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Introduction

Yoga Sikha Upanishad or Yogasikhopanishad is the sixty-third Upanishad of the Muktika Upanishad order and is part of Krishna Yajur Veda. Sikha means the cranium, the primary limb of the body. Hence, Yoga Sikha Upanishad means the Upanishad relating to the prime aspect of yoga. Also, it is one of the biggest Upanishads like Tejo Bindu Upanishad, and contains six chapters.  

Yoga Sikha Upanishad: Chapter 1

Query By Hiranyagarbha

Hiranyagarbha asked this question to Lord Mahesvara.

“All living beings are in the trap or snare of happiness and misery of Maya (Illusion by ignorance).

“O! Lord Sankara! Tell me. How can they attain Salvation with thy grace?”

“Also, kindly explain to me the course by which one attains success and happiness by cutting apart the trap of Maya, escaping the cycle of birth and death, and getting freedom from old age and diseases.”  

Maheswara’s Reply

Lord Mahesvara replied: The esteemed state of solitude (salvation) is difficult to attain even by resorting to various paths. Indeed, it is attainable only using the realization of Para-Brahman. Not by any other means. Those ensnared in the nets of the knowledge of scriptures fail purely because of the Maya of knowledge.

Brahman manifests on its own. Then, how scriptures could make Brahman manifest? Moreover, Brahman is digitless, faultless, serene, beyond all, and not ailing. Also, that Brahman manifests the form of Jiva.  

Nature of Brahman

Hiranyagarbha asked: “How Paramatman who transcends all attains Jiva-hood? Lord Maha-deva! Also, explain this with thy grace.”  

Brahman transcends all and is in the form of knowledge and is free from bondage. Also, Brahman manifests on its own like air, and in that, self-consciousness arises.

Then, it assumes a fivefold character and thereafter attains the state of Nithya Bhuti (eternal existence).

Similarly, after reaching full individuality, it becomes Lila Bhuti (playful existence). Subsequently, displaying diverse roles of delusion, it becomes Moha Bhuti (existence of delusion).

Similarly, after assuming various material forms it becomes Jada Bhuti (material existence).

Indeed, the material which consists of constituents and qualities assumes the Jiva-hood. Because of this reason, Paramatman is attributed to the form of Jiva.  

Moreover, Jiva has defects like lust, anger, fear, delusion, greed, birth, death, miserliness, sorrow, lethargy, hunger, thirst, insatiability, misery, depression, and joy. Jiva who is devoid of these defects is Siva.  

Henceforth, I will explain the means to achieve freedom from these defects. Some say knowledge will serve the purpose.

Yoga and Jnana

How can knowledge without yoga (Jnana without yoga) bestow liberation? Or yoga without Jnana? Hence the seeker should resort to both Jnana and Yoga simultaneously and practice them steadfastly.  

He should first resort to Jnana which is the only means to attain the knowledge of Brahman. Also, he should examine what ignorance is. He should know the real form of Brahman. Above all, he should know the wonderful state of solitude attained by removing the defects of Jiva.

How can Jiva liberate through Jnana when defects like lust, anger, and fear are in place? Indeed, the real form of Atman is all-inclusive like Jnana. Moreover, defects like lust, anger, and others have no separate existence.

Where is the prescribed rule of conduct for him? How can the question of prohibition arise for him? Important to realize that he who could discriminate things by getting rid of Maya (Illusion) becomes liberated.

(Note: The defects cannot be removed by framing and following the rules of conduct or listing and adhering to the prohibitions, but only by getting rid of the Maya by discrimination. For example, the Jnana that anger is not goodwill does not remove the anger or likewise strictly following the rule that one should not show anger, won’t be of any help. You can remove by cutting down the snare of Maya by discrimination).  

Is Brahman Divisible or Indivisible

He does this knowledge come that Brahman is the real existence that is comprehensive in form and divisible. It is also indivisible because of its comprehensive form.

(Note: A good deal of explanation is needed here to get the right understanding. In essence, it is divisible in the sense that it can be perceived as many and it is indivisible in the sense that it transcends all perceptions. Atman is part of Brahman because of the divisible nature of Brahman. Paramatman transcends all, because of the inseparable nature of Brahman).  

Because of the Kali age, Brahman which is indivisible, pure, and serene and which openly manifests in all as ether has attained the dynamic character of worldly existence by assuming the form of mobility.

(Note: Only the static has become kinetic, and Paramatman takes the form of Atman).

He attained this form which is devoid of origin, existence, dissolution, continuity, and Jnana. How then does he immerse himself in the ocean of Maya giving up his wisdom again and again?

The Jnana of lower quality

Delusion and Ignorance

The ignorants have attachments by the influence of worldly delusions, pleasures, and pains. When a man of Jnana takes his stand among those delusions being driven by worldly desires, then there is no difference between them because the minds of both of them have influences of worldly impressions.

If this is the nature of Jnana, what could then be the nature of ignorance?   The man who has somehow attained Jnana by his efforts should be free from attachments. The man who has the Jnana of virtues and who has not yet conquered his senses could not attain liberation without the aid of yoga during his lifetime.  

Two Kinds of Earthly Beings

The earthly beings are of two kinds: the ripe ones and the unripe ones. The unripe ones are those without yoga and the ripe ones reached that state with yoga.

By the fire of yoga, the whole body will become conscious and devoid of sorrow. The body which is unconscious and unripe is of earthly qualities and the source of sorrow.

The unripe one gets disturbed by the organs of the senses during meditation. Despite his wholehearted efforts, he faces impediments.

He has troubles with the pairs of opposites like heat and cold, comfort and suffering, and the like. Also, He has troubles with various types of miseries and external sources like other beings, weapons, fire, water, and winds.

Because of these troubles, he finds his mind agitated. As a result, his life is in danger and his respiratory system gets perturbance. In this manner, the minds of men get agitated by the experience of torment.  

Whatever the Jiva conceives during his departure from the body, he would become as such. This is the reason for the new incarnation. Men do not know which incarnation is in store for them after death.

Hence Jnana of lower quality and the dispassion arising thereto are merely the indolences of Jiva. Even the act of crawling an ant on his body disturbs his meditation. How could he be the enjoyer of happiness if being stung by a scorpion or ending up in his bodily existence?

How could this be possible? They are all fools with false ideation and they do not know.

The concept of I-ness

What is I-ness?

If the concept of self (I-ness) is lost, his body is lost also. This is because you don’t have an identity. Not to mention the troubles. Then, who is troubled by the water, fire, wounds of weapons, and the like?

(Note: I use the word I-ness instead of the word ego. Ego has a different meaning. I-ness, I mean the identification of self. For example, I have used the word “I mean” in the last sentence. It is not ego but is an attachment of the meaning to myself. Hence, i-ness is the attachment of self)

As the concept of I-ness waxes or wanes, so is the onset of the troubles. There could not be any effect without a cause. Likewise, there could not be any trouble without the concept of I-ness.

