Nadanusandhana

Article by Sundernath (Shandor Remete)

Nadanusandhana is the door to the pathway that leads to the famed śambhavi mudra. The key to success on this path, according to Goraknath and the Yoga Upanishads lies in utilising the correct practices in the correct sequence.

First one must gain complete control over the physical organism; then mental steadiness must be established. The flow of mental activity must then be reversed until the mind dissolves into the highest self and the yogin gains the experience of non-duality. This reversal is termed nadanusandhana and leads the yogin through four stages of experience by which he or she gains the subtle power to hear the un- struck sound of the heart that is the source point (bindu) of the mind.

The nature of this process of reversal is hidden within the meanings of the constituent parts of the term nadanusandhana. Na refers to prana (life wind) and da refers to agni (fire). Nada is the sound caused by the union of prana and agni. When this union is achieved regularly in practice and this sound triggered repeatedly, it wakens kundalini (the coiled power) and causes it to ascend. Anu refers to an atom and sandhana is the act of taking aim. The sound penetrates to the realm of the infinitely small, the chamber of the unstruck sound (anahata nada) within the heart. This brings unmani avastha (the state beyond mind) and this manifests in four clear stages of experience before the final dissolution and reabsorption into the source point (bindu).

  1. arambha avastha – the first stage in which one gains control over the mental and physical faculties called chitta.
  2. ghatha avastha – the stage of awakening in which the pranic impulse enters the central channel (suṣumna nadi). This endows the yogin with the wisdom of the knowledge of past, present and future. Attachment to this gift arises easily, creates great suffering and can lead to a falling away from the path.
  3. parichaya avastha is modification of the sound of thought into a single atom. The yogin thus gains control over manas, the organ of mind, and freed from desire, anger and suffering achieves mental bliss and peace. The obstacle here is excessive joy and a fall from here leads to the pains of mental delusions.
  4. niṣpatti avastha is the entry beyond the noose of the mind into profound meditation. Mastery of disintegration and reintegration of matter is gained so that one can evolve and destroy forms at will. This is nad-bind-yogin where source point, sound and yogin are united and identical. This is the door to śambhavi mudra.

The first verse of the Gorakṣamrityunjaya Mantram, Gorakṣa’s great song about the victory over death, hints at the tools required in this process and also about the time and place of their application. Shiva’s crescent moon, which carries the power of renewal, obscures both the energies of the sun and the moon and releases its rhythmic dictate at the time of twilight each day at sunrise and at sunset. Lord Shiva, the cosmic dancer and bearer of the drum, beats out the rhythm of the moon’s sacred song of renewal and preservation from the clutches of death, time, with the aid of his secret instrument the śula-dinda whose residence is the fifth seat of the second chakra, svadiṣthana. The seed of power here is RAM, and is referred to as kala-agni-rudra the howling lord of the black fire that eats time. This fire must be raised by the yogin from the blue black terrestrial waters of the navel for the correction of the ills of his/ her past. Śula-dinda is the soothing and restorative instrument of the kandasthana, the bulb that is the source of all the nadis. It has the power to level and equalise the awakening fiery energies.

The song to be sung by the singer yogin is: AUM HAMSA.

AUM, the greatest two syllable mantra of imperishable might, is the hidden form of Shiva and rises in the form of the great swan, Paramahamsa, in the midst of the sounding of the prayer. It is during the hours of twilight that this cosmic sound reverberates. It imparts the message of the coming day to the sun before it rises and the sun then carries it through the day and passes it on to the moon at sunset.

The moon then imparts its secret to those singer yogin’s awake at midnight who make the prayer of AUM HAMSA. At this time the skilful singer yogin is rewarded with the un-struck sound of the heart (anahata nada) due to the benevolence of the protector of the tongue and the herder of thoughts, the deity of Khecari. She thus grants entry into the void of suṣumna, the eater of time.

