Ganesh mantra SUM KAISSYIA KA DANTASYA KAPLO GAJ KARN KA LAMBO DHARASYE VIKTO VIGHNA NASO VINAYAK
These two mantras are very powerful and can be recite in the morning as soon as awake.
Before opening the eyes you have to pass the palms of the hands on the face, then hold them togheter. Opening the eyes, you’ll recite the mantra of the awakening looking only at the palms. Then for seven times you’ll recite the mantra passing the hands on the whole body. At the end you’ll recite the Ganesh mantra.
MANTRAS TO LIGHT INCENSE
त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव ।त्वमेव बन्धुश्च सखा त्वमेव ।त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणम् त्वमेव ।त्वमेव सर्वम् मम देव देवः ॥त्रहि माँ त्रहि माँ त्रहि माँ
tvameva mātā ca pitā tvameva ।tvameva bandhuśca sakhā tvameva ।tvameva vidyā draviṇam tvameva ।tvameva sarvam mama deva devaḥ ॥trahi māṁ trahi māṁ trahi māṁ
White as camphor, the avatar of Karuna (god of Compassion), adorned with the garland of the Serpent King, ever dwelling in the lotus of my heart, to the Lord and Lady, Shiva and Shakti together, to them I bow down.
SHANTI MANTRA (Peace Mantras)
we are everything, we are together
ॐ सहना भवतु सहनौ भुनक् तुसहवीर्यम् करवावहै तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विष्आवहै ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्तिः
Om! May the Absolute Reality protect us.Let the studies that we together undertake be effulgent.Let there be no animosity amongst us. Om. Peace, Peace, Peace.
Om, may auspiciousness be unto all may peace be unto all may fullness be unto all may prosperity be unto all
In the Vedas the mantra (sound) is the primary source from which the universe has sprung (in the Bible: “in the beginning it was the Verb”); it is the primordial vibration presents in every thing, the motor of the universe. Through the study and the search on the mantrasthe ancient wise man have discovered how we can be in harmony with the cosmos and with ourselves.
ॐ (Aum) it is the primordial sound, is the matrix of all that exists in the universe. it doesn’t have a particular meaning, it is rather a sacred syllable that represents the essence of the vital energy from which the creation has sprung. ॐ is the combination of three sounds: A – U – M. The A represents Brahma the creator, the conscience, the state of vigil. The U represents Vishnu the preserver, the subconscious, the state of dream. The M represents Shiva the destroyer, the unconscious, the state of deep sleep. It can be noticed as these three letters are tightly correlated with the endless breath of the universe, in which the three strengths of creation, preservation and destruction continually follow one another and how they are correlated with the three dimensions of the human conscience.
The utilization of the sounds for spiritual purpose is universally used. In a lot of religions the continuous repeating of a sentence or a sacred sound with the help of a rosary (japa mala) represents the highest form of meditation. The mantras are the best vehicle in the meditation because through them the mind calms the incessant flow of thoughts and it settles in a state of deep concentration.
Bija Mantras
Bija means seed, root. It is a very powerful Mantra that usually consists of a single syllable. The Bija Mantra evoke particular aspects of nature or of the divine, each Devata has his or her own Bija. The greatest of all Bijas is Om or Pranava, because it is the symbol of Para-Brahman.
The following table lists some of the most common Bija Mantras:
Bija
Devata
Meaning – Element
ॐ
auṃ / oṁ
Brahman
Absolute
ऐं
aiṃ
Sarasvati
Consciousness
ह्रीं
hrīṃ
Mahamaya – Bhuvaneshvari
Illusion
श्रीं
śrīṃ
Lakshmi
Existence
क्लीं
klīṃ
Kali – Kama
Desire
क्रीं
krīṃ
Kalika
Time
दुं
duṃ
Durga
Bestows Protection
गं
gaṃ
Ganesha
Bestows Happiness
ग्लौं
glauṃ
Ganesha
Bestows Happiness
हौं
hauṃ
Shiva
Bestows Protection
हुं
huṃ
Chandabhairavi
Kavacha Bija – Armour
हूं
hūṃ
Mother of Viras – Mahakala
Kurcha Bija – Bestows Protection
ह्रूं
hrūṃ
Kalaratri
Bestows Protection
ह्रुं
hruṃ
Vaivasvata (son of the Sun-Vivasvan)
Bestows Protection
लं
laṃ
Prithvi
Earth
वं
vaṃ
Varuna
Water
रं
raṃ
Agni
Fire
यं
yaṃ
Vayu
Air
हं
haṃ
Shiva
Ether
सौः
sauḥ
Shiva-Shakti
Cosmos – Heart
फत्
phat
Vidyujjivha
Astra Mantra (weapon mantra)
स्वाहा
svāhā
Svaha (consort of Agni)
Oblations – Sacrificial Fire
क्श्रौं
kśrauṃ
Narasimha
Bestows Happiness
हस्कफ्रें
haskaphreṃ
Ananda Bhairava – Guru
Bestows Protection – Inspiration
Some Important Mantras
ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे
om aiṃ hrīṃ klīṃ cāmuṇḍāyai vicce
om – The Pranava Mantra represents the Nirguna Brahman, the infinite beyond conception.
aim – The Vak beeja, the seed sound of Mahasarasvati. The knowledge that is consciousness. Creation, rajo guna, the energy of desire.
hrim – The Maya beeja, the sound of Mahalakshmi. The all pervasive existence. Preservation, sattva guna, energy of action.
klim – The Kama beeja, the seed sound of Mahakali. The all consuming delight. Destruction, tamo guna, energy of wisdom.
camunda – The slayer of the demons Chanda and Munda, of passion and anger.
yai – the grantor of boons
vicce – in the body of knowledge, in the perception of consciousness
Hindi Translation: हम त्रिनेत्र धारी शिवकी आराधना करते हैं, जो अपनी शक्ति से संसार का पालन करतें हैं। उनसे प्रार्थना है कि वे हमें जीवन व मृत्यु के बंधन से मुक्त करे और हमें दिखा दे कि हम कभी भी अपनी अमर प्रकृति से अलग नहीं होते हैं॥
English translation: I worship that fragrant Shiva of three eyes, the one who nourishes all living entities. May he help us severe our bondage with samsara by making us realise that we are never separated from our immortal nature.
