Introduction
Shambhavi Mudra is a yogic gesture of the mind and the eyes. Hatha Yoga Praipika describes this Mudra not in the section of Mudra, but in the section of Samadhi. This classification under Samadhi is because the author of the text regards this practice as a Raja Yoga technique rather than a Hatha Yoga one. He would have called this Shambhavi Maha Mudra, yet it won’t reflect its true value. It is more than a Maha Mudra, hence the text has placed it under Samadhi which highlights its importance.
Mudras like Maha Mudra and advanced breath control techniques like Moorcha Pranayama include this Mudra as a part.
Besides, the text adds that the scriptures and texts are like ordinary women. But this Mudra is like a high-class woman. In this Mudra, Lord Shiva Manifests.
In this article, let us explore the significance, steps, and benefits of Shambhavi Mudra.
What Is Shambhavi Mudra as per Mandal Brahmana Upanishad?
Behind the center of the eyebrows and between the region of fire and the solar region is the Lunar Region.
Shambhavi Mudra Meaning
Shambhu is the Sanskrit name for Lord Siva. Bhava means ‘become, or ‘manifest’. Mudra means a yoga gesture. So, we can translate this into the Yoga Gesture of Sivahood.
Alternatively, we can call this the Mudra of the Lord Siva Himself. Lord Siva is in this Mudra always. The Yogi imagines and contemplates that he has the Third Eye like Lord Siva. By doing so, the Yogi assumes Sivahood. So, this Mudra gets this name. It is also called Rudrani Mudra or Shambhu Mudra.
Also, the feminine part of the Lord Siva is Shambavi. She practices this Mudra always. So, it is named after her name.
Shambavi Mudra Definition
Antarlakshyam bahirdrshtir nimeshonmeshavarjitā
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Eshā sā śāmbhavī mudrā
Seeing outside while keeping the focus inside
Without blinking the eyes is Shambhavi Mudra
Your focus should be inside and keep your eyesight fixed on an external object. There should not be any blinking of your eyes. The external object may be either the eyebrow center or the tip of your nose. In most yoga lineages fixing the eyesight on the eyebrow center is prevalent.
Not blinking your eyes for one Ghatika (24 minutes), you get control over the Kurma Nadi. Once you get control of the Kurma Nadi, the mind and Prana will stop moving. You will experience a state of Shunyahsunya. Your consciousness is void (Shunya) because the mind has stopped moving. Also, your consciousness is filled with (Ashunya) Brahman, Lord Shiva. You enjoy Brahman alone and nothing else. Lord Shiva manifests in your consciousness. This is the state of Lord Shiva.
How to Do Shambhavi Mudra?
The basic requirements for this practice.
- Asana Siddhi in a yoga pose for meditation for at least 48 minutes
- You should do Tratak Kriya for 24 minutes without blinking your eyes.
Choose a dark room for your practice. Also, keep with you one candle that will last for 30 minutes.
Sit in a yoga pose for meditation with hands in Gyan Mudra or Chin Mudra.
Place the candle with flame before you at a distance of at least five feet away from you. Also, keep the candle at such a height that your third eye and the flame are at the same level.
Perform Trataka Kriya for at least One Ghatika (24 minutes). Note that you should not blink your eyes for this duration. Now, your Prana and Mind get absorbed. Douse the candle.
Now, close your eyes, and focus on the afterimage of the flame at your third eye for a couple of minutes.
Then, gently open your eyes and fix your eyesight on the third eye outside. Still, your internal focus should be on the afterimage of your third eye. Your external eyesight should be firmly fixed and passive.
No movement of eyes. No movement of mind. You are in the state of Shunyashunya.
This is a preliminary practice. You should practice as a daily routine for days. Once, you experience the mindless state without much effort, you can ignore the Tratak Kriya. Then, you can change the internal focus on Lord Shiva in your heart center fixing the eyesight on your third eye center by tilting the eyebrows a little upwards.
The Difference Between Shambhavi Mudra and Shambhavi Maha Mudra
Shambavi Mudra is an ancient yoga practice for higher levels of meditation. Yoga Lineages still teach them as a traditional practice. Shambhavi Maha Mudra is just business. It is an effort of branding. Classic yoga texts never call it a Maha Mudra. But they rated them more than a Maha Mudra. They knew its value. Calling this Mudra Shambhavi Maha Mudra is not authentic and has commercial intentions. However, I understand a major benefit of this commercialization. Because of this commercialization, our traditional practices now have an abnormal reach. This makes many people all over the world take part in this practice. For this reason, Sadhguru should be appreciated.
Moreover, as described by ancient Hatha Yoga, Maha Mudra includes Shambhavi Mudra as a part.
Shambhavi Mudra Benefits
The major benefit of Shambhavi is that it aids the performer in attaining the state of Samadhi, the goal of meditation. Apart from this, the performer may expect the following benefits.
- Improved Concentration: Focusing the gaze on a single point, improves concentration and mental focus. This can be beneficial for various tasks requiring sustained attention.
- Balances Energy Flow: It helps balance the flow of energy throughout the body, particularly along the central energy channel known as the Sushumna Nadi in yogic philosophy.
- Stress Reduction: The practice can help reduce stress and induce a sense of calmness and inner peace.
- Enhanced Self-awareness: This practice encourages introspection and self-awareness by directing the focus inward, which can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, and inner workings.
- Improved Eye Health: Regular practice positively affects eye health by strengthening eye muscles, improving vision, and relieving eye strain caused by prolonged screen time or other activities.
- Spiritual Growth: In the context of spiritual practices, It is a tool for awakening higher consciousness and helping spiritual growth by facilitating deeper states of meditation and inner exploration.
- Relief from Headaches: Some performers report relief from tension headaches and migraines through regular practice. This may be due to its ability to relax the mind and alleviate stress-related symptoms.
- Enhanced Intuition and Clarity: Through this practice people may experience heightened intuition and clarity of thought, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
- Better Emotional Regulation: By promoting a sense of inner calmness and balance, this Mudra can help individuals manage their emotions more effectively and respond to challenging situations with greater stability.
Conclusion
Shambhavi Mudra is an advanced yoga practice. It can bring several benefits. These include better concentration, reduced stress, improved eye health, and on top of that, spiritual growth. Its mastery requires patience and consistency.
