Classical Hatha Yoga is an ancient system that utilizes asanas, pranayama, bandhas, mudras, and other techniques to purify the physical body and awaken kundalini energy. It aims to achieve spiritual enlightenment through practices that work from the gross physical body to the subtle energetic body. Some of the core components of Classical Hatha Yoga include the six cleansing techniques known as shatkarmas, important asanas like siddhasana and padmasana, pranayama or breath control techniques, the three main bandhas or energy locks, hand gestures known as mudras, and awakening the psychic energy channels called nadis and chakras to realize the
Bhagvad gita Chapter- 2 ,Summary.(Revised 2021): Samkhya Yoga (The yoga of kn...Medicherla Kumar
Revised and Updated (2021)
Chapter 2: Samkhya Yoga (The yoga of knowledge) - 72 verses. Concluding his reasoning and yet confused, Arjuna turns to Lord Krishna for discernment (2:7). Krishna begins countering Arjuna's objections. Krishna tells Arjuna that the eternal self is immortal and the body is designed to pass away (2:12-30). Explaining the three principles dharma, (right action) atman (individual self) and sarira (body), Krishna reminds Arjuna that, as a warrior, his duty is to uphold the path of dharma through warfare (2:31-38).
Prana is energy, vitality, power. Prana is the foundation and essence of all life; the energy and vitality that permeates the entire Universe. Prana flows in everything that exists.
Furthermore, Prana is the connecting link between the material world, consciousness and mind. It is what makes life on the material level possible. Prana regulates all physical functions for example, the breath, the supply of oxygen, digestion, elimination and much more. The function of the human body is much like a transformer, receiving energy from the Universal flow of Prana, distributing that energy, and then eliminating it. If a person or a room has a healthy, harmonious vibration, we say: “There is good Prana here”. Illness, on the other hand, disturbs or blocks the flow of Prana. As we develop the ability to control Prana, we gain harmony and health, of both body and mind. In addition to this, with long and consistent practice an expansion of consciousness is experienced.
Prana is divided into ten main functions:
The five Pranas – Prana, Apana, Udana, Vyana and Samana.
The five Upa-Pranas – Naga, Kurma, Devadatta, Krikala and Dhananjaya.
Yoga Vashishtha of Valmiki is the record of how young Rama, the avatar of Lord Vishnu, attained Self-realization through the teaching of the sage Vashishtha.
The book is attributed to sage Valmiki, the same person who wrote the
Epic history of Rama, the Ramayana, which events take place after those in Yoga Vashishtha.
Yoga Vashishtha comprises of six books. Book I is about Rama’s dissatisfaction with everything the world has to offer. This Book is entitled vairagya, detachment. The emphasis is on the need for the aspirant to keep company with the wise, and to listen and reflect upon their teaching and the meaning of the scriptures.
Book II is about the qualities of the aspirant who longs for liberation, enlightenment. It introduces themes that permeate the rest of the book: dispassion, control over one’s desires, company of the wise, study of the scriptures, and self-inquiry.
Constantly throughout all of its seven Books (Book VI is in two parts), Yoga Vashishtha emphasizes that detachment or lack of desire is the essential preliminary to spiritual awakening.
Bhagvad gita Chapter- 2 ,Summary.(Revised 2021): Samkhya Yoga (The yoga of kn...Medicherla Kumar
Revised and Updated (2021)
Chapter 2: Samkhya Yoga (The yoga of knowledge) - 72 verses. Concluding his reasoning and yet confused, Arjuna turns to Lord Krishna for discernment (2:7). Krishna begins countering Arjuna's objections. Krishna tells Arjuna that the eternal self is immortal and the body is designed to pass away (2:12-30). Explaining the three principles dharma, (right action) atman (individual self) and sarira (body), Krishna reminds Arjuna that, as a warrior, his duty is to uphold the path of dharma through warfare (2:31-38).
Prana is energy, vitality, power. Prana is the foundation and essence of all life; the energy and vitality that permeates the entire Universe. Prana flows in everything that exists.