Source: Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, Rigved 7.59.12
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a boon to humanity and a panacea to all forms of ailments – Physical, Mental, Intellectual and Spiritual. The deeper one delves into the ocean of knowledge that this verse is, the more valuable are the pearls of wisdom.
This is one of the most beautiful shloka of chapter 9 (BG:9.8) of Bhagwad Gita. It signifies the power of Krishna and his creation. Krishna resides in each and everything as everything is created by him. The very element of our existence lies within these few beautiful words.
Krishna says that he only creates and then it is for us how we evolve. Though he is the supreme commander and directs everything with a neutral mind, it is for his creation to grow and evolve.
Krishna resides in each and everything as everything is created by him. The very element of our existence lies within these few beautiful words.
Curve back within yourself again and again till you have absolved yourself of all negative forces. Then create a beautiful human being who is above any form of pain and anger. Create a human who is not affected by the proceedings around him and takes everything in his stride with a calm and composed mind.
To establish of what type of constitution we are and to establish a diet is good routine to address to an ayurvedic physician.
In this section the matter is treated in general line to better understand the principles and the techniques of Ayurveda.
The diet, being of primary importance, has a big consideration in ayurvedic medicine. In western country is given more importance to the quantity of calories of the food and the classification in fat, carbohydrates, proteins etc., with little consideration on the digestive ability of the consumer, on the season, on the mental state of the individual or on the equilibrium of the energies in body and mind. According to the ancient Indian medicine the diet is above all a tool of preservation of the state of health and prevention of illness. That’s why we cannot ignore these important factors that so heavily influence our psycophysic equilibrium.
Vata is motion: anything that is inherent to the movement tends to increase this Dosha while everything is static tends to stabilize it.
Pitta is fire, all that is heat tends to increase this Dosha while all that is refreshing tends to pacify it.
Kapha is static: all that is heavy tends to aggravate this Dosha while everything is light tends to pacify it.
Factors of increase of Dosha
Taking into consideration the standards of conduct, there are actions and particular conditions that cause the increase of Dosha because of the quality that they express.
Vata
Pitta
Kapha
Fasting
Food sour, salty
Salty, fatty, oily, heavy foods
Eating food too seasoned or dry and astringent substances
In this section some fundamental principles of the ancient Indian medicine Ayurveda.
Ayurveda is the composition of two sanscrit words Ayur life and Veda knowledge, its meaning is therefore science of life. The tradition wants the teachings of this ancient medicine to be reached by the Avatar (divine incarnation) Dhanvantari. It is an ancient system which was improved during the course of time that drew its principles from the Vedic knowledge. It has been widely used in India over the millennia and is still one of the medicines most commonly used in the Indian subcontinent.
Ayurveda is a medicine which deals man in his physical, mental and spiritual aspects, trying to heal the sick, prevent disease and maintain our own equilibrium state.
According to Ayurveda the universe is governed by 5 elements: EARTH – WATER – FIRE – AIR – ETHER. In our body these elements govern the 3 Dosha, the physical structure and the 3 Guna the mental structure.
The balance of all these elements determines the state of health.
In Ayurveda are described seven types of tissues of the body, known as saptadhatu. It is plasma (rasa dhatu), blood (Rakta dhatu), meat (mamsa dhatu), adipose tissue (medha dhatu), bone (asthi dhatu), the marrow and the nervous system (majja dhatu), and reproductive tissue (semen or female reproductive tissue) (sukra dhatu).
The eight branches of Ayurveda are:
Internal medicine (Kaya-cikitsa)
Paediatrics (Kaumrabhṛtyam)
Surgery (Shalya-cikitsa)
Opthalmology and Otolaryngology (Shalakya tantra)
Psychiatry (Bhuta vidya)
Toxicology (Agadatantram)
Prevention of diseases, improving immunity and rejuvenation (Rasayana)
Aphrodisiacs and improving health of progeny (Vajikaranam)
According to the Siddha tradition there are 96 aspects of life supported by the individual soul, the Purusha.
Life is lived through the 5 motor organs, Pancha Karmendriya, which correspond to the 5 senses and the 5 elements.
Mouth (expression) – hearing – ether
Hands (grab) – touch – air
Foot (move) – sight – fire
Urino-genital organs (emission) – taste – water
Anus (elimination) – smell – earth
The organs of action allow acting in the physical world and then allowing the mind to make new experiences. They are expressive and their receptive capacity is given by the sense organs. The organs of action are more related to the five gross elements while the sense organs correspond more to Tanmatras or thin elements.
Given that requires movement, the body has five hollow organs, 5 Asayas.
Colon
Intestine
Stomach
Bladder
Ovary / Prostate
The Asayas are important because the body needs energy that is forfeited through food to generate movement.
All of us live by 5 types of actions:
With the mouth we talk and eat
With arms we take and give
With legs we go
With the genitals we reproduce
With the excretory organs we eliminate
The 5 actions of the body, walking, working, talking, release and procreating, are governed by Tridoshas derived by Pancha Mahabhutas.
Vata – movement
Pitta – nourishment
Kapha – rest
All matter consists of the five elements, Pancha Mahabhutas, which are understood as levels of density of matter itself.
Ether – Akasha
Air – Vayu
Fire – Teja / Agni
Water – Jala
Earth – Pritvi
The elements are the means which are necessary for the expression of Cosmic Intelligence.
