7.2 Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Mudras, Bandhas & Nadanusandhana
Key Takeaways
- Swami Swatmarama outlines 10 Mudras in HYP Chapter 3 to awaken Kundalini Shakti and seal the subtle energy pathways.
- The three principal Bandhas—Jalandhara (throat lock), Uddiyana (abdominal lock), and Mula (perineal lock)—form the Bandhatraya, forcing Prana into Sushumna Nadi.
- Nadanusandhana (Chapter 4) is the supreme meditation on internal sound, progressing through 4 distinct stages (Arambha, Ghata, Parichaya, Nishpatti).
- Each stage of Nadanusandhana corresponds to the piercing of a specific Granthi (knot): Brahmagranthi (Anahata), Vishnugranthi (Vishuddhi), and Rudragranthi (Ajna).
- As practice deepens from external-like sounds (kettle-drum, bell) to subtle internal vibrations (flute, lute, bee), the Chitta attains Samadhi in the unstruck sound (Anahata).
7.2 Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Mudras, Bandhas & Nadanusandhana
While Chapters 1 and 2 of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika establish physical stability (Asana) and energetic purification (Pranayama), Chapters 3 and 4 dive into the esoteric depths of Mudras, Bandhas, and Nadanusandhana. These advanced practices are designed to seal subtle energies, awaken the sleeping serpent power (Kundalini Shakti), force Prana into the central channel (Sushumna Nadi), and lead the practitioner to absolute mental absorption (Samadhi).
The 10 Mudras of HYP (Chapter 3)
In HYP 3.6–3.7, Swatmarama declares that Mudras are the secret keys to awaken Kundalini, comparing them to a key that unlocks the door to liberation. Mudras close the nine gates of the body and redirect Prana upward.
"महामुद्रा महाबन्धो महावेधश्च खेचरी। उड्डीयानं मूलबन्धश्च बन्धो जालन्धराभिधः॥ करणी विपरीताख्या वज्रोली शक्तिचालनम्। इदं हि मुद्रादशकं जरामरणनाशनम्॥"
Detailed Breakdown of the 10 Mudras
| No. | Mudra Name | Technique / Anatomical Focus | Primary Esoteric Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maha Mudra | Left heel at perineum, right leg extended; chin lock + hold foot. | Cleanses all Nadis; digests lethal poison (Kuta-valaya). |
| 2 | Maha Bandha | Left heel at perineum, right foot on left thigh; Jalandhara + Mula. | Stops upward flow of Prana in Ida & Pingala; directs it into Sushumna. |
| 3 | Maha Vedha | Sitting in Maha Bandha, striking buttocks gently on ground. | Pierces the central node (Vedha), forcing Prana to pierce Sushumna. |
| 4 | Khechari Mudra | Tongue turned back into nasopharyngeal cavity behind soft palate. | Prevents loss of Amrita (nectar of immortality from Somachakra). |
| 5 | Uddiyana Bandha | Abdominal contraction pulled inward and upward toward spine. | Rouses the Great Bird (Prana) to fly upward along Sushumna. |
| 6 | Mula Bandha | Contraction of pelvic floor / perineum (Yoni-sthana). | Forces Apana Vayu upward to unite with Prana at the Navel Center. |
| 7 | Jalandhara Bandha | Throat contraction, pressing chin firmly into jugular notch. | Locks neck; stops downward flow of divine nectar from head. |
| 8 | Viparitakarani Mudra | Inverted posture (Head down, feet up; e.g., Shoulderstand/Headstand). | Reverses solar/lunar mechanics; preserves Amrita from sun's fire. |
| 9 | Vajroli Mudra | Urogenital contraction and subtle control of vital fluid (Bindu). | Preserves Bindu; bestows physical immortality and mastery over energy. |
| 10 | Shaktichalani Mudra | Seated in Vajrasana, churning and contracting abdomen to move Kundalini. | Directly awakens sleeping Kundalini Shakti from Mooladhara. |
The Three Principal Bandhas (Bandhatraya)
Bandhas (energy locks) prevent the dissipation of Prana and redirect it into Sushumna. When all three are applied simultaneously during Kumbhaka, it is termed Bandhatraya.
1. Jalandhara Bandha (Throat Lock)
- Execution: Contract the throat and press the chin firmly into the chest/sternal notch (Jugular notch).
- Mechanism: Constricts the carotid plexus and 16 vital focal points (Adharas). Prevents the divine nectar (Amrita) secreted by the lunar center in the brain (Somachakra) from falling into the solar fire (Surya-chakra) at the navel.
2. Uddiyana Bandha (Abdominal Lock)
- Execution: Performed after complete Exhalation (Bahya Kumbhaka). Draw the abdomen forcefully inward toward the spine and upward toward the diaphragm.
- Mechanism: Derived from the root Ud-di (to fly up). It forces Prana Vayu to fly up through the Sushumna Nadi. Swatmarama notes that practicing Uddiyana makes even an old man young (Vrddho 'pi tarunayate).
