
Sukhasana
Learning Objectives
After practicing Sukhasana, students will:
1. Sit comfortably with a straight back
2. Feel calm and relaxed
3. Improve attention and listening skills
Step-by-Step Instructions
Teacher to Demonstrate First
1. Sit down on the floor.
2. Cross your legs comfortably.
3. Keep your back straight like a tall tree.
4. Rest your hands on your knees, palms facing up.
5. Relax your shoulders.
6. Close your eyes or look down softly.
7. Sit quietly and breathe.
Teacher Cue:
“Sit like a calm king or queen—tall and relaxed.”
Breathing & Drishti
Breathing
Breathe in gently like smelling a flower
1. Breathe out like blowing a soft candle
2. Do not hold the breath
Drishti (Point of Focus)
1. Eyes closed OR
2. Look softly at the floor
Variations, Adaptations & Progressions
Simple Variations:
1. Sit on a folded mat or cushion
Adaptations for common challenges
1. Tight Hips / Discomfort:
a. Sit on cushion to raise hips
2. Low Muscle Tone:
a. Sit against a wall for support
3. Attention or Sensory Challenges
a. Keep eyes open
b. Count breaths together
Fun Classroom Variation
None
Contra-Indications & Safety Notes
Do NOT practice if the child has:
1. Avoid if severe knee or hip pain
Teacher Safety Notes:
1. Comfort is most important
2. Do not force leg crossing
Inclusive Adaptations
Hearing Impairment (Deaf / Mute)
1. Demonstrate the posture visually
2. Use hand gestures for “sit” and “relax”
3. ISL video support can be used (to be added)
Physical Disability
Chair-Version Sukhasana
1. Sit on chair
2. Feet flat on floor
3. Back straight
4. Palms facing up, resting on thigh
Intellectual / Developmental Disability
(Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Autism)
1. Use short cues: “Sit tall”, “Relax”
2. Keep duration short
3. Allow movement if needed
4. Focus on participation, not stillness
Teacher Reminder (Important)
1. Stillness will improve slowly
2. Calm sitting is success
Classroom Teaching Tips
- Use before starting class
- Good for calming noisy groups
- Practice for short durations, 3–5 breaths
- Use positive phrases like:
- “Quiet body, quiet mind”
- “Let’s sit like statues”
Assessment & Observation (Non-Competitive)
Teachers can observe:
1. Willingness to participate
2. Ability to sit still for a few seconds
3. Awareness of sitting posture
4. Calmness during and after practice
(No grading or comparison between students)
Daily School Life Integration
1. Before lessons
2. During quiet reading
3. After lunch calming time
Summary for Teachers
1. Sukhasana helps young students:
a) Sit correctly
b) Feel calm and relaxed
c) Improve attention and listening skills
2. It is safe, simple, and suitable for all children.
3. Instructional video
4. Image slides for the steps of the Asana
5. Infographic
6. Audio guide
Video – Sukhasana
Audio – Sukhasana
Chart – Sukhasana
Teacher Resource Document – Sukhasana
| Source and Attribution of images All images used in the above Assets and Aids are originally created. |
| This digital material has been developed by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project, a unit of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, as a collaborative offering in the service of our nation. |