Ether: manifests the idea of space, communication and expression
Air: manifests the idea of time, of the change and provides the basis for thought
Fire: manifests the idea of light, perception and movement
Water: manifests the idea of life, liquidity and flowing movement
Earth manifests the idea of form, solidity and stability
To have the experience of the outside world need the 5 sensory organs, Pancha Jñanendriyas; each of them corresponds to a quality of sense (Tanmatra) and an element
Ear – hearing organ – ether
Skin – organ of touch – air
Eye – organ of sight – fire
Tongue – organ of taste – water
Nose – organ of smell – earth
The sense organs, also called organs of knowledge, allow the experience of the outside world. It is noteworthy that through the sense organs we can assimilate the Pancha Tanmatras as subtle elements then they feed on a subtle level; that’s why there is the Vedic dictum “what you see, you become.”
The sensory organs are generated by the 5 senses, Pancha Tanmatra, derived from the interaction of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
Shabda – hearing – ether
Sparsha – touch – air
Rupa – sight – fire
Rasa – taste – water
Gandha – smell – earth
The Pancha Tanmatras create the manifested worlds in the form of a seed; they create the causal or ideal world, the world of ideas that precedes any form of material expression.
Senses work through the 10 Vayus. (5 Major – 5 Minor)
Prana Vayu – moves inward and governs the taking of substances and receiving of all kinds, has a propulsive nature and generates movement. Prana Vayu gives positive energy to all other prana.
Apana Vayu – goes down and ejects, goes out and governs the elimination at all levels. Apana, which is the basis of immune function, is the vital energy of the lower part of the abdomen.
Samana Vayu – moves from the periphery toward the center with an action of shuffling and discernment, in charge of processing and digestion at all levels.
Udana Vayu – is the energy of the throat that governs Word, self-expression, body growth, the ability to stand and make efforts, enthusiasm and willingness.
Vyana Vayu – moves from the center to the periphery and is the energy that is in the heart and lungs, governs the transport and movement at all levels.
Naga Vayu – responsible for the expulsion from the mouth and nose. Nagan is instinctive; it is the movement responsible for protecting the body’s defense. For example, in case of wind eyes are closed instinctively.
Kurma Vayu – responsible for the hiccups and swallow reported not only to food but also to situations, feelings, duties that don’t like, etc.
Krikara Vayu – responsible for the contrary movement of food and any movement outside the normal. For example, vomiting.
Devadatta Vayu – responsible for the opening and closing movement of eye lashes and the sneeze; It helps in protecting the body control systems.
Dhananjaya Vayu – responsible for joints creaking and contractures, the yawning and burping, helps rid the body of harmful gas residue. For example, when the prana becomes of poor quality, we yawn.
The Vayus flow through 12 main Nadis.
Brahma Nadi which are related chakras along the spine and brain.
Citra and Vajra Nadis creating Viyana Vayu and are linked to the cerebellum, spine and peripheral nerves.
Ida, Pingala and Jiva Nadis that result in Udana and Prana Vayus and are related to the lungs, heart and thyroid.
Pusha and Gandhari Nadis creating Samana Vayu and are linked to the stomach, small intestine, pancreas, spleen and liver.
Hasti and Alambusha Nadis that, along with Shankini and Kuhu Nadis, originate Apana Vayu and are related to the reproductive organs.
Shankini and Kuhu Nadis related to the colon, kidneys and bladder.
The 12 Nadis branch out from 3 Mandalas (centers).
Agni Mandala – governs digestive system and is located in the abdomen Chakras: Manipura, Swadhisthana and Muladhara
Surya Mandala – governs the heart and circulation and is located in the solar plexus Chakras: Vishuddi and Anahata
Chandra Mandala – governs the nervous system and is located in the brain and in the head Chakras: Sahasrara and Ajña
Vayus, Nadis and Mandalas are ruled by the 7 Chakras.
The chakras are located along the spine and are the seven major energy centers in the human body; each of them corresponds to specific features in both physical and spiritual.
Muladhara Chakra – Basilar origin. It is located at the base of the spine, in the pelvic region; represents the Earth element. The practice on this chakra helps to maintain stability.
Swadhisthana Chakra – Headquarters of health. It is located in the pelvic region and is considered the origin of the self; represents the Water element. The practice on Swadhisthana free from emotional blocks.
Manipura Chakra – Light of the jewels. It is located at the navel in the cavity of the abdomen; represents Karma, fate, and its element is Fire. The practice on Manipura facilitates metabolism, digestion, assimilation and elimination.
Anahata Chakra – Not known Sound. It is located in the chest cavity near the heart and represents the Air element. The practice on this chakra is blossoming love, tenderness and compassion.
Vishuddha Chakra – Great purification. It is located in the hollow of the throat and represents the element Ether. The practice on it purifies and revitalizes the organism due to transformation from negative energy into positive. It increases energy and creativity.
Ajña Chakra – Dominance. Its name means knowing, sensing and control. It is located in the cranial cavity, in the middle of the forehead, and represents the mind. The practice on this chakra helps to think and analyze giving clarity.
Sahasrara Chakra – Eternal circle. It is located on the top of the head and represents Samadhi. Sahasrara means circle of Ecstasy and can define the interface between individual and universal consciousness. Represents the Purusha. The practice on this chakra brings peace and contentment.
The 7 Chakras derive from 5 types of bodies, Pancha Kosham.
Anna Maya Kosham – It is the physical body nourished by the food, it contains everything from soul to mind, etc.
Prana Maya Kosham – It is the energetic functional body that is nourished through the breath; without prana there is no life.
Mano Maya Kosham – It is the mental body that is nourished with thoughts.
Vijñana Maya Kosham – It is the intellectual body which is fed by knowledge and wisdom.