Furthermore, Prana is the connecting link between the material world, consciousness and mind. It is what makes life on the material level possible. Prana regulates all physical functions for example, the breath, the supply of oxygen, digestion, elimination and much more. The function of the human body is much like a transformer, receiving energy from the Universal flow of Prana, distributing that energy, and then eliminating it. If a person or a room has a healthy, harmonious vibration, we say: “There is good Prana here”. Illness, on the other hand, disturbs or blocks the flow of Prana. As we develop the ability to control Prana, we gain harmony and health, of both body and mind. In addition to this, with long and consistent practice an expansion of consciousness is experienced.
Prana is divided into ten main functions:
The five Pranas – Prana, Apana, Udana, Vyana and Samana.
The five Upa-Pranas – Naga, Kurma, Devadatta, Krikala and Dhananjaya.
Yoga Vashishtha of Valmiki is the record of how young Rama, the avatar of Lord Vishnu, attained Self-realization through the teaching of the sage Vashishtha.
The book is attributed to sage Valmiki, the same person who wrote the
Epic history of Rama, the Ramayana, which events take place after those in Yoga Vashishtha.
Yoga Vashishtha comprises of six books. Book I is about Rama’s dissatisfaction with everything the world has to offer. This Book is entitled vairagya, detachment. The emphasis is on the need for the aspirant to keep company with the wise, and to listen and reflect upon their teaching and the meaning of the scriptures.
Book II is about the qualities of the aspirant who longs for liberation, enlightenment. It introduces themes that permeate the rest of the book: dispassion, control over one’s desires, company of the wise, study of the scriptures, and self-inquiry.
Constantly throughout all of its seven Books (Book VI is in two parts), Yoga Vashishtha emphasizes that detachment or lack of desire is the essential preliminary to spiritual awakening.
Patañjali is often regarded as a great saint, who lived most probably in the second – fifth century BCE.
He is the compiler of a great treatise on Yoga, entitled Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras. He is also regarded as the author of a great commentary on Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, known as Mahābhāṣya, treatise on Sanskrit grammar and linguistics.
He is also credited as the author of a medical text, a commentary on Charaka Samhita, known as Carakavartikka.
Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras is a great treatise that outlines the art and science of Yoga meditation for Self-Realization.
It is mainly a compilation of a much older oral tradition.
Patañjali divided his Yoga Sūtras into four pāda or chapters. It consists of 196 aphorisms or sutras.
Managing and suppressing the manifest symptoms with Yoga techniques is just as good or bad as modern allopathic medicine that focuses primarily on symptomatic management without ever getting close to the real cause of most disorders. In this talk, Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani will explore the need to address the primary cause of the problem followed by symptomatic management without which it could merely be Yogopathy.
About the Presenter
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Director of the Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER), and Professor of Yoga therapy at the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry (www.sbvu.ac.in).
He is also Chairman of the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India (www.icyer.com) and Yoganjali Natyalayam, the premier institute of Yoga and Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam in Pondicherry (www.rishiculture.in). He is son and successor of the internationally acclaimed Yoga team of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj and Yogacharini Kalaimamani Ammaji, Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani.
He is a Gold Medallist in Medical Studies (MBBS) with postgraduate diplomas in both Family Health (PGDFH) as well as Yoga (PGDY) and the Advanced Diploma in Yoga under his illustrious parents in 1991-93. A Fellow of the Indian Academy of Yoga, he has authored 19 DVDs and 23 books on Yoga as well as published more than two hundred papers, compilations and abstracts on Yoga and Yoga research in National and International Journals. His literary works have more than 1450 Citations, with an h–Index of 19 and an i10-Index of 33. In addition, he is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer of Indian Classical Dance.
He is an Honorary International Advisor to the International Association of Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org), the Australasian Association of Yoga Therapists (www.yogatherapy.org.au), the World Yoga Foundation (www.worldyogafoundation.in) and Gitananda Yoga Associations worldwide (www.rishiculture.in).
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani's talk on "Power of Pranayama" for SBV Yoga Fest 2016 organised by CYTER at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, India.
www.sbvu.ac.in/ahs/yoga
Patañjali is often regarded as a great saint, who lived most probably in the second – fifth century BCE.
He is the compiler of a great treatise on Yoga, entitled Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras. He is also regarded as the author of a great commentary on Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, known as Mahābhāṣya, treatise on Sanskrit grammar and linguistics.
