half-lotus position; sitting with one foot on the opposite thigh
A meditation posture where only one foot is placed on the opposite thigh, as opposed to the full lotus (結跏趺坐). Used in Buddhist practice and yoga.
See also: 結跏趺坐 (けっかふざ)
Beginners should start with the half-lotus position.
He sat in the half-lotus position and meditated.
Full lotus position where both feet are placed on the opposite thighs; more advanced and stable than 半跏趺坐.
Standard kanji spelling for the half-lotus meditation posture.
Variant spelling using 座 (seat) instead of 坐 (sit); less common but encountered.
From 半 (half) + 跏趺坐 (lotus sitting posture). 跏趺坐 is a Buddhist term of Chinese origin describing the cross-legged meditation seat.