Sanskrit: Padmasana; padma - lotus, asana - posture; Pronounced as - pad-MAHS-anna. The lotus, or padma, is one of the most powerful symbols, which has been transformed in both dharma and time. For centuries, the lotus has been synonymous with rebirth, beauty, purity, spirituality, enlightenment, material wealth and cosmic renewal. From Egypt to India, the lotus has been a part of many legends. In Hindu iconography, Goddess Lakshmi holds herself on an open lotus. Even Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu are sometimes shown seated on a lotus. When we talk of Buddhism, it is said that wherever Buddha set foot, there the lotus blossomed. This posture derives from such powerful fables from the past.