He is also credited as the author of a medical text, a commentary on Charaka Samhita, known as Carakavartikka.
Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras is a great treatise that outlines the art and science of Yoga meditation for Self-Realization.
It is mainly a compilation of a much older oral tradition.
Patañjali divided his Yoga Sūtras into four pāda or chapters. It consists of 196 aphorisms or sutras.
Managing and suppressing the manifest symptoms with Yoga techniques is just as good or bad as modern allopathic medicine that focuses primarily on symptomatic management without ever getting close to the real cause of most disorders. In this talk, Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani will explore the need to address the primary cause of the problem followed by symptomatic management without which it could merely be Yogopathy.
About the Presenter
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Director of the Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER), and Professor of Yoga therapy at the Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry (www.sbvu.ac.in).
He is also Chairman of the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India (www.icyer.com) and Yoganjali Natyalayam, the premier institute of Yoga and Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam in Pondicherry (www.rishiculture.in). He is son and successor of the internationally acclaimed Yoga team of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj and Yogacharini Kalaimamani Ammaji, Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani.
He is a Gold Medallist in Medical Studies (MBBS) with postgraduate diplomas in both Family Health (PGDFH) as well as Yoga (PGDY) and the Advanced Diploma in Yoga under his illustrious parents in 1991-93. A Fellow of the Indian Academy of Yoga, he has authored 19 DVDs and 23 books on Yoga as well as published more than two hundred papers, compilations and abstracts on Yoga and Yoga research in National and International Journals. His literary works have more than 1450 Citations, with an h–Index of 19 and an i10-Index of 33. In addition, he is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer of Indian Classical Dance.
He is an Honorary International Advisor to the International Association of Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org), the Australasian Association of Yoga Therapists (www.yogatherapy.org.au), the World Yoga Foundation (www.worldyogafoundation.in) and Gitananda Yoga Associations worldwide (www.rishiculture.in).
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani's talk on "Power of Pranayama" for SBV Yoga Fest 2016 organised by CYTER at Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, India.
www.sbvu.ac.in/ahs/yoga
Introduction: Charles Warner wittily said, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” In modern times, we all seem to talk so much about Yoga, but don’t do anything about experiencing it! “Atha yoganushasanam” says Maharishi Patanjali in his very first verse implying that Yoga is something to be experienced through mindfulness. We can never really ‘do’ Yoga, but we can prepare ourselves for the ‘experience’ of Yoga. Yoga is an experiential science, and Vairagya the key to develop objectivity towards subjective experiences obtained through Abhyasa.
Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga: We can experience states of expanded consciousness through Hatha and Jnana Yoga relaxation techniques as codified by Yogamaharishi Dr Swami Gitananda Giri in the tradition of Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga. This is now popularly known as Gitananda Yoga in tribute to this great master who played a significant role in bridging modern science and spirituality. This wholesome system focuses on Yoga as a “Way of life” encompassing cultivation of wholesome lifestyle, adoption of health promoting diet, development of unbiased attitudes with bountiful practices for positive health.
Four-fold relaxation: A systematic and conscious adoption of attitudes results in deep experiential states of relaxation.
1. Letting go: We need to let go of our prejudices and preconceived notions.
2. Giving up: We must develop a firm desire to give up our stresses. This does not mean defeat, but is to throw off any tensions that turn us into a smoking volcano. This is a positive, relaxing and evolutionary process.
3. Giving in: A positive process of opening up to dictates of Higher Consciousness.
4. Giving over: The highest stage of relaxation where control of mind is given over to the Self. One thus merges into beautiful super-conscious states indescribable in words.
Conclusion: Swamiji taught us that ‘we’ are the source of our problems. If we are to solve them, we need to change our attitude. An egocentric perspective will never be able to change anything as all the ego wants to do is survive at any cost (Abhinivesha). The Yoga Dristi (perspective) offers a more elevated and conscious perspective of life that enables us to convert our seemingly insurmountable problems into mere molehills.
Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani's presentation on relaxation that was awarded BEST PAPER AWARD in the theme "Experiential Paradigm of Yoga in Education" in the 8th International Conference on Yoga & Education at Kaivalydhama, Lonavla, India from 27th - 30th December 2015. He received the award from the hands of Swami Maheshanandaji (Chairman Kaivalydhama) in the august presence of Dr BM Hegde and Sri DR Karthikeyan.
