Hatha Yoga Bandhas
Manipulation
of vital energy (“prana”)
using Body locks (called as “Bandhas”):
Seals (“Bandhas”) are traditionally classified as part of Mudras and is extensively incorporated with mudras as well as with pranayama. Bandhas can hold the vital force called “Prana '' in the particular part of the human body and redirect it to Spinal Cord “Sushumna Nadi”. “Sushumna Nadi '' is the name of the central nerve and the Central Channel in Yoga. It runs lengthwise from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. It connects all 7 chakras from the Muladhara Chakra below to the Sahasrara Chakra at the top of the head. The Sushumna Nadi is the main channel of energy through which “Kundalini Shakthi '' emerges for the spiritual awakening. There are 4 types of bandhas namely Jalandhara bandha, Uddhiyana bandha, Mula bandha and Mahabandha. Here mahabandha is the combination of other 3 bandhas. Bandhas are connected to 3 “Granthi” which are psychic knots present in the body. They are Brahma granthi associated with Mulabandha, Vishnu granthi associated with Uddhiyanabandha and Rudra granthi is associated with Jalandharabandha. The first knot Brahma granthi is related to Muladhara chakra and Swadhishtana chakra the second knot Vishnu granthi is related to Manipooraka chakra and Anahatha chakra and the third Rudra granthi is related to Vishuddhi chakra and Ajna chakra. Since the “Granthis' ' are in a blocked condition, opening of these passages enable the “Kundalini Sakthi” to flow freely. When Brahma granthi is opened “Kundalini Shakti '' is free to rise beyond Muladhara chakra and Swadhishtana chakra without being pulled back down by the attraction and instinctual patterns of the person. Similarly when the second knot Vishnu granthi is unfolded “Kundalini Shakthi” can flow beyond Manipooraka chakra and Anahatha. In this stage the practitioner is not affected by mental, emotional and physical problems and will feel happiness and joy. When the final psychic knot Rudra granthi is unlocked “Kundalini Shakti” will be allowed to elevate beyond Vishuddhi chakra and Ajna chakra. In this state the person attains freedom from all fluctuations of the mind and will be fit for “Samadhi”.
In Jalandhara bandha, the “prana” is locked in the
throat area, and it can control the network of “Nadis”. Jalandhara bandha can
be performed both in inner inhalation (“Antar Kumbhaka”) and outer outer
inhalation (“Bahya Kumbhaka”). This compresses carotid sinus which is helpful
in controlling the respiratory and circulatory systems of the body thus
resulting in mental relaxation.
Mulabandha is the lock in the area of the root of
the spine and in the pelvis area. In male the area of contraction is between
the anus and testis while in females it is in the cervix area. Initially it is
very difficult to isolate the area for contraction, instead if one practises
the “Sahajoli mudra” or “Vajroli mudra” it is possible to awaken muladhara
chakra. Mulabandha can be practised with both inner inhalation (“Antar
Kumbhaka”) and outer outer inhalation (“Bahya Kumbhaka”). This stimulates the
pelvis area and regains health from degenerative and psychosomatic illnesses.
Uddhiyanabandha is a lock in the abdominal area and
it can be practised by raising the diaphragm upwards towards the chest while
practising retention of breath (“Bahya Kumbaka ''). This redirects “Prana ''
into the “Sahasrara” chakra through Manipuraka chakra. “Sahasrara '' chakra is
the end of “Sushumna” central channel. It stimulates abdominal muscles and
synchronises the digestive systems of the body.
Mahabandha:
Mahabandha is called the great lock for the reason
that it is the combination of the other 3 bandhas namely, Jalandhara bandha,
Udhiyana bandha and Mula bandha. In brief the practitioner might practise first
Jalandhara bandha and secondly Udhiyana bandha and thirdly Mula bandha.
Practice of Mahabandha provides all the benefits of all other 3 bandhas. The
most significant gain for practice of Mahabandha is the activation of pineal
glands.
Pineal glands are part of the endocrine system which
secretes the hormone called “melatonin”. The main job of the pineal gland is
the regulation of the cycle of sleep and wakefulness.
Some Mudras are described for attaining
psychic powers and extrasensory perception.
Mudras are described as destroying old age and death
and realizing a state of consciousness that transcends time and space. The body
is made of matter and will transform one day or so, the body does not have
immortality, but the consciousness and mind can reach a higher level where
there is no death or ageing.
Mudras (seal, impression or certain position of
fingers in religious practice) means precise yogic postures usually associated
with specific regulation of breath. Mudras are practiced to arouse the
“Kundalini Sakthi”.