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Dhyana (Meditation)

9/24/2021

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Brain, mind and consciousness are the three important parts of human body.  The brain is the master coordinator of the millions of functions, continuously occurring in the physical body. Mind is energy, and the various thoughts, passions and distractions, create waves in that energy. Mind functions are memory, concentration, the intellect and other similar abilities. The mind is the instrument of consciousness and the storehouse of our finite personality. Consciousness is infinite and unbound. Consciousness has four realms viz. consciousness, sub-consciousness, unconsciousness and super-consciousness. The underlying nature of all living organisms is consciousness. However, the consciousness is manifested at different levels in different organisms. In plants, it is at rudimentary level and in humans at more advanced level. Human beings have the potential to function from consciousness by liberating himself from the shackles of body-mind.
 
Meditation is the vehicle of journey into the inner realms of mind. It develops awareness and achieve a mentally clear & stable mind by adopting techniques such as mindfulness (to pay attention on thoughts), spiritual (prayer), focused (focus on internal or external object), movement (walking in woods, gardening), mantra (Aum), transcendental, progressive relaxation, loving-kindness (feelings of compassion, kindness, and acceptance of self & others) and visualization.
 
All meditation practices aim initially to develop concentration of mind. Perfect concentration (Dharana) leads to meditation (Dhyana). Bhagwan Shree Krishna has explained four paths of yoga. Each path has its mode to achieve meditation. The vehicle in Karma yoga is intense, concentrated work; in Bhakti yoga overwhelming devotion, in Jnana yoga the vehicle is an absorbing enquiry and in Kriya yoga a number of kriyas.
 
A concentrated mind becomes receptive to higher vibrations and heightened perception. It becomes receiver of the influx of higher awareness, bliss and knowledge. Concentration is the key that will unlock the door to higher states of awareness. All this is normally beyond the range of the average mind which is distracted by a continual inner chatter of thoughts.
 
Pre-requisites of Meditation:
  1. Ability to sit long time in sable, still and relaxed position.
  2. Ability to do away physical and mental distractions leading to calmness and relaxation.
  3. Ability to focus awareness on the inner realms of mind to the exclusion of all others.
  4. Patience and a sense of surrender are must for success.
 
To develop ability to sit long time in stable, still and relaxed position:
Sitting is relaxed posture (Padmasana, Siddhasana, Siddha yoni asana, Swastikasana, Ardha padmasana, Vajrasana, Veerasana or if former asanas are not suitable Sukhasana) is necessary for meditation.
 
To develop ability to do away physical and mental distractions leading to calmness and relaxation
It is totally impossible if the awareness is engrossed and entangled with external events or physical body. Even engagement in thinking about external world, is merely living in outside world with closed eyes. During meditation, distractions whatsoever need to be minimised.
 
Limbs of Patanjali’s Yoga Darshan viz. yama, nyama, asana, pranayama & pratyhara are designed to minimise the distractions. Patanjali Yoga Darshan is discussed in article already published. Moderation & regulation of intake through sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue & skin).
 
Ability to focus awareness on the inner realms of mind to the exclusion of all others Awareness or witnessing principle is gaining insight into these realms of existence and physical activities. If a person is aware then he becomes a spectator of his activities both internally and externally. Yoga aims at improving witnessing principle. Five sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, skin and tongue) are intermediary instruments between outside world and consciousness. The sensory organs pick up signals for utilization by the brain. From brain, these signals are perceived by the consciousness. Brain is only the instrument which acts as receiver, transformer and transmitter. Without consciousness each one of us would be incapable of doing anything; we would be lifeless and would know nothing. One pointedness is achieved by focusing on breathing process, internal chanting of mantra (such as Om), external or internal object, different parts of the body or any symbol. All these facilitate in meditation.
 
