Meditation Series
Nov 16, 2019
Sambhavi Mudra
Position
Trataka Abhyasa has to be done first before Sambhavi Mudra can be done. Fix the gaze on one object without blinking (Trataka Abhyasa) until tears flow. Then fix the gaze on the mid-brow or on the Ajna Chakra. This gives rise to single-pointedness of the mind (ekagrata citta).
Sadhguru on Sambhavi Mudra:
A person with a strong body and a strong mind can be stuck on every turn. Why? There is no grace. It's like a bicycle with high performance parts and great engineering. But without lubrication, it cannot perform well. Sambhavi Mudra adds that element of grace to smoothen the flow of life and abundance.
The brain stem (medula oblongata, pons, mid-brain and thalamus) of the human brain begins where the spinal cord ends. It is in charge of respiratory and cardiac functionalities. It also triggers our sense of territoriality (same way reptiles are territorial). Within 24 hours of Sambhavi Mudra practice, you can already make measureable improvements with respiratory and heart functions through the brain stem. Our sense of territory goes down and replaced by a sense of oneness.
For guided practice by Sadhguru: Yoga For Inner Exploration: Shambhavi Mudra
lateral view of the brainstem
Combination Practice
Because Trataka (a vision-enhancing shatkriya) needs to happen first before Sambhavi Mudra can be put in effect, it makes sense for me to combine several mudras/kumbhakas designed to benefit the eyes while doing Sambhavi, as follows:
- candle - light a candle in a dark room and place it at eye level when seated
- Padmasana - sit in padmasana
- Surya Pradarshini Mudra - gesture both hands in surya pradarshini mudra
- Trataka Kriya - gaze into the candle without blinking
- Ujjayi Pranayama - breathe in ujjayi breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama may prolong the tearing effect or may even prevent it. In that case, engage regular breathing only)
- Mula and Uddiyana Bandha Mudra - engage Mula Bandha mudra and Uddiyana Bandha mudra while doing the ujjayi pranayama (engaging the bandhas may prolong the tearing effect or may even prevent it. In that case, don't engage the bandhas). Because you are gazing on the candle, you cannot do Jalandara Mudra.
- Ajna Chakra gaze - the eye will start to feel a burning sensation until tears flow down. When this happens, refocus the gaze from the candle to the mid-brow (Ajna Chakra) and fix that focus. Continue the ujjayi breathing and the maha bandha mudra the entire time
- palming - to close the practice, rub the palms together and palm the eyes a few times
Benefits
Dhyana Siddhi (supernatural powers from meditation and yoga practice) is developed from Sambhavi Mudra. From the Surya Pradarshini Mudra, Trataka Kriya and palming, all diseases of the eyes are cured or prevented.
Dhyana Siddhi...developing supernatural powers as a result of yoga/meditation practice
Ending Thoughts
I've done Trataka before but never aware that I could take it up to a higher level by simply refocusing my gaze on the mid-brow. With all the above combination of mudra, kriya, pranayama, bandha, all designed to enhance eyesight, this exercise is very powerful. I could immediately feel the relief on my eyes after the practice. This is more immediate than any other eye exercise I've done before. Better yet, after the practice, serve yourself fresh juiced carrots.
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
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