Set within the framework and against the background authority and context of the Yoga canon - ancient and modern - this is an exposition of the seminal significance of prana (vital life force), its conscious control and expansion within the energy sheath (pranayama kosha) for the benefit of the human condition. The classical kumbhakas (pranayamas), their health benefits; physical, mental and emotional upon the various body systems are elucidated enabling a clear understanding of the application of these practices across the age range. Gender specific advice and guidance for the alleviation of stress and its related issues is given. Time honoured views on Swara Yoga are touched upon. Pranayama’s spiritual dimension completes the health benefits for the sadhak.
INTRODUCTION TO YOGA, DEFINITION,ORIGIN,THEORY OF EVOLUTION, ACCORDING TO SANKHY, ACCORDING TO YOGA
THE SCHOOLS OF YOGA, BHAVANA YOG, PRANASAMYAMA YOGA,APPLICATIONS OF YOGA, EDUCATION,THERAPY
STRESS MANAGEMENT
SPORTS
HEALTH PROMOTION
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF YOGA
The Chrysalis Process is a holistic and transformational approach to your health and healing. Through a blend of the ancient health practices of Ayurveda, you will learn about your ʻdoshaʼ - your unique body composition.
This study sheet by Ammaji Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, reminds us of the main aspects of the traditional Eight Classical Pranayamas mentioned in time honored classical texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Gherandha Samhita. However these Pranayamas are considered by the Rishi Culture Ashtanga Yoga Tradition of Dr. Swami Gitananda to be relatively advanced practices, which should be taught only after basic training in proper breathing is given. Yoga practitioners outside the traditional tutelage of the Gurukula often ignore the step by step practice of Pranayama as its import is little understood or appreciated. Swami Gitananda Guru Maharaja said, “God breathed the Breath of Life into man and he became a living soul.” He went on to say, “We must deepen it, lengthen it, control it, expand it and become conscious of it and its potentiality to link us with our Highest Nature.” In addition to over 375 Asanas, Kriyas, Mudras, Bandhas and cleansing practices more than 120 Pranayamas are taught in this tradition, designed to cleanse, purify, strengthen and sensitize the body, emotions and mind, making the human being a fit vehicle of the Divine Spirit.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
3. Overview
• In today’s society the word Hatha Yoga has come to mean to the
uninitiated many things.
• Often Yoga teachers try to promote Asanas as Hatha Yoga, thus
not only deluding their students but also they are perpetuating a
false understanding in themselves.
• Everyone suffers as spiritual realization becomes only a pipe
dream. Yoga has always been about awakening, enlightment of
the spirit, this has never been an outcome of just Asana practice.
• By systematically following the system of “Classical Hatha Yoga”
you will eventually “experience” Yoga.
4. Shatkarmas
• Originally Classical Hatha Yoga, which is a complete system of
Yoga in itself, only consisted of six techniques known as the
Shatkarmas.
• Shatkarmas: The main shatkarmas are Neti, Dhauti, Basti,
Nauli, Kapalbhati and Trataka. Classical Hatha Yoga later
evolved over many centuries to encompass Asana, Pranayama,
Mudra, Bandha.
• Classical Hatha Yoga is a tried and proven path to self-realization
that has been finely honed and developed by Indian, Nepalese
and Tibetan Yoga Masters for millennia.
• It not only confers a healthy mind and body but also leads the
sincere and dedicated aspirant to psychic and spiritual awakening
and to the discovery of their inherent creative potential.
• This is the path of Yoga most suited to the Yoga aspirant of
today’s world as it works systematically from the grosser physical
body that we are already familiar with through to the most subtle
aspects of our total personality. Thus making Classical Hatha
Yoga the ideal foundation for the most advanced Yoga’s.
5. Asana
• Asana: Asana is the next limb of Classical Hatha Yoga. In Raja
Yoga, asana refers to the sitting meditative posture used for the
higher stages of Raja Yoga i.e.) Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana,
Dhyana, Samadhi, but in Hatha Yoga1 it means something more.