Ananda Maya Kosham – It is the blessed body that is nourished by pure consciousness, by the soul.
The soul sustains all bodies through the consciousness of intellect, thoughts, energy and structure.
The 5 Koshams have 2 types of action, 2 Karmas.
Nal Vinai – good destiny
Thi Vinai – bad destiny
The 2 Karma produce 3 types of slag, 3 Mala.
Anavam – main ego (wanting to sleep, wake up, hating, loving, enter in meditation)
Maya – illusion, ignorance
Kama – greed, too much desire.
We all live subjected to ego, illusions and desires. Although we have no longer desires, we continue to live because we are subjected to Maya, and also eliminating Maya, the ego continues to persist; to go beyond we should tend towards the Purusha burning the ego. The process of the manifestation takes place through a series of successive divisions with which various creatures and different objects come into existence. Ahamkara more than a reality in itself is a process, a series of thoughts that divide, not a real entity. This is a division power that is essential to the manifestation of multiplicity; it is a stage of evolution, but is not the fundamental truth or true nature of creatures that is represented by the Pure Consciousness beyond personification. Through ego the basic potentialities of the matter (Prakriti) and the fundamental laws contained in the Cosmic Intelligence (Mahat) take a specific form. The basic qualities of nature differ in three groups of five: five senses, five organs of action and five elements. These arise from Ahamkara through Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, the Triguna.
If Buddhi is intelligence that allows to turn the gaze to deep and inner nature of things, the ego, which by its nature is outwards, creates the mind and the senses, tools that allow the individual to operate. Ayurveda places great emphasis on understanding of the ego and the inevitable distortions created by its influence; a proper understanding of the ego causes our judgment remains balanced and our actions are aimed at the universal good. Break free from the ego’s domain causes the dissolution of all psychological disorders and physical diseases.
Hasyam – humor, irony in a positive, fun, laughs, taking life lightly
Shantham: this tranquility can take over in a state of silence. This state happens naturally for a very short time, so that we are not able to recognize it; in meditation practice we try to bring this state to longer times and to recognize it.
We find the 9 Rasas in 5 types of status, conditions, Pancha Avastha.
Jakrat – waking state; be ready, alert. Consciousness is associated with the mental and to the senses.
Svapna – dream state; with eyes open or closed. Consciousness is in the subtle body, associated with the mental.
Sushupti – state of dreamless sleep; be asleep, peaceful, calm. Consciousness is in the causal body.
Turiya – state of meditation; deep consciousness, ecstasy, how to enjoy life outside or on inside, blissful. Consciousness is in the great
causal body – Mahakarana.
Turiyatita – state of pure consciousness – Unmesha; silence, total annulment which can be all the other consciousnesses.
Avastha is the state of the soul. In all the states is used the consciousness but the kind of state depends on the environment. The first three states are associated with Avidya (ignorance); Vikriti with the first two and the third with Prakriti. Pure consciousness is not taking part of normal life, goes beyond; even if one lives the life, he lives differently. Turiya is the state of deep meditation, Samadhi; Turiyatita is the state of meditation in life.
The 5 Avasthas live in 4 aspects, subtle causes, the 4 Andakarnis.
Mudra (Sanskrit: मुद्रा) literally means “seal”, “brand” or “gesture”, it is a symbolic gesture used in Tantric rituals of both Hindu and Buddhist tradition. The mudras can be performed with the whole body but most are performed with the hands. Mudras are part of a system that uses the body to express and emphasize the intentions of the mind. Are often used in yoga practice in association with breathing (pranayama), in meditation and for healing purposes. Stimulate different parts of the body and affect the flow of prana, the vital energy. It is also said that the mudras are the language of the Devas.
We can note how in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist iconography every god or goddess adopt a particular mudra, which along with the weapons or objects held by the deity, symbolize a particular energy or quality.
In Tantric rituals 108 mudras are used.
In the ancient text on yoga Gheranda Samhita 25 mudras are mentioned:
महामुद्रा नभोमुद्रा उद्दीयनं जलन्धरम् । मूलबन्धो महाबन्धो महावेधश्च खेचरी ॥ १ ॥ विपरीतकरी योनिर्वज्रोली शक्तिचालनी । तादागी मण्डुकीमुद्रा शाम्भवी पञ्चधारणा ॥ २ ॥ अश्विनी पाशनी काकी मातङ्गी च भुजंगिनी । पञ्चविंशतिमुद्राश्च सिद्धिदा इह् योगिनम् ॥ ३ ॥
Mahamudra, Nabhomudra, Uddiyanamudra, Jalandharamudra Muhlabandhamudra, Mahabandhamudra, Mahavedhamudra, and Khecharimudra Viparitakaranimudra, Yonimudra, Vajrolimudra, Shaktichalani, Tadagimudra, Mandukimudra, Shambhavimudra, the five Dharana, Ashvinimudra, Pashinimudra, Kakimudra, Matangimudra and Bhujanginimudra: these 25 mudras grant to yogis success in this world.
Here are listed the most popular and well-known mudras:
Mudra
Meaning
Illustration
Description
Symbology
Chin Mudra
Gesture of Conscience
Join the tip of the thumb and the forefinger as to form a circle, the other fingers are joined and extended outwards, with the middle finger near the unfolded part of the forefinger. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
It represents the Union between man and the divine.
Jñana(Gyana) Mudra
Gesture of Knowledge
Like Chin Mudra but with the palms facing downward.
It represents the Union between man and the divine.
Abhaya Mudra
Gesture of Fearlessness
The right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm bent and the palm facing outward with the fingers together in a vertical position.
It represents security, benevolence, peace and victory over fear. Abhaya Mudra is the gesture of peace world-wide common to many cultures.
Adi Mudra
First Gesture
With your palms facing down, place your thumb inside the palm of the hand touching the base of the little finger. Close the four fingers on the thumb to create a fist. The respiration must be long and deep.