Yogi Conquers the I-ness

The body has conquered all (Non-Yogis) and the Yogi has conquered the body. Then, how could the effects of pleasure, pain, and the like affect him? Also, how lust, anger, and the like conquer him who has conquered the organs of senses. Indeed, he is not troubled by anything whatsoever.

The Maha Bhutas and Tattvas will come under his control one after another. Also, the fire of Yoga consumes the seven kinds of humor of the body.

The Power of Yoga

He will be endowed with such power even the demigods could not perceive. Also, his body will be free from changes and bondages, have multiple powers, and become transcendent like ether, even clearer than that.

Similarly, his body will have the power to shrink to a form subtler than the subtest. Moreover, his body could become gross, but not yet gross, and sentient but not yet sentient.

Likewise, he will have the power to assume any form of his choice and on his own. (Without the support of external assistance). Similarly, he will be free from old age and death.

Also, he can travel to any place of his wish in the three worlds. Moreover, he can assume any form and withdraw from it at his pleasure, having mastery over the organs of the senses.  

Furthermore, by the power of the virtue of yoga, he will not die. Also, he is already dead because of the perfect Jnana. Then, how comes the death to one that has already died? When all are dead, the yogi is verily alive. When the fools are alive, the yogi is dead.

Yogi Becomes Jivan Mukta

Moreover, he will do nothing anymore. Previous Karma could not affect him. He becomes a Jivanmukta who is always pure and flawless. But, the body conquers the persons of Jnana full of passion.

Being the mass of the flesh of their bodies contrarily directed, how they can be compared with Yogis? The results of the virtuosity and sins hold them after their death. Also, they will be born again after enjoying or enduring the fruits of their actions.  

Then, he attains the association of a Siddha because of his virtuous actions. Also, he becomes a yogi by the grace of the Siddha, not by any other means. Then, the cycle of birth and death ceases, and not by any other means.

This is the declaration of Lord Shiva.

The Importance of Yoga

The Jnana without Yoga does not bestow liberation. Likewise, Yoga without Jnana does not bestow accomplishment.

Yoga is possible through Jnana only after several incarnations whereas Jnana is possible through Yoga in a single incarnation.

Hence, there is no other royal road to reach liberation except through Yoga. Only after a long investigation through Jnana, one reaches the mental attitude: “I am liberated”.

Is it possible at that moment that liberation is possible merely because of the mental attitude? It may be possible after hundreds of incarnations and that too through Yoga alone.  

Unlike Jana, there will not be numerous births and deaths through Yoga. The merger of Prana and Apana results in the merger of the Sun and the Moon.

By the fire of yoga, he should stimulate his body which is made up of seven kinds of humor. All diseases vanish, not to mention cuts, wounds, and the like.

His body will assume the form of transcendent ether. Is there any use in amplifying it further? For him, there is no assurance of death. He appears to like the burnt leftover camphor in a human form.

The importance of Prana and its control

To Control Mind, Control Prana

In all Jivas, the mind is in bondage with the Prana, like a bird is in bondage with a rope. One cannot restrain the mind by investigations of various kinds. Hence, the only means to be employed for the conquest of the mind is through the control of Prana alone.

Prana is amenable to control only by established means (Note: established Pranayama techniques) and not by introspection, discourse, scriptures, tricks, mystic formulas, or drugs.

One who resorts to Yoga with little knowledge of the established techniques will find himself in trouble.

Unquestionably, he who has no control over Prana and is also desirous of the path of Yoga is like a man who is desirous of crossing the ocean by embarking on a boat of unbaked pot.

One who has lost the Prana inside of his body, maybe alive, and his human form may exist, but his mind is tortured with infirmities.  

If the mind is pure, the Atman manifests itself. Hence, in a single incarnation, Jnana is possible through yoga. Firstly, the practitioner should go for Yoga first. In essence, he should control Prana first to attain salvation.  

Nothing is Higher than Yoga

Yogātparataraṃ puṇyaṃ  Yogātparataraṃ śivam ।
Yogātparataraṃ sūkṣmaṃ Yogātparataraṃ nahi ॥ 

It means, there is no virtuosity higher than Yoga. Also, No holiness is greater than Yoga. Likewise, No subtlety is subtler than Yoga. Hence, nothing is beyond Yoga.

The merger of Prana and Apana, likewise red and white fluids, the union of the Sun and the Moon, the unification of Jivatman and Paramatman, and in this manner the union of the many pairs is Yoga.  

Yoga Sikha Meditation

Now I (Lord Mahesvara) shall proceed to explain Yoga-Sikha which is superior to all Jnanas. The meditation of a mantra generates body tremors.

Instead, he should contemplate Omkara assuming Lotus posture (Padmasana) or any other suitable posture, fixing the eyes on the tip of the nose, keeping the hands and the feet under control, and withdrawing the mind from everywhere.

Having Lord Parameswara seated in his heart he should never engage himself in meditation. In particular, he should not conceive his body as having a single pillar, nine orifices, three pops, and five deities. Instead, he should conceive his body as the solar disc of rays and flames.

He should kindle the fire in the middle like the kindling of the lamp by adjusting the wick. To the dimension, the flame of the lamp is kindled, likewise, the dimension of Lord Parameswara shines. In this manner, it should be contemplated.  

The Power of Yoga Sikha Meditation

By the power of his practice, he pierces through the disc of the Sun. Another method is piercing the door of Sushumna Nadi which is bright altogether and specifically made for this purpose, drinking at the cranial cavity and contemplating that state.

(Note: Indeed, breaking open the door of the Sun is breaking open the door of Brahma Randhra directly. However, it is possible for the elevated souls only. Hence, others should have the recourse to breaking open the door of Susumna and progress upwards.)  

Surprisingly, if a person, even out of laziness and wrong ideation, contemplates thrice on that attains a commendable state. The state that has been found out is briefly described by me accordingly (By Lord Maheswara).

Then, the Yogi shall see the Lord Parameswara manifest in all its glory. Also, his sins of a thousand previous births are atoned. Finally, he sees the great uprooting of attachments in all the realms of the world.  

Yoga Sikha Meditation Only Through Guru Initiation

Now I (Lord Maheswara) shall explain the nature of the real practice of yoga. He should always serve the Guru who has conquered the Prana. The science of conquering Prana is orally transmitted to him by the grace of the Guru. (Note: It means, the explanation is not complete here in Yoga Sikha Upanishad).  

With a piece of a soft and white cloth measuring a length of twelve Angulas and a width of four Angulas, he should tie it around as said. (Note: It is said that the piece of cloth as described should be tied around the Sarasvati Nadi).  

Regulating the Prana in such a way as to be in line with arousing the Kundalini power which is in the form of eight coils, he should strengthen Kundalini and arouse it by the constriction of the anus. Even though he is on the threshold of death, there is no fear of death for him.

