chapter 3: shuddhi kriyas
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Purification techniques
"By purifying inner faculties, the mind becomes happy and concentrated, the senses are conquered and a man is qualified to witness the Self." -Yoga Darshana 2.42
Shuddhi is a Sanskrit word meaning purification or cleansing. Kriyā is a Sanskrit word meaning action,or deed. The system of Yoga places tremendous importance on purifying the body. Yogic literature clearly lays out techniques to keep the body purified. In the normal course of life, nerves, arteries, and all other channels of the body gradually harden and become obstructed by sediments and impurities, which can cause aging as well as physical and mental ailments. The first work in the practice of Yoga is to remove these sediments through the purification and rejuvenation of the grosser, and then the subtler channels of the body. Paramahamsa Nithyananda explains that the emotions we experience are actually tied to our body fluids. When these body fluids, called rheum, are cleansed, imbalances like anger, doubt, fear, lust, and hatred will leave your system. In fact, Paramahamsa Nithyananda declares that just by keeping your stomach clean you will become enlightened. You don't need any other practice.
Paramahamsa Nithyananda explains that these techniques not only cleanse our body, but bring peace and balance to our mind, and lightness and bliss to our being.
An upside down vessel is of no use for filling it with the purest water. Any amount of water poured over it, will make it spill out everywhere. Now, take your body. Not preparing a Yogic Body makes the energy just leak out from our mind-body system. Even if poured, it will not stay for long in us.
In the Nithyananda Sampradaya, we use five main cleansing processes on a daily basis, called Pancha Kriyas. Although these methods are described in scriptures that are over 2.000 years old, the practice of these methods have very strict rules related to place, food, physical, and mental behavior. Those rules should be observed as closely as possible to ensure safe practice as well as
maximize the results. In this next section, we present the cleansing processes outlined in the traditional scriptures. We also describe, how each one is used to balance the doshas (the five elements that form the body constitution), how it removes all diseases and disorders related to these elements, and how they remove any imbalances in the body. These purification techniques helps eliminate disease, prolong life, purify the organs and the senses as well as create an enlightened physiology to manifest powers!
Let us now explore the cleansing techniques that form the basis of Hatha Yoga.
Detoxify your Third Eye
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Every night before you fall asleep, sit and detoxify. Listen carefully, this two things; 1) Rubbing the turmeric and applying kumkum, that detoxifies the intra-organ called Third Eye. Putting your attention on the Third Eye, activates something called Ajna, means the energy to activate the intra-organ called Third Eye happens by putting your attention on it.
Activate the Will by Detoxification
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Applying the turmeric and kumkum detoxifies the intra-organ called Third Eye. Putting your attention and keeping it on your Third Eye, rubbing your Third Eye with your attention, activates the WILL, that creates Ajna to manifest powers through your intra-organ called Third Eye. Both need to be done. Decalcification also need to be done. Detoxification also need to be done. Infusing energy also need to be done.
Detox for Next Levels of Shaktis Manifestation
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
If you just detoxify and bring yourself to the Sadāshivoham, I can put the energy or I can just go on blasting your Third Eye with energy and do the detoxification, both are possible. But, if you do the detoxification and prepare yourself, little and come there, it can be hundred times more useful. The program will be hundred times more useful for you, because if you have finished the first level, I will do the next level. If I have to do the first level also, okay I will do. But, the way the exponential growth which can happen in you, if you do little preparation and come, will be amazing. It will be a amazing growth. So whoever wants to come for Sadāshivoham, please start detoxification process, now itself. Even otherwise, you can do detoxification. Toxins don't do good in any way.
Pancha Kriya for Bhava Samadhi
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Pancha Kriya is such embodying purification. Once you complete pancha kriya you should feel your whole body is pure. Then Puja, embodying Bhakti, Consciousness. Chit Gana Anubhava Samādhi of Bhakti, surrender, devotion, dropping all the crap from the head.In the pancha kriya, below the chest you clean, whatever is unnecessary you drop. During Puja, above the head you clean, whatever is unnecessary accumulated you drop. During the satsang, you sit in Nirvikalpa Samadhi, just to reverberate, vibrate, entangle Sadashivoham, Shuddhadvaita Satya.
Haritaki
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Anybody who wants abundance, just brush (using your forefinger and middle finger) your teeth with haritaki powder every day. The time you are concentrated and centered on your goal every day will increase THREE times more.number of times you remember your goal and align yourself to your goal, and feel oneness and centered with your goal, will increase 3X more if the pitta in your body is balanced.Simple technique, having the haritaki powder in your bathroom and brushing every day will make you rich, it's a simple system.