Adi means first and Adi Mudra is the first position adopted by the newborn.
Dhyana Mudra
Gesture of Meditation
To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana or in Siddhāsana) with both hands resting on the legs, the right hand over the left. The palms are facing upwards and fingers remain extended.
This mudra is one of the most well-known, is present in many of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain iconography. It represents the illumination above the illusion.
Apana Mudra
Gesture of the vital air Apana (also called Mudra of Digestion)
Join the tip of the thumb with the tip of the middle and ring fingers, while keeping the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands.
Apana, literally means “air that runs”, is one of the five vital airs (prana), is associated with the lower part of the abdomen, moves downwards and outwards and governs all forms of elimination and reproduction. Energizing Mudra.
Mrigi Mudra
Gesture of Deer
The same as in Apana Mudra. Join the tip of the thumb with the tip of the middle and ring fingers, while keeping the other fingers straight.
Used in Pooja and Sadhana.
Tarpana Mudra
Gesture of Offering
Join the tip of the thumb with the tip of the ring fingers, while keeping the other fingers straight.
Used in Pooja and Sadhana.
Apana Vayu Mudra
Gesture of the Heart
Join the tip of the thumb, ring and middle finger, while the forefinger touches the base of the thumb, keeping the little finger straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
It is called Mudra of the Heart for its influence upon the heart and blood pressure. It reduces the gas content in body.
Prana Mudra
Gesture of the Vital Air
To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana or in Siddhāsana), focusing on the breath. The tips of the little finger and ring finger touch the tip of the thumb, keeping the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
It symbolizes the life force. Prana is the vital air that flows in our body. There are 5 vital airs: Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, Samana.
Ganesh Mudra
Gesture of Ganesh
To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position, focusing on the breath. Hang up your hands to the heart. The left outside, the right in front of the heart.
It symbolizes Ganesh, the elephant-headed God, known as the remover of obstacles. It stimulates the fourth chakra, Anahata.
Kalesvara Mudra
Gesture of Kalesvara
To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position, focusing on the breath. The tip of the middle and thumbs touching, the other fingers are joined folded inside. Place your thumbs to the heart.
It symbolizes Kalesvara, God of Time. It calms the mind.
Matangi Mudra
Gesture of the Goddess Matangi
Join the hands at stomach height, palms are towards each other with fingers facing upwards. The fingers of the right hand are entwined with those of the left, with the exception of the middle fingers that remain straight and joined.
It symbolizes the relationship with Mother Earth.
Yoni Mudra
Yoni Gesture
Join hands in front of the stomach with palms facing your tummy, thumbs joined up and forefingers joined down to form a triangle.
Yoni, meaning vagina, uterus, symbolizes the origin of life, the feminine energy, the creative power, Shakti. This mudra insulates the practitioner from the outside world as a fetus in the womb of the mother.
Yoni Mudra
Yoni Gesture
Fold the hands, under the right than the left. Grab with the index fingers the ring fingers. Then stretch out the middle fingers, the little fingers and thumbs.
Yoni, meaning vagina, uterus, symbolizes the origin of life, the feminine energy, the creative power, Shakti. This mudra symbolizes the yonis of the three Mothers.
Linga Mudra
Linga Gesture
Cross fingers of both hands. Keep the left thumb straight surrounded by the right thumb and forefinger.
Linga is the symbol of Shiva, represents the universe. This mudra produces heat in the body.
Kundalini Mudra
Kundalini Gesture
To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana, Vajrāsana or in Siddhāsana), focusing on the breath. Form two overlapping fists, extend the left index and grab it with the right fist on it. Cover the tip of the index with your thumb. Hold the Mudra on Muladhara.
It symbolizes the union of individual soul with the cosmic soul.
Rudra Mudra
Rudra Gesture
To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana, Vajrāsana or in Siddhāsana), focusing on the breath. Combine the tip of the thumb, index and ring fingers. Medium and little fingers straight but relaxed. It is performed with both hands, palms facing up.
Symbolizes Rudra, the terrific aspect of Shiva. Very powerful mudra with different beneficial effects on the body.
Brahma Mudra
Brahma Gesture
To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana, Vajrāsana or in Siddhāsana), focusing on the breath. With the palms facing upwards and located at the level of the navel, place your thumb inside the Palm of the hand touching the base of the little finger. Close the four fingers on the thumb to create a fist. Join the knuckles of the hands like in the picture alongside.
It symbolizes Brahma, the creator aspect of the divine.
Ankusha Mudra
Gesture of the Goad
Folded index, medium straight.
It symbolizes Ganesh goad. Also used to encourage the deities to move from the spiritual world to the material. Or even to encourage the soul towards the ultimate goal.
Matsya Mudra
Gesture of the Fish
Right palm below, left Palm over. Thumbs move as if they were the fins of fish. (this mode is mainly Tantric, other schools put right above)
Symbolizes the Fish. It symbolizes also swimming across the ocean of worldliness without fear.
Dhenu Mudra
Gesture of the Cow
Fold the hands, under the right than the left. The right index finger touches the left middle. The left index finger touches the right middle. The right little finger touches the left ring finger. The left little finger touches the right ring. Thumbs inside.
It symbolizes the muzzle of a cow, the one who always nourishes with love.
Kurmāsana Mudra
Gesture of the Turtle
Under the left hand: thumb, index and little finger raised. The other fingers touch the palm. Above the right hand: thumb, index and little finger down. The other fingers touch the palm. Join the two hands, the right index finger on the left thumb, right little finger on the left index, right thumb on the left palm, right little finger on the left palm. Bring Mudra to the heart.
It symbolizes a throne shaped like a turtle. Used in Pooja and Sadhana.
