Patanjali has used the word dridhabhumi in relation to abhyasa (practice) of the eight limbs of Yoga, and has said that when the practice of Yoga is continued for Dirgha kala (a long time), without any interruption or nairantarya (gap) and carried out with commitment and satkara (respect), then it becomes dridha bhumi (firm and stable) Yoga Sutra I – 14). In the third chapter of Yoga Sutra, Patanjali has used the word bhumi in relation to samyama (mental concentration) as the ground for pinpointed fixation of the chitta (mind) (III: 6). The ground is differentiated into lower and upper stages. When the mind is perfectly stabilized  on an adhara-bhumi (lower ground), the adept can proceed to further make it stable on an anatara-bhumi (higher ground). In this manner, progress on the yogic path is to be continued. Patanjali’s commentator Vyasa has used the word bhumi in relation to the chitta (mind) (Yoga Sutra I.1). It means the different stages of existence of the chittabhumis (...

Bhavapratyaya is a term from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, referring to a specific type of samadhi or meditative absorption. To break it down: Samadhi : The eighth and final stage in Patanjali's Ashtanga Yoga , representing deep concentration and absorption in meditation. It is the pinnacle of the yogic path, leading to profound states of consciousness. Types of Samadhi : Samprajnata Samadhi : This involves conscious awareness, where the object of meditation is fully known and revealed. Asamprajnata Samadhi : This is the deeper, formless state where the mind becomes devoid of all thoughts and modifications ( vrittis ). It is a state of pure consciousness. Bhavapratyaya and Upayapratyaya : In asamprajnata samadhi, there are two types: Upayapratyaya : Achieved through intense practice, where liberation ( moksha ) is attained. Bhavapratyaya : A state where the samadhi does not lead to final liberation. "Bhava" refers to continued existence in the cycle of birth and death (s...

Abhava Yoga is a lesser-known form of yoga described in some Shaiva schools of Hindu philosophy. The term "Abhava" means "absence" or "negation." In this context, Abhava Yoga refers to a spiritual practice or state where the practitioner transcends the world of appearances, becoming detached from the material and sensory experiences that typically define human existence. Philosophical Context Abhava Yoga is one of the five types of yoga mentioned in certain Shaiva traditions, which include other forms such as Shambhava Yoga (Yoga of the Lord), Shakta Yoga (Yoga of the Divine Power), Anava Yoga (Yoga of the Individual Self), and Ashrita Yoga (Yoga of Dependence or Support). In these schools, yoga is seen not just as a physical or mental discipline but as a profound spiritual path that leads to liberation (moksha) and union with the divine (Shiva). In Abhava Yoga, the practitioner aims to experience a state where the world, in all its various forms, becomes...

The relevance of five elements in worship and pujas and other rituals is in their association with respective chakras. The chakras are subtle centers corresponding to spinal nerve centers in the body. The earth element is associated with muladhara chakra (in the lowest point of the spine at the end of the tailbone), of which Ganesha is the presiding deity. The water element is associated with the svadhisthana chakra (at the level of the sex organs), of which Brahma (the creator) is the presiding deity. The fire element is associated with manipura chakra (at the level of the navel), of which Vishnu (the preserver) is the presiding deity. The air element is associated with the anahata chakra (at the level of the heart) with presiding deity Shiva. The akasha (space element) is associated with Vishuddhi Chakra (at the throat level), with the jivashiva (Shiva in the individual) as the presiding deity. The sixth chakra, ajna (at the center of the brain, behind the eyebrow-center)...

 In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras , the mind's modifications or fluctuations are a central theme, especially in the third chapter, known as Vibhuti Pada (Chapter on Powers). Verses III 9-13 describe three specific modifications that the mind undergoes in the process of achieving mastery over itself: Nirodha Parinama , Samadhi Parinama , and Ekagrata Parinama . These modifications are crucial stages in the practice of Yoga, where the mind is progressively refined and controlled, leading to higher states of consciousness. Let's expand on each of these modifications, their meanings, importance, and relevance in both traditional and modern contexts. 1. Nirodha Parinama Meaning: Nirodha means "restraint" or "cessation." Parinama means "transformation" or "modification." Nirodha Parinama refers to the transformation of the mind when it moves from a state of distraction or activity to a state of stillness and restraint. This is the process where th...