By raising the sound of AUM and so bringing and shaping the sound of thought to a single point (bindu) the yogin achieves the goal of nad-bind-yogin. Bind is the end of suffering where the four powers of life at the mulachakra freely unite and rise as a single power of light, the coiled power of the kundalini shakti. The yogin that knows how to pierce the one point through this sound accomplishes this alone but then enters the twilight of Shiva’s eternal dwelling and becomes one with him. Without the mantra the three worlds of the body will remain devoid of sound. The wisdom of mantra is thus complete and knowing this much of sound.
I bow to Sri Gorakṣanath Ji.

Here ends the song of Nadanusandhana, the key to the gates of shambavi mudra.

To achieve this stage of dhyana (meditation) the following skills and practical knowledge are required:

  • The 16 supports of the moon with its knowledge extracted through practical experience.
  • Yoginicharananyasavidhim, the invocation of shakti through the placement of sound with touch.
  • Knowledge of the chakras.
    Knowledge of the 16 nadis, the channels of sound.
  • The required asanas for the uttering of AUM HAMSA. These are simha, bhadra, gorakṣa, bhaga and kanda.

The singing must be done while sitting in kandasana and the sound of AUM HAMSA must rise from the mula-chakra, without the aid of tongue, teeth, throat or lips. The singing of the song should not last more than 30 minutes. From there one rises to nrtta – pure dance, as it is hinted in the beginning verse, then returning to the floor into siddhasana and continue with the song through silent repetition, until it begins to resonate within the innermost part of the right ear. It is at this point that one must tune into the right ear and cease doing the japa. The most difficult task is to tune into the point and listen, so that one can hear the sounds that make up the mantra dissolve into an atomic grain of sound, which will be very distinct and in constant change. This will carry one through the transitions between the four states of nadanusandhana described above. Each one is marked by its own distinctive sound and content. Those practitioners who have mastered vajroli, kapali, śakticalani and khecari mudras, will have a lighter journey than those who have not, since mastery of these four mudras brings the advantage of spontaneous suspension of breath (kevala kumbhaka), the moment they assume their seat in siddhasana.

Reflecting on these requirements and stages one can see that meditation is not the easy path to tread, as so many deluded people of this present age believe.

Shadow Yoga © Sundernath (Shandor Remete)

Shadow Yoga is concerned with the social and environmental impacts of industry and the marginalisation of various groups. We have pledged 1% of sales to help fund diverse grassroots organizations and appreciate the support of our community.

In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement. “The intent of 1% for the Planet is to help fund these diverse environmental organizations so that collectively they can be a more powerful source in solving the world’s problems.”

Booking COMO

The offering from COMO Uma Ubud.

Please email Wira Setiawati directly to make your booking or for further information

Group Name: Shadow Yoga Retreat
Accommodation for 6 nights from 30 November to 6 December 2025 
Package Rate: Based on 10% discount from published rates.

Terrace Room USD2,442 Single or USD1,565 shared, per person

Garden Pool Villa USD3,026 Single or USD1,857 shared, per person

Uma Pool Villa USD3,661 Single or USD2,175 shared, per person

If sharing, you must book for both people at the same time.

Inclusions

  • Daily usage of yoga studio includes set up on 1-5 December 2025 
  • Daily fruits and juice refreshment set up at Uma Bar after class 
  • Daily brunch at Kemiri Restaurant
  • Complimentary daily replenished in-room fruit basket. 
  • Complimentary WIFI access in the room and certain other areas of the hotel. 
  • Complimentary scheduled shuttle to Ubud area. (Up to Museum Puri Lukisan) 
  • Complimentary use of the steam, gym and swimming pool 
  • Rates are inclusive of 21% government tax and service charge 

Terms & Conditions

  • Extra person will be charged additional USD78net per person per night on extra bed include breakfast
  • Maximum one (1) extra person in the room. Ubud Room and Terrace Room are not suitable for an extra bed. 

There is a Children’s Policy – if this is applicable to you, please check with Wira.

Check In & Check Out

  • COMO Uma Ubud requests that guests check in after 2pm on day of arrival and check out by 11am on day of departure. 
  • Any early check in or late check out request will be an additional charges and subject to the availability to be confirmed one day prior to arrival

BOOKING STATUS 

  • First payment of 50% of the total invoice to be paid upon making the reservation 
  • Balance Payment to be paid 30 days prior to the arrival date. 
  • Other expenses will be charged upon checkout 
  • All payments should be received as per above timeline, otherwise rooms will be subject to cancelation. 