This is the profound secret that I am transmitting to you.

How to awaken Kundalini

Assuming the Vajrasana posture daily, he should practice upward constriction. The fire being blazed by the Prana will heat the Kundalini continuously.

The power which has the capacity of deluding the three worlds being heated up by the fire will enter Chandra Danda (the lunar shaft) found inside the orifice of Susumna. (Note: Chandra Danda should not be confused with Ida Nadi. It is said that Chandra Danda is found inside Susumna Nadi).  

Three Knots

The Prana along with the fire pierces open the knot of Brahma (Brahma Grandhi is the knot obstructing the path of Susumna and located above Muladhara Chakra).

Then it pierces open the knot of Vishnu (Vishnu Grandhi is the knot located at the door of Anahata Chakra).

After that, it punctures the knot of Rudra (Rudra Grandhi is located at the door of Ajna Chakra). It is possible by exercising steady inhalation and Kumbhaka (breath retention) over and over.

Types of Kumbhaka

One should practice Surya Bheda, Ujjayi, Sitali, and Bastrika. They together constitute the four-fold Kumbhaka along with three Bandhas to attain Kevala Kumbhaka. (Kevala Kumbhaka is the breath retention that occurs without accompanying inhalation and exhalation).

Surya Bheda Pranayama

I (Lord Maheswara) hereby give a precise and clear account of Surya Bheda.

Securing a secluded spot, the yogi with a steady frame of mind, moderate food, controlled Prana, and other things as prescribed should meditate upon the highest principle (Paramatman) which is the nectar that saves him from worldly inclinations.

He should inhale the air through Surya Nadi (right nostril) and after performing Kumbhaka as prescribed, exhale through Chandra Nadi (left nostril). It destroys all the diseases of the belly and cures the nasty effects of duodenal worms.

The Yogi should practice this again and again. This is Surya Bheda.

Ujjayi Pranayama

Inhaling through both nostrils, he should direct it towards the Kundalini through both sides retain it in the belly, and release it through the left nostril. This is Ujjayi. (Note: A detailed account of Ujjayi is not here in this Upanishad).

This removes the diseases arising out of the imbalance of Phlegm. It removes diseases of the throat. Similarly, it removes the toxins in the Nadis. It nullifies the defects of the humor of the body.

The Yogi can practice Ujjayi even while standing or during any movement of the body.

Sitali Pranayama

Sitali is inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nostrils. (Note: Kumbhaka should be performed in between, though not mentioned explicitly). It cures bile, hunger, and thirst.

Bhastrika Pranayama

Like a pair of bellows of a blacksmith, expelling the air out of the two breasts and inhaling it, till he experiences fatigue.

On feeling fatigued, he should fill through the right nostril, and constricting the throat he should expel through the left nostril.

It removes the heaviness of the mind, bile, and phlegm. It raises the temperature of the body and arouses the Kundalini. Also, it destroys diseases of the mouth. It bestows auspiciousness and is wholesome.

It removes troubles like phlegm obstructing the path of Brahma Randhra. Along with the effective exercise of the Bandhas, it is capable of puncturing the three knots.

This is Bastrika and the Yogi should practice this particularly.

Three Bandhas

Now I (Lord Maheswara) proceed to explain the sequence of the Bandhas the Yogi should perform to gain the mastery of Prana.

Having successful mastery over Kumbhakas, one should resort to threefold Bandhas which I hereby relate. The first one is Mula-Bandha. The Second is Uddiyana-Bandha and the third one is Jalandhara-Bandha.

I will give a detailed account.

Mula Bandha (Moola Bandha)

Constricting the anus with the heel, he should bring the air up stage by stage. By exercising Mula-Bandha, Prana will merge with Apana and Nada with Bindu which gives the mastery of Yoga.

Uddiyana-Bandha

The Yogi should practice Uddiyana-Bandha at the close of Kumbhaka and before the beginning of inhalation.

Because of the reason it brings up the Prana in the Sushumna, it gets the name Uddiyana-Bandha.

Always the Yogi should get this knowledge directly from a Guru. The aspirant should practice it without lethargy. It will even make the Oldman young.

He should constrict the abdomen above and below the navel. For him, who practices for six months, there is no death. There is no doubt about it.

Jalandhara-Bandha

Jalandhara Bandha should be performed at the close of inhalation.

It is constricting the throat intending to obstruct the upward movement of Prana. After constriction, the Prana should be placed steadily in the heart region. This is Jalandhara-Bandha.

It causes the full flow of nectar. When this constriction is combined with the constriction of the backward parts by Pascimottanssana in the middle, Prana will enter Brahma Nadi.

Supreme State

After Awakening Kundalini

Assuming Vajrasana, he should perform Bastrika and quickly arouse Kundalini.

Like the joints of bamboo are punctured and pierced open, Prana will puncture the knots of the vertebral column. It produces a sensation that resembles the crawling of an ant.

By continuous practice, the sensation is produced in the Susumna. Then, by the piercing of Rudra-Grandhi, he attains the Siva-hood.

This union takes place after the Sun and the Moon attain their equipoised state. The three Gunas (Rajas, Tamas, and Sattva) are transcended because of the result of the three Grandhis being pierced through.

By the union of Siva and Sakthi (Kundalini), the supreme state is achieved. (Note: After having pierced the three knots, the state of Siva is achieved. When the Kundalini joins with this state, the supreme state or Nir Vikalpa Samadhi is attained).

Susumna  

The elephant drinks water always through its trunk only. Likewise, Susumna gets the supply of Prana through the vertebral column only.

Twenty-one bright nodes are attached to the Vertebral column along the course of Susumna like a string of gems. Susumna is in the form of the universe erected in the path of liberation.

The positions of the Sun and Moon determine the period. The Prana inhaled and retained in Kumbhaka there, will not go out. If it does, it will be restored again and again till the status quo ante is attained. This is the quality of the back door.

The Prana entered through the back door because of the Kumbhaka, distributed to all parts of the body. If it goes away, it is waste. If it goes in, all parts of the body get nourishment.

The State of Blissful Consciousness

He who got the merger of his mind and body merged in Brahman, the very origin of himself, he alone gets liberation. He is purified and free from the I-ness which is devoid of the delusion of perceiving himself to be other than Atman.

The fools that do not know Atman fall into the corporal state. If the mind gets dissolved, even the cessation of the flow of Prana is possible. If not, no scriptures, no knowledge of Atman, no Guru, and no Liberation.

The Jackal, under force, sucks its blood, Likewise is the Brahma Nadi being thrown into the corporeal world with its reactions.

By constant practice of this yoga together with the Asanas and Bandhas, the mind dissolves and the Bindu never goes down.   Having given up inhalation and exhalation, he should maintain the steadiness in his breath (retention).

