YOGA – BANDHAS AND MUDRAS

GROUP PRESENTATION 03

YOGAYoga is a physical, mental,

and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. 

The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquillity while meditating on the Hindu concept of divinity or Brahman. 

The word is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

INTRODUCTION

Mudras and Bandhas are physical actions that directly affect panic energy within the body.

They are an intrinsic part of Hatha Yoga which is all about expanding consciousness through physical practice in order to achieve enlightenment.

MUDRASThe word ‘mudra’ literally means, ‘to seal’.

Mudras involve the special placement of parts of the body to stimulate a specific energetic circuit.

Mudras are often mainly associated with hand positions although the Indian dance form Kathakali illustrates that mudras can be applied to the whole body.

In fact, those concerning the body are called. ‘kaya’, mudras for the feet are known as, ‘pada’, the hands, ‘hasta’, the eyes, ‘chaksu’ and the mind, ‘mana’.

What are Mudras?Mudras are symbolic gestures that

demonstrate a specific attitude or respect according to the various meanings found in the ceremonies of worship.

When the fingers assume the appropriate positions, the mind automatically conceives the corresponding attitude.

Thus, mudras are an effective technique to bring the mind into a state of harmony.

BANDHASBandhas are sometimes thought of as separate practices but

are in fact specialised forms of mudra which translate as ‘locks’.

These involve contractions of muscles along the Gastro-Intestinal tract which restricts the flow of prana in the vayus.

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika states that, “bandha is a technique through which the opposite poles of energy or shakti are bound together.

Through contraction of muscles and organs in the physical body, the shakti is accumulated into a particular centre”.

Mudras & BandhasMudras – Psychic gestures which induce a

particular state of mind.Bandhas – Pranic Energy locksMudras & Bandhas control the pranic energy,

which is awakened with pranayama practice.10 Mudras & 3 Bandhas in Hatha YogaJanaldar Bandha – chin lockMoola Bandha – root lockUddiyan Bandha – Abdominal lock

Effects of MudrasThere are many mudras but all help to harmonise and

rejuvenate the body by directing and distributing prana. Another translation of mudra is the ‘giver of joy’ and the root syllable ‘mud’ means to delight or protect.

Vaparita Karani Mudra (half shoulder stand)– has a cleansing effect upon the lungs, bladder and intestines by improving circulation

Yoga Mudra (sitting pose, hands interlinked behind, folding forwards) – massages the internal organs, stretches spine, revitalises body and quietens the mind

Chin Mudra (index finger touches root of thumb) – encourages concentration and memory by releasing mental tension

Effects of BandhasThe practice of bandhas during pranayama has many

physiological effects. In particular, they balance the functioning of the endocrine system in the following ways:

Jalandara Bandha – directly affects the pineal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and thymus glands

Uddiyana Bandha– directly affects the adrenal glands and pancreas

Mula Bandha– directly affects the perineum/cervix/gonads (thought to be vestigial endocrine glands)

CLASSIC BANDHASThere are three classic bandhas; mula,

uddiyana, and jalandhara bandha. When practiced together they are called tri-bandha. They are practiced together or individually at specific times during kriya, asana, pranayama, mudra, visualization, and meditation practice.

In addition, all bandhas have an indirect effect upon the pineal and pituitary glands. All these create a ‘knock-on’ effect within the biorhythms of the human organism.

Generally, bandhas produce a calming effect which lowers blood pressure, heart rate and alpha brainwave frequencies.

When all three Bandhas are used together the practice is known as Mahabandha.

The Gheranda Samita states that , “the Mahabandha is the Greatest Bandha; it destroys decay and death: by virtue of this Bandha a man accomplishes all his desires.”

Uses

Mudras and Bandhas have an accelerating effect upon a practitioners potential for Samadhi when used with kriya, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana and dhyana.

Mudras can harmonise and rejuvenate the functions of the body, also evoking particular emotional and mental responses. They can enable the practitioner to develop control over their involuntary responses and help them to direct their senses, so harnessing their powers of concentration. After regular practice, the practitioner increases their awareness of prana and can develop ‘siddhis’ or psychic experiences.

Bandhas further direct and concentrate pranic energy by locking it into certain areas of the body. They serve to increase pranic pressure in a similar way to a pressure cooker. This increases heat at the manipura chakra or solar plexus and can create a chain reaction causing prana and apana to unite.

Presentation by Group no :- 03

Megha Jain -13

Denver correia - 03

Jones Gonsalves - 12

Gayle Dias - 05