CANCELLATION POLICY 

  • Cancellations made before 60 days prior to arrival date, no cancellation will be charges.
  • Cancellations made between 60 days to 30 days prior to arrival date will be subject to 50% of the total invoice.
  • Cancellation made between 30 days to 7 days prior to arrival date will be subject to 90% of the total invoice.
  • Late arrivals, no-shows and early departures will be charged 100%.
  • Cancellation must be received in writing by the hotel or its representative. Late arrivals, no-shows and early departures will be charged accordingly.

PAYMENT 

Payment can be made via Credit Card or Wire money transfers. 
For Credit Card process, payment link will be sent. Please advise if required. The amount charged will be in Indonesian Rupiah, using the daily exchange rate on the date of process. 
For bank transfer, please use below account details: 

ACCOUNT NAME

PT VILLA BUKIT LESTARI 
Bank Name: Bank Central Asia, Ubud Branch 
Bank Address: Jalan Raya Ubud No.10, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia 

SWIFT: CENAIDJA 
Account Number: 135.0219711 (for payments in US Dollar) 
Payment via wire transfer must be settled in full amount without any bank fee deduction. 

FORCE MAJEURE 

  • Neither party shall be held liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this Agreement to the extent that such failure or delay is caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, earthquake, fire, flood, epidemic, pandemic, labor disputes, governmental acts, and any other events that are unforeseeable and unavoidable (“Force Majeure Event”). 
  • In the event of a Force Majeure Event, the affected party shall promptly provide written notice to the other party detailing the nature of the event and the expected impact on its performance under this Agreement. 
  • During the period in which a Force Majeure Event prevents the affected party from performing its obligations, the time for performance of such obligations shall be extended for a period equal to the duration of the Force Majeure Event. 
  • If a Force Majeure Event continues for a period of 30 (thirty) days, either party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to the other party, without incurring any liability.

Shadow Yoga Cancellation Policy

Important Retreat Information

Accommodation

Platform Tents
Luxurious, raised tent accommodations include private outdoor showers, sinks, flushing toilets, and a large wrap-around viewing deck. Most tents have transparent panels above the beds to allow for star-gazing of the night sky. Thoughtfully placed Pendelton blankets and additional all-weather duvets are provided.

Bell Tents
Ground-level canvas bell tent sites with beds, bedding, chairs, rugs, and solar twinkle lights. Bathrooms & showers are shared. The bell tents have lighting but no power for phones or accessories.

Food & Beverage
Local, organic, vegetarian meals are provided.

A wide selection of teas and coffees are included as complimentary offerings. Meals are enjoyed at the custom-made communal table or the outdoor pavilion kitchen and lounge area. 

Suggested packing list for attendees

  • Power Charging pack for devices
  • Waterbottle
  • Sun hat
  • Yoga mat
  • Bath towel and washcloth
  • Layers for cooler temps at night
  • Earplugs for wind
  • Minimal scented lotions and cosmetics
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Swimsuit
  • Easy slip-on/off shoes for indoor gathering spaces
  • Good shoes for walking/hiking
  • If any attendees need to bring a C-pap machine for sleeping, please let Green Rock know in advance so they can be placed in the correct accommodations

Important Retreat Information

Included in your fee
  • Accommodation for the specified nights. We will do our best to provide your choice of accommodation
  • Three vegetarian meals a day
Airport taxi pickup and drop are available.
Approx US$30-$50 depending on how many travelling.
When you know your flight details, please advise directly to Veronica referencing ‘Shadow Yoga 21–28 June’
 
We regret that the Teacher’s Discount is not available for the retreats.

Meditations of the Thunder Dragon (Taranyali Dhyanam)

with Sundernath

Over the past twenty years, we have introduced and taught all the preparatory practices required to cultivate the subtle energy and initiate the gathering of vital power that leads to the spontaneous or natural state of Sahajavasta which is the highest peak of meditation.