It generates different sounds. The lunar region will start dripping. Then all ailments like thirst and hunger will vanish. Then the yogi will get himself fixed with the Brahman alone which is Sachitananda (the reality of blissful consciousness).

I describe this Yoga to you out of my grace.  

Kinds of Yoga

Mantra yoga, Laya yoga, Hatha yoga, and Raja Yoga are sequential steps. It is Maha Yoga that is one and has four diverse names.  

Mantra Yoga

(Breath) Going out with the sound of ‘Ha’ and coming in with the sound of ‘Sa’ generates the Mantra “Hamsa, Hamsa”.

All Jiva-s make Japa on this mantra always. With the guidance of the Guru and during Sushumna Yoga (explained earlier), the Japa gets reversed and the mantra becomes “So ham”, “So ham”.

This is Mantra yoga.  

Hatha Yoga

Ha’ means the Sun. ‘Tha’ means the moon. Hatha yoga is the merger of the Sun and the Moon. Hatha yoga removes all the ailments of the body.

Laya Yoga

With the merger of Atman and Paramatman, Laya Yoga happens. When it happens, the mind dissolves and the Prana attains steadiness.

From Laya Yoga, wellness, the bliss of Atman, and the proximity to Brahman are achieved.  

Raja Yoga

Rajas which look like the flowers of Japa and Bandhuka (flowers of blood-red color) is located in the middle of the genitals of all creatures. It is of the feminine principle. Its union with the Retas of male principle is Raja yoga.

The Siddhis (psychic powers) Anima (attenuation) and the like are attained by the yogi who has mastery over Raja Yoga.

Common features of four-fold yoga

The union of Prana and Apana is known as four-fold yoga. These words of Siva are precise and could not be otherwise. The goal of yoga is reached by gradual practice only and not otherwise.

Liberation is possible even with a single body (birth) with constant practices in the prescribed order, little by little, like the order of monkeys. (Note: Monkey eats food little by little at a time).  

If the body ceases to exist before getting mastery over yoga, with the latent impressions left by the experiences of the previous birth, he will get another body. By the influence of virtuosity accrued during the previous births and the grace of the Guru, he will attain success.

The goal is reached quickly by having resorted to the path of Susumna being advanced by the practice made during the previous births.

The Importance of Practice

There is one doctrine known as Kaaka-Mata (wherein Lord Maheswara has control over Maya). There is yet another doctrine beyond Kaaka-Mata. That is Abyasa-yoga. (Yoga attained by practical techniques). Liberation is achieved only through that and not by any means. 

Benefits of Sushumna Yoga

Except for the path of Susumna, there exists no other path to liberation. It is attainable only through the practice of Hatha Yoga along with the dissolution of Jivatman and the like.

Diseases perish just by starting the practice. The inborn dullness perishes next. Balance is reached and the moon starts to shower. Then the fire along with Prana consumes the humor of the body.

The various types of sounds manifest and the body turns younger and blooms. He overcomes cold due to a shower and the like. He becomes capable of traveling through the ethereal regions. Also, he gains all the knowledge. He assumes any form of his choice. Likewise, he attains wind-like speediness. He travels through the three worlds if he wishes. Different psychic powers like this accrue.  

When the camphor is consumed by fire, then where will be the solidity of camphor? When the I-ness is consumed by yoga, where will be the rigidity of the body? The kings of yoga can do anything they want, on themselves, assuming numerous forms.

Such Yogis will become Jivanmukta, without any doubt.  

Siddhis or Psychic Powers

Classification of Siddhis or Psychic Powers

Siddhis (psychic powers) are of two kinds: natural and artificial.

The psychic powers obtained by employing means of mercury, herbs, and mystic spells are artificial psychic powers that are transitory and have less potential.

The powers obtained without the employment of the above means will come in the course of the yoga of Atman and the source of these powers is acceptable to Lord Iswara.

Important Notes of Siddhis

The powers obtained in this way are not artificial and are manifested on their own accord, as a result of the prolonged practice of yoga and these powers are devoid of the impressions of the previous births.

These powers are long-lasting and have high potential. Also, the Yogi should safeguard these powers taking his stand in Paramatman through Maha Yoga.

Moreover, the Yogi should keep these powers in profound secret when there is no real need for them. This is the usual procedure of the adepts in yoga.  

As the city of Benares is accessible through various paths, the Siddhis are attainable on their own accord through various paths in the course of yoga.

Moreover, a Yogi will meet a cluster of Siddhis in his course whether he seeks it or not. Like the Goldsmith determines the quality of the gold, psychic powers determine a yogi or a Jivan Mukta.

The common worldly qualities are missing in him often. Hence, one may assume a person without psychic powers is in bondage.

A Jivan Mukta knows Brahman and his body is devoid of old age and death. Animals, birds, worms, and other beings meet their death.  

Do they (Jivan Muktas) attain liberation by cutting the cycle of births and deaths? Prana will not come out of them. As a result, they won’t meet death.

The liberation with the fall of the body is the liberation foiled. When the body has attained the state of Brahman like the salt dissolved in the water, he is a liberated one. The limbs and organs of the senses are inconsistent.

Brahman has attained the form of the body like water attained the form of a bubble.  

The abode of Lord Siva

The body is a city of ten gates. Ten kinds of Air travel through the ten kinds of highways Of Nadis there. It is connected with ten organs of perceptions and motor actions.

Also, it is provided with six chambers of energy centers called chakras and a great forest fit for the practice of six-fold yoga: Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Bhavana Yoga, and Sahaja Yoga.

It is provided with four Pitas (seats) of Vedas upon which Mahalinga is seated with its innermost consciousness of Nada and Bindu.

Thus the body is the temple of Lord Siva bestowing powers.

Chakras

The Muladhara is triangular and is located between the anus and the genitals. It is the seat of Lord Siva in human form.

Exactly, it is the place where the Para-Sakthi in Kundalini form is located. It is the place where the vital air originates, where the fire originates, whence Bindu originates, Where Nada generates, where Hamsa is generated, and where the mind is created.

It is the seat of Kamarupa which bestows the fruits of desire.  

Likewise, at the root of the genitals is Swadhisthana with six corners.

Similarly, in the region of the navel is Manipura with 10 petals.

Also, Anahata is the great plexus located in the heart region known as the seat of Purna-Giri.

Likewise, Visuddhi has sixteen petals and is in the well of the throat, the seat of Jalandhara.

Moreover, the great plexus Ajna with two petals is in between the brows. The great seat Uddiyana is established over this.

The presiding deities of Chakras

Lord Brahma is the presiding deity of the earth of four petals (Muladhara).

Similarly, Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of the water in the form of a half-moon (Swadhisthana).

Lord Rudra is the presiding deity of the triangular region of Fire (Manipura).

Likewise, Lord Iswara is the presiding deity of air (Vayu) of six petals (Anahata).