Detox for Next Levels of Shaktis Manifestation
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
If you just detoxify and bring yourself to the Sadāshivoham, I can put the energy or I can just go on blasting your Third Eye with energy and do the detoxification, both are possible. But, if you do the detoxification and prepare yourself, little and come there, it can be hundred times more useful. The program will be hundred times more useful for you, because if you have finished the first level, I will do the next level. If I have to do the first level also, okay I will do. But, the way the exponential growth which can happen in you, if you do little preparation and come, will be amazing. It will be a amazing growth. So whoever wants to come for Sadāshivoham, please start detoxification process, now itself. Even otherwise, you can do detoxification. Toxins don't do good in any way.
Beauty Tip with Haritaki
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
When you brush with Haritaki every morning, it will also make you beautiful. It will bring a shine to your skin as Pitta leaves the body. The shining, tejus, is visible to the 3rd eye, not to the regular eyes.
Weeding Out the Root Patterns
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Made of the powdered nut of the kadukka tree native to India, this medicine works in a subtle way on the mind as well, wiping away all the engraved memories (samskaras) and negative mental patterns, helping one to become aware of the inauthenticities, and complete with their root patterns.
Three Hundred Increase in Oxygen in Blood
Ātma Pramāṇa - आत्मा प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
The oxygen level in the blood increases to 300%. The whole stomach gets cleansed. That is one thing. The main thing is the whole blood becomes pure. 300% oxygen means equivalent to 2 hours of Pranayama.
Get Rid of Fat and Phlegm Disorders
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 8)
मेदश्लेष्मनिवृत्त्यर्थं षट्कर्माणि समाचरेत् ॥
अन्यथा नाचरेत्तानि दोषाणं समतायतः ॥ ८ ॥
medaśleṣmanivṛtyarthaṃ ṣaṭkarmāṇi samācaret ||
anyathā nācarettāni doṣāṇaṃ samatāyataḥ || 8 ||
Translation
The ṣaṭ-karmas should be practiced to get rid of the disorders of fat and phlegm. One who enjoys a balanced condition of the three humors, need not practise them. 8
Six Cleansing Techniques
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 9)
धौउती बस्ती तथा नेती त्राटकं न्औलिकं तथा ॥
कपालभस्तीश्चैतानि षट्कर्माणि प्रवक्ष्यते ॥ ९ ॥
dhauti bastī tathā netī trāṭakaṃ naulikam tathā ||
kapālabhastrīścaitāni ṣaṭkarmāni pravakṣyate || 9 ||
Translation
The ṣaṭ-karmas are dhauti, bastī, neti, trāṭaka, naulī and kapālabhastrī.
Purify All Nadis
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 26)
शुद्धिमेति यदा सर्वं नाडीचक्रं मलाकुलं ॥
तदैव जायते योगी प्राणसङ्ग्रहणे क्षमः ॥ २६ ॥
śuddhīmeti yadā sarvaṃ nāḍīcakraṃ malākulam ||
tadaiva jāyate yogī prāṇasaṅgrahaṇe kṣamaḥ || 26 ||
Translation
When all the network of the impure nāḍīs get purified, then alone a Yogī becomes capable of retaining prāṇa. 26
| Neti and Trataka for Third Eye Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I, Verse 64) | शोधनं कार्यमाज्ञायां नेतित्राटककर्मणा ॥ सर्वाङ्गशोधनं कार्यं बस्तिभस्त्रैककर्मणा ॥ ६४ ॥ śodhanam kāryamājñāyāṃ netitrāṭakakarmaṇā ॥ sarvāṅgaśodhanam kāryam bastibhastraikakarmaṇā ॥ 64 ॥ | Translation ājñā-cakra is purified by neti and trāṭaka-karmas. Entire body is purified by basti and bhastrā-karma (kapālabhāti). 64 |