Shankh Mudra
Gesture of the Conch
Hold the left thumb with the four fingers of the right hand. The left middle touches the right thumb. Bring Mudra to the heart. Do it singing the mantra AUM.
Symbolizes the Ritual Conch. Used in Pooja and Sadhana.
Agni Mudra (also called Surya Mudra)
Gesture of the Fire
Bend the ring finger to the base of the thumb and press with your thumb on the second phalanx, keeping the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: RAṂ It symbolizes the inner fire. Prevents and cures digestive disorders.
Vayu Mudra
Gesture of the Air
Bend the forefinger at the base of the thumb and press with your thumb on the second phalanx, keeping the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: YAṂ This Mudra helps in balancing the air element within the body.
Akash Mudra
Gesture of the Space
Join the tip of the thumb and the middle finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: HAṂ This Mudra helps in balancing the space element and to achieve the energies inside the body.
Prithvi Mudra
Gesture of the Earth
Join the tip of the thumb and the ring finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: LAṂ This Mudra helps in balancing the Earth element within the body.
Jal Mudra
Gesture of the Water
Join the tip of the thumb and little finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: VAṂ This Mudra helps in balancing the water element within the body.
Other mudras performed with the body:
Bhramari Mudra
Gesture of the Bee
Sitting comfortably with your back straight and your head not moving, imagine that a bee turns in a circle before you, first in one direction and then another. Fold the neck back and repeat the exercise. It is important to move only the eyes, the head remains stationary. To be performed only once a day. Relaxes and invigorates the eyes.
Surya Chandra Mudra (or Brahma Mudra)
Gesture of the Sun and the Moon (or Brahma Gesture)
Sitting in the simple position inhale. Exhale and bring the head forward. Inhaling turn right up to the shoulder. Exhale and rotate the head back. While inhaling turn left. Exhale and return to the initial position. Repeat on the contrary. Contraindicated for arthritis extended to all cervical vertebrae. Prevents cervical, eliminates headaches, strengthens the view, relaxing.
Matsya Mudra
Gesture of the Fish
Inflate the cheeks without curling the lips. Perform a dozen times. It purifies the blood, increases blood pressure, tones the facial muscles preventing wrinkles.
Bhujangini Mudra
Gesture of the Serpent (or Cobra)
“Drink” the air by opening and expanding a little the mouth, strengthens the abdomen and the digestive tract.
Simha Mudra
Gesture of the Lion
Exhale from the mouth: tongue out, eyes looking at the nose and open hands. Is good for the liver, bile and sight. Eliminates bad breath.
Kaki Mudra
Gesture of the Craw
The Gheranda Samhitadescribes it thus: Contract the lips, like the beak of a crow, and drink the air slowly and slowly.
Khechari Mudra
Gesture of the movement in Space (Kechari = moving in Space)
After performing the cleansing of the tongue, inhaling, place the tongue above the palate to close the nasal cavity. Rhythmically massaging the soft palate. It should then produce a sweet liquid, but if it produces a bitter or metallic taste liquid you must spit. The Hatha Yoga Pradipikadescribes the Kechari Mudra thus: Kapālakuhare jihvā pravishtā viparītaghā Bhruvorantarghatā drshtirmudrā bhavati khecharī – The Khechari mudra is accomplished by thrusting the tongue into the gullet, by turning it over itself, and keeping the eyesight in the middle of the eyebrows.
Jalandhara Bandha
High Contraction
In Sanskrit jalan means net, dhara means to hold, then the meaning of jalandhara bandha is the physical lock that controls the network of nadis (energy channels) in the neck. Inhaling fold the chin close to the chest. With the chin in this position, push the tongue to the palate. Exhaling slowly relax. Repeat several times. It stimulates the higher chakras (Vishuddha,Ajña andSahasrara). Strengthens the neck and directly stimulates the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, and thymus glands.
Inhale deeply and exhale all the air. Holding the breath contract the abdomen inside the rib cage. Hold the position for a while ‘and then slowly relax the abdomen. Repeat several times. Stimulates the chakras medians (Manipura and Anahata). Prevents and treats disorders of the digestive system.
Mula Bandha
Low Contraction (Mula = root, Bandha = close – fix)
While inhaling contract the sphincter. Exhaling slowly relax it. Repeat several times. Stimulates the first two chakras (Muladhara and Swadhishthana). Prevents and cures hemorrhoids.
Maha Bandha
Great Contraction
Perform in the order Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Jalandhar Bandha releasing them in the same order.
Sit back, relax every muscle in your body. Visualize the chakras using the image on your monitor, or close your eyes and visualize internally.
Let us now concentrate on the Muladhara Chakra, located at the base of the spine, and imagine a closed flower that slowly opens. The center is yellow and has four red petals. Now focused on the open flower within us repeat the mantra LAM. Visualize now the flower slowly closes.
Let us now concentrate on Swadhisthana Chakra, above the genitals, here we imagine a closed flower that slowly opens. The center has the color of the water and has six petals of red vermilion. Now focused on the open flower within us repeat the mantra VAM. Visualize now the flower slowly closes.
Let us now concentrate on Manipura chakra, the base of the stomach, here we imagine a closed flower that slowly opens. The center is red and has ten blue petals. Now focused on the open flower within us repeat the mantra RAM. Visualize now the flower slowly closes.
Let us now concentrate on Anahata Chakra, the heart, imagine a closed flower that slowly opens. The center is gray smoke and has twelve red petals. Concentrate on the open flower within us repeat the mantra YAM. Visualize now the flower slowly closes.
Let us now concentrate on Vishuddha Chakra, throat, again imagine a closed flower that slowly opens. The center of the flower is blue and has sixteen petals blue. Concentrate on the open flower within us repeat the mantra HAM. Visualize now the flower slowly closes.