Similarly, Lord Sadasiva is the presiding deity of the circular region of ether (Visuddhi).

The region of mind is the center of the eyebrows which is in the form of Natha (Anja).

Yoga Sikha Upanishad: Chapter 2

Hiranyagarbha asked Lord Maheswara to explain the quality of yoga that bestows the wisdom that radiates like the Sun.

Lord Maheswara answered:-

One should keep this as a profound secret.   For him who rendered selfless service to his Guru for twelve years, Guru initiates the Vidya (science) in addition to the real knowledge of Brahman.

Not to be bestowed upon as a result of pride in knowledge, in quest of money, or out of the error of judgment. The Vidya learned, heard, and carried out this way will not render results.  

He only understands the Mula-mantra as explained by Guru succeeds. Moreover, the Mula-Mantra constituting Siva and Sakthi emanates from Muladhara.

He who is capable of hearing that mantra is rare. This mantra is the seat and Nada Linga has my characteristics. The mere knowledge of it quickly makes anybody a Jivanmukta and enriched with the Siddhis (psychic powers) like Anima (attenuation) and the like.

Mula-Mantra (Moola Mantra)

The term mantra is called such because it is being used to meditate upon, it helps the flow of vital energy and it is also being used as an aid to invoke my form.

It is called as Mula mantra (the base mantra) because it is based on me, it is the root of all mantras, it originates from Muladhara, and it is the basic form of Linga. (The mantra indicated here is Pranava).  

Linga is called as such because of its subtle and casual nature, because of its static nature and mobility, and because of its symbolic form representing Iswara.  

Sutra is called as such because of its presence everywhere at all times and because it is indicative of its form. 

The universe is being sustained by Maha-Maya (the great goddess of illusion), Maha-Lakshmi (the great goddess of wealth), Maha-Devi (the great goddess), Sarasvati (the goddess of wisdom), and Kundalini Sakthi emanating from Muladhara.

It exists as Bindu in casual and subtle form and Pita (seat) in gross form.   Being recited by Prana, having exhaustively broken the seat of Bindu, by assuming Shanmukhi Mudra following the guidelines of Guru, Natha-Linga flashes at once.

Kinds of Brahman

The forms of Brahman are of three kinds: Vairaja, Hiranyagarbha, and Natha.

The gross form constituted by the five Maha-Bhutas (great elements) is Vairaja Brahman.

The Subtle form is Hiranyagarbha and the form constituted by the three Beeja letters (seed letters AUM) is Natha Brahman.  

By the practice of the Atma Mantra (Aham Brahmasmi, Tat Tvam Asi, and other Maha Vakya Mantras), there manifests the transcendent Brahman which is the highest truth, the Pure Consciousness of Bliss, immeasurable, indemonstrable, beyond the range of speech and thought, pure, subtle, permanent, detached, indivisible, unequaled and non-ailing.  

The signs of manifestation are the doors of psychic powers. The flame of a lamp, the moon, the firefly, stars, and other bright objects in the subtle form are seen by the yogi who has reached this state.

The wealth of Siddhis (psychic powers) like Anima (attenuation) is bestowed upon him at once.  

There is no mantra higher than Natha. No God is greater than one’s own Atman. And no worship is higher than inquiry. No happiness is higher than contentment.

He who is keen on getting psychic powers should always keep this a secret. Having understood this, the worshiper of mine (the devotee of Lord Maheswara) becomes blessed and happy.

The meanings explained here will manifest in the great soul who has a devotion to the Lord Ishvara like it is manifested in Guru and Lord Ishvara.

Yoga Sikha Upanishad: Chapter 3

Having realized the Consciousness which is the prime of the cause of all Siddhis (psychic powers), liberation from the bondage of birth is attained.  It is described as Parama Aksara (letter), Natha, Brahman.

There resides a power called Bindu in Muladhara. Natha sprouts there like a subtle seed. The yogi sees the universe through that and it is called Pasyanthi.

When this sound is placed in the heart, it resembles the sound of thunder. It is known as Mathyama.

It is also called Vikhari and it is known as Svara when merged with Prana.  

The Sanskrit letters “A” through “ksa” should be uttered with proper movement of the Palate and the like. The form of the tree is assumed by the sprouts and branches.

Likewise, the letters and words form the sentences. Mantra, Veda, and scriptures in their entirety are formed like that. The Puranas, epics, different languages, the seven musical notes, folk songs, and everything produced out of sounds are the sentences of letters. 

Thus Goddess Sarasvati abides in the hearts of all beings and assumes the form of the words of two or three syllables by the wind and fire at different stages.  

The yogi, who has attained the power of Vaikhari by the grace of Goddess Sarasvati, is bestowed with the amazing power of speech. He will become, on his own, the author of Vedas, Scriptures, and epics.

Parama Aksara

Parama Aksara is the place wherein Bindu, Natha, the sun, the moon, fire, air, and all senses get dissolved, wherein all vital airs get dissolved, and wherein the mind takes its repose.

Nothing is worth considering as a higher measure beyond this. Having the mind once taken its stand on it, even a great calamity could not disturb it.

Atman is seen by the Atman and rejoices in the Atman. It is the intense happiness that is beyond the reach of the senses and perceived only by the intellect.

ParamaAksara lies beyond whatever is perishable and imperishable. All beings are perishable. Atman is imperishable.

The Brahman which is unattached and indeterminate is imperishable. It is matchless, aimless, description-less, definition-less, beyond all sides, incomprehensible, support-less, support of all beings, immeasurable, beyond the range of perception, atom-less,  soundless, formless, intangible, without limbs, omniscient, Omnipresent, peaceful, living in the hearts of all, capable being grasped by the guidelines of Guru, incapable of being grasped even with great efforts by those not gifted with a good intellect, beyond any measure, quality-less, changeless, independent, smear less, immovable, unaffected and constant.  

The celebrity of the celebrities is placed at the frontiers of darkness. It is free from assumptions and non-assumptions and within the reach of assumptions. Indeed, it can be attained through devotion and the mind being turned inside.

The assumption is the cause and it is the cause of assuming the corporal entity again. If a man meditates upon a subject, his mind gets a deep insight into the subject. Likewise, if he meditates upon me, he gets dissolved in me.

Yoga Sikha Upanishad: Chapter 4

The Consciousness and the phenomenal world

The assumption of a form in the consciousness is equally perceived by Jiva as such without any difference.

Even if a rope is assumed as a snake, it is perceived by Jiva as a snake only. In the absence of knowledge about the rope, the aspect of a snake is put on the rope by the consciousness.

It is the consciousness alone. The phenomenal world is consciousness alone, the aspects of which are then put on. (Note: The moment when the real knowledge dawns, the phenomenal world ceases to exist and the consciousness alone remains).