3. Mula Bandha (Root Lock)
- Execution: Press the heel against the perineum and forcefully contract the sphincter muscles of the anus and pelvic floor.
- Mechanism: Causes the downward-moving Apana Vayu to move upward. The union of Prana and Apana generates intense internal heat (Agni), which rouses the dormant Kundalini serpent.
Nadanusandhana: Meditation on Internal Sound (Chapter 4)
Chapter 4 of HYP focuses on Raja Yoga and Samadhi. Swatmarama presents Nadanusandhana (meditation on the subtle inner sound) as the single most efficient, accessible method for quelling the mind.
The 4 Stages of Nada Practice & Granthi-bhedana
As the practitioner listens intently to the subtle sound (Anahata Nada) within the right ear, the practice evolves through four distinct stages (Avasthas):
| Stage (Avastha) | Primary Chakra Focus | Psychic Knot Pierced (Granthi-Bhedana) | Internal Sounds Heard (Nada) | State of Mind & Energetic Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Arambhavastha (Initial Stage) | Anahata Chakra (Heart) | Brahmagranthi (Knot of Brahma) | Tinkling ornaments, bells, cymbals, sweet ringing. | Body becomes radiant, fragrant, healthy, and filled with divine joy (Ananda). |
| 2. Ghatavastha (Consolidation) | Vishuddhi Chakra (Throat) | Vishnugranthi (Knot of Vishnu) | Kettle-drum (Bheri), conch, kettle-drums, trumpets. | Prana merges in throat; practitioner gains steady poise and supreme wisdom. |
| 3. Parichayavastha (Accumulation) | Ajna Chakra (Third Eye) | Rudragranthi (Knot of Rudra) | Drums (Mardala), lute, harp, large drum. | Chitta overcomes dualities; practitioner experiences bliss of self-sovereignty. |
| 4. Nishpattivastha (Perfection) | Sahasrara Chakra (Crown) | All knots completely dissolved | Flute (Venu), stringed instrument (Veena), buzzing bees. | Mind dissolves in Supreme Brahman; state of Samadhi / Unmani is attained. |
Dissolution of Mind in Nada (Laya)
Swatmarama uses vivid metaphors to describe Nadanusandhana:
- The Snake & Music Metaphor: Just as a snake is spellbound by sweet music and stops moving, the restless mind (Chitta) becomes motionless when absorbed in the sweet resonance of inner Nada.
- The Milk & Water Metaphor: Mind and Nada merge completely like milk mixed with water, achieving Laya (dissolution) where no distinction remains between subject and object.
- Raja Yoga State: When Nada absorbs the mind, Unmani Avastha (mindlessness/transcendence) is established, leading directly to Kaivalya.
A Second Sequence: Loud to Subtle (HYP 4.85–4.87)
Candidates routinely confuse two different lists in Chapter 4. Besides the four avasthas above (HYP 4.70–4.76), Swatmarama gives a separate three-phase description of how the sound itself refines as listening matures:
| Phase of Listening | Sounds Heard | Verse |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning (Arambha of Nada-shravana) | Ocean, thundering clouds, kettle-drum (bheri), jharjhara drum | HYP 4.85 |
| Middle | Mardala drum, conch (shankha), bell (ghanta), horn (kahala) | HYP 4.86 |
| Final | Tinkling bells (kinkini), flute (vamsha), lute (vina), humming bee (bhramara) | HYP 4.87 |
The rule to remember for the exam: the gross, loud sounds come first and the subtle sounds come last, and the yogi is instructed to abandon the loud sounds and fix attention on the subtle ones.
Summary of Key Exam Points
- 10 Mudras (HYP Ch 3): Maha Mudra, Maha Bandha, Maha Vedha, Khechari, Uddiyana, Mula, Jalandhara, Viparitakarani, Vajroli, Shaktichalani.
- Purpose: Awakening Kundalini, closing 9 gates, forcing Prana into Sushumna.
- Bandhatraya: Jalandhara (throat/chin), Uddiyana (abdomen up), Mula (perineum contraction).
- Nadanusandhana (HYP Ch 4): 4 stages — Arambhavastha (Anahata/Brahmagranthi), Ghatavastha (Vishuddhi/Vishnugranthi), Parichayavastha (Ajna/Rudragranthi), Nishpattivastha (Sahasrara/Absolute Laya).
- Sounds: Bell/ornaments ➔ Kettle-drum ➔ Lute/Mardala ➔ Flute/Veena/Bees.
According to HYP 3.6-3.7, how many Mudras are declared essential for awakening Kundalini and overcoming old age and death?
During which stage of Nadanusandhana is the Brahmagranthi pierced, causing subtle tinkling and ornament-like sounds to be heard at the Anahata Chakra?
Which Bandha involves contracting the perineum and anus, drawing the Apana Vayu upward to unite with Prana Vayu at the Navel Center?
During which stage of Nadanusandhana does Prana pierce the Rudragranthi and reach the space between the eyebrows?