| Vastra Dhauti Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I Verse 37 - 39) | विंशद्धस्तप्रमाणेन धौतवस्त्रं सुदीर्घितम् ॥ चतुरङ्गुलविस्तारं सिक्तं चूपैव शनैः ग्रसेत् ॥ ३७ ॥ ततः प्रत्याहरेच्चैतदभ्यासाद्धौतिरुच्यते ॥ दिने दिने ततः कुर्याज्जठराग्निः प्रवर्द्धते ॥ ३८ । कासश्वासप्लीहकुष्ठं कफरोगाश्च विंशतिः ॥ धौतिकर्मप्रभावेन धावन्त्येव न संशयः ॥ ३९ ॥ viṃśaddhastapramāṇena dhautavastraṃ sudīrghitam ॥ caturaṅgulavistāraṃ siktaṃ caiva śanaiḥ graset ॥ 37 ॥ tataḥ pratyāhareccaitadabhyāsāddhautirucyate ॥ dine dine tataḥ kuryājjatharāgniḥ pravarddhate ॥ 38 ॥ kāsaśvāsaplīhakuṣṭhaṃ kapharogāśca viṃśatiḥ ॥ dhautikarmaprabhāvena dhāvantyeva na saṃśayaḥ ॥ 39 ॥ | Translation One should slowly swallow a clean wet cloth measuring twenty cubits in length and four digits in width, and thereafter pull the same out. This is called dhauti, which has to be mastered over day by day. This enhances gastric fire. 37 - 38 Practice of dhauti undoubtedly removes the diseases like cough, asthma, spleen (disorders), skin diseases and all the twenty varieties of phlegmatic disorders. 39 |
Result of These
Cleansing Techniques
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter 1,
Verse 61)
षट्चक्रशोधनं सम्यक् प्राणायामस्य कारणम् ॥
नाशनं सर्वरोगानां मोक्षमार्गस्य साधनम् ॥ ६१ ॥
ṣaṭcakraśodhanam samyak prāṇāyāmasya kāraṇam ॥
nāśanam sarvarogāṇāṃ mokṣamārgasya sādhanam ॥ 61 ॥
Translation
(As a result of these eight karmas) the practice of Prāṇāyāma becomes successful, all the six cakras are properly purified, all the diseases are removed, and liberation is achieved. 61
Benefits of Practice of Basti
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 16)
धात्विन्द्रियान्तःकरण - प्रसादं
दद्याच्च कान्तिं दहनप्रदीप्तिम् ॥
अशेषदोषोपचयं निहन्याद् -
अभ्यस्यमानं जलबस्तीकर्म ॥ १६ ॥
dhātvindriyāntaḥkaraṇa - prasādam
dadyācca kāntiṃ dahanapradīptim ॥
aśeṣadoṣopacayaṃ nihanyād -
abhyasyamānaṃ jalabastikarma ॥ 16 ॥
Translation
The practice of jala-basti karma streamlines the body constituents, brings poise to the internal sense organs, offers brightness, stimulates digestion and completely removes the chronic (bodily) disorders. 16
Basti Cleanses
Digestive System
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 15)
गुल्मप्लीहोदरं चापि वातपित्तकफोद्भवाः ॥
बस्तीकर्मप्रभावेन क्षीयन्ते सकला मलाः ॥ १५ ॥
gulamplīhodaraṃ cāpi vātapittakaphidbhavāḥ ॥
bastikarmaprabhāvena kṣīyante sakalā malāḥ ॥ 15 ॥
Translation
Practice of basti removes all the disorders of spleen and abdomen, dropsy, diseases caused by the imbalance of vāta, pitta and kapha humors. 15
Colon Cleansing - Basti Karma
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 14)
अथ बस्ती- कर्म -
नाभिदघ्ने जले पायुन्यस्त - नालोत्कटासनः ॥
आधाराकुञ्चनं कुर्यादपानं बस्तिकर्मविद् ॥ १४ ॥
Atha basti- Karma nābhīdaghne jale pāyunyasta - nālotkaṭāsanaḥ || ādhārākuñcanaṁ kuryādapānaṁ bastikarmavid || 14 ||
Translation
One adopts utkaṭāsana in navel deep water. After inserting a tube in the anus, one manipulates the anus to raise the apāna - vāyu upwards. This is basti- karma. 14
Describing Sutra Neti
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 17)
अथ नेती- कर्म