Precautions:
  1. Best timings – Brahmamuhurta which is between four to six o’clock in the morning.
  2. Regularity & Sincerity – Everyday practice is must. Every day 10 minutes practice every day is better than one hour occasionally.
  3. Sitting – Use prescribed meditative asana.
  4. Place – Choose a clean & tidy place having peaceful and not very hot & not very cold atmosphere.
  5. Attitude – One should merely practice with perseverance and accept whatever happens.
  6. Relaxation – Physical and mental relaxation is must. For physical relaxation, practice a combination of a few asana to relax the body. Asana & Pranayama helps in calming the mind. Kaya sthairyam (Body steadiness) is a technique used to steady and relax the body. In this technique, close the eyes, relax the body, be aware of the whole body, feel that the body is grounded like a tree, feel different parts of the body, feel all the sensations of the body and make a resolve not move the body. The practice increases relaxation and detachment from the body.
  7. Thoughts –It is difficult to remove thoughts generated from emotional overtones such as jealousy, hatred, pride, fear, anger etc. These thoughts lie dormant in the subconscious mind. Don’t lost in thoughts or suppress the continuous stream of thoughts. The aim of meditation is to transcend both rational and irrational thoughts. It is better to watch them with awareness.  
  8. Awareness – A symbol, process, sound or mantra is required to as a vehicle to fix the attention so that the awareness may be directed into mind.
 
Stages of Meditation:
The aim of meditation is to dive deeper into substratum of cosmic mind and to be aware of its potential.
  1. Most of the persons operate on a predominantly logical level throughout life.
  2. When one becomes aware of lower mind, he confronts the seed of the problems of emotional outbursts (such as jealousy, hatred, pride, fear, anger etc.). Before one can transcend the lower mind and direct the beam of awareness outside its limitation, these disturbances and memories have to be exhausted. The lower mind has to be purged of its clutter and unwanted dirt. 
  3. When one transcends both rational and instinctive thought, he enters the sphere of the super personal experience – the domain of our ancestral experiences and intuitive, inspirational flashes.
  4. The culmination of meditation is enlightenment, where one is overwhelmed with the light of truth.
  5. Higher awareness of the world inside the mind leads to higher awareness of the world outside. There is no longer conflict between the outer and inner world.
 
Reference: A systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya – by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
 
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Psychic Energy Circles (Chakra) & Chakra Dharna

9/20/2021

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Psychic Energy Circles (Chakra) & Chakra Dharna
Researchers have theorized the chakra system with modern science. In Hinduism, chakras find mention in the later Upanishads, including specifically the Brahma Upanishad and the Yogatattva Upanishad. Chakras are used to denote the energy centers in the spinal region of the body and the mystic diagrams (yantras) which are also used in ritual worship. It is believed that the chakras vitalize the physical body and influence the physical, emotional and mental movements of the mind and body. They are considered to be the loci of life-energy (known as prana, shakti or chi), which also flow through them along the pathways called nadis. The main function of the chakras is to draw in the prana by spinning around their own axes and hold it in their respective spheres to maintain and balance the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of the mind and body.

Loizzo, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York has linked the chakras with central nervous system (CNS): the crown chakra with the neocortex, the third eye with the prefrontal cortex, the throat chakra with the limbic system, the heart chakra with the midbrain, the solar plexus with the pons, the sacral and root chakras with the medulla oblongata. Anodea Judith, New York relates Maslow’s need theory with the chakras, physiological need with the root chakra, safety with the sacral chakra, belongingness with the solar plexus, self-esteem with the heart chakra, self-actualization with the throat chakra, and transcendence with the third eye and crown chakras.

Acupuncture system of healing is actually based on the control and manipulation of the chakras. The practice includes about seven hundred chakras located throughout the entire body. These chakra points are stimulated by needles on specific areas of the skin surface. This physical stimulation induces changes in the more subtle chakras, which in turn bring about positive changes in the state of health of specific internal organs. 

What are Chakras:
The word “chakra” means “wheel” in Sanskrit. Chakras or psychic (also called pranic or life) energy centres are certain masses of nerve ganglia on the interior walls of the spinal column. The chakras are whirlpools of pranic energy along the spine which controls circulation of prana. Chakras are visualized as lotuses, with a different number of petals and colours in every chakra. The physical base of a chakra would be a hub in typically dormant or subordinate electrical circuitry that becomes accessible to conscious control, providing the potential for subtle influence over the activities of the central & autonomous nervous system and endocrine system.
 
Biologically, in human nervous system, the spinal cord, at the brain, ends in a sort of bulb, in the medulla, which is not attached to the brain, but floats in a fluid in the brain, so that if there be a blow on the head the force of that blow will be dissipated in the fluid, and will not hurt the bulb. At the lower end of the hollow canal is what the Yogis call the "Lotus of the Kundalini", in triangular in form in which, in the symbolical language of the Yogis, there is a power called the Kundalini, coiled up.
These chakras are charged and awakened by yogic practices involving mantras, breathing, asanas (postures) and meditation. By focusing on chakras, psychic powers may be developed. A chakra can become blocked, which slows the energy wheel, or it can become overactive which causes the energy to flow too fast.