Brahman

Brahman is the cause of the phenomenal world. Hence the whole of the phenomenal world is Brahman only. Nothing else.

Where is room for differences of opinion? if the truth is understood as All is Brahman and Brahman transcends all.

For this reason, all beings take their root in Brahman. For this reason, everything is Brahman alone. Brahman alone is the prop of diverse names, forms, and actions.

The quality of gold is found forever in the ornaments made out of gold. Likewise, Brahman is found in all that are made out of Brahman.  

Dualism

Ignorance is the Cause of Dualism

The fearful consequences are the results when one talks with foolish people who make even the slightest difference between Atman and Paramatman. Hence, ignorance is the cause of dualism.

He sees dualism in other things too. When wisdom dawns, he starts to see the characters of Atman in all except no atom.  

Though the world is being experienced by us and we can carry out daily routines, it is in the form of non-existence like a dream which may be undone the next minute.

The State of Consciousness

There is no waking state (Jagrat) in a dream (Swapna) and no dream in a waking state. Neither of them is present in deep sleep (Susupti) nor the deep sleep is present in them.

All these three are the results of three Gunas and false. He who knows this transcends the three Gunas and three states. It is a state of consciousness and it is eternal.

Brahman is Apparent In Jiva

Like the delusion that the state of being earth is lost in an earthen pot and silver is lost in pearl-oyster, Brahman is lost in Jiva. The delusion disappears only when observed in closed quarters.

The earth is always apparent in the earthen pot. The gold is apparent in the golden ornaments. Likewise, Brahman is apparent in Jiva.

The phenomenal world is in the Atman like the blue color observed in ethereal space or mirage observed in a desert or hut in a log of wood. In principle, the existence of the phenomenal world is like the vampire (Vedal) reducing itself to the Void, the existence of the city of Gandharva in the celestial spaces, and two moons in the ethereal space.

The water is identified with the waves, small or big, the earth with the pot, and the thread with the cloth. Likewise, Brahman is identified with the phenomenal world. All is Brahman alone.  

A sterile woman has no sons. The desert has no water. The sky has no trees. Likewise, the phenomenal world has no existence.

When a pot is rubbed, the earth manifests. Likewise, the phenomenal world is closely examined, and Brahman alone manifests.  

I am the pure Atman. It appears to be impure. Like the rope is perceived differently by knowing the person and the ignorant and like pot is perceived differently, the consciousness is also differently perceived.

The difference between Atman and Anatman is made in vain by wise men. Like the rope is perceived by the ignorant person as a snake, and pearl-oyster as silver, the state of Atman is also perceived as the character of the body.  

Earth appears as the pot, mirage as water, logs of wood as a house, and iron as the sword. Likewise, ignorance is attached to Atman.  

Yoga Sikha Upanishad: Chapter 5

Again I (Lord Maheswara) reveal the secrets of yoga to you. Hence, listen with due attention.

Nature of Body

The body is a city of ten gateways, provided with ten highways of Nadis, journeyed by the ten vital air, covered by ten senses of perception and action, with ten chambers of plexuses.

It is a great forest fit for the performance of six-fold yoga with four seats provided with four lamps of Vedas. Exactly, it is the residence of Bindu, Natha, the great Linga, Vishnu, and Lakshmi.

It is said to be the temple of Vishnu granting special boons to the mortals.  

Location of Chakras

Muladhara is located in between the anus and genitals. It is the seat of Lord Siva in the form of Jiva.

In there, the wonderful power of Kundalini is found. Vital Air originates there. Bindu and Fire take their origin there. Natha manifests there. Hamsa is created there. The mind has its origin there. It is the seat of Kama-rupa that gratifies all desires.

At the root of the genitals, the plexuses called Svadhisthana with six petals are located.

In the region of the navel, Manipura with ten petals is situated.

Anahata plexuses otherwise known as Purna-Giri with its twelve petals are located in the region of the heart.

Visuddhi with sixteen petals is at the well of the throat.

Anja with its two petals is found in the middle of the eyebrows.

The Presiding Deities of Chakras

Over this, the seat of Uddiyana is found.   Lord Brahman is the presiding deity of the earth chakra with four spokes.

Likewise, Lord Vishnu is the presiding deity of the water chakra in the form of the half-moon. Lord Rudra is the presiding deity of the fire chakra in triangular form.

Lord Sankara is the presiding deity of air chakra with six poxes.

Similarly, Lord Narayana is the presiding deity of the ether chakra in circular form. Lord Sambhu is the presiding deity of mind chakra in Natha form. This has been already explained to you.  

Nadi-Chakra

Henceforth, Nadi-chakra is declared.

Susumna with a length of twelve Angulas stands at the triangular Muladhara. It appears like a bamboo half-split at the root. It is known as Brahma-Nadi.

On either side of it, Nadis Ida and Pingala are located.

Vilambini is interwoven in between till it reaches the nostrils. The golden airflow through Ida on the left. The air with the quality of the Sun flows through Pingala on the right. Vilambini is peculiarly placed in the navel which is the junction of Nadis originating and going upwards, downwards, and cross-wise, making the navel chakra like the egg of the hen.

Gandhari and Hasti-jihva originate therefrom and proceed to the two eyes. Pusa and Alambusa to the ears. Therefrom the great Nadi Sura proceeds to the middle of the eyebrows. VisvodariNadi digest foods of four kinds.

Sarasvati Nadi goes to the tip of the tongue. Raka Nadi quickly consumes water and produces Sneezing and phlegm in the nose.

Sankhini originates from the throat cavity and heads down to fetch food and fills in the crest. Three Nadis are going downwards below the navel.

Kuhu evacuates feces. Varuni helps discharge urine and Citra, the Nadi of the frenum of the prepuce, helps discharge semen.

This is known as Nadi-Chakra.

Forms of Brahman

The forms of Brahman are of three kinds: Gross, Subtle, and Transcendent. The gross is Bindu with the quality of semen. The subtle one is the form of five fires (Pancha Agni). The transcendent one is the form with the quality of the moon. Achuta (Lord Narayana) is the eternal witness.  

The Five Fires

Kalagni is established in the netherly region.

Mulagni where the Natha manifests is established in the body.

Vadavagni is established in the middle of the bones wherein the fire of wood and stone are placed. It is of earth and seated in the portion of the alimentary canal through which the vital warmth is distributed.

The fire that is placed in the mid-ethereal region is of lightning and has the inner qualities of Atman.   The fire that is placed in the ethereal region is of the Sun and stands in the navel region. This Sun moves poison downwards and nectar upwards.

The Moon standing at the root of the palate showers nectar downwards. Bindu of crystal form is seated in the middle of the eyebrows. This is known as Maha-Vishnu in subtle form.  

The intelligent yogi knowing these five fires conceives that the food and drinks eaten by him contribute the sacrificial offering to the fires only, without any doubt.  