सूत्रं वितस्तिसुनिग्धं नासानाले प्रवेशयेत् ॥
मुखान्निर्गमनादेव नेती सिद्धैर् निगद्यते ॥ १७ ॥
atha neti- karma sūtraṁ vitastisunigdhaṁ nāsānāle praveśayet || mukhānnirgamanādeva netī siddhair nigdyate || 17 ||
Translation
One inserts a smooth sheaf of cotton, measuring (approximately) 23 cms in length, in the nose and pulls it out through the mouth. According to Siddhas this is neti. 17
Benefits of Neti
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 18)
कपालशोधनी चैव दिव्यदृष्टिप्रदायिनी ॥
जत्रूर्ध्वजातरोगौघं नेतिराशु निहन्ति च ॥ १८ ॥
kapālaśodhanī caiva divyadṛṣṭipradāyinī || jatrūrdhvajātarogaughaṁ netirāśu nihanti ca || 18 ||
Translation
The process of neti quickly cleanses the frontal sinuses, offers clear eyesight and rids one off the hosts of diseases occurring in the region above shoulders. 18
| Trataka - Cleansing of Eyes Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma Chapter 3, Verse 19-20 | निरीक्षेन् - निश्चलदृशा सूक्ष्मलक्ष्यं समाहितः ॥ अश्रुसम्पातपर्यन्तम् आचार्यैस् - त्राटकं स्मृतम् ॥ १९ ॥ मोचनं नेत्ररोगाणां तन्द्रादीनां कपाटकम् ॥ यत्नत्- त्राटकं गोप्यं यथा हाटकपॆटकम् ॥ २० ॥ nirīkṣen - niścaladṛśā sūkṣmalakṣyaṁ samāhitaḥ II aśrusampātaparyantam ācāryais - trāṭakaṁ smṛtam II 19 II mocanaṁ netrarogāṇāṁ tandrādīnāṁ kapāṭakam II yatnatas- trāṭakam gopyaṁ yathā hāṭakapeṭakam II 20 II | Translation One should constantly gaze at a very minute object, remaining one-pointed, until tears roll down. This is known as trāṭaka. 19 This technique (Trataka) alleviates eye diseases and drowsiness or sloth and therefore, it should be carefully guarded like a casket of gold. 20 |
| Nauli - Abdominal Cleansing Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma (Chapter 3, Verse 21-22) | अमन्दावर्तवेगेन तुन्दं सव्यापसव्ययोः ॥ शतशो भ्रामयेदेषा न्औलीयोगं प्रचक्ष्यते ॥ २१ ॥ मन्दान्गिसन्दीपनपाचनाग्नि -सन्ध्यायकानन्दकरी तथ्ऐव ॥ अशेषदोषामयशोषण्ी च हठक्रिया म्औलिरियं हि न्औली ॥ २२ ॥ amadavartavegena tundaṁ svyāpasavyayoḥ II śataśo bhrāmayedeṣā naulīYogaṁ prakṣyate II 21 II mandāgnisandīpanapācanāgni -sandhāyakānandakarī tathaiva II aśeṣadoṣāmayaśoṣaṇī ca haṭhakriyā mauliriyam hi naulī II 22 II | Translation One quickly rotates the abdominal columns to the right and left for a hundred (several) times. This is called naulī-Yoga. 21 Naulī is the crown of all the kriyās of Haṭha, which stimulates weak digestion, streamlines gastric fire, brings a deep sense of well-being and totally removes all the disorders caused by the imbalance of the three humors (doṣas) 22 |
Nauli - of Two Types
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭharatnāvalī
(Chapter I Verse 33-34)
सा च नॄलिर्र्द्विधा प्रोक्ता भारी चैकान्तराभिधा ॥
भारी स्याद् बाह्यरूपेण जायन्ते ऽन्तस्तु सा तथा ॥ ३३ ॥
अमन्दावर्त्तवेगेन तुन्दं सव्यापसव्यतः ॥
नतांसो भ्रामयेदेषा नॄलिः ग्औडैः प्रशस्यते ॥ ३४ ॥
sā ca naulirdvidhā proktā bhārī caikāntarābhidhā ॥
bhārī syād bāhyarūpeṇa jāyante ऽntastu sā tathā ॥ 33 ॥
amandāvartvegena tundaṃ savyāpasavyataḥ ॥
natāṃso bhrāmayedeṣā nauliḥ gauḍaiḥ praśasyate ॥ 34 ॥
tuṇḍāgnisandīpanapācanādi - sandīpikā ऽnandakarī sadaiva ॥
aśeṣadoṣāmayaśoṣiṇī ca haṭhakriyāmaulirīyaṃ ca nauliḥ ॥ 35 ॥
Translation
Bhārī and antarā are two varieties of nauli. Bhārī is external, while the antarā is internal. 33
One rapidly rotates the abdomen to right and left (Clockwise) and left to right (Anti-clockwise) while bending down the shoulders. According to the gauḍa this great practice is nauli. 34
