Gupta Padmasana Hidden Lotus Pose
Gupta Padmasana (Hidden Lotus Pose) is a mix of Padmasana (Lotus Pose) and Advasana (Reverse Corpse Pose). This version necessitates the use of hip, knee, and ankle strength to support the upper body while in a forward bend.
Squeeze your knees and ankles while keeping your hips stable. Then, lie flat on the floor. Finally, lock your hands behind you in Anjali Mudra (Namaskar Mudra).
Gupta means “hidden” in Sanskrit. It refers to hiding anger, worry, and negativity. It also means keeping what is good for the body and mind. Instructors should encourage students to cultivate attentive breath-body linkages while in Hidden Lotus Pose.
Gupt-Padmasana \ Gupta Padmasana necessitates hip flexibility. This asana has a beneficial effect on the entire spine. Incredibly flattering on a rounded back. Because the torso covers the feet, people also call this asana the “Hidden lotus.”
What Makes Gupta Padmasana so Unique?
Gupta Padmasana, or the Hidden Lotus Pose, is a special and advanced yoga position. It has a unique place in traditional yoga.
This pose is different from most others. It combines the calmness of Padmasana (Lotus Pose) with the strength of a standing position. This mix makes it unique both spiritually and physically.
1. Inward-Facing Posture
Contrary to standard seated or standing postures, Gupta Padmasana stretches the body towards the back, both literally and metaphorically. When you fold forward into an upright position, the practitioner can step back from the outside world. This helps encourage deep reflection and praktyahara, which means withdrawing from the body’s senses.
2. Combination of Stability and Surrender
The pose demands the firmness of Lotus (a representation of balance and light) and surrender to lying on your back. This creates a powerful blend of control and relaxation which allows an intense meditation practice and gentle energy work.
3. Used in Tantric and Advanced Yogic Practices
Gupta Padmasana is frequently practiced by yogis who are more advanced during pranayama (breath retention), mudra, and bandha practices. It helps to direct energy through the Sushumna Nadi, the central energy channel. This is good for awakening the kundalini and inner alchemy.
4. Physically Grounding and Energetically Lifting
When the posture is anchored to the body back to the ground, it also lifts the subtle energy upwards. The balance between groundedness and elevation is ideal for spiritual discipline and a deep inner concentration.
5. Rarely Practiced, Highly Symbolic
Gupta Padmasana has not been widely taught in yoga classes today and is unique in practice and theology. “Gupta” means hidden and reveals the potential hidden within awareness that this posture helps unlock.
Gupta Padmasana Hidden Lotus Pose Step-by-Step Guide
Gupta Padmasana, or The Hidden Lotus Pose, is a challenging yoga pose. In this pose, you lie face-down with your legs crossed in Lotus Pose (Padmasana). It helps you achieve deep stillness, control your breathing, and meditate deeply.
- Sit in Padmasana (Lotus Pose) – Lie on the floor with your legs stretched out. Bend your left leg and place your foot on your left thigh with the sole facing up. Then, bend your right leg and place it on your right thigh in the same way. Keep both knees close to the floor and your spine straight.
- Breathe and Prepare – Take deep, calm breaths. Relax your body and ease into the pose. Get ready to move into a face-down position.
- Lean Forward Slowly – Put your hands on the ground beside your legs. Inhale deeply, then exhale and lift your hips. Lower your chest towards the ground while keeping your legs in Lotus Pose.
- Rest the Torso on the Floor – Lean forward until your chin and chest touch the mat. Make sure not to strain your neck or lower back.
- Stretch the Arms Backward – Extend your arms along your sides with palms facing up. Relax your shoulders and keep them on the floor.
- Hold and Release – Hold this pose for 15-30 minutes. To come out, push your hands forward and lift yourself back into a sitting position. Relax your legs afterward.
Gupt-Padmasana asana stimulates the Swadhisthana chakra
This asana stimulates the Swadhisthana chakra. The sacral chakra aids in the development of flexibility in our lives. The driving force behind the enjoyment of life through the senses.
Pleasure motivates it. Whether it’s by hearing, tasting, touching, or seeing. A healthy swadhisthana helps us to experience the world around us and inside ourselves. It is also the cornerstone of our sense of well-being.
Health Benefits of Gupta Padmasana
Gupta Padmasana is a yoga pose that enhances the benefits of Padmasana (Lotus Pose) by placing you face-down. Advanced yoga practitioners commonly use it, especially for pranayama, meditation, and tantric practices. Here’s a simple overview of its health benefits:
- Improves Hip and Knee Flexibility – This pose strengthens and opens the hip joints. It also increases flexibility in the ankles and knees, reducing stiffness.
- Stimulates Abdominal Organs – Sitting face-down applies gentle pressure on the abdomen, aiding digestion and elimination. It also invigorates internal organs like the pancreas and liver.
- Strengthens the Spine and Back Muscles – Lying face-down helps improve awareness of the spine and aligns posture. It strengthens the lower back and sacral area.
- Improves Blood Circulation – This pose increases blood flow to the abdomen and pelvic organs. It also helps circulation in the lower legs.
- Better breathing capacity: The lungs take in more oxygen when the chest expands. As a result, the respiratory system will work well.
- Lower body flexibility: The asana stretches all the muscles in the leg and thighs.
- Improves upper back flexibility: Keeping the shoulders straight (rather than rounded) increases shoulder and arm flexibility.
Gupta Padmasana Mental Benefits
- Calms the Nervous System – The grounded position activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress. It is often used in breathing exercises to relax the mind.
- Improves Concentration and Mindfulness – This pose is great for deep meditation and breathing exercises. It encourages pratyahara, which helps control the mind by withdrawing from the senses.
- Balances the Chakras – It effectively balances and stimulates the Muladhara (Root) and Swadhisthana (Sacral) chakras. It promotes energy movement through the Sushumna Nadi.
Supports Advanced Yogic Practices
This pose is often used with techniques like Kechari Mudra and Moola Bandha. It fosters inner awareness and can awaken kundalini for advanced practitioners.
Precautions
Experts do not recommend this pose for beginners or for people with hip, knee, or back injuries. It’s best to practice under a