The process of awakening the Kundalini

With aspirations of good health, moderate and well-digested food, purifying his body first, and assuming a convenient posture, the yogi should purify the Nadis with inhalation, retention, and exhalation.

Having constricted the anus with effort (Mula-Bandha), he should first worship Kundalini.  

He should perform Uddiyana Bandha in the navel and the middle of the genitals. By doing this, the power flies up to the seat of Uddiyana (the seat of Uddiyana is located above Ajna).

He should perform Jalandhara bandha by constricting his throat a little. Then with a firm mind, he should perform Kechari-Mudra by moving his tongue back to the cavity of the cranium and turning his eyes to the interior of his eyebrows.

When the cavity behind the uvula is blocked by doing Kechari-Mudra, the downward dripping nectar is stopped and it blocks the upward movement of Prana. The hunger, thirst, sleep, and indolence vanish. For him who knows Kechari-Mudra, there is no death.  

The seat of Uddiyana is located at the front and rear of the Dvadasantha region which is the abode of Achuta (Lord Narayana). Reaching the middle of the disc of the moon showering always the nectar, the yogi should meditate upon Lord Narayana who is seated in the middle of the lotus and who is non-dual, support-less, and unattached.

Then he should break the heart chakra. All doubts and Karma will vanish. Then, he can see what is on this shore and the other.  

Siddhis

Henceforth, I explain the Siddhis (psychic powers) and the ways to attain them by those who conquered their senses, breath, and mind and attained tranquility.

The reposing of the mind on Natha gives clairaudience. The reposing of the mind on Bindu gives clairvoyance. Reposing the mind to Kalatman gives the knowledge of the past, present, and future.

Focusing the mind on the body of another enables the yogi to enter into another body. To counteract the effects of hunger, thirst, and poison, one should concentrate on the nectar in the ethereal cavity of the crest.

Performing Dharana on the earth enables one to travel to the netherworld. Performing Dharana on the water, one will have mastery over water-borne troubles.

Doing Dharana on the power will give him mastery over fire. He will not be touched by fire. On air, levitation. On ether, Siddhis like Anima (psychic powers like attenuation) and the like.

Performing Dharana on Viraj, he could increase his size at his will. Dharana on Lord Brahman makes him the creator of the world.

On Lord Indra, all carnal pleasures. Dharana on Lord Vishnu, the sustenance of the universe. Likewise, by Dharana on Lord Rudra, the Yogi can even destroy his radiance of him.

On Lord Narayana, he becomes Narayana. Dharana on Lord Vasudeva, all success. In the same manner, the yogi can attain anything by performing Dharana on the objects intended.

For this, the mind is the cause.  

The Guru

Guru is Brahman. Also, the Guru is Vishnu and the Guru is always Achuta. No one is higher than the Guru in all the world.

One should worship the Guru with extreme devotion who grants divine wisdom, who is the spiritual guide, and who is the Supreme Lord himself. One that worships the Guru attains the fruit of knowledge.

The Guru is like Supreme Lord and Supreme Lord is like the Guru. He should worship them with great devotion. No difference is between them. One should not make an argument with Guru regarding the equality of status anywhere.

With devotion, one should always contemplate Guru, God, and Atman. The yogi of intellect will know the secret of Yoga Sikha.

Nothing is unknown to him in all three worlds. The effects of a virtuous act or sin, the cause of distress, sorrow, defeat, and being in the cycle of birth and death are not for him on any account.  

The yogi should not, even at the least oscillation, allow his mind to dwell on Siddhis. Nevertheless, once he comes to know this truth, he will be liberated without any doubt.

Yoga Sikha Upanishad: Chapter 6

The method of Kundalini activation

Hiranyagarbha asked to explain the method of kundalini activation by which the liberation is achieved.  

I now declare the secret practice and method to be performed.

To attain the knowledge and the fruits following it, listen carefully and perform the practice in the right way. My salutations to Susumna, Chandra-Mandala-Sudha, Kundalini, Manonmani, Maha-Sakthi, and Chit-Atman. (Note: They are personified as Goddesses or God).  

Description of Nadis

One hundred and one Nadis emanate from the heart region. Of these one goes up to the crest. Going with this Nadi, one attains immortality. A hundred other Nadis go in other directions of which one is Para.

Location of Susumna Nadi

Susumna rests in Para which is pure and in the form of Brahman. Ida is on the left and Pingala is on the right. The supreme seat is in between these two. The knower of Veda knows this.  

One should retain the breath inhaled to prolong the duration of the breath. This should be practiced only in the stages. At the hind of the anus, there is Veena-Danda (vertebral column). Up to the end of the bony frame, Brahma Nadi is extended. It is located in between Ida and Pingala as a fine tube in the form of the Sun.

This Susumna is called Brahma Nadi by sages. All Nadis spreading throughout the body originate from Susumna. The Sun, Moon, Fire, and Parameswara are located along its course.

Likewise, Bhutas, directions, sacred places, oceans, rocks, mountains, rivers, Vedas, scriptures, supreme sciences, arts and crafts, Alphabets, musical notes, mantras, epics, Gunas, Bijas (seed letters), Bijatman, vital airs, and their witnesses. 

The phenomenal world exists inside. Everything in the body is reached by Susumna, the inner Atman, through tiny Nadis connecting the remote parts.

Traveling of Prana Through Nadis

The Prana reaches everywhere through the path of Susumna with its roots upwards and branches downwards.

There are seventy-two thousand Nadis spread over the body through which Prana travels. What could be the use of these paths of Prana in the Nadis going upwards, downwards, and crosswise, if the Kundalini obstructs the path?  

The yogi could attain liberation with the knowledge of Kundalini and Prana. After knowing the Susumna and piercing open it and passing Prana, the vital air through the middle of the Susumna, he should control the root of the nostril at the middle of the eyebrows.  

Of the 72000 Nadis, Susumna is the Goddess Shambhavi, the rest of them are nothing if “Hreem” is established at the root of Palate. He should fix his mind there which is the place of supreme consciousness and recite the mantra of Para-Sakthi who is residing in Brahma Randhra (the crevice of Brahman). Brahma Srishti is attained.

Then he should forgo the delusion of worldly affairs. The darkness inside everyone is destroyed by the lamp of supreme consciousness. It is capable of being reached and not reached as well.

I salute the Hamsa in the form of Paramatman.  

The sound of Anahata

The sound of Anahata is uncreated. In the interior of the echo of that sound, there exists a radiance. The mind exists in that radiance. The dissolution of the mind there brings an extreme state of Vishnu.  

Adhara

It is believed that Susumna and Sarasvati are Adhara (the basic powers). Adhara is where the universe manifests and dissolves. For this (knowledge), one should take refuge at the feet of the Guru. (Note: Adhara means the base or the cause. Here it refers to the power of Kundalini).  

