Takeaways From this Lesson

• Bhramari pranayama is one of the eight essential energetic practices of Hatha Yoga.
• Refines awareness and sharpens the mind.
• Helps relieve anger, anxiety, panic attack, depression and fear.
• Bhramari corrects imbalances in the ears and other hearing issues such as tinnitus.
• Helps alleviate vertigo, throat issues and common eye strain
• Relaxes and calms the nervous system for deep sleep and restoration.
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Principles and Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama

The Subtle Domain

There is a subtle body where a concealed, imperceptible elements exist. In this dimension, one can experience the presence of discernible entities, shapes and colours. Harmonious melodies of various frequencies permeate this energetic domain. As the energy increases, the vibration supersedes all that exist in the mind.

In meditation, the sensory perceptions gradually fade away, paving the way for the meeting of the kundalini and bindu. This union starts in the hips. Yet, the heart is its ultimate spiritual abode, providing immense bliss and serenity. Through time and practice, the unified force shall ascend and unfold within the realms of the brain, completing its transformative journey. This is Samadhi, a state of deep absorption. The mind autonomously breathes as it observes the blissful wanderings of the soul.

Initially, the unified energy manifests as a subtle sensation, similar to an electric current crawling the skin’s surface. Then, into a resonating sound wave, known as nada. The manifestation of the nada varies, dependent upon the extent to which the chakras have been awakened. Each chakra’s ability to absorb the electricity influences the unique qualities and expressions of the nada experienced.

The emergence of the nada can occur unexpectedly during moments of heightened mental, emotional, and physical experiences. Intense neural activity can serve as a catalyst, awakening dormant centres within the brain. This is our nervous system’s response to restore equilibrium within the body.

However, for certain individuals, the presence of the nada may persist for a prolonged duration, potentially causing disruptions. To address this surplus electrical vibration, the practice of Bhramari pranayama is helpful. By practising it, the excess energy is gradually dissipated and released, restoring balance and clarity.

The Prana and Apana

The nada can also manifest as a luminous white light. By attentively attuning to the resonating sound of the nada and aligning oneself with the guiding presence of the white light, profound states of dissolution (laya) and withdrawal of the senses (pratyahara) can be experienced.

The laya and pratyahara open the gateway to a multitude of energetic, psychic, cosmic, and spiritual encounters. Each individual’s journey within this realm of heightened awareness may be unique, offering a vast spectrum of transformative experiences that go beyond the boundaries of ordinary perception.

The emergence of the nada occurs through the harmonious union of the absolute prana, also referred to as bindu or soma, which represents Consciousness itself, and the absolute apana vayu, known as kundalini shakti. Consciousness is characterized as passive, neutral, inactive, and devoid of form. It exists as an expansive, formless essence. From the brain, the soma descends, carrying with it the essence of consciousness. The Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) contains this pure pranic essence.

In contrast, the kundalini represents dynamic energy and restlessness. It embodies a potent, transformative force that resides within an individual. Kundalini is active and vibrant. The pranayama of Hatha Yoga (and its various techniques) lead to profound experiences, spiritual growth, and the awakening of higher states of consciousness.

Typically, the apana vayu, which represents a downward-moving energy, exits the body during sex. However, this flow can be reversed and redirected through the practice of bandhas, that act as energy valves in the body. By applying specific bandhas, the upward movement of the apana vayu can be developed and guided towards higher energetic centres.

From its dwelling in the hips, the kundalini energy begins its ascent. As it rises, it pierces through the chakras of the astral body, traversing the subtle energy channels of the body. Thus, the chakras are awakened with each having distinct vibrations and frequencies. The awakening and harmonisation of these chakras contribute to the profound energetic and transformative experiences encountered along the spiritual path.

The Ajna Chakra

During deep absorption of the nada, it is possible to perceive the presence of a radiant white light. This experience can be attained by focusing the internal gaze, with closed eyelids, at the point between the eyebrows, often referred to as the third eye or the Ajna chakra. To facilitate this focused awareness, covering the eyes can help stabilise them behind the closed eyelids.

The combination of perceiving the sound and witnessing the luminous white light can serve as a potent pathway towards attaining samadhi, a state of profound meditative absorption as the magnetised energy pierces the pituitary and pineal glands.

The centre of the eyebrows is always a good starting point. Then, listen closely across the temples. The left hemisphere generally hears a slightly higher sound. The right is usually humming and fleeting.

In this practice, it can be beneficial for the practitioner to breathe lightly, allowing for a state of calmness and relaxation. While in this state, the practitioner can mentally scan the various regions of the brain, particularly the centre of the eyebrows.

This scanning process, combined with the attunement to the subtle sound vibrations, leads to deeper connection to the inner realms and enhances the practitioner’s ability to experience the subtle qualities of the nada.

Finetuning Your Practice

The practice of Bhramari Pranayama amplifies the experience of the nada during meditation. It is important to pay utmost attention on the vibration of the sound within the brain.

By consciously adjusting the level of humming and controlling the vocal cords, the practitioner can modulate the intensity of the sound produced. The aim is to prioritize the perception of the sound resonating within the brain rather than solely relying on the sound originating from the throat.

It can be beneficial to adjust the level of pressure and the placement of fingers on the cartilage of the ears. The goal is to find a balance where both sides yield the same vibration internally. It is common to discover that one side may require slightly more or less pressure than the other to achieve this equilibrium.

Also, hum melodiously, resembling the gentle sound of a male bee (low buzzing frequency). The humming should not be overly strong. Allow the sound to arise naturally and effortlessly.

Start easy by doing between 10 and 20 repetitions. After the practice, take a moment to recover your breath. While recovering, focus your concentration on the source of the sound within the brain. Expect a heightened sense of clarity in the brain. Recognise that the residual sound you retain, the nada, is ever-present, constantly vibrating in and around your consciousness.

Practice Notes:

• In the morning, the body and mind are typically in a state of freshness and receptivity, making it an ideal time to engage in pranayama practices. Practising Bhramari pranayama on an empty stomach allows for better focus, clarity, and deeper breath control.
• However, it is important to listen to your body and find the time that works best for you. If your mornings are busy, then do it at night before bedtime.
• Do a short asana sequence first. Here are a couple of simple flows you can follow along.
• Meditate in Savasana to culminate your practice.