Benefits of Nauli
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī (Chapter I Verse 35)
तुन्दाग्निसन्दीपनपाचनादि - सन्दीेपिका ऽनन्दकरी सदैेव ॥
अशेषदोषामयशोषिनी च हठक्रियामौेलिरियं च नॄलिः ॥ ३५ ॥
nāḍīmadhyamalakṣaye'lpaśayanaṃ mūtraṃ vidustena saḥpuṃsaḥ svalpamarogatā na kṛmayo lālā na gharmo'ratiḥ ॥
duḥśleṣmānilapittaśāntiramalaḥ kāyo bhavet sundarastāvat kālabhyaṃ kubhojyaniyamagrāhaṃ bhajedalpabhuk ॥ 35 ॥
Translation
This nauli is the crown of all the Haṭha-kriyās, which stimulates gastric fire, improves digestion, brings about a deep sense of well-being and completely removes all the disorders caused by vitiation of the three humours. 35
Antarā Nauli
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭharatnāvalī
(Chapter I Verse 36)
इडयावर्तवेगेन तथा पिङ्गलया पुनः ॥
उभाभ्यां भ्रामयेच्चैव ह्यन्तरा कीर्तिता मया ॥ ३६ ॥
iḍayāvartavegena tathā piṅgalayā punaḥ ||
ubhābhyāṁ bhrāmayeccaiva hyantarā kīrtitā mayā || 36 ||
Translation Quick rotation (of the abdomen) like a whirlpool on both sides, with the iḍā (left), followed by piṅgalā (right) is called antarā by me. 36
Nauli
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭharatnāvalī
(Chapter I, Verse 63)
मणिपूरं नाभिगतं न्औल्याख्येन तु कर्मणा ॥
हृदयं कण्ठचक्रं च ध्औत्याख्येन तु करमणा ॥ ६३ ॥
maṇipūraṁ nābhigataṁ naulyākhyena tu karmaṇā ||
hṛdayaṁ kaṇṭhacakraṁ ca dhautyākhyena tu karamaṇā || 63 ||
Translation Nauli-karma bring purification to maṇipūra located at the navel. Dhauti-karma purifies the hṛdaya cakra and kaṇṭha cakra at the throat. 63
Kapalabastri
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 23)
अथ कपालभस्त्री -
ल्औहकारस्य भस्त्रीव कुर्यात् सव्यापसव्यतः ॥
कपालभस्त्री विख्याता कफदोषविशोषनी ॥ २३ ॥
atha kapālabhastrī -
lauhakārasya bhastrīva kuryāt savyāpasavyataḥ ||
kapālabhastrī vikhyātā kaphadoṣaviśoṣanī || 23 ||
Translation One imitates the movements of the bellows of a blacksmith, using the left and right nostrils. This famous kapāla-bhastrī removes phlegmatic disorders. 23
Kapalabhati
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭharatnāvalī
(Chapter I, Verse 56)
अथ कपालभस्त्रिका
भस्त्रिवल्लोहकाराणां रेचूपूरसुसम्भ्रमौ ॥
कआलभस्त्री विख्याता सर्वरोगविशोषणी ॥ ५६ ॥
atha kapālabhastrikā
bhastrivallohakārāṇāṁ recupūrasusambhramau ||
kaālabhastrī vikhyātā sarvarogaviśoṣaṇī || 56 ||
Translation One should rapidly inhale and exhale like the bellows of an ironsmith. This is the famous kapāla-bhastrī, which removes all the diseases. 56
Gaja Karani
Āpta Pramāna - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma
(Chapter 3, Verse 24)
अथ षट्कर्मोत्तरं गजकरणी -
उदरगतपदार्थम् उद्दमन्ती पवनम् -
अपानमुदीर्य कण्ठनाले ॥
करिभिरिव जलस्य वायुवेगाद्
गजकरणीति निगद्यते हठज्ञैः ॥ २४ ॥
atha ṣaṭkarmottaraṃ gajakaraṇī -
udaragatapadārtham udvamantī -pavanam -
apānamudīrya kaṇṭhanāle ||
karibhiriva jalasya vāyuvegād
gajakaraṇīti nigadyate haṭhajñaiḥ || 24 ||
Translation One vomits out with great force, the contents of the stomach by stimulating and raising the apāna - vāyu up to the throat like an elephant throwing the water with force from his trunk. According to the adepts of Haṭha, this is gaja-karaṇī. 24
Guru-Gaja-Karani
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭharatnāvalī
(Chapter I, Verse 52)