When the power residing in Adhara is latent, the universe is overpowered by passivity. When it becomes active, the three worlds are active. He who knows Adhara comes out of the darkness. Mere knowledge destroys all sins.

If the Guru is pleased, the liberation is achieved without any doubt through the power of Adhara which radiates like a cluster of lightning. He should cut asunder the effects of virtuous acts and sins with the luster of (laser) Adhara.

Adhara and Prana  

By restraining Prana in Adhara Chakra, the yogi seeks repose in other ethereal regions. By restraining Prana in Adhara Chakra, his body shakes, he dances forever, and he sees the universe as one. Adhara of all beings is Adhara only. (The cause of all beings is the prime cause: Brahman).

All Vedas and all deities dwell in Adhara only. Therefore have recourse to Adhara. In Adhara, three Nadis confluence. Bathing and drinking destroy all sins. Paschima Linga and its doors exist in Adhara.

By breaking the doors open, one gets liberated from the bondage of the world. On the rear side of Adhara, there is the Sun and the moon. There stands the lord of the universe contemplating upon whom the union with is attained.  

On the rear side of the Adhara, the deities take their abode.  He should restrain the Prana that came out of Brahma Randhra through Ida and Pingala.

Similarly, he should forcibly open the doors of Susumna and six chakras and reach Sahasrara, the place of Supreme consciousness, and repose there.

He who enters the Brahma Randhra attains the highest state.  

Sushumna Yoga

Hamsa goes up and down by the cause of the movement of Prana. If Prana enters Susumna, it is steady and the Sun and the Moon get dissolved. He who knows the repose is the real knower of yoga.

All the knots will break, all doubts will vanish, he will get lost in the transcendent ether and attain the supreme state when the current of the mind is lost in Susumna, when the yogi takes his stand in Susumna even for a single minute, when the yogi has got command in Susumna even for half a minute, and when the yogi gets dissolved in Susumna like salt or milk in water.  

Sushumna Yoga Benefits

Bathing in the river Ganges or the ocean or worshipping the Manikarnika does not render even a sixteenth part of Susumna Yoga. Liberation is guaranteed for one who visits Sri-Saila, who dies at Benares, who drinks the water of Kedara, and who sees the middle Nadi Susumna.  

Thousands of Asva-Medha yagnya or hundreds of Vajapeya Yagnya do not render even the one-sixteenth of Susumna Meditation.  

All the sins vanish for him who discourses on Susumna and he will attain eternal bliss. Sushumna Yoga alone is the holiest pilgrimage. It is alone the most efficacious prayer. Alone it is the supreme meditation. It is alone the earnest goal.

The different kinds of sacrifices worship, charities, vows, and Viradhas are not equal to even a sixteenth part of Susumna Yoga.   Lord Siva, the supreme consciousness, takes repose in Brahma Randhra.

The Goddess Maha-Devi resides in Susumna. Maya-Sakthi (Goddess of illusion) resides at the foremost part of the forehead.

In the middle of the forehead, Para-Sakthi (the supreme Goddess) is in the form of Natha. In the hind part of the forehead, Sakthi is in the form of Bindu. Inside Bindu, Jiva resides in a subtle form.

In the middle of the heart, Jiva resides in gross form.  

Hamsa-Yoga

Jiva being controlled by Prana and Apana leaps up and down, not moving sideways. Like a ball repeatedly being thrown on the ground by the forearm, Jiva goes up and down without rest.

Apana and Prana attract each other. It goes out with the sound Ha and comes in with the sound of Sa. Jiva always recites this Mantra: “Hamsa”, “Hamsa”. Jiva becomes imperishable by knowing this.  

In the place above the navel, Kundalini is in the form of Liberation for Yogis. For the ignorant, it is bondage.

Pranava

The three worlds, Bhur, Bhuvar, and Suvar, the moon, sun, and fire are the deities. The Pranava Om is the transcending radiance.

Three durations of past, present, and future, three deities of Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra, the three worlds of Bhur, Bhuvar, and Suvar, the three Svara of Hrasva, Dirgha, and Pluta, and three Vedas of Rig, Yajur, and Sama take their stand on the transcending radiance Om.  

Mind Yoga

When the mind is moving, it is engaged in worldly matters. When it is immobile, it is liberation. Therefore it is the supreme wisdom to make the mind fixed.

The mind is the cause of all ends and aims of life. If it remains, the world exists. If it dissolves, the world vanishes. It should be taken care of with effort.  

I, the mind, am the aspect of ether. I, the mind, direct myself everywhere and I, the mind, am Atman in all. Brahman is not the mind alone. Actions are initiated by the mind. It is the mind that is behind sinful actions.

One reaches ecstasy with the mind if there are no effects caused by virtuous and sinful actions.

The mind becomes void if the mind is looked upon by the mind.

Then, it will see the Para Brahman. The yogi who looks at his mind with his mind gets liberated. Looking at the mind with mind, one should only remember his final ecstasy.

By doing so, he is intent on yoga forever. By doing so, he will see Dasa-pratyaya (the convictions like I am the Brahman and the like).

If he recognizes those convictions, he becomes the lord of yoga. Bindu, Natha, Kala, Jyotir, Otr, and Avikalpa all are Para Brahman only.  

In the body, the mind experiences delight or pain with the help of memory, when one laughs, rejoices, is afraid of danger, quarrels, takes revenge, grieves, gets intoxicated with new fortune, is in communion with the opposite gender, and smiles.

Mind and Prana

Wherever the Prana goes into the body, the mind goes there. The mind is regarded as the moon, sun, air, two eyes, and fire. They are Bindu, Natha, Kala, and the deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Isvara.  

Applying the mind to Natha wipes away the previous impression in the mind. In the absence of attachment, Prana and mind their repose. What is Natha is Bindu and again that is the mind. It is told as such.

Merger of Nada, Bindu, and Mind

The union of Natha, Bindu, and the mind should be attained. The mind like Bindu is the cause behind the creation and sustenance. Bindu is produced out of the mind like the ghee out of milk.  

The thorough knowledge of six chakras makes one enter into his comfort zone, Susumna. Having entered into it, drawing the Prana he should push it higher. He should practice it well with Bindu, Chakras, and the Mind. The Yogi attains Samadhi and nectar only simultaneously.

Without the practice of yoga, the lamp of wisdom will not glow like the fire in the wood will not rise without churning.

The lamp inside the pot does not shine. If the pot is broken, the shine will manifest. One’s body is like a pot and Jiva is the lamp. Only when it is broken with the aid of the wisdom of Guru, does Brahman manifest.

Taking refuge in Guru, who holds the rudder to run the boat, one should cross the ocean of worldly existence with the power gained by the practice of yoga and the impressions left by the association of the righteous people.  

Thus ends Yoga Sikha Upanishad.

Om! Tat! Sat!

Ref: Sanskrit Text Reference

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