Kundalini Yoga : Mudra & Bandha

Maha Mudra

Sit erect. Press the anus carefully with the left heal. Stretch out the right leg. Take hold of the toe with both the hands. Inhale slowly and retain the breath inside. Press the chin against the chest firmly (Jalandhara Bandd). Fix the gaze between the eye-brows. Retain the posture as long as you can and then breath-out slowly. Practice first on the left leg and then on the right. The regular and systematic practice of this Mudra helps one to cure consumption, piles, enlargement of spleen, indigestion, chronic-gastritis, constipation5 leprosy, etc. To get the full benefit, the practice must be regular, systematic and continued for long.

Maha Bandha

Sit erect with an empty stomach. Press the anus with the left heal. Place the right foot on the left thigh. Contract the anus and the muscles of the perineum. Draw the A pan a Vayu upwards (by taking the lower abdomen inwards towards the spine and upwards). Draw-in the breath slowly and retain it by Jalandhara Banda as long as you can and then exhale slowly. Fix the mind on the Sushumna and the Kundalini Shakti while holding the breath inside. Practice first on the left side and then on the right side. If this Banda is done properly and regularly for long, one gets the maximum benefit. This practice destroys decay, brings about the purity of the body and the Nadis and facilitates the rising of Kundalini Shakti to higher planes.

Maha Veda

Sit erect. Draw the breath in slowly and retain it. Press the chin against the chest (Jalandhara Banda). Place the palms on the ground. Rest the body on the palms. .Raise the buttocks and bring it down to the ground. The Asana must be intact and firm when you raise the buttocks and bring it down to the ground. This practice when carried for long regularly stops decay, purifies the body and the Nadis and helps one to take the Kundalini Shakti to higher planes.

Generally, a Yogi practices all the above three as the best combination.

Rules for Mudras & Bandhas

1. Practice of Mudras, Bandas, Asanas and Pranayamas must be regular and systematic. Those who find time can practice twice a day (morning and evening), otherwise in the morning with an empty stomach or at least three hours after a heavy meal.

2. The mouth, teeth, tongue, throat, and nostrils should be well cleaned before doing the exercises.

3. Practice should always be done by sitting, preferably on Padmasana.

4. The practices should be done in loneliness so that there may not be any disturbance. These should always be done with a well concentrated mind.

5. Practices should be done daily, regularly and systematically.

6. In practising Mudras and Bandhas, the body should not shake. It is very injurious. The Asana should be firm.

7. Nothing like eating, drinking, talking, reading, sleeping, walking, etc., should be indulged in just after these exercises. Rest for at least ten to fifteen minutes must be taken before doing any kind of work. A bath should not be taken before half an hour elapses.

8. Tight clothes should not be worn. The clothes should be loose while practicing these exercises.

9. Woman must stop doing any of these exercises and Pranayamas during pregnancy and for five days during menses.

10. The Asanas, Pranayamas and Bandas, etc., can be practiced safely by Brahmacharis, Brahrnacharinies, and by married people