In the previous issue we described how it is only through yogic practices that one is able to retain glow and retard the process of aging. Bandhas are like locks at specific points in the body which restrict the movement of
prana, thereby generating heat. When we lock a particular region it results in the generation of heat and this heat opens the granthi (knots) above it, and upward evolution is enabled. But before we understand the bandhas we must remember a few points. These are:
- Bandhas should be done only when the body is disease free, there is no abnormality or injury, and only under the guidance of a Guru.
- The Guru's guidance is necessary because the practice of Mahabandha awakens the
kundalini, and its symptoms can be controlled only by the Guru.
- The excessive energy which is produced by Mahabandha should be directed towards good causes.
- The glow and stability which a practitioner acquires should never be used to show someone else down.
- Spine has to remain erect in all four bandhas.
Let us now look at the four bandhas i.e Jalandharabandha,
Udyanabandha, Moolbandha, and the Mahabandha.
Initially all four bandhas have to be done for 10 seconds each. Then gradually increase to one minute. If any discomfort is felt then consult your Guru.
Moolbandha: Sitting in sidhasana Keep your awareness at the perineum, the point between the anus and the genitals. Now contract the perennial muscle lifting it up towards the navel. This Bandha opens the Brahma
Granthi.
Udyanabandha: It is used to open up the Vishnu
Granthi. Sitting in vajrasana, exhale completely pulling the abdominal region towards the spine and then lift it upwards towards the diaphragm creating the
bandha. If you have strong stomach muscles then, visually the stomach to an observer might not seem to have gone inside.
Jalandharabandha: Sitting in siddhasana and keeping the back erect, slowly push your chin down towards the throat pit forming a lock without putting pressure on the nape and without curving the spine. It helps open the Rudra
Granthi.
Mahabandha: Sitting in siddhasana when we do all three bandhas together it becomes the
Mahabandha. We start from the Moolbandha then move upwards to Udyanabandha and then doing the
Jalandharabandha. When we release the bandha we start in the reverse order releasing the Jalandhara first then the Udyana and then the
Moolbandha.
Bandhas generate the heat inside which is essential for opening the Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra Granthis causing the Kundalini to rise up the sushumna nadi which is essential for evolution.
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