GROUP PRESENTATION 03

YOGA
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline,

originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquillity while meditating on the Hindu concept of divinity or Brahman. The word is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

INTRODUCTION
Mudras and Bandhas

are physical actions that directly affect panic energy within the body. part of Hatha Yoga which is all about expanding consciousness through physical practice in order to achieve enlightenment.

They are an intrinsic

MUDRAS
The word mudra literally means, to seal. Mudras

involve the special placement of parts of the body to stimulate a specific energetic circuit. Mudras are often mainly associated with hand positions although the Indian dance form Kathakali illustrates that mudras can be applied to the whole body. In fact, those concerning the body are called. kaya, mudras for the feet are known as, pada, the hands, hasta, the eyes, chaksu and the mind, mana.

What are Mudras?

Mudras are symbolic gestures that demonstrate a specific attitude or respect according to the various meanings found in the ceremonies of worship. When the fingers assume the appropriate positions, the mind automatically conceives the corresponding attitude. Thus, mudras are an effective technique to bring the mind into a state of harmony.

BANDHAS
Bandhas are sometimes thought of as separate practices but

are in fact specialised forms of mudra which translate as locks. Intestinal tract which restricts the flow of prana in the vayus.

These involve contractions of muscles along the Gastro-

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika states that, bandha is a

technique through which the opposite poles of energy or shakti are bound together. body, the shakti is accumulated into a particular centre.

Through contraction of muscles and organs in the physical

Mudras & Bandhas

Mudras Psychic gestures which induce a particular

state of mind. Bandhas Pranic Energy locks Mudras & Bandhas control the pranic energy, which is awakened with pranayama practice. 10 Mudras & 3 Bandhas in Hatha Yoga Janaldar Bandha chin lock Moola Bandha root lock Uddiyan Bandha Abdominal lock

Effects of Mudras
There are many mudras but all help to harmonise and

rejuvenate the body by directing and distributing prana. Another translation of mudra is the giver of joy and the root syllable mud means to delight or protect. Vaparita Karani Mudra (half shoulder stand) has a cleansing effect upon the lungs, bladder and intestines by improving circulation Yoga Mudra (sitting pose, hands interlinked behind, folding forwards) massages the internal organs, stretches spine, revitalises body and quietens the mind Chin Mudra (index finger touches root of thumb) encourages concentration and memory by releasing mental tension

Effects of Bandhas
The practice of bandhas during pranayama has many

physiological effects. In particular, they balance the functioning of the endocrine system in the following ways:
Jalandara Bandha directly affects the pineal, pituitary,

thyroid, parathyroid and thymus glands Uddiyana Bandha directly affects the adrenal glands and pancreas
Mula Bandha directly affects the perineum/cervix/gonads

(thought to be vestigial endocrine glands)

CLASSIC BANDHAS
There are three classic bandhas; mula, uddiyana, and

jalandhara bandha. When practiced together they are called tri-bandha. They are practiced together or individually at specific times during kriya, asana, pranayama, mudra, visualization, and meditation practice.

 In addition, all bandhas have an indirect effect upon the

pineal and pituitary glands. All these create a knock-on effect within the biorhythms of the human organism. blood pressure, heart rate and alpha brainwave frequencies. known as Mahabandha.

Generally, bandhas produce a calming effect which lowers When all three Bandhas are used together the practice is

The Gheranda Samita states that , the Mahabandha is the

Greatest Bandha; it destroys decay and death: by virtue of this Bandha a man accomplishes all his desires.

Uses
Mudras and Bandhas have an accelerating effect upon a practitioners potential for Samadhi when used with kriya, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana and dhyana. Mudras can harmonise and rejuvenate the functions of the body, also evoking particular emotional and mental responses. They can enable the practitioner to develop control over their involuntary responses and help them to direct their senses, so harnessing their powers of concentration. After regular practice, the practitioner increases their awareness of prana and can develop siddhis or psychic experiences. Bandhas further direct and concentrate pranic energy by locking it into certain areas of the body. They serve to increase pranic pressure in a similar way to a pressure cooker. This increases heat at the manipura chakra or solar plexus and can create a chain reaction causing prana and apana to unite.

Presentation by
Group no :- 03

Denver correia - 03
Gayle Dias - 05

Jones Gonsalves - 12
Megha Jain -13