Meaning of Mudra
The word mudra is derived by adding the suffix "rak" to the root 'Mud Harsha', which means a condition that gives happiness.
The word "mudra" in the sense of money or rupees is also used with the same intention. Many meanings of the word 'mudra' are found in the corpus. Such as seal, ring, sign, medal, rupee, secret, specific position of the limbs (hand or face posture)] dance posture (position) etc.
In the yogic context, the word mudra can be taken to mean 'mystery' and 'special position of the limbs'. The method used to awaken the Kundalini Shakti is mysterious. And being confidential, it is not a public method. Hence the secret meaning is appropriate. 'Mudra' is practiced by sitting in a specific position using bandhas along with asanas and pranayama. That's why it is also taken as a special condition of the organs.
Special position of hands and mouth can also be included in these. For example, sitting in Janushirasana, Mahamudra is practiced using pranayama and bandhas, and for the practice of pranayama a special hand posture has to be taken on the nostrils. Therefore, the meaning of 'mystery' and 'special condition of the organs' is appropriate. "Mudra" is a very valuable tool which awakens the Kundalini Shakti and leads the seeker to the goal. Hence, the sense of "gold or money or rupee" is also included in it. This undoubtedly proves the value of "Mudra".
Definition of "Mudra"
In the light of the above meaning, the definition of "Mudra"can be given in the following way-
- The mode of expressing inner feelings is called Mudra.
- The combined special position of Asana, Pranayama through which the awakening of Kundalini Shakti is possible is called Mudra.
- Mudra is the process of achieving happiness.
- Mudra is a special position that reveals the mind.
- That special position of Asana in which Pranayama may or may not be included but which helps in Kundalini awakening is Mudra.
This combined practice is more fruitful than only asana or only pranayama. Through the practice of mudras, the seeker controls the subtle body and life force, due to which his instincts become introverted and success is achieved in the practice. The seeker makes his Pranamaya and Manomaya Kosh clean and pure, due to which the mind becomes concentrated and the state of Kundalini awakening and samadhi is attained spontaneously.
Meaning and definition of Bandh
The word "Bandha" is formed by suffixing 'Ghan' in the root of "bandh-bandhane dhaatu" .
The process through which, by tying or controlling various internal organs of the body, there is tendency in spiritual practice. That action is called Bandha.
The dictionary has many meanings of "Bandh" word. Like- tying, tightening, binding, arranging, stopping, interfering etc. But the "Bandh" which are required to be discussed here pave the way for meditation by controlling the body.
"Bandh" can be defined as- By tying a particular organ, it is bandha to direct the senses towards a particular goal.
From the point of view of yoga, the use of Bandha is necessary during Pranayama. By this the Prana is controlled so that it cannot go to an uncertain place. Where the prana reaches, it will affect the same organ.
Hence by the use of bandha it becomes possible to control the prana and take it to the desired place. It can be said that the name of the process of turning the instincts inward to control the prana by narrowing the body parts is called bandha. Due to which the internal organs and nerves become healthy and active.
Purpose of Bandh and Mudra- Utility of Bandh and Mudra:
The function of Mudras and Bandhas is to lead the seeker on the path of spiritual practice, by the use of these Mudras and Bandhas, the Kundalini Shakti is awakened, which is the main objective of Hatha Yogi's Sadhana. Apart from this, by controlling the internal organs, it affects the endocrine and exocrine glands of the seeker. Whose secretion strengthens the physical and mental condition. The matter of 'steadiness' in the practice of Mudra has been discussed in the Gheranda Samhita itself.
"mudraayam sthirataa ch"
"मुद्रायम स्थिरता च"
With this, a sense of stability can be achieved by producing and using desired energy by subduing the nervous system. "Mudra" mold the seeker according to his qualities. And the seeker gets influenced by the effect of mudra and moves forward on the path of meditation. With the practice of these mudras, the messages sent by the nervous system to the brain become successful in awakening the consciousness.
The use of Bandha affects the nerves. If the nerves which are working on the throat, abdomen or anus are activated and obstructed, then the upper, lower or middle passage for the prana will be closed and the prana will start moving in the Sushumna. In this way, Bandhas play an important role in awakening the Kundalini Shakti and establishing control over the Prana.
Swami Niranjanananda believes that “The postures and bandhas described in Yoga Shastra prove to be helpful in calming and controlling the sensations of the nervous system. Mudras practiced in Kundalini Yoga or Kriya Yoga like Ashwini Mudra, Vajroli Mudra, Tadagi Mudra etc. have an effect on the Pranamaya Kosha and try to change the flow of Prana. They also have an effect on the brain and they help in awakening special feelings within the mind so that we can become introverted. The practice of Bandhas and Mudras helps in attaining concentration.
According to Swami Kuvalayanand ji, 'Mudra and Bandha are the special features of Hatha Yoga. In these, internal pressure changes to a great extent and directly affects many glands and endocrine glands and also some nerve groups. This type of yogic exercise reduces the amount of urine and stool. Especially through the practice of Moola Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha, which according to the ability of the abhyasi create different types of sub-atmospheric pressure in the chest and abdominal cavity.
According to the Gheranda Samhita, the practice of Bandha is actually a nervous block and blocks the sensations arising in all the tantra nerves within the body and brain and awakens other types of sensations. Wherever there is a contraction in the internal organs, whether it is in the neck, in the throat, in the region of the genitals or in the anus, it changes the processes related to the internal organs, changes the emotions. Leads the body to another kind of exciting or calm state, due to which there is a feeling of inner stillness.
Hence it is clear that Bandhas and Mudras take us away from the outer world and take us to the inner world. It is possible to control the Annamaya, Pranamaya and Manomaya Kosha through Asana, Pranamaya, Bandha and Mudra. Therefore, the usefulness of mudras for achieving the goal is undoubtedly proved.
It is said in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika that- In order to awaken the sleeping 'Kundalini Shakti' at the 'Moolsthan' one should make every effort to practice Mudras because Mudras are the only best way to awaken Kundalini. This proves the usefulness of the practice of Mudra and Bandh.
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