The concept of the seven bhumis, or planes of yogic state, in Hinduism is a profound spiritual teaching. It is attributed to Aditya, the Sun God, who imparted this knowledge to the sage Sankriti, as documented in the Akshi Upanishad. These stages represent the progressive journey of a yogi towards ultimate liberation. Here is an expanded and modern-day relevant interpretation of these seven bhumis: State of Unity and Dissolution of the Mind Description: The yogi perceives everything as a manifestation of the one, eternal, and indestructible Principle. This perception leads to a natural dissolution of the mind, where only the One is experienced. Modern Relevance: This state encourages mindfulness and holistic thinking, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and unity in a world often divided by differences. Learning and Overcoming Inner Evils Description: The yogi seeks guidance from those well-versed in scriptures and learns about the Vedas, secondary scriptures, good conduct, and ...

Suchi Mudra, also known as the needle mudra, is a significant hand gesture in Hinduism and various spiritual practices. This mudra involves extending the forefinger upright while the other fingers are folded into the palm, resembling a needle pointing upwards. Symbolism and Usage Suchi Mudra symbolizes precision and focus, much like the pointed needle it represents. It is often used in yoga and meditation practices to channel energy, enhance concentration, and signify a single-pointed focus. This mudra is believed to stimulate the fire element within the body, promoting clarity and sharpness of mind. Health Benefits Practicing Suchi Mudra is associated with several health benefits: Improves Digestion: The mudra is thought to activate the fire element, aiding in better digestion and metabolism. Enhances Concentration: It helps in increasing mental focus and concentration, making it useful for students and professionals. Relieves Constipation: By stimulating the fire element, it can h...

 In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one of the classical texts of Hatha Yoga, the author Gorakshanatha outlines a set of observances known as niyamas. While the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali present five niyamas, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika expands this list to ten. These ten disciplines form the foundation of a balanced yogic lifestyle, guiding practitioners toward inner purification, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. In this article, we will explore each of these ten niyamas in depth: their meanings, importance, modern relevance, benefits, and some lesser-known insights. 1. Tapas (Austerity) Meaning: Tapas literally means “heat” or “ardor,” and refers to disciplined effort, self-restraint, and the willingness to embrace challenges. Importance: Through tapas, the practitioner develops willpower and fortitude, burning away impurities of mind and body much like heat refines metals. Relevance Today: In a world of instant gratification, practicing tapas might involve digital detoxes, dis...

In the journey of spiritual growth, according to Hindu scriptures, the ultimate goal is moksha or spiritual emancipation. Achieving moksha involves transcending the limitations of the physical and mental states to realize the Self. Yoga, as an ancient and profound discipline, provides a structured path to attain this state. It is broadly categorized into two stages: Hathayoga and Rajayoga. Hathayoga and Rajayoga Hathayoga : This stage focuses on preparing the body. The physical preparation involves various asanas (postures) and shatkarmas (cleansing techniques) to purify the body, ensuring it is free from ailments. By removing physical impurities and blockages, the practitioner can create a conducive environment for the mind and spirit to thrive. Rajayoga : This stage deals with the purification of the mind. Through practices like meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques), the mind is cleansed of distractions and impurities. This mental purification enhances the power to realize ...

Controlling the vagaries of one’s mind and concentrating it on a particular subject has been a lifelong ambition for many a cultured human being. The ancient teacher of Yoga, Patanjali (200 BCE), has provided extensive material and guidance on this subject in his incomparable work, the Yoga sutras. Out of the eight standard steps he recommends, dharana is the sixth. It involves the fixing of attention on a definite locus. This locus could be internal, such as the lotus of the heart, where one imagines a red, twelve-petalled lotus in the region of the heart for purposes of meditation. Alternatively, it could be the light in the brain, visualized as a brilliant light in the crown of the head. Other internal focal points include the tip of the nose or the tongue. External objects like the moon or the image of a god can also serve as focal points for dharana. It is natural for the fickle mind to get distracted and run away from this object of concentration. However, the mind is to be r...

