotate from the hip”
- “No pain in the knee”
Watch out for
Pulling the foot up by forcing the knee.
Make it yours
Easier, harder, supported
Stay in Easy Seat.
- Full Lotus
- Cushion
- Block under knee
In a sequence
Where it fits in a flow
BeforeBound Angle Pose
BeforeEasy Seat
This poseHalf Lotus
AfterLotus Pose
Good to know
Questions
How do I know if I'm ready for Half Lotus?
If your knee drops easily in Bound Angle and Figure Four, the hips are likely ready.
Preparation for Padmasana, the classic meditation seat.
What helps
Props that make this easier
- Non-slip yoga mat A 4–6 mm mat with good grip makes standing poses steadier. View on Amazon
- Cork yoga block Brings the floor closer in forward folds and supported poses. View on Amazon
- Cotton yoga strap Extends your reach in hamstring and shoulder stretches. View on Amazon
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