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GUPTA PADMASANA
BSY
Gupta Padmasana (hidden lotus pose)
Assume padmasana. Place the hands on the floor in front of the knees. Leaning on the arms, raise the buttocks and stand on the knees. Slowly lower the front side of the body to the floor in the prone position. Rest either the chin or one cheek on the floor. Place the palms together behind the back. The fingers may point downward, or upward in hamsa mudra (see section on mudras for this practice). If possible, touch the back of the head with the middle fingers. Close the eyes and relax the whole body. Return to the starting position, cross the legs the other
way and repeat the asana. Breathing: Normal and unrestrained in the final position. Duration: Hold the position for as long as is comfortable. Awareness: Physical - on relaxation of the whole body and
mind, and on the breath
Spiritual - on anahata chakra. Benefits: This asana corrects postural defects of the spine. It
may be used as a relaxation or even a meditation pose as
it induces peace, stability and emotional balance. Practice note: For complete relaxation, the hands may rest on
the floor beside the body with the palms upward. Note: The Sanskrit word gupta means 'hidden'. In this asana the feet
are hidden under the body.
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