Let us now concentrate on Ajña chakra between the eyebrows, and here we imagine a closed flower that slowly opens. A flower that has only two petals, the center and the petals are white. The more the flower opens and the more becomes shiny. When the flower is fully open will look like a light- flower. Concentrate on the open flower within us repeat the mantra OM. Visualize now the flower slowly closes.
Let us now concentrate on the Sahasrara Chakra, on top of the head, imagine a closed flower that slowly opens. is a multi-colored flower that has a thousand petals. Concentrate on the open flower hear the sound of our breathing. Visualize now the flower slowly closes.
MEDITATION: Chakras and Elements
Sit comfortably in your usual a meditative pose. Start from the root chakra, Muladhara and visualize the Earth element. See it dissolving in the element of the sacral chakra, the Water. Visualize the water consumed by the fire of the solar plexus chakra, Manipura. The fire is extinguished in air, the element of the heart chakra, Anahata. The air becomes ether in the throat chakra, Vishuddha. The ether is absorbed into the third eye chakra and is transmuted into Light. Finally, the light dissolves into Universal Mind or Infinite Consciousness of Sahasrara Chakra.
Inner Adoration
Visualize the path of the vital breath within one’s own body, imagining that from the navel of Sadashiva three rays are born, on which we will find the three Goddesses: Parā, who is on Bhairava Sadbhāva; Parāparā standing on Ratishekhara Bhairava; Aparā standing on Navātma Bhairava. The three Goddesses are also associated with the succession of gurus (Parampara).
Breathing exercises and Pranayama
EXERCISE OF BREATH Inhale and gently press your thumb and forefinger on the eyes, the pressure lasts throughout inspiration. Exhale deeply slowly decrease the pressure. It slows the heart rate, decreases anxiety.
EXERCISE OF BREATH Focus on dimple of the neck, inhaling, holding the breath to push the chin toward the neck. Exhale and release the pressure. You have the same effects of exercise above. These two exercises are excellent for crisis tachycardia.
BREATHING OF THE BEE (BHRAMARI PRANAYAMA) Breathe deeply focusing on the throat. Both inhaling and exhaling make a buzz between the nose and throat like that of a bee.
CONTRARY BREATHING (VILOMA PRANAYAMA) Exhale completely through the nostrils. Inhaling and retain the air for a few seconds. Inhale and hold … ..and so on up to completely fill the lungs. Hold breath as much as possible. Exhale slowly and deeply uttering the sound “ooh”. Repeat several times.
BREATHING OF THE SUN (SURYA PRANAYAMA)
Close the left nostril, using your hand, inhale with the other nostril.
BREATHING OF THE MOON (CHANDRA PRANAYAMA)
Close the right nostril and inhale.
BREATHING OF THE SUN AND THE MOON (SURYA CHANDRA PRANAYAMA)
Close the left nostril, inhale. Close the right nostril, exhale and inhale. Close the left nostril, exhale and inhale … and so on. Repeat for 5 minutes.
DRUM BREATHING (MRIDANGA PRANAYAMA)
Breathe deeply beating the chest with the fingers. Purifies the bronchi and lungs, good for smokers. Stimulates Anahata Chakra.
INTERRUPTED BREATHING (VILOMA PRANAYAMA)
Interrupt breathing as when you cry. Start inhaling with 7 pauses and then exhaling with 7 pauses (but you can also start with 5 or more pauses), then decreased: 6/6 – 5/5 – 4/4 – 3/3 – 2/2, end up with a slow, deep breathing. Repeat several times.
MEDITATION ON LISTENING TO THE OWN BREATH
Simply listen to your own breath. It may adopt abdominal breathing.
COMPLETE YOGIC BREATHING
Perform abdominal, thoracic and clavicular (throat) breathings, bringing your hands on the abdomen, chest and throat.
Abdominal breathing: inhaling inflates the abdomen, exhaling relaxes Chest breathing: inhaling inflates the chest, exhaling relaxes. Clavicular breathing: high breathing, of gluttony, as you inhale chest and belly do not swell.
BREATHING OF THE LIGHT OF THE SKULL (KAPALABHATI)
Inhale slowly. Exhale suddenly. Perform for a few minutes. Finished the exercise perform a slow, deep complete yogic breathing.
IRREGULAR BREATHING (VILOMA PRANAYAMA)
Inhale from the mouth uttering the sound hoo. Exhale little air and hold your breath for a second. Continue exhaling always emitting little air and holding the breath for a second. Go on until complete emptying of the lungs. Repeat several times. Decreases the pressure.
BREATHINGS ON CHAKRAS
Starting from Muladhara Chakra, inhale deeply concentrating on the chakra, exhale uttering the mantra of the chakra in question. 5 breaths and then switch to the higher chakras.
BREATHING EXERCISE ON KUNDALINI
Imagine Kundalini as a heat, a fire that goes through all the chakras. Breathing in goes up, breathing out goes down.
Vipassana
Vipassana is a traditional and ancient Buddhist meditation really interesting, where there’s plenty to do… just to sit quietly, doing nothing and watch the breath. Vipassana meditation aims to develop full awareness of all sensory and mental stimuli, in order to capture their real nature. It is traditionally defined as a meditation of “inner perception” in the sense that simply slowing each activity and by sitting in meditation we create a space in which we can have intuitions about who we are, and where we can get to know us more deeply, more intimately. The body and mind are the field in which it is possible to find out, with a careful vision, the truth.
Contemplation of the body
Breath awareness
Awareness of body positions
Awareness of the actions of the body
Awareness of body parts
Awareness of the elements
Contemplation of feelings
Contemplation of the mind
Contemplation of mental objects
Centering Meditation
Put a candle or a small flame in front of you.
First stage: 15 minutes
Seated in an easy position with eyes closed and lips together. inhale slowly, stop for a moment and then exhaling the sound MMM. Take a longer break before inspiration. The internal vibration that will be created will shake our subtlest energies.