• Asana is a specific body position, which helps to open the energy
channels (nadis) and the psychic energy centers (Chakras) .Hatha
Yoga is a process through which purification and control of the
body takes place by restructuring the pranic flow.
• Foremost important Asanas are: Siddhasana or Siddha Yoni
Asana (Adepts pose) and Padmasana (Lotus pose) which all
classical Hatha yoga texts recommend as the most important to
master. Additional asanas up to 82 are also recommended until
one is ready for higher Yoga’s such as Raja Yoga or Kriya Yoga,
which is an advanced form of Kundalini Yoga. The Classical
Ancient Hatha Yoga Texts are:
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gherand Samhita,
Hathratnavali, Shiva Satarka
6. Pranayama
• Pranayama: Is the next limb of classical Hatha Yoga following
Shatkarmas and Asana. Classically Pranayama is commenced
after ones body has been prepared through Asana and one has
commenced to moderate and purify the diet and is practicing
some shatkarmas according to the instructions of the teacher.
• The word “Prana” is a combination of two syllables, pra and na.
Prana denotes constancy, a force in constant motion. Prana is
the vital life force and pranayama is the process by which the
internal pranic store is increased or expanded. Pranayama is
comprised by the words prana and ayama, which means” pranic
capacity or length”.
• Pranayama is a technique through which the quantity of prana in
the body is activated to a higher frequency.
7. Bandha
• Bandha: Is the next limb of classical Hatha Yoga following the Shatkarmas,
Asana and Pranayama.
• A Bandha is a Psychomuscular energy lock, which redirects the flow of
psychic energy “Prana”in the body. There is mainly three Bandhas, but the
combination of all three Bandhas is sometimes used to make a fourth very
important lock or Bandha. The Bandhas are:1) Moola Bandha 6 triggered by
the contraction of the Perineum in the male and the Cervix in the female
body. 2) Uddiyana Bandha : Abdominal retraction lock 3) Jalandhara Bandha :
Throat lock.
• Maha Bandha: the Great lock is the coordinated combination of the previous
three Bandhas.
• Universal Prana or life force in the physical body is subdivided into five prana
vayus. These Prana Vayus are operating in different locations, they flow in
different directions and perform different functions. The Prana Yayus are
Apana, Samama,Prana,Vyana,Udana. The three most important are Prana,
Apana and Samana. The natural movement of Prana is upwards, Apana
downwards and Samana is sideways.
• Through the practice of Maha Bandha the direction of Apana and Prana is
reversed and made to flow towards Samana. The force of Samana is
strengthened and redirected backwards to help awaken the transcendental
Nadi of Sushumna.
8. Mudra
• Mudra: In classical Hatha Yoga after practicing Shatkarma,
Asana, Pranayama, Bandha the student of Hatha Yoga begins the
practice of Mudra.
• Mudra literally means “gesture” a physical, mental and psychic
attitude which expresses and channels the cosmic energy of
Prana.
• The most famous Mudras are: 2Khechari Mudra, Maha Mudra,
Maha Bheda Mudra, Vipareeta Karani Mudra,Vajroli and Sahajoli
Mudra, Naumukhi Mudra and Yoni Mudra, Shambhavi Mudra,
Manduki Mudra, Shakti Chalini Mudra.
• Mudra’s channel the refined and subtle pranic energy that is
produced through the preceding Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, and
arouses or induces a particular state of mind.
• When this state arises Deep Meditation can become
spontaneous. Cultivation of this state of high energy opens the
doors of perception through which a Yogi explores their
consciousness
9. Nadis
• Nadis: Nadis are Psychic channels through which flows the distribution of prana in
the Astral body or Pranamaya Kosha.
• “When we heat ice, we speed up the energy within it, and the ice becomes
water. The characteristic expression of water is flow. So to in the pranamaya
kosha, the prana flows in rivers of energy”. Quote: Swami Satyananda
Sasaswati.
• According to Ancient Yogic Texts there are 72,000 or more nadis through which
prana and consciousness are distributed throughout the body. There are Ten main
nadis out of which, three are the most important. These Nadis are Ida, Pingala and
Sushumna. Ida is the channel of mental energy, Pingala the channel for vital energy
and Sushumna Nadi is the channel for spiritual energy. When the left nostril is flowing
Ida is active, and when the right nostril is flowing Pingala is active.
