Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Buddhist Stupa Pose Mean?
Buddhist stupa pose is a wide high squat that requires focus, balance and flexibility.
To practice the pose, the yogi spreads the legs apart with the toes of each foot facing away from each other and then drops into a squat with the thighs parallel to the ground. The hands may be placed in prayer position in front of the chest.
Buddhist stupa pose is also known by the Sanskrit name, utkatasana (chair pose) advanced. Stupa refers to a dome-shaped structure that houses Buddhist relics and is used for meditation.
Yogapedia Explains Buddhist Stupa Pose
In Buddhist stupa pose, the gaze is straight ahead with the back remaining straight. An alternate hand position has the arms extending straight to the sky with the palms touching overhead, or the arms are raised and bent 90 degrees at the elbows with the upper arms parallel to the ground and the palms facing forward.
The pose is believed to have these benefits:
- Promotes weight loss, particularly in the lower body
- Strengthens and tones the lower back and torso
- Stretches the hips, legs, knees and ankles
- Improves balance
- Boosts concentration
Yogis suffering from knee or ankle injuries, arthritis or a headache should skip Buddhist stupa pose.
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