We discussed some Simple Mudras for Good Health in our previous articles. Moving on with our discussions, we discuss Mudra package or Kriya in this article. Our topic of discussion here is how to practice Shambhavi Mahamudra? What is the procedure?
Shambhavi Mahamudra is a set of activities which includes breathing exercises as well as meditation techniques. However, the objective is to look inwards. These are ways and means to center Life’s Focus inward rather than depending on external stimulus.
Shambhavi is the feminine of Shambhu or Shiva. Shiva has no origin nor end. Believe it or not, this is the root meaning of this word- Shiva!
Simple Mudras and Pranayams are employed in Shambhavi Mahamudra, some of which we have learned earlier. However, as the Gurus say, the focus is on opening the doors of inner realization where Mudras and Pranayams are only means to do that.
Shambhavi Mahamudra is a trademark of Isha Foundation with Sadhguru being the face of this Institution. However, the activities leading to Shambhavi Mahamudra are age-old coming from Ancient Texts on Yoga.
A Guru is necessary to initiate one into the Inner World of Knowledge and Spirituality. Shambhavi Mahamudra also requires a Guru to initiate one into the process.
How do you do Shambhavi Mahamudra steps?
Shambhavi Mahamudra is different from Shambhavi Mudra in its intent. It focuses to internalize energy which is generally expelled. Instead of letting go this energy, it is redirected internally for eternal bliss.
It is very important to be receptive for this over-turning of energy. One is usually externally focused which is a barrier in achieving this.
Hence, the preparation for Shambhavi Mahamudra is built upon this concept of making our mind receptive. Pranayams, which are breathing exercise coupled with Mudras are used for this preparation.
– One begins with Anulom Vilom, which is the breathing exercise done with alternate nostrils. Breathing is silent in this Pranayama.
– Choose a comfortable place to perform this and sit in Sukhasana. Keep your spine erect.
– Touch the tip of Index Finger with the tip of Thumb while letting the other fingers stretched naturally. This the Gyan Mudra as we had learned earlier.
– Perform Kapalabhati Pranayam where you exhale from your navel while inhaling passively.
– Keep your eye-lids open slightly and roll up your eye-balls upward. Concentrate your gaze at the Centre of the eye-brows or what is known as the “Third-Eye”.
– Hold your gaze at this point till you feel the strain. Get back to normal if the strain increases.
– It will be difficult in the beginning but the practice will improve with time.
What time should I practice Shambhavi Mahamudra?
Shambavi Mahamudra can be practiced at any time of the day. However, the best time to practice this Mahamudra is between 4:00 to 5:00AM which is often referred to “Brahma Muhurta” to the “Creator’s Hour”.
We would know from our own experience that mornings are the most peaceful time of the day. Hence, one is expected to extract maximum benefits if one practices this Mahamudra at this time.
Evenings are also a good option for practicing Shambhavi Mahamudra. The key criteria of time selection is that one can practice it peacefully.
Can I learn Shambhavi Mahamudra online?
Shambhavi Mahamudra is a package of Inner Engineering offered by Isha Foundation. They offer a Seven -Day Course Online. One can utilize this offer for imbibing the benefits of Shambhavi Mahamudra while still remaining at a distance.
Sadhguru, the face of Isha Foundation, explains that there is no off-line or online initiation. He claims to have initiated more number of people without ever seeing their face though. This was confirmed in one of his interviews.
Since a Guru is required to initiate you into Shambhavi Mahamudra, it is best to attend it in person. Attending in person will ensure your undivided attention towards attaining the objective. However, conditions like COVID-19 Pandemic called on online means to adopt this Mahamudra.
Why do I feel sleepy after Shambhavi Mahamudra?
Shambhavi Mahamudra releases dopamine into the blood stream. This is the same chemical required for sleep. Therefore, you would feel sleepy after Shambhavi Mahamudra.
In Fact, it is claimed that you reach a level of ecstasy by performing this Mahamudra. This level of ecstasy is the same as after consuming drugs. However, no drug consumption is recommended in this practice and it is a means to achieve such ecstasy level without the use of drugs.
Point to note here is that Shambhavi Mahamudra is completely legal in any part of the world. One doesn’t have to worry about its legality anywhere.
What is the benefits of Shambhavi Mahamudra?
Shambhavi Mahamudra opens the doors to a joyous life. There are a number of benefits associated with it. Your energy is concentrated within you and you start leading a more blissful life.
Some if the noticeable benefits of Shambhavi Mahamudra are:
1. Your brain becomes younger with quicker replacement of dying neuron cells.
2. Glow on your face.
3. Stress free and thereby healthy life.
4. Sharp memory and retention.
5. Positive thinking in life.
6. Cures insomnia.
7. Improvement in general health.
Shambhavi Mahamudra is only the door to achieve wellness. Following it is up to you and only you can extract benefit out of it.
What happens to your brain after Shambhavi Mahamudra?
Your brain becomes younger with continuous practice of Shambhavi Mahamudra. A practice of 21 minutes every day for three months makes your brain younger by approximately six years!
The findings have been backed by modern- day research. At least that is what is claimed by Isha Foundation and their offering is based on such results.
The neurons get replaced by new ones much quickly than it would be in normal course. This makes you extremely creative. After all, you now are working with a fresh young mind.
This results in retrieving information quickly while reversing memory loss. Thereby, Shambhavi Mahamudra has a great effect in preventing your brain remain young!
Conclusion
Shambhavi Mahamudra is practiced to attain eternal bliss. It is a package of Pranayams and Mudras offered by Isha Foundation. You enter a state of ecstasy by practicing this Mahamudra.
The word is derived from the female form of Shiva- the one who has no beginning nor end.
Shambhavi Mahamudra is practiced in the following way:
– Begin with Anulom Vilom,
– Sit in Sukhasana. Keep your spine erect.
– Hold your fingers in Gyan Mudra.
– Perform Kapalabhati Pranayam.
– Keep your eye-lids open slightly and roll up your eye-balls upward.
– Concentrate your gaze at the Centre of the eye-brows or what is known as the “Third-Eye”.
– Hold your gaze at this point till you feel the strain.
Shambhavi Mahamudra can be practiced at any time of the day.
Learning Shambhavi Mahamudra is possible and such course is being offered by Isha Foundation.
You feel sleepy after Shambhavi Mudra as this releases Dopamine in the body, the chemical inducing sleep.
The benefits of Shambhavi Mahamudra are:
– Your brain becomes younger with quicker replacement of dying neuron cells.
– Glow on your face.
– Stress free and thereby healthy life.
– Sharp memory and retention.
– Positive thinking in life.
– Cures insomnia.
– Improvement in general health.
Your brain is able to replace old and dead neurons with new ones after practicing Shambhavi Mudra. You brain is much you get after practicing this Mahamudra.
Now, hear Sadhguru Speaks on Shambhavi Mahamudra for further understanding Shambhavi Mahamudra.
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