• But when both are made to flow perfectly equal for an extended period of time
through Sadhana (“Spiritual Practice ie: Yoga”) or other means, this is said to herald
the auspicious moment when the transcendental Nadi of Sushumna begins to open
and flow.
• The Physiological correlate for Sushumna is the Canal Centralis of the spinal cord.
Perfection of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama and many other techniques begins the
awakening of Pranas in the Pranamaya Kosha3 “Pranothana” and eventually through
much effort Sushumna. Through Sushumna you can experience deep transcendental
experiences related to the mystical Chakras and Kundalini.
10. Chakras
• Chakras: A Chakra is a Psychophysical reality or entity4, a
vortex of light or psychic energy existing multidimensional at the
interface between body and mind.
• At the grosser level the Chakras have associated links in the
physical body through various Endocrine Glands, Nerve
Plexuses, Organs and the (CNS) Brain and Spinal Cord.
• On a more subtle level Chakras operate like transducers stepping
down the cosmic energy like a top down hierarchy of energy and
consciousness filtering down through the depths of the
Unconscious Mind to permeate the physical Body.
• Chakras can be understood as part of the here and now mortal
body and part of the complex and immortal collective super
conscious state of the divine, which is inherent in all beings.
11. Kundalini
• Kundalini: The Goal of Yoga is to awaken your dormant potential, which is
the evolutionary spiritual force known in Tantra as Kundalini. Stabilizing the
awakened state of Kundalini in Samadhi is the Goal of all Yogas.eg Hatha,
Raja, Kriya, Kundalini.
• Few ever achieve the highest goal which is said to be a transcendental state of
supreme bliss at one with all of creation. It is only reached through diligent
Sadhana for many years under the tuition of a capable Master of this Science.
• This is our evolutionary destiny to have a firm grip of the experience of
Kundalini and have permanent access to the wisdom that it reveals.
Quotes
• Kundalini does not belong to the physical body, though it has to be searched
for there, nor in the mental body or even in the astral body. It is in the
unconscious causal body, in that particular state of awareness where the
concept of time, space and object is completely lost. The seat of the
unconscious in man is in the perineum, known in yogic terminology as
Mooladhara. It is a gland, a muscle, it is a body in which all the unconscious
powers and initiatives of man are hidden. “Quote by Swami Satyananda
Saraswati”
• 5By Pranayama and other yogic processes the static Shakti is affected and
becomes dynamic. When completely dynamic, when Kundalini unites with
Siva “Divine Consciousness” in the Sahasrara, the polarization of the body
gives way. The two poles are united in one and there is the state of
consciousness called Samadhi. “Quote by Swami Sivananda Saraswati”
12. Expansion of important points on the theory of
Pranayama
• Through Pranayama mind and breath can become
calm and in this calmness when the nadis are
purified the mystical Chakras and deep meditation
can be awakened.
• Many different branches of Yoga utilize the
effectiveness of Pranayama. As one becomes more
advanced in the pranayamas of Hatha Yoga,
Kundalini Yoga and Kriya Yoga can become more
achievable Sadhanas.
• Pranayama is a supremely valuable Jewel in the
Yogic repertoire.
14. Some Verses of Wisdom
From the
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Circa 6th Century AD
• C1Ver43: There is no asana like Siddhasana, no Kumbhaka
like Kevala, no Mudra like Kechari and no Laya or dissolution
of the mind like Nada, the inner sound
• C2Ver75: There is no doubt; the state of Raja Yoga is also
attained through Kevala Kumbhaka. By retention Kundalini is
aroused, Sushumna becomes unobstructed and perfection of
Hatha Yoga takes place
• C2Ver76: There can be no perfection if Hatha Yoga is without
Raja Yoga or Raja Yoga without Hatha Yoga. Therefore, through
practice of both, perfection is obtained
• C4Ver114: While the prana does not flow in the middle passage
(Sushumna), while the Bindu is not steadied by restraining the
Prana, while the mind does not reflect spontaneous Meditation,
then those who speak of Spiritual knowledge are only indulging
in boastful and false tales