RE

Advancedsupine

Reclining Lotus Pose

सुप्त पद्मासन

Supta Padmasana is an advanced supine asana that deepens the hip opening and promotes a sense of inner peace. It requires significant flexibility in the hips and knees and should only be attempted by experienced practitioners.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

5

Deepens hip opening
Calms the mind and reduces stress
Stimulates the abdominal organs
Improves posture
Promotes a sense of inner peace
Full anatomical benefits — muscles, joints, organs →

Avoid If

4

Knee injuries
Hip injuries
Ankle injuries
Sciatica

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕Lifting the shoulders toward the ears — keep them relaxed

✕Flattening the natural curve of the lower back

✕Tensing the facial muscles and jaw

✕Holding the breath

✕Forcing the legs into position rather than using props for support

✕Forcing the hips open beyond their current range

✕Holding tension — allow complete release in the supported position

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

7 cues

1Press the back of the head gently into the floor
2Keep the lower back in its natural curve
3Relax the shoulders away from the ears
4Soften the facial muscles and jaw
5Breathe deeply into the belly
6Allow the hip joints to open gradually — never force
7Surrender the weight of the body to the props and the floor

Pose Details

Pose Type

hip openerrestorative

Body Focus

hipsspine

Focus Areas

flexibilityrelaxationbreathing

Yoga Styles

ashtangahatha

When to Practice

cool downrestorative

Position

supine

Practice Flow

Supta Tadasana

Supta Padangusthasana I

SU

Supta Padangusthasana II

RE

This pose

Savasana

About this Pose

Supta Padmasana is an advanced supine asana that deepens the hip opening and promotes a sense of inner peace. It requires significant flexibility in the hips and knees and should only be attempted by experienced practitioners.

How to Practice

1

1. Sit in Padmasana (Lotus Pose). If Padmasana is not accessible, sit in Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus Pose).

2

2. Slowly recline onto your back, using your hands for support as needed.

3

3. Try to keep your back flat on the floor, but place a blanket under your lower back if necessary.

4

4. Rest your arms alongside your body, palms facing up.

5

5. Relax your neck and shoulders.

3 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Reclining Lotus Pose

What is Reclining Lotus Pose?

Supta Padmasana is an advanced supine asana that deepens the hip opening and promotes a sense of inner peace. It requires significant flexibility in the hips and knees and should only be attempted by experienced practitioners.

What are the benefits of Reclining Lotus Pose?

Deepens hip opening. Calms the mind and reduces stress. Stimulates the abdominal organs. Improves posture. Promotes a sense of inner peace.

Who should avoid Reclining Lotus Pose?

Avoid this pose if you have: Knee injuries, Hip injuries, Ankle injuries, Sciatica.

How many steps are in Reclining Lotus Pose?

Reclining Lotus Pose is practiced in 8 steps. Sit in Padmasana (Lotus Pose). If Padmasana is not accessible, sit in Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus Pose).

Is Reclining Lotus Pose suitable for beginners?

Reclining Lotus Pose is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What props are needed for Reclining Lotus Pose?

You may use: blanket. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.

What poses should I do before Reclining Lotus Pose?

Prepare with: Supta Tadasana, Supta Padangusthasana I, Supta Padangusthasana II. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.