पीत्वा ऽकण्ठं सतिलगुअडजलं नालिकेरोदकं वा
वायुमार्गे पवनजलयुतं कुम्भयेद्वाथ शक्त्या ।
निःशेषं शोधयित्वा परिभवपवनो बस्तिवायुप्रकाशात्
कुम्भाम्भः कण्ठनाले गुरुगजकरणी -
प्रोच्यते ऽयं हठज्ञैः ॥ ५२ ॥
athavā-
pītvā 'kaṇṭhaṃ satilaguḍajalaṃ nālikerodakaṃ vā
vāyumārge pavanajalayutaṃ kumbhayedvātha śaktyā |
niḥśeṣaṃ śodhayitvā paribhavapavano bastivāyuprakāśāt
kumbhāmbhaḥ kaṇṭhanāle gurugajakaraṇī -
procyate 'yaṃ haṭhajñaiḥ || 52 ||
Translation One should drink water mixed up with jaggery and sesame or coconut water up to throat and retain both water and air to the limit. With an objective to control 'pavana', one should thoroughly cleanse the whole tract from stomach to the throat. This is called Guru-gajakaraṇī by the experts of Haṭha. 52
Chakri-Karma
Āpta Pramāṇa-आप्त प्रमाण
Haṭharatnāvalī
(Chapter I Verse 29-32)
पायुनाले प्रसार्यार्द्धमङ्गुलीं भ्रामयेदभीः ॥
यावद् गुदविकासः स्याच्चक्रिकर्म निगद्यते ॥ २९ ॥
pāyunāle prasāryārddhamaṅgulīṃ bhrāmayedabhīḥ ||
yāvad gudavikāsaḥ syāccakrikarma nigadyate || 29 ||
मूलव्याधिः गुल्मरोगो नश्यत्यत्र महोदरः ॥
मलशुद्ध्यग्निदीपनं च जायते चक्रिकर्मणा ॥ ३० ॥
mūlavyādhiḥ gulmarogo naśyatyatra mahodaraḥ ||
malaśuddhyaddīpanaṃ ca jāyate cakrikarmaṇā || 30 ||
सर्वेषां कर्मणां चक्रिसाधनं प्रोच्यते मया ॥
स्वात्मारामप्रभूणां तु चक्रिकर्म न सम्मतम् ॥ ३१ ॥
sarveṣāṃ karmaṇāṃ cakrisādhanaṃ procyate mayā ||
svātmārāmprabhūṇāṃ tu cakrikarma na sammatam || 31 ||
साधकैस्तत् प्रकर्त्तव्यं सर्वकर्माभिसिद्धये ॥
तस्मान्मदुक्तरीत्यैव ज्ञातव्यं योगिपुङ्गवैः ॥ ३२ ॥
sādhakaistat prakartavyaṃ sarvakarmābhisiddhaye ||
tasmānmaduktarītyaiva jñātavyaṃ yogipuṅgavaiḥ || 32 ||
Translation
One should insert the half-length of the finger in the anus by opening it and move the finger round until the anal sphincters are fully relaxed. This is cakri- Karma. 29
Practice of cakri-karma removes the diseases like piles, (enlargement of) spleen and abdominal disorders, cleanses the morbidities and stimulates gastric fire. 30
Among all the Karmas, I emphasise practice of cakri-karma. Learned Svātmārāma does not approve of cakri- karma. 31
To attain success in all the Karmas, the practitioners should follow the technique as laid down by me, which may also be noted by the eminent Yogis. 32
Gaining Control Over Prana
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.1
योगसाधनमभ्यस्यं दिवसैः सिद्धिसूचकम् ।
तस्मादादौ समीरस्य विजयं कुरु सम्मतम् ॥
वमनं रेचनं कृत्वा पश्चाद्वायुं समभ्यसेद् ॥ इति ॥ १ ॥
Yogasādhanamabhyasyam divasaiḥ siddhisūcakam |
tasmādādau samīrasya vijayaṁ kuru sammatam ||
vamanam recanaṁ kṛtvā paścādvāyuṁ samabhyased || iti || 1 ||
Translation One should practice vomiting (vamana) and purgation (recana) produced (before the) by the practice of pranayama to gain control over prana. Thus practice of Yoga indicates success day by day. Therefore, it is advisable to gain control on prana in the beginning itself.
Flushing Out Bodily Toxins through Kumbhakas
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.11
अनुस्यूताभ्यस्तकुम्भा नाडीस्थामरसं द्रुतम् ॥
कृत्वा बहिः कृत्युतं स्वं स्वेददाः स्युर्न चान्यन्ता ॥ ११ ॥
anusyūtābhyastakumbhā nāḍīsthāmarasaṁ drutam ||
kṛtvā bahiḥ kṛtyutaṁ svaṁ svedadāḥ syurna cānyantā || 11 ||
Translation A consistent practice of kumbhakas flushes out the amarasa (the bodily toxins) soon from the nadis and produces perspiration and not otherwise.