Full control over one’s own mind is a virtue that we often hanker for. Patanjali (200 BCE), the great master of Yoga, dealt with this topic from two standpoints. On the negative aspect, one should strive constantly to avoid or overcome the various obstacles that disturb our mental balance or concentration. On the positive aspect, repeated efforts should be made to tackle the mind directly and control it. Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, lists nine major obstacles—which he calls ‘antarayas’—and five minor ones (Yoga Sutras 1.30, 31) to the control of the mind. ‘Daurmanasya’ is listed as the second in the list of minor impediments. Literally, it means ‘being in a bad state of mind’ (dur = bad, manas = mind). In effect, it refers to the frustration one feels when one’s desires are unfulfilled or thwarted. Understanding Daurmanasya Daurmanasya, or frustration, can significantly hamper one's progress in yoga and meditation. It manifests as a mental disturbance that disrupts the tran...

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, one of the most revered texts in the yogic tradition, outline a comprehensive roadmap to self-realization. Among its many teachings, the third chapter— Vibhuti Pada —details a series of extraordinary powers, or siddhis , that can manifest as a natural consequence of profound meditation practices. Among these is kayasampat , often translated as the “wealth of the body.” This article explores the meaning, symbolism, and modern relevance of kayasampat, while delving into its practical applications and the wisdom it imparts for both ancient seekers and contemporary practitioners. Understanding Siddhis and the Role of Samyama In the framework of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, siddhis are extraordinary capabilities that arise when a yogi masters samyama —a deep, focused practice that integrates concentration ( dharana ), meditation ( dhyana ), and absorption ( samadhi ). These abilities are not the primary goal of yoga; rather, they are by-products of intense spiritual dis...

In the vast expanse of Hatha Yoga, one of the foundational practices revolves around the cleansing of the body, both internally and externally. These purification techniques are collectively referred to as "Shatkarma" or six cleansing acts. Among these, Dhauti, or internal cleansing, plays a prominent role. A lesser-known yet significant subset of Dhauti is Karnarandhra Dhauti, which focuses on the purification of the ear passages. This practice, as described in the classical text Gheranda Samhita (1.33), involves cleaning the two ear holes using the index or ring fingers. Regular practice is said to enhance sensory perception, balance energy, and even lead to mystical auditory experiences, also referred to as anahata nada or unstruck sounds. Understanding Karnarandhra Dhauti Origins and Context in Yogic Texts Karnarandhra Dhauti is one of the six parts of Danta Dhauti, which itself is dedicated to cleansing the oral and facial region. The Gheranda Samhita specifically hig...

Nishpatti Avastha, the final stage of Pranayama, represents the culmination of the practice, aligning with the state of jivanmukti, or liberation while alive. In the journey through Pranayama, practitioners traverse four distinct states, with Nishpatti Avastha being the ultimate attainment. Pranayama, an integral component of yogic practices, is revered for its ability to regulate the mind and restore equilibrium to the body's humors, promoting holistic health. Through disciplined control of breath, practitioners navigate through stages of Pranayama, ultimately reaching the state of Nishpatti Avastha, where the breath becomes a conduit for profound spiritual experiences. However, mastering Pranayama, particularly reaching Nishpatti Avastha, necessitates guidance from a proficient teacher. The intricacies and subtleties of the practice are best learned under the tutelage of someone well-versed in the art of Pranayama, ensuring both safety and efficacy in the practitioner's j...

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a foundational text of yoga philosophy, outlines five states of the human mind (citta) that influence our thoughts, actions, and ability to achieve inner peace. These five states are: Kshipta (restless), Mudha (dull), Vikshipta (distracted), Ekagra (focused), and Niruddha (fully controlled). Among these, Kshipta is the first and most agitated state, marked by constant mental turbulence and inability to concentrate. Derived from the Sanskrit root “kship,” meaning “to throw,” Kshipta aptly describes a mind that is thrown from one thought or sensory object to another, unable to find stability or peace. Understanding the Problem of Kshipta In the Kshipta state, the mind is chaotic, constantly flitting between sensory objects, thoughts, and emotions. It is overwhelmed by external stimuli and lacks the ability to focus or rest. This mental restlessness is not just an obstacle to yoga or meditation but also affects day-to-day life, making it difficult to think c...