Types of Chakras:

In each person, there are myriad of chakras. These chakras are both real and symbolic. There are seven principal chakras: Muladhara, Swadhistana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, Ajna and Sahasrara. The fifty letters of the albhabet in the classical language are distributed amongst these seven centres, and correspond to the sound vibrations associated with these chakras. The fifty first is that of the primal sound (Om, the pranava mantra). Lower chakras:

There are also lower chakras, below mooladhara – atala, vitala, sutala, talatala, rasatala, mahatala and patala. These chakras relate to less developed forms of life in the animal and insect kingdoms, in plant life and in inanimate objects such as rocks and minerals. All lack self-awareness, even the potential. But in human being this potential exists.
Attributes of the chakras:

Each chakra is a switch which turns on specific levels of the awareness in mind. The awakening of each chakra is inseparably related to both prana and consciousness. The Mooladhara and Swadhisthana chakras are considered to be pre-dominantly instinctive, with little awareness and discrimination. The higher chakras represent higher levels in the range of understanding, harmony, bliss, identification and knowledge. Ajna chakra is associated with more intuitive realms. The opening of the chakras is indeed full of wonders.

 
  1. Muladhara – The Sanskrit word mula means root or base and adhara means substratum. It is mainly centre for personal security (food, place, etc.). Physiologically, it is associated with sexual, reproductive, excretory and urinary organs. Psychologically, it is associated with the attributes of solidarity, cohesiveness and integration.
Location – inside perineum, in coccygeal region, and is physically manifested through gonads and the pelvic plexus; Shape – yellow square containing red triangle; Patel in Lotus – four; Guna – Tamas; Tattva – Earth; Kosha – Annamaya; Bija Mantra – Lam; Loka (level of awareness) – Bhu (earthly).
  1. Swadhistana – The Sanskrit word swa means ‘one’s own’ and adhusthana means ‘dwelling place’. This chakra is regarded as being the substratum, the basis of individual human existence. This is associated with the unconscious mind with its storehouse of mental impressions – samskara. It is mainly centre for seeking & appreciating personal pleasures & sensation through food, wine, sex, etc. It is physically manifested through adrenal gland and hypogastric glands. Physiologically it is associated with the kidneys, prostate gland in men and uterus & vagina in females. Psychologically, it is associated with the attributes of diplomacy, flexibility and equanimity.
Location – tailbone in sacral region of spine (just above anus & below naval); Shape - silver crescent moon; Patel in Lotus – six; Guna – Tamas; Tattva – Water; Kosha – Annamaya; Bija Mantra – Vam; Loka – Bhuvah (Intermediate).
  1. Manipura – The Sanskrit word mani means ‘gem or jewel’; the word pur means ‘city, “the city of jewels”. It is the center that puts man directly in contact with the subtle forces of the cosmos. It often associated with transmutation of sexual energy into more subtle pranic energy (ojas). This is the chakra level where people become very active and extroverted. It is physically manifested as the solar plexus. Physiologically it is associated with the pancreas and liver. Psychologically, it is associated with the attributes of power, wealth, passion, energy and motivation.
Location – lumber region of spine (directly opposite the naval); Shape - red triangle facing downwards, apex down; Patel in Lotus – ten; Guna – Rajas; Tattva – Fire; Kosha – Annamaya; Bija Mantra – Ram; Loka – Swahah (Subtle).
  1. Anhata – The Sanskrit word anahata means ‘unstruck’ or ‘unbeaten’. Anahata chakra is the center of unbeaten sound i.e., cosmic sound (Shabda Brahman). The center is so powerful for it is the seat of emotions. These emotions when purified and one-pointed are transformed into devotion. The anahata chakra is the level where one begins to accept and love everyone and everything unconditionally. Physically, it is manifested as cardiac plexus. Physiologically it is associated with the thymus gland. Psychologically, it is associated with the attributes of creative power, unconditional love and compassion, tolerance and understanding.
Location – thoracic region of spine (directly behind the centre of the chest, at the heart level); Shape - blue hexagram (two interlocking triangles – one pointing upward & other downward, direction of spiritual path & lower path respectively); Patel in Lotus – twelve; Guna – Rajas; Tattva – Air; Kosha – Pranamaya; Bija Mantra – Yam; Loka – Maha (abode of divine beings).
  1. Vishuddi – The Sanskrit word vishuddhi means ‘purification’. It is the centre to experience the world as a place of harmony and perfection. It is manifested through pharyngeal plexus, vocal cords, thyroid gland and parathyroid. Physiologically it is centre of visualization, discrimination and acceptance of the dualities of life. Psychologically, it is associated with the attributes of empathy, communication and freedom.
Location – cervical region of spine (throat); Shape - dark indigo or black oval; Patel in Lotus – sixteen; Guna – Sattva; Tattva – Ether or Akasha; Kosha – Pranamaya; Bija Mantra – Ham; Loka – Janah (abode of those who have transcended the ego).
  1. Ajna – The Sanskrit word ajna means ‘command’. This chakra is so called because it represents the level of awareness and harmony. It is the center where Ida and Pingala end and merge with sushumna. For this reason, it is also called triveni or prayag. It is the centre of witnessing the world, actions and thoughts, own body as distinct from it. Ajna chakra is the bridge between the microcosm and macrocosm, between the finite and infinite, the human being and pure consciousness. The ajna chakra is the means by which consciousness manifests into individuals and activates the actions and thoughts (pravritti marg). Conversely, ajna chakra is person’s means of making to the return journey (nirvritti marg) and communing with the source.
It is physically related to nasocilliary plexus and pineal gland. It is the centre of extrasensory perception (intuitive perception & intelligence). When ajna chakra is awakened, sankalpa shakti (will power) becomes very strong.
Location – directly behind the eyebrows centre; Shape - white two-winged globe; Patel in Lotus – two; Guna – Sattva; Tattva – nil; Kosha – Manomaya; Bija Mantra – Om; Loka – Tapah (abode of enlightened siddhas or perfect beings).
  1. Sahasrara – It means “thousand-petal” and figuratively “unlimited”. It is physically related to cerebrum. It is the centre of bliss.
Location – Crown; Shape - multicoloured; Patel in Lotus – thousand; Guna – nil; Tattva – nil; Kosha – Anandmaya; Bija Mantra – Om; Loka – Satyam.
Kundalini:
In the human organism, the Potential energy lies locked in central nervous system. This potential or dormant energy is called Kundalini and is symbolized by a snake coiled three and a half times. The coil of three represents the three states of energy (positive, negative and neutral), while the half coil represents kundalini as always on the verge of changing from static to kinetic manifestation. Kundalini lies at the root of the spinal column.
 
