The Unmani: The Divine Window

Every 90 minutes, our astral body opens up, reaching its peak power from 12:30 am to 4:30 am. This brief window offers a precious opportunity. As our body’s functions naturally slow down, the kundalini energy flows out of our hips and travels upward to nourish the brain. Hatha Yoga aims to extend this period of clarity and balance, enabling us to experience the divine grace all the time.

Hatha Yoga serves as a preparation for meditation. Through the practice of its prescribed techniques, we can effectively and safely overcome the inertia of the body (tama guna). The primary goal of Hatha Yoga is to achieve both physical and energetic cleansing. It has the ability to awaken dormant centres within the brain, enabling us to tap into our bigger potentials. These previously dormant centres have the capacity to generate and release electrical energy, resulting in the amplification of the surrounding nerve clusters (chakras).

Let’s take the example of the asana Matsyendrasana, which specifically targets the belly region associated with the Manipura chakra. Normally, the energy flow in this chakra tends to be low. However, practising Matsyendrasana can have transformative effects. It helps to enhance the digestive fire, cleanse the core of the body, and when combined with pranayama (breathing exercises), it could open the Sushumna nadi.

By increasing the capacity of the Manipura chakra, not only can it help prevent illnesses and diseases, but it can also have a profound impact on the entire energetic system. This means that by developing the Manipura chakra through practices like Matsyendrasana, we have the opportunity to rewire and optimise the overall energetic circuitry of the body.

Within our bodies, there are numerous energy pathways, but the Sushumna nadi holds highest importance. Purifying and awakening this channel leads to swift progress in spiritual growth.

Conscious and Spontaneous Mudras

To facilitate the safe awakening of the dormant kundalini energy, specific techniques such as mudras (external and internal methods of channelling the energy) and bandhas (energy valves) are prescribed. These practices serve to direct the flow of energy along the Sushumna nadi. As a result, the unified force, known as the kundalini energy rises, gradually unlocking higher levels of consciousness.

Through the purification of the Sushumna nadi and the awakening of the kundalini energy, we can experience a natural and effortless state of meditation, characterised by a natural slowing of the breathing process, deep inner stillness and heightened awareness.

Personally, most of my samadhis happen in mid-afternoon and at night when I am relaxing and sleeping. The numerous times I have attained it allowed me to understand not only the processes leading to it, but the indications when it is about to happen. So in a way, I am able to predict when my next samadhi is about to happen.

The Koshas

The Gross Body

Human existence is composed of five interconnected sheaths, each revealing a distinct aspect of our evolution. These sheaths, known as koshas in yoga, begin with the physical realm called annamaya kosha or the “food sheath,” representing our material composition. By practising yoga asanas consistently, we can overcome the inertia (tama guna) of this layer, unlocking its hidden potential.

Higher than the physical realm lies the pranamaya kosha, a reservoir of energy that harmonises the intricate activities of cellular-level nerve impulses, guiding the healthy rhythm of life. This stage of our energetic evolution (raja guna), shall not only provide strength and power, but also enables us to self heal and rejuvenate.

The Transcendental Body

The annamaya and pranamaya koshas make up the gross body, and as they undergo purification, the emergence of the subtle composition becomes evident. This purification process leads to the awakening of previously dormant centers in the brain, enabling the activation of the mind’s latent potential to engage with waves and frequencies that were previously inaccessible in the gross body.

These include the ability to perceive inner sounds coming from the body and the brain (nada), as well as the capacity to utilise intricate nerve pathways for influencing and stimulating dormant channels within the body. These delicate nerves and muscles are found in areas such as the eyes, mouth, hands, feet, tongue, gums, and teeth. This stage represents the awakening of the manomaya kosha, also known as the mental sheath.

Hatha Yoga is a scientific practice for purification. Through consistent and systematic practice, the transcendent layers of our being gradually unfold. As we purify the blockages within our nadis (subtle energy channels), the vijnanamaya kosha, the fourth layer of our evolution, which holds profound wisdom within the brain (jnana), becomes accessible. This allows us to deeply understand and connect with our authentic and unaltered identity.

Inviduals who have attained this profound understanding of the essence of the life-giving energy flourishes through meditation and self-study. While still fulfilling the functions of the body and breath, they do them for sustenance rather than mere survival. Harnessing the power of their breath, these extraordinary beings can sustain themselves for extended periods without food.

Their profound understanding of yoga and life in general, extends beyond theory, derived instead from real life encounters with the spiritual realm. Having reached an elevated state of awakening, their perspective is beyond mortal existence, perceiving it as a sacrifice on the path toward attaining unity with God.

The OM, The Unmade Sound

Upcoming Lesson: The OM // Destroyer of Fear

In the final stage of meditation, the unmanifested sound, known as anahata nada, converges into a singular frequency. This frequency is embodied by the primal sound of creation, OM, which permeates the ultimate sheath, the anandamaya kosha. During meditation, the mind becomes absorbed in the OM and its resonating vibration, leading to the complete dissolution of ordinary senses.

The vibration surpasses everything, leaving only the divine communion with the Self. Within this causal sheath, the three fundamental nadis – ida, pingala, and sushumna – converge once more at their highest intersection, the ajna chakra where the kundalini is released, thus, electifying the brain. As a result, the absorption of the body, mind, and soul occurs. This state is known as Samadhi, the culmination of spiritual union.