Nadisuddhi Description
Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.19
विकृतरसविशोषात् प्राणरोधेन नाड्यो मलविलयविशुद्धा नाडीशुद्धौ भवन्ति ॥
अथ विमलतदन्तर्गर्भसञ्चारदक्षः शुचितनु हृदि वायुः स्यात्तदा नाडीशुद्धिः ॥ १९ ॥
vikṛtarasaviśoṣāt prāṇarodhena nāḍyo malavilayaviśuddhā nāḍīśuddhau bhavanti ||
atha vimalatadantargarbhasañcāradakṣaḥ śucitanu hṛdi vāyuḥ syāttadā nāḍīśuddhiḥ || 19 ||
Translation In the course of nadisuddhi, when prana is controlled, the nadis get rid of the morbidities. Thus, when the internal passage (susumna) becomes capable of free movement of vayu upto the region of heart, the body becomes purified. Then along nadisuddhi occurs.
Why cleansing the Nadis?
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.20
Translation
रसमलकफलिप्तेऽभ्यन्तरे नाडिकाना-मिव चरति मरुन्नान्तर्मलायां प्रणल्याम् ॥
मसृणधमनीरन्ध्रेष्वैत्तिनो चेत् कृतोऽलं जडसहचर-चित्ताकृष्ट एत्याशु कोपम् ॥ २० ॥
rasamalakaphalipte'bhyantare nāḍikānā-miva carati marunnāntarmalāyāṁ praṇālyām ||
masrṇadhamanīrandhreṣvaittino cet kṛto'laṁ jaḍasahacara-cittākṛṣṭa etyāśu kopam || 20 ||
Like filthy channels if the internal parts of the nadis are filled with rasa (plasma), mala (morbid elements) and kapha (phlegm), the prana cannot move smoothly. Even if it moves being guided by citta, would become agitated.
Starting with Cleansing the Nadis Also
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.21
Translation
व्रजति कुपथमन्तर्नेष्ट ईषदू बहिर्द्रक्कलिततनुकपाटाभ्यां हृदा कर्षितोऽपि ॥
कलयति स तदारं स्फोट्यपातो जवेनगतमत इह पूर्वा नाडीशुद्धिं विदध्यात् ॥ २१ ॥
vrajati kupathamantarneṣṭa īṣad bahirdrakkalitatanukapāṭābhyāṁ hṛdā karṣito'pi ||
kalayati sa tadāraṁ sphoṭyapāto javenagatamata iha pūrvāṁ nāḍīśuddhiṁ vidadhyāt || 21 ||
It is not desirable that prana should go astray, even though when it is slightly pulled up towards the heart by contracting the organs. For speedy movement of prana, one should practice nadisuddhi in the beginning itself.
Benefits of Nadishodhana
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.22
Translation
मले विशुष्केऽस्खलिता समीर-गतिर्भवेन्नीचगमं विहाय ॥
प्रत्तीचिवाहं कलयत्यपानो भूत्वोर्ध्वगः प्राणपदं प्रयाति ॥ २२ ॥
male viśuṣke'skhalitā samīra-gatirbhavennīcagamaṁ vihāya ||
pratīcivāhaṁ kalayatyapāno bhūtvordhvagaḥ prāṇapadaṁ prayāti || 22 ||
When morbidities are dried up, the prana flows placidly in the posterior path. Moreover, apana moves upwardly and reaches the abode of prana.
Removal of Impurities through Naddisuddhi
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.30
नाडिविशुध्द्याऽस्तशिरामलो यदा तदा समर्थोऽनिलधारणे चिरम् ॥
स्यात्कोष्ठगर्तस्थमलोग्रकर्दमक्षयेऽ-ग्निरिद्धः क्व तनौ रुजां जनिः ॥ ३० ॥
nāḍīviśuddhyā'staśīrāmalo yadā tadā samartho'niladhāraṇe ciram ||
syātkoṣṭhagarttasthamalograkardamakṣaye'-gniriddhaḥ kva tanau rujāṃ janiḥ || 30 ||
Translation
Through nadisuddhi as the impurities of the sira are removed, one becomes capable of holding the prana for long. Moreover, impurities and toxins deposited in the abdominal cavity are removed through enhanced (bodily) fire. How then diesases would occur?
Effect of Impurity in Sushumna Nadi
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.32
रसखोटवदास्तान्तर्मलपङ्कद्रवं मुनेः ।
सुषुम्णापार्श्वं मलिनं धीचित्ताद्यक्षदोषभूः ॥ ३२ ॥
rasakhoṭavadāstāntarmalapaṅkadravaṃ muneḥ |
suṣumṇāpārśvaṃ malinaṃ dhīcittādya'kṣadoṣabhūḥ || 32 ||
Translation
Impurities of mercury would affect its
quality. Similarly, impurity in susumna
would generate malfunctioning of
intelligence, mind and organs.