Chakra Dharna (concentration)
Chakra dharna is meditating on the seven chakras & Kundalini with unwavering mind. The practising person should sit in meditative asana, bring awareness on the location of the chakra (starting from muladhara to upward), rhythmically contract the muscles of the region and silently chanting the bija mantras. The person should do the chakra dharna according to the instructions of the realised spiritual teacher. With the awakening of the chakras come many pleasant and sometimes fantastic experiences.
The process of awakening of chakras should be slow so that there is gradual adjustment between one’s inner realization and the relationships with the outer world. On awakening, kundalini ascends Sushumna, awakening various chakras (vital centres) situated on the way and finally uniting with the top centre, Sahasrara which represent the union of Shiva and Shakti. This union may develop eight siddhis (Anima – power to be small; Mahima – power to expand; Karima – power to be heavy; Laghima – power to be light; Prapti – power to know past, present & future and to reach everywhere; Prahamiyam – power to achieve all one’s desire; Esathuvam – power over animate & inanimate objects; Vasithuvam – power of command over all by thought or word.)
 
Reference:
  1. A systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya – by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
  2. Babaji and the 18 Siddha Kriya Yoga Traditions - by Marshall Govindan
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Psychic Energy Channels (Nadis)

9/10/2021

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Psychic Energy Channels (Nadis)
According to Shiv Samhita there are three and half lakhs of Nadis in the human body and according to Gorakh Samhita, there are 72,000 nadis (energy channels) extending out from the spinal cord. The three most important nadis or psychic nerves (Ida, Pingala and Sushumna) are the energy channels which pass through spine and connects the perineum and brain. The three paths are also known as ganga (Ida), Yamuna (Pingala) and Saraswati (Sushumna).

