No Mud, No Lotus

The symbolism of the Lotus in Yoga

The lotus flower (padma in Sanskrit) is one of the most iconic and enduring symbols in the yoga tradition.

Rooted in mud, rising through water, and blooming in light, it speaks to our personal evolution through challenge, growth, and transformation. It’s a reminder that beauty and wisdom arise from within, even when life feels murky.

What is Padmasana?

Padmasana (Lotus Pose) is a classic seated posture in yoga, traditionally used as a seat for meditation.

But rather than being a goal or a shape to strive for, it is a metaphor: a symbol of inner stillness, grounded openness, and readiness to receive.

This weekend at HeartSpace Yoga, our Lotus Rising masterclass with Ella Kennaway will explore not just the physical aspects of Padmasana, but also its deeper meaning. Through flowing sequences and mindful preparation of the hips, ankles and knees we cultivate the balance of strength and softness needed to unfold into this sacred shape.

But more importantly, we hold space to sit with ourselves.

From movement to meditation - why we really practice Yoga

In modern yoga culture, there can be a strong emphasis on aesthetic perfection - how the pose LOOKS rather than how it FEELS.

But in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which many consider the philosophical heart of yoga, there are only three verses out of 196 that address physical postures.  One of the most well-known is sutra 2.46...

स्थिरसुखमासनम्
  Sthira sukham āsanam

"The posture (āsana) should be steady (sthira) and comfortable (sukha)."

This foundational teaching reminds us that the goal of asana is not extreme flexibility or performance, but to cultivate a state where the body can remain grounded, supported, and at ease—a necessary condition for entering deep states of meditation.

Not fancy. Not contorted. Not for Instagram.

It’s for us- for our healing, growth and evolution.

The physical practice of Yoga is a portal to the inner landscape, where stillness can reveal the deeper truths of our true nature.

Like the lotus, physical postures only finds meaning when they from a foundation of softness, stability and surrender.

No Mud, No Lotus - the path of inner clarity

Meditation is where the symbolism of the lotus truly comes to life.

Just as the flower grows through muddy waters, we too must sit with our internal noise and distractions. With practice, the mud of the mind settles and clarity begins to emerge. As Patanjali writes in Sutra 1.2

  योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः
Yogah citta vṛtti nirodhaḥ

"Yoga is the stilling (nirodah) of the fluctuations (vrtti) of the mind (citta)."

When the surface becomes still, we can see deeper. The real purpose of yoga isn’t to perfect the outer form, it’s to meet the quiet, spacious awareness that resides within.