Nadisuddhi Assumes Significance of All Practices in the Beginning
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.36
योगारम्भ-द्यङ्गमुक्तं हि नाडि-शुद्धिर्देहे शीर्षं आद्यं यथाङ्गे ॥
यावत्सिद्धाैषा हठाङ्गं न मुख्यं तावद्योगः साधकस्य व्यलीकः ॥ ३६ ॥
yogārambha-dyaṅgamuktaṃ hi nāḍi-śuddhirdehe śīrṣa ādyaṃ yathāṅge ||
yāvatsiddhaiṣā haṭhāṅgaṃ na mukhyaṃ tāvadYogaḥ sādhakasya vyalīkaḥ || 36 ||
Translation
Just as in all the limbs of the body head is of the prime importance, similarly, among all the Yoga practice nadisuddhi assumes significance in the beginning. Unless and until the Hathanga is practicsed intensely, Yoga practice of a practitioner is futile.
Nadisuddhi Causing Natural Annihilation of the Mind
Āpta Pramāṇa-आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch35.37
नाडीविशुद्धिर्मरुतो जये स्याज्-जितेऽ याति मनः स्वयं क्षयम् ।
क्षीणे मनस्यस्तमितैहिकार्थे ज्ञानप्रकाशः स्वमुपैति निर्मले ॥ ३७ ॥
nāḍīviśuddhirmaruto jaye syāj-jite' yāti manaḥ svayaṃ kṣayam |
kṣīṇe manasyastamitaihikārthe jñānaprakāśaḥ svamupaiti nirmale || 37 ||
Translation Nadisuddhi brings about control over prana which causes natural annihiliation of the mind. On the sublimation of the mind which thus is rendered pure and reduction of attachment to mundane objects enlightenment occurs on its own.
Obstructed Sushumna Nadi
Āpta Pramāṇa-आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch36.2
मलाकुलासु नाडीषु मारुतो नैव मध्यगः ॥
कथं स्यादुन्मनीभावः कायशुद्धिः कथं भवेत् ॥ २ ॥
malākulāsu nāḍīṣu māruto naiva madhyagaḥ |
kathaṃ syādunmanībhāvaḥ kāyaśuddhiḥ kathaṃ bhavet || 2 ||
Translation
Prana does not move through
susumna if the nadis are defiled. How
can then the state of unmani supervene
and the purification of the body
occur?
Impure Nadis
Āpta Pramāṇa-आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch36.3
वयुर्मध्यगः सुषुम्णामार्गगो न भवति तदा ॥
कथमुन्मन्यवस्था च कायशुद्धिः कथं भवेत् ॥ ३ ॥
vayurmadhyagaḥ suṣumṇāmārgago na bhavati tadā ||
kathamunmanyavasthā ca kāyaśuddhiḥ kathaṃ bhavet || 3 ||
Translation The prana does not flow through susumna. How then can the purification of the body take place and the state of unmani supervene.
Purification of the Nadis
Āpta Pramāṇa- आप्त प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudi Ch36.4
शुद्धिमेति यदा सर्वं नाडीचक्रं मलाकुलम् ।
तदैव जायते योगी प्राणसङ्ग्रहणे क्षमः ॥ ४ ॥
śuddhīmeti yadā sarvaṃ nāḍīcakraṃ malākulam |
tadaiva jāyate yogī prāṇasaṅgrahaṇe kṣamaḥ || 4 ||
Translation
When the network of the nadis is
purified, then alone a Yogi becomes
able to hold prana.
More Clean and Energized Throughout the Day
Sākṣī Pramāṇa- साक्षी प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
Pancha kriya has shed light on how to detoxify and cleanse my body. These techniques are very new to me. After this morning routine I feel rejuvenated. My digestive system gets going and I feel lighter and more energized throughout the whole day. Maritza Cortes, Artist, California, Sadashivatva May 2017
Experience of Brushing teeth with Haritaki
Sākṣī Pramāṇa- साक्षी प्रमाण Paramahamsa Nithyananda
I drank a whole glass of water upon waking then brushed using my finger and haritaki powder for about 1 min. then used haritaki powder and finger to brush the tongue, putting the finger more deeper into the back of the tounge as a result i immediately threw up. All the water came out in about 4 to 5 bouts. I kept on brushing then the pitta started coming out .... yellowish and sticky, eyes were watering and became sloghtly pink after 2 more bouts of pitta throwing. I stopped after that, whole process took 7 mins. Results......mouth and throat are both moist throughout and a sweet aftertaste of haritaki was in the mouth and throat for about an hour after brushing. I apologize for the gross description, but thought it will help others. Thank you Swamiji, i am looking forward to doing it tomorrow again.
pranayama
Purification techniques
chapter 4