The psychic energy channels – Ida and Pingala, are the two nadis which play an important role in controlling the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems respectively. These nervous systems act largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions, such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, sexual arousal etc.

As per modern scientists, the human body has four types of biological rhythms – circadian (24-hour cycle), diurnal (day-night), ultradian (90 minutes) and infradian (over 24 hours). The ultradian rhythm is directly related to Ida and Pingala. Ultradian rhythm relates to periodic swings of mood, mental alertness, stomach contractions and many other physical and mental changes. This rhythm plays an important role in cognitive performance, memory processes, visual perception, levels of arousal and performance, mood, and individual and social behaviour.

Inhalation from left and right nostrils changeover periodically. Those people, who live near nature, generally have 90 minutes rhythm. But many factors modify this rhythm. In pranayama and meditative practices, the flow of inhalation in each nostril renders equal which induces the ideal situation for meditation.

During 24-hours day, flow through the Ida should pre-dominates for about 12 hours and the Pingala also for about 12 hours. During daylight hours, the Pingala generally pre-dominates and Ida tend to predominates during sleep at night. The path of Ida is concerned with the tendency to unleash mental powers, which are often used for selfish ends. The path of Pingala – the path pravarti marg – the path of external action and enjoyment. It is the path where one acts in the world mostly for personal gains.

Ida energy channel:
  1. Location - Ida energy channel emanates from left side of mooladhara chakra near perineum, passes through spine on left side and crosses on right side at ajna chakra in brain.
  2. Physical characteristics - It carries feminine, lunar, negative and cold energy. Breath for Ida passes predominantly through left nostril.
  3. Functional aspects - It is associated with the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system.  This system slows down the processes of life – heartbeat, breathing rate, raises body temperature. It mobilises the forces of the body for internal functioning, introversion, represents the mind & is associated with thought.
  4. Spiritual characteristics – These are awareness, moon, subjectivity, white, tha, negative, coolness, inactive and female. Awareness is the witnessing principle, the actionless aspect that is associated with consciousness, Shiva or Purusha.
 
Pingala energy channel:
  1. Location - Pingala emanates from right side of mooladhara chakra and crosses on left side at ajna chakra in brain.
  2. Physical characteristics - It conducts positive and hot solar energy. Breath for Pingala passes predominantly through right nostril.
  3. Functional aspects – It is associated with the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system. This system speeds up the processes of life – heartbeat, breathing rate, raises body temperature. It mobilises the forces of the body for external action, extroversion and represents the prana.
  4. Spiritual characteristics – These are energy & action, sun, objectivity, red, ha, positive, heat, active and male. The universal prana is prakriti – the power behind all manifestation, force, energy and matter.
Sushumna energy channel:
  1. Location - The third major nadi, Shushumna flows inside the central canal of the spinal cord. During changeover from one to the other, flows are equal and prana flows through the sushumna nadi.
  2. Physical characteristics - The sushumna is a symbolic passage (nadi) which connects all the main chakras. It is regarded as connecting all the different levels of consciousness. The sushumna is regarded as being closed at its base near mooladhara chakra. This is called as Brahman dwara – the gate of the Brahman. This door must be opened in order to ascend through the chakras.
  3. Functional aspects - It is symbolic passage through which the kundalini raises on its ascent from mooladhara to sahasrara. In the Shandiliya Upanishad the sushumna is called the royal road.
  4. Spiritual characteristics - Kundalini rises when there is perfect harmony between the outside and inside worlds.
 