Second stage: 15 minutes
Sit down with narrowed eyes and observe the flame set before. Continue with regular and slow breathing. This will center our energies awakened.
Third stage: 15 minutes
Lie on your back, close your eyes and relax with a slow and regular breathing. Relax every muscle and every part of the body, starting from the feet to get to the head.
Then visualize the breath as a heat source that starts from the center of the root and get to the top of the head. View its warm colors. Gradually see the breath becomes an increasingly hot and bright light. When the light reaches the top of the head visualize this light expanding beyond the body.
Awakening of the heart – give and receive
If we do not love, life has no meaning; When you really love, the ego disappears. When the ego disappears we open our being to the All, the One. For this reason, the path of the heart is a prime way that can lead us directly to higher states of consciousness.
This simple meditation joins the breath to the gestures of giving and receiving so awakening the heart and accepting with simplicity and love what happens.
Inspiring bring your hands to the heart.
Exhaling extend your arms outward.
Active Meditations
Many cultures have traditions of meditative movements or sacred dance: from shamanism to Tantra, from Sufi to Gurdjieff, from Qigong to the techniques developed in Buddhism, etc. Through active meditations we become mindful of our experience while acting. The mind can be detached automatically from the incessant flow of thoughts because it is concentrated in the observation of bodily sensations that are perceived at that exact moment. Managing to maintain this awareness, you can even go beyond the observer, reaching the state of non-duality.
Any action can become a meditation.
Osho Active Meditations
Dynamic Meditation
First stage: 10 minutes Breathe chaotically through the nose, concentrating always on exhalation. The body will take care of the inhalation. Do this as fast and as hard as you can more and more – until you literally become the breathing. Use your entire body to push the air out, as if you were a bellows.
Second stage: 10 minutes Explode! Express everything that needs to be thrown out. Become totally crazy. Shout, cry, jump, shake, dance, sing, laugh. Hold nothing back; keep the whole body in motion. A little acting often helps to start. Do not allow your mind to interfere with what is happening. Be total, be whole hearted; be careful, aware of what is happening to you.
Third stage: 10 minutes With raised arms, jump up and down shouting the mantra Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! as deeply as possible, allowing the sound to come from the bottom of the belly. Landing from the jump with the entire sole of the foot and let the sound deeply affects your sexual center. Give all you have; go dead.
Fourth stage: 15 minutes Stop! Stop wherever you are, at any location you are. Do not move the body for any reason. A cough, a movement – anything will dissipate the energy flow and the effort will be in vain. Remain completely still, being a witness to everything that happens.
Fifth Stage: 15 minutes Celebrate with dance, expressing your gratitude towards existence. Bring this happiness with you all day.
Kundalini
This meditation, “sister” of the Dynamic, finds its best if done at sunset or late afternoon. Totally immerse yourself in the shaking and dancing during the first two stages helps loosen one’s being hard as rocks, at any point in the flow of energy has been suppressed and blocked. Then that energy can flow, dance and be transformed into joy and bliss. The last two stages allow all of this energy to slide vertically, to move upwards in the silence. An extremely effective way to be loose and to relax, letting yourself go at the end of the day.
Instructions:
First Stage: 15 minutes
Be loose and let the whole body shake. Look up the energy from the feet upwards. Let go of every single part and become the shaking. The eyes can be open or closed.
Second Stage: 15 minutes
Dance – just as you like, and let the whole body move as it wishes. The eyes can be open or closed.
Third Stage: 15 minutes
Close your eyes and be still, sitting or standing, observe like a witness whatever’s going on inside and outside of you.
Fourth Stage: 15 minutes
Keeping your eyes closed, lie down and be still.
Mandala
This is another powerful technique that creates a circle of energy, resulting in a natural centering. There are four stages of 15 minutes each.
First Stage: 15 minutes
With open eyes run on the spot, starting slowly and gradually, getting faster and faster. Bring your knees up as high as possible. Breathing deeply and evenly will move the energy within. Forget the mind and forget the body. Keep going.
Second Stage: 15 minutes
Sit with your eyes closed and mouth open and loose. Gently rotate your body from the belly, like a reed blowing in the wind. Feel the wind blowing you from side to side, back and forth, around and around. This will bring your awakened energies to the navel center.
Third Stage: 15 minutes
Lie on your back, open your eyes and with the head still, rotate them in a clockwise direction. Sweep them fully around in the sockets as if you are following the second hand of a vast clock, but as fast as possible. It is important that the mouth remains open and the jaw relaxed, with the breath soft and even. This will bring centering energies to the third eye.
Sadhana means spiritual path, that is the set of all the practices, rituals and austerities that are performed with regularity and concentration, with the aim of obtaining Moksha (liberation). It is an act of purification and expansion of the mind, which leads to the state of Self-Realization.
In the tantra it is stated that Shiva , in his infinite grace, full of compassion for suffering beings in this dark age, proclaimed tantric sadhana by means of spiritual emancipation. Tantrism is not a simple theory or philosophy, but above all it prescribes a systematic sadhana , a regular discipline, according to the practitioner’s temperament, ability and evolutionary degree. A terrific opportunity to experiment with extraordinary techniques for spiritual evolution, introducing yourself to the world of yantra, mantra and tantra .
Yantra , mantra and tantrasymbolically represent the three paths of Hinduism. The yantra is the path of knowledge (Jñanamarg), themantra is the path of devotion (Bhaktimarg), theTantra is the path of action (Karmasanyasmarg).
Main types of Sadhana
Repetition of the Name
Namasmarana / Japa Mala (repetition of formulas or mantras)
Bhajan
Dialogue
Satsang
Prayer
Abstention / austerity
Silence (abstention from speech)
Fasting (whole wheat, or limited to certain types of food)