I believe most people have a clear perception that meditation equals Hinduism or Buddhism. The Lotus position—the most popular asana—is widely considered an inseparable part of Vedic culture. It is commonly believed that this culture was brought by the Aryans, who built a vast empire based on laws and the caste principle. However, this way of sitting in the Lotus pose existed in this region long before the arrival of the Aryans, as indicated by certain findings in the city of Mohenjo-Daro.
The Legacy of Mohenjo-Daro
Mohenjo-Daro was one of the largest cities of the ancient civilization in the Indus Valley. In terms of development, it was on par with Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Crete. At the end of the 19th century BCE, when the civilization declined, the city was abandoned. During the exploration of this city, seals were found depicting proto-gods sitting in the Lotus position.
Some link the decline of Mohenjo-Daro to the arrival of the Aryans, who possessed more advanced warfare technologies, such as cavalry and chariots. However, if we take the timeline into account, it can be said that Mohenjo-Daro had already declined before the followers of the Rama cult arrived. The new Vedic civilization subsequently absorbed the cultural remnants of the former inhabitants.
The Prototype of Shiva and Yoga
The worship of Shiva is considered the oldest cult in India. The ancient Shiva-ascetic is depicted sitting in the Lotus pose in a state of deep meditation.
On the seals found in the ancient city, there were images of a god sitting cross-legged. This image is interpreted by some as a yogi, while others call it the prototype of Shiva. These drawings are considered the earliest depictions of a person in the primary pose of yoga.
The Lotus position is considered the most comfortable because it allows one to maintain a straight back without straining the muscles, while the lower part of the body remains perfectly stable. This enables maximum concentration on one’s own sensations without being distracted by the surrounding environment.
As for the Aryans who arrived in the Indus territory, the “Buddha asana” (a more relaxed cross-legged sitting style) was closer to them; it is more natural for the human body and leads to relaxation more quickly.