Kundalini:
In the Sanskrit the word Kundalini has two words – Kundala which means ‘coiled’ and Kunda which means ‘a pit’, ‘depression’ or ‘deeper place’.
  1. Kundalini resides in the region of mooladhara chakra in human beings and levels below mooladhara chakra in animal, insects, plants and all so-called inert objects.
  2. In the middle of Mooladhara chakra is a lingam called swayambhu lingam (self-existent). Kundalini symbolized by serpent is wrapped three-and-a-half times around the lingam. Kundalini is the potential or dormant energy. The coil of three represents the three states of energy (positive, negative and neutral), while the half coil represents kundalini as always on the verge of changing from static to kinetic manifestation.
  3. Serpent head pointing downwards indicates that kundalini is asleep. Head facing upwards indicates kundalini has begun to wake up. The kundalini both binds and liberates.
  4. While the kundalini is sleeping, the person retains a strong sense of individuality and self-centeredness; he is awake only to the world of name and form, and unaware of the untapped potential that is heritage.
  5. When the kundalini starts to awaken and rise up through the chakras, then the person becomes more and more aware and concentrated. The fluctuations of the mind begin to settle and becomes calm. Eventually, when the kundalini is fully aroused, then the person is wide awake and in the state of super consciousness. The awakening transforms everyday life into bliss. The whole mind flow in one direction and becomes vehicle of bliss instead of unhappiness. The world remains the same but one’s changed attitude, feelings and awareness transform everything into a fulfilling, joyful experience.
  6. There are numerous methods of raising the kundalini. The stages of awakening kundalini are as under:
    1. When the kundalini pierces brahma granthi, a wonderful bliss arises from the void. A tinkling sound emanates from anahata chakra.
    2. In the second stage prana enters the sushumna; the yogi becomes steady and wise like a divine being. Then the kundalini pierces Vishnu granthi and an overwhelming bliss is experienced. In the void the sound of a bheri (type of musical instrument) is heard.
    3. In the final stage, when the prana enters ajna chakra, the rudra granthi is pierced. The sound of veena (musical instrument) takes place like the sound of flute. 
Reference: A systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya – by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
 
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Dharana (Concentration)

9/3/2021

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Dharana (Concentration)
Dharana is the sixth limb of yoga sutras as defined by Patanjali. Dharana means “holding,” “concentration,” or “steady focus.” By practicing several techniques, “binding” the mind to one place, idea, or object is done.
 
There are a few practices which induce dharana. These practices are discussed hereunder:

Naumukhi mudra (closing the nine gates) –

In human body, there are nine gates through which one perceives all the sense and experience of the outside world. The tenth gate is ‘Brahma Dwara’ which leads to transcendental experience and realization. The tenth gate is closed. In Naumukhi mudra, these nine gates are closed temporarily which prevents external perception and helps to open tenth gate.
 
Process – Sit in siddhasana, keep the back straight but relaxed, close the eyes, do khechari mudra, place hands on the knees, exhale deeply & bend the head forwards slightly, fix the attention on the mooladhara chakra, repeat mooladhara mentally 3 times while holding the breath, inhale with ujjayi pranayama & simultaneously move awareness up the arohan, while moving up be aware of the various chakras, raise the head as awareness passes from vishuddhi to bindu, inhalation should be completed when awareness reaches the bindu, practice shanmukhi mudra by gently closing the ears with the thumbs, the eyes with both forefingers, the nostrils with the two middle fingers and lips with the fourth & fifth fingers, practice moolabandha without jalandhara bandha, practise vajroli mudra, at this stage all gates are closed, be aware of awarohan, try to visualise a shining copper trishul (trident) in the spine with the root in mooladhara chakra and three prongs extending upwards from vishuddhi chakra, continue to retain breath, central prong pierces bindu, as it pierces bindu mentally pronounce the mantra ‘bindu bhedan’ once, feel the explosion is in all directions from bindu, then the trident will drop downwards again to the starting position, feel rising & falling of trident, then release vajroli mudra, release moolabandha, release the pressure of the fingers & thumbs and lower the hands to the knees, exhale with ujjayi pranayama and khechari mudra while simultaneously moving the attention through the centres of awarohan, be aware of each centre, exhalation to end at mooladhara, hold the breath, bend head slightly forward, one round complete, practice five rounds.
 
Shakti chalini (conduction of prana) -
In Sanskrit the word ‘shakti’ means energy or kundalini and chalini means ‘to move’ or ‘to conduct’. The kriya is related to awakening of kundalini.
 
Process – Sit in comfortable asana, hold the back straight, close the eyes, keep the eyes closed throughout the entire practice, do khechari mudra, exhale deeply, bend heas forward, fix awareness on at mooladhara chakra, mentally pronounce the name mooladhara 3 times, inhale with ujjayi pranayama & ascend the awareness through arohan, be aware of each chakra, raise the head as the awareness moves from vishuddhi to bindu, inhalation to cease on reaching bindu, hold the breath, practice shanmukhi mudra, closing the eyes, ears, nose, lips with fingers & thumbs, allow the awareness to rotate in the continuous circle through awaroham and arohan, simultaneously try to visualize a thin green snake moving in the same closed loop (Moola to bindu & bindu to moola), continue to hold the breath, visualize the snake as bitting its own tail, be aware snake spin off the circuit, continue this visualization till comfortable, then release shanmukhi mudra and place hands on the knees, fix awareness on bindu, exhale with ujjayi pranayama while being aware of each centre, exhalation should terminate at mooladhara, lower the head forward, end first round, do 5 rounds.
 
