Mudras And Bandhas: Instructions On Mudras And Bandhas

By Sri Swami Sivananda

Instructions On Mudras And Bandhas

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. A detailed instruction on concentration will be given in the subsequent pages.

From "Kundalini Yoga" by Sri Swami Sivananda. See all articles here: Sivananda Kundalini Yoga