In the Yogasutras of Patanjali, the concept of "nirmana chitta" holds significant importance in the spiritual journey of a yogi. According to Yoga Sutras 4.4 and 5, when a yogi reaches an advanced stage on the path of spiritual realization, they may perceive through their intuitive inner eye that there are still some karmic residues (sanchita karma) yet to manifest as destined actions (prarabdha karma). This realization could potentially impede their attainment of kaivalya, or ultimate liberation. To address this, the adept yogi, utilizing their advanced yogic powers, can undertake a remarkable practice: they create multiple subtle bodies, each equipped to experience and exhaust specific karmic residues. The mind associated with each of these created bodies is termed "nirmana chitta." It's crucial to understand that although each nirmana chitta functions independently through its respective body to work through and resolve the karma associated with it, the f...

Nirgarbha Pranayama is a form of breath control or Pranayama that is an integral aspect of Ashtanga Yoga, as outlined by the sage Patanjali around 200 BCE. Pranayama itself involves the regulation and mastery of the pranic energy (life force) through conscious control of the breath. Within the practice of Pranayama, there are three main steps: Puraka: This involves the inhalation or infilling of air into the lungs. It's the process of drawing breath inward. Kumbhaka: This step refers to the retention or holding of breath after inhalation. Kumbhaka is further subdivided into eight varieties, with the first one being 'sahita'. Recaka: This is the exhalation phase, where the breath is released from the lungs. Now, focusing on Kumbhaka, which is the retention of breath, there are two main types within the sahita category: sagarbha and nirgarbha. Sagarbha Kumbhaka: In this form, Pranayama is performed while chanting or focusing on a specific beej mantra (seed-letter...

Nirbija Samadhi, as described in the Yoga Sutras (1.51) of Patanjali, refers to a profound state of consciousness where the seeds of rebirth are completely eradicated. In the yogic tradition, it is believed that the chief cause of samsara, or the cycle of birth and death, is the impurity of the mind. These impurities, accumulated through countless lifetimes, manifest as tendencies (samskaras) that drive the mind to constantly engage in fluctuations and distractions (vrittis), thereby obstructing the realization of the true self, the purusha or atman. The path to Nirbija Samadhi is outlined in the Ashtanga Yoga, the eightfold path prescribed by Patanjali. Through dedicated practice, the yogi progresses through various stages, ultimately culminating in samadhi, a state of profound superconsciousness. In this state, the yogi experiences ritambhara prajna, a form of truth-bearing knowledge or wisdom, which is essentially synonymous with atma jnana, or self-realization. This transformat...

Vatakrama, also referred to as vamakrama , is a yogic breathing technique that involves the controlled drawing of air through one nostril and expelling it through the other, followed by reversing the process. Rooted in the ancient practices of Hatha Yoga , it is a subset of kapalabhati as prescribed in classical texts like the Gheranda Samhita (1.56–59). Kapalabhati, often translated as "shining skull," is a vital cleansing practice ( shatkarma ) used to purify the mind and body, preparing them for deeper meditative states. Technique The practice of Vatakrama involves: Inhaling through the left nostril while the right nostril remains closed. Exhaling through the right nostril. Reversing the process by inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. This rhythmic and deliberate alternation of breath aids in balancing energy channels ( nadis ) in the body, such as the ida (left) and pingala (right) nadis, promoting harmony in both the physical and s...

Nauli is a yogic technique that is part of the Shatkarmas, the six purificatory acts in Hatha Yoga. This practice involves isolating and moving the muscles of the abdomen in a wavy motion from left to right. It is considered a powerful method for cleansing the digestive system and improving digestion. The rhythmic movement of the abdominal muscles in nauli massages the internal organs, particularly the digestive organs such as the stomach, intestines, and liver. This massage action helps to stimulate the digestive fire (agni) and enhances the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It can aid in relieving symptoms of dyspepsia, which include indigestion, bloating, and discomfort after eating. However, it's essential to approach the practice of nauli with caution and under expert guidance. Learning nauli correctly requires proper instruction and supervision from an experienced yoga teacher or guru. Incorrect practice may lead to discomfort or injury, particularly if the abdom...