PA-0080
At a glance
A reclined pose crossing both legs behind the head, with the hands binding behind the back underneath the body. The name, roughly translating to "yogic sleep," points to the surrendered, deeply internal quality this shape is meant to embody, once it's really available.
“Let this be a pose you grow into over years, not one you reach for today.”
Essence
Like the two poses immediately before it, this shape sits at the outer edge of hip and hamstring capability, now combined with a reclined position and a bind that adds spinal and shoulder demands on top. The surrender in the name refers to a state this pose can express once it's safely accessible, not permission to force the body into it.
Intention
To recline with both legs crossed behind the head and the hands bound behind the back, expressing a state of deep surrender once the shape is genuinely available.
What this pose develops
Physical
- •The same extreme hip and hamstring range as the seated versions of this shape
- •Shoulder mobility through the behind-the-back bind
- •Spinal flexibility in a reclined position
Mental
- •Genuine surrender, once safely accessible, rather than forced effort
- •Long-term perspective on a pose that may take years or may never become available
Teaching concepts
- •Treating this pose the same way as the two before it: appropriate for an exceptionally small number of students
- •Never assisting a student toward this position with hands-on force
How to practise
- 1This pose is appropriate only for practitioners with an already well-established, comfortable Both Legs Behind the Head.
- 2From that position, recline back with control, keeping the legs in place.
- 3Reach the hands underneath and behind the back, binding if the shoulders allow.
- 4Allow the body to settle and surrender into the shape, breathing steadily.
- 5Hold only as long as it remains really comfortable and pain-free.
- 6Release with slow, careful control.
Alignment exploration
Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:
- •Legs remain in position without any strain in the hips, hamstrings, or neck.
- •Bind, if used, doesn't strain the shoulders to achieve.
- •Spine settles into the reclined position without forcing.
Breath
Ujjayi breath, slow and internal, reflecting the surrendered quality this pose is meant to express once it's safely available.
Teacher’s eye
As with the previous two poses, the appropriate response for nearly every student is redirection toward general, sustainable practice, not encouragement toward this specific shape.
Student practice
Reflect after practising:
- •This pose is truly rare, even among long-term, dedicated practitioners. Its absence from your practice says nothing meaningful about your progress.
- •If this pose interests you, the most productive path is patient, broad hip and hamstring development, not repeated attempts at this specific shape.
Common movement strategies
Rather than mistakes, you may notice:
- •Not applicable in a general teaching context. This pose sits outside what typical, sustainable practice builds toward.
Modifications
- •Both Legs Behind the Head, or any earlier pose in this family, as the appropriate practice.
Completion check
- ✓Release with slow, careful control, unwinding the bind before releasing the legs one at a time.
Related poses
Prerequisites
Counterposes
Alternatives
Regressions
Related movement concepts
Search tags
More seated poses
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