Amrit Pan (Drinking the nectar) -
Amrit is the divine fluid which brings immortality. The amrit flows down from the bindu to the vishuddhi chakra. It is stored in a small chakra called lalana chakra located at the soft part of palate and back of the mouth. It is the area which is pressed by the tongue during khechari mudra. Lalana chakra is connected with vishuddhi chakra. Normally, amrit flows downward and consumed by the fire of sun at manipura chakra. It leads to aging of the body. The process is reversed by Vipreeta Kranti mudra and amrit pan kriya.
 
Process – sit in meditative asana, keep eyes closed, hold the back & head upright, do khechari, fix awareness at manipura chakra in the spine, exhale deeply, inhale with ujjayi and imagine amrit is drawn up from manipura chakra through anahata to vishuddhi, inhalation to end at vishuddhi, feel the fluid become ice cold, then exhale with ujjayi and feel the cool nectar being injected from vishuddhi to lalana chakra, when awareness reaches the lalana, feel the breath & nectar disperse & evaporate, return the awareness to manipura, end of first round, do 9 rounds. 

 
Chakra Bhedan (Piercing the chakras or psychic centre) –
After the completing amrit pan, chakra dharna bhedan should be done.
 
Process – remain in sitting position, head upright facing forwards, keep eyes closed, continue khechari mudra, ujjayi pranayama throughout, exhale, fix the awareness on swadhisthana chakra in the spinal awarohan passage, then while inhaling move the awareness downwards from the swadhisthana chakra to the mooladhara chakra, then move upwards from swadhisthana to vishuddhi, be aware of each centre & feel them being pierced by the breath, inhalation ends at vishuddhi, start immediately exhalation with awareness moving upwards to bindu & descending through ajna to swadhisthana, exhalation ends at swadhisthana, one round complete, repeat, do 59 rounds.

 
Sushumna darshana (Inner visualization of the chakras) –
Sushumna indicates balance between heat & cool, sympathetic & parasympathetic and introversion & extroversion. It is only route to self-realization. It is the practice of inner visualization of symbolic pictures of the chakras. All the diagrams are only symbolic in nature. It is perfectly all right to use one’s own pictures. Process – sit in comfortable sitting pose, keep eyes closed, breathe normally, try to visualize mooladhara chakra diagram, then successively move to others chakras & reach to sahasrara, finally visualize all the chakras together or at least 2-3 chakras together, practice regularly.
 
Prana Ahuti (Infusing the divine prana) –
Prana is shakti. The food is split into smaller particles (molecules then atoms) at the level of annamaya kosha in the body. The process produces bioplasmic or physical energy. This type of prana is vital energy forming a sheath called collectively as pranamaya kosha. This energy exists in all living and non-living beings including physical universe. It links mind and matter and coordinates physical energy and matter. There is more subtle form of energy called as mental energy. It controls both physical and bioplasmic energies in the universe and its sheath is called as manomaya kosha. In human beings, it is in the form of thoughts. Prana exists at more subtle levels also. The prana is represented by multitude of deities such as durga, kali, etc. These deities are worshipped because of prana symbolized by these deities which bring either auspicious or inauspicious changes into one’s life.  
 
Process – Remain sitting comfortably, keep eyes closed, breath normally, imagine that there is divine hand on the head, feel the soft touch, feel that the hand is infusing subtle prana into the body and mind, prana flowing through the spine, initially it will be imagination, later actual flow will be felt with tickling sensation, body may shake, eventually the prana will penetrate mooladhara, end of practice, continue the Uthan kriya.
 
Uthan (Raising the kundalini) –
The prana ahuti kriya is continued as Uthan kriya in the same sitting system. Fix the awareness on mooladhara chakra, try to clearly visualize a shivalingam in the area, the shivalingam is encircled by a red baby snake, the snake trying to uncoil and eventually it begins to ascend through spinal passage, tail of the snake remains at lingam, snake move up and down, continue the practice, one may feel the bliss, end of practice, continue next kriya Swaroopa darshana. 
 
