1. Maha Mudra, Maha Bandha and Maha Vedha form one group.
They are something like three stages of one exercise. Similarly Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha form another
group. Mula Bandha is practised during Puraka, Kumbhaka, Rechaka and during meditation and Japa also. Uddiyana Bandha is practised
during Rechaka and Jalandhara Bandha during Kumbhaka.
2. As in the case of other Yogic Kriyas, Mudras and Bandhas
also should be practised when the stomach is empty. General instructions that are given for Asanas and Pranayamas should be
followed for the practice of Mudras.
3. The benefits that are given may not be realised by
the practice of Mudras alone. You will have to combine Pranayamas, Asanas, Japa and other Yogic Kriyas.
4. Khechari Mudra should be done under the direct guidance
of a Khechari Guru. Cutting the lower tendon should be carefully done at regular intervals. Aspirants may not be successful
in this Kriya if they begin after 25 years of age when the muscles and nerves have become stiff.
5. Khechari, Shakti Chalana, Vajroli and other advanced
courses should not be practised by all. The aspirants should ascertain from the Guru if they are fit for such advanced exercises
and also they should see if they have all other requirements for the practice.
6. Uddiyana Bandha is also called Tadagi Mudra. Seet-Krama
and Vyut-Krama described in the Neti' exercise are called Matangini Mudra. Do Mula Bandha. Release it. Again and again do
like this. It is termed Aswini Mudra.
7. Those who have not undergone the preliminary portion
of Khechari Mudra (making the tongue long) can simply keep the tongue turned upwards on the palate. This is Nabho Mudra or
Manduki Mudra.
8. Real success in Mudras can be had only if there is
intense concentration of mind
Exercises
Mudras and Bandhas are certain postures of the body by
which Kundalini is successfully awakened. In Gheranda Samhita, the description of 25 Mudras and Bandhas, is given. The following
12 are the most important:
1. Mula Bandha
2. Jalandhara
Bandha
3. Uddiyana Bandha
4. Maha Mudra
5. Maha Bandha
6. Maha Vedha |
7. Yoga Mudra
8. Viparitakarani
Mudra
9. Khechari Mudra
10. Vajroli Mudra
11. Shakti Chalana Mudra
12. Yoni Mudra |
Many of the above exercises have intimate connection
with each other. In one exercise you will have to combine 2 or 3 Bandhas and Mudras. This you will see when you see the description.
Many aspirants are not able to find out the exact technique of several Mudras that are described in Hatha Yogic texts, and
therefore they could not realise the benefits.
Yogic exercises when practised regularly in the right
way, will surely bestow on you all that you want.
Nasti mudrasamam kinchit
Siddhidam kshitimandale
There is nothing in this world like Mudras for giving
success.
Dyspepsia, constipation, piles, cough, asthma, enlargement
of spleen, venereal diseases, leprosy and all sorts of incurable diseases are cured by Mudras and Bandhas. They are the most
effective exercises for maintaining Brahmacharya, without which nothing can be made in the spiritual path.
1. Mula Bandha
Press the Yoni with the left heel. Keep the right heel
pressed at the space just above the organ of generation. Contract the anus and draw the Apana Vayu upwards. This is called
Mula Bandha. The Apana Vayu which does the function of ejection of excreta has natural tendency to move downwards. Through
the practice of Mula Bandha, the Apana Vayu is made to move upwards by contracting the anus and by forcibly drawing it upwards.
The Prana Vayu is united with the Apana and the united Prana-Apana Vayu is made to enter the Sushumna Nadi. Then the Yogi
attains perfection in Yoga. Kundalini is awakened. The Yogi drinks the Nectar of Immortality. He enjoys Siva-pada
in Sahasrara Chakra. He gets all divine Vibhutis and Aishvarya. When the Apana is united with Prana, Anahata sounds (mystical
inner sounds) are heard very distinctly. Prana, Apana, Nada and Bindu unite and the Yogi reaches perfection in Yoga. This
highest stage cannot be reached by the first attempt. One should practise this again and again for a long time.
The Siddhi in the practice of Pranayama is attained through
the help of Bandhas and Mudras. The practice of Mula Bandha enables one to keep up perfect Brahmacharya, gives Dhatu-Pushti
(nerve-vigour), relieves constipation and increases Jatharagni. During the practice of concentration, meditation, Pranayama
and all other Yogic Kriyas, Mula Bandha can be combined.
Continued....Mudras & Psychic Knots Of Yoga Part-2
