How does one achieve the lotus position? Are there exercises designed to gradually achieve it?

Answer 1

The lotus position is the preferred position to mediate in, and you always see the Buddhas meditating in this position. However, this position is considered "Advanced" as far as yoga postures go. If it is very painful to you, try the half-lotus position first (i.e. your right foot placed on your left thigh when you are sitting.
Then put your left foot under your right knee to start. Keep attempting to finally lift your left foot up and place it on your right thigh. It may take days, weeks, or even months, but don't rush it. You should do a lot of stretching.

Because most people (especially Americans) are raised to sit with their feet below their knees, the typical American is not used to this pose. Good luck!

ZEN - LOTUS POSITION

To really practice Zen one must sit like a great pine with a sense of dignity and grandeur.

One sits in the Lotus position traditionally.

The legs are crossed with left foot on right thigh, right foot on left thigh.

Hands are placed in the lap in the form of a cosmic mudra.

The Lotus position expresses the oneness of duality.

Not two, not one.

Our body and mind are both two and one.

Here is a link that will help you do the stretches to prepare for the lotus posture..
http://www.howtostretch.com/fulllotu.htm

Answer 2

I can see how this would be a difficult position for a kitten to achieve. But for a human I don't see the difficulty unless you are missing legs and hands, lack exercise, or are unwilling to bend the body in unusual ways.

Just cross your legs in the opposite to the way that they are normally crossed, that is, upward not downward, and bring your hands on your laps with your palms facing upward.

To be more precise: The legs are crossed with left foot on right thigh, right foot on left thigh, and with the feet facing upward. Hands are placed on the lap that corresponds to their actual side of the body.

The lotus position, however, is much more than a physical position. It requires a certain mental position including a state of dignity. The required exercises are mental more than physical.

Answer 3

It's simply a cross legged sitting position where your feet are on top of your knees, instead of beneath them as in typical cross-legged position.

It's not difficult but may be tough if you have tight hips or bad knees. Do some stretches to open up your hips, and don't strain your knees (sit with your legs out a bit if needed) and you should have no problems

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_position

Answer 4

Better join a yoga class near your place. First few exercises are better learnt from a physical instructor.