The Bandhas (Body Locks)
The bandhas are the locks applied to body areas which direct the prana and apana. The locks are the basic techniques that accumulate the effects of the efforts of the practitioner.
[Main Content Source: page 107 of the Aquarian Teacher Level 1 Textbook from Kundalini Research Institute (KRI)]
THE CENTRAL AIM OF THE PHYSICAL EFFORTS OF YOGA is to generate a special capacity and flow of life energy within the body and aura. This energy is increased in both quantity and quality. It is then directed into a natural pattern of circulation and flow that releases the healing powers of the body and the discriminate functions of the mind. In this state of inner health and clarity. the sense of being and spirit awakens. Kundalini Yoga benefits the body and also is a vehicle for enhanced consciousness.
Prana
Prana, the energy that flows into the body and aura, and apana, the energy that flows out of the body for cleansing. are the generative and eliminative qualities of energy. They are the positive and negative sides of the life force. If both of these qualities exist in sufficient amounts, and are blended together, a new phenomenon is created. This blend induces a neutrality and calmness that allows the life force to flow in a different manner.
The yogis described this as the opening of the flow of energy into the sushmuna. the central channel up the spine to the brain. As this flow and circulation gets established, the kundalini energy awakens.
Awareness
This potential for awareness and spirit first manifests as increased concentration and clarity. This is taken to all the different areas of your functioning, as the energy travels through the chakras or energy distribution centers. This produces a blissful and super-conscious state in which it is easy to distinguish the real from the unreal and to direct the play of the senses.
Kundalini Energy
The efforts at posture, breathing practices and meditation all catalyze this central process of transformation. After a series of exercises or during practices it is desirable to contain the blend of the prana and apana, so that the kundalini energy can establish itself, deepen its effect and initiate the opening of the channels it flows into. This blend is achieved through the use of the body locks, the bandhas.
The Body Locks (Bandhas)
The Sanskrit word bandha means to hold, tighten, or lock. This describes the precise physical action involved in bandha practice. The bandhas aim to redirect the neurobiological energies of the body into the central channel of the spine, for the purpose of spiritual awakening.
The primary function of the bandhas is twofold: to create the inner strength to sustain the opening of shushmana nadi, and to encourage energy to move freely within that channel. Practiced regularly, the subtle, internal contractions improve muscle tone and spinal alignment and relieve unnecessary tension.
Shushmana Nadi
The shushmana nadi is the central nerve channel whose physical counterpart is the spine. The specific angles of Kundalini postures, combined with the breath and the bandhas, direct the pranic (life giving) and apanic (downward flowing) energies to the navel. This combination creates a psychic heat. And that heat begins to awaken kundalini, which moves through shushmana nadi in the central channel of the spine. The bandhas are central to this happening, as they work to redirect the otherwise downward or outward flow of energies.
The bandhas are completely integrated into the Kundalini Yoga and Meditation practice. They consolidate one’s effort and direct prana within the body to promote healing, energizing, and strengthening of the whole human being.
“Bandhas protect and project, that is what they are for. They protect the alignment of your spine and project your energy where you want it to go.” ~Guru Prem Singh Khalsa
The body locks allow an equilibrium to be established, that has enormous impact on the entire system of the body and mind.
There are three main bandhas:
- Neck Lock (jalandhar bandh)
- Diaphragm Lock (uddiyana bandh)
- Root Lock (mulbandh)
When all three locks are applied together with the correct posture and concentration, it is called: Great Lock (mahabandh)
The Great Lock is the application of all three locks simultaneously, with the breath held out. It is practiced after pranayama and exercise. It is done in various postures and combined with different mudras. It is part of the central infrastructure of Kundalini Yoga. Each student must master all the bandhas.
- With all locks applied, the body is in a perfect healing state.
- The practice and perfection of this lock is said to cure many ailments: improper blood pressure, menstrual cramps, poor circulation, irregularity, wet dreams and excessive preoccupation with fantasy. The glands. nerves and chakras are rejuvenated.
Yogi Bhajan on the Locks
It is a fundamental law of most exercises in Kundalini Yoga that you will apply Mulbandh, though it is not asked for in detail in all instances. You will be told to put yourself in a posture with a certain sound current and a certain breathing pattern. But all the kriyas have certain things in common which are assumed. First, is the proper posture and second, the locks. You are required to apply these three locks properly and appropriately. Then one is said to be in the state of mahabandh—the Great Lock. This yoga was designed carefully by saints and masters and is the fastest route to elevation and happiness.
The Bandhas and the Three Gates
(the Knot of Brahman at the first chakra, the Knot of Vishnu at the heart chakra and the Knot of Shiva at the brow point).
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Neck Lock (Jalandhar Bandh) - 3HO International
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