Swaroopa Darshana (Vision of ourself):
In yoga, one’s real nature or form is called the atma. It is the discovery and direct perception of the self that is the whole purpose of yoga.
 
Process – Sit comfortably, keep eyes closed, body should be motionless, become aware of the physical body, let there be total, uninterrupted perception of the whole body, feel the steadiness of the body and stillness, become aware of the natural breath, gradually the body will become rigid as all the muscles are frozen, every part of the body will become stiff, feel stiffer and stiffer, psychic stiffness also, no efforts are required for the stiffness which is done automatically. Now move to next kriya – Linga Sanchalana.
 
Linga Sanchalana (Astral conduction):
Continue Swaroopa darshana kriya, keep awareness of kriya, one should find that he is doing spontaneous, effortless ujjayi pranayama and khechari mudra, feel whole body & in turn every part, every cell is inhaling and exhaling; continue to imagine the process, notice that the body seems to expand with every inhalation and contract on every exhalation, at the same time, the physical body remain stiff & immovable as a stone statue, actually the astral body is expanding & contracting, be aware of this process, synchronized with breathing, expansion takes place to a constant limit, but contraction is becoming more and more, until eventually the astral body reduces to a single point of light, the whole being seems to contract to one tiny, concentrated point, when one have this experience, discontinue this kriya. Now move to next kriya – Dhyana (Meditation).
 
The purpose of this article is just to highlight importance of kriya yoga and to guide “how to do Kriya”. Kriya yoga is a system that has always been taught directly by guru to disciple.

Chidakasha Dharana -
Chidakasha means in Sanskrit is inner cosmos; Chit means consciousness; Akasha means space; Dharna means to concentrate or to be aware. It is powerful tool for helping to remove mental blocks, fear etc. The practice should be regularly done for at least about half an hour.
  1. Posture - Sit in comfortable and upright position, spine and head erect, no need to move the body during practice.
  2. Body Awareness - Practice kaya sthairyam for 5 minutes; be aware of the body, rotate the awareness throughout the different parts of the body, become aware of the whole body, feel immobility of the body like a stone statue.
  3. Aum chanting - Chant Aum seven times slowly; feel the vibrations resonating, reverberating throughout the whole body, be completely aware of the sound of Aum; feel that nothing else exists except Aum. Aum chanting induce deep relaxation in body and mind.
  4. Breath awareness - Be aware of the breathing process; imagine that this is first time you have ever breathed; feel and experience the bliss of breathing; listen to the sound of the breath; try feel the air entering each nostril separately; feel during inhalation two flows of air move upwards& meet at the eyebrow centre; feel during exhalation, the two flows of air diverge from the eyebrow centre and move downwards in the shape of inverted V; imagine that you are merging with the breath.
  5. Chidakasha Dharna - Look at space in front of the closed eyes (Chidakasha); be relaxed, merely watch; be witness to anything that may appear (any vision); don’t try to interpret or analyse; look into the cave of the mind, deeper & deeper; expect nothing, only watch; be an observer; after sometime, one can see colours, streaks of light, visions, strange forms, vivid memories and so on, however, more than likely one will continue to see only an empty screen; be disinterested witness; continue for 5 – 10 minutes.
  6. Concentration or Trataka - Mentally create & visualize an inner symbol on the mind screen; concentrate on the chosen symbol; imagine nothing else but the symbol; use the symbol as rocket to go deeper into the internal depths of space, into ether of consciousness; continue the practice as long as possible.
  7. Mentally create and visualize any chosen object. The object can be living things (white swam, peacock, alert deer, agile monkey, thoughtful elephant fluttering butterfly, a beautiful lotus, a large yellow sunflower, red rose etc.), deities, famous people, nature (sun, moon, zodiac, green vally, a sandy beach etc.), buildings (temple, pagoda, a beautiful sculptured garden etc.), traditional symbols (shivalingam, shaligram, flame trident etc.). The shivalingam can be used as an object of concentration and reflect on its meaning.
  8. Aum chanting & chidkasha dharna – Slowly repeat Aum 7 times; try to be simultaneously aware of the sound of Aum and chidakasha; then aware of chidakasha & be witness with detachment; continue for a few minutes; end the practice.
Reference: A systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya – by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
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