These practices and technical tools were laid out in Sundernath’s book Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam in the chapters on Krantam and Kriya. In the last chapter, he introduces the principles and characteristics of the final phase to which they lead – the acquisition of Shambhavi Mudra. These properties can be summed up in the term prasādājñā which implies that this mudra has a double nature – Rudra Shakti, the command of authority for the removal of impurities and Kundalini Shakti, the command of grace. When these two energies are drawn together into a single point the portal of transmission is opened. In this explanation I gave enough for genuine seekers to gain some sense of the path ahead and the demands that it would make.

The time has come to teach those individuals who are suitably prepared and open, by practical steps and in a systematic manner, the complete process through to this final stage.

This will be undertaken in four stages as follows:

  1. The Sheathing of Thunder and Lightning
  2. Stabilising the Thunder and Lightning
  3. Opening the Sky and Flooding
  4. The Arousal of Hamsah – the Anahata Nad, (the unstruck sound of the heart).
    Shambhavi Mudra

Each stage will consist of three-weekend workshops, each weekend consisting of three sessions. Between these stages, the students will be given suitable time to practice and absorb what they have learned before proceeding further.

Copyright © Shadow Yoga. All rights reserved. No part of these teachings may be reproduced, distributed, recorded or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, recording, or other electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of Shadow Yoga. All advice given is strictly in confidence.

Vitry-lès-Cluny

About the region

Tourism center information

Close by: Remember to call ahead for visit conditions

Roche de Solutré: Not to miss, on the Great Site of France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson

Musée de préhistoire: Jardin archeological and botanical garden, the Maison du Grand Site to complete the tour.

Château De Pierreclos: In the midst of organic vineyards.

Chateau De Berze-Le-Chatel: Historical monument, one of the most well-preserved medieval fortified castles of Burgundy (where Ridley Scott shot ‘The Last Duel’!)

Chapelle Des Moines: In Berzé-la-Ville (the next village!)  – not to be missed.

Château De Cormatin: (only possible to visit its magnificent garden) Between Tournus et Cluny.

Les Communs: Local ceramists.

Chapaize – L’église Saint Martin & L’église De Lancharre: The village offers bed and breakfasts, 3 restaurants a Sunday organic market, an art gallery, and artists’ ateliers.

Grottes D’azé: Earth under life: in -350 000, a primal man appeared in the cave, then rhinos and antique elephants…the prehistorical cave and the underground river hide one of the largest European cave bears fields.

Grottes De Blanot

Château De Saint-Point-Lamartine: If one appreciates the writer

Solornay sur Guye: The neighbouring town – includes a restaurant, small food store, salon de thé – pâtisserie 

Cité- Abbaye De Cluny: The Benedictin Abbaye Of Cluny Shined On The Whole Middle Age Europe, Being The Widest Of Western Christianity Before The Building Of Saint-Peters In Rome.

Communauté De Taizé: Christian Ecumenical Community Founded In 1940 By Brother Roger.

Abbaye Saint Philibert – Tournus: One Of The Largest French Monastic Cities.

Important Information

Inclusions

  • Accommodation for the specified nights. We will do our best to provide your choice of accommodation
  • Vegetarian meals catered by local chef with local produce.

If you are flying to Auckland, when your flights are confirmed, please pass the info to Jaymin Gansell who will co-ordinate transport to the retreat on the Tuesday. This will be an additional shared cost. If you are already in Auckland you are welcome to contact her too.

Discounts

  • 5% For EarlyBird booking and full payment received before 15 July will be applied at checkout.
  • We regret that Teacher’s Discount is not available for this retreat.

Cancellation Policy

  • After 15 August: Cancellation fee of 20%
  • After 15 September: Cancellation fee of 40%
  • After 15 October: Cancellation fee of 100%
  • We will do our best to replace your booking in which case the fee will be halved.

Limited to 20 participants. We expect places to fill quickly.

Important Retreat Information

Included in your fee

  • Accommodation for the specified nights. We will do our best to provide your choice of accommodation
  • A consultation with the Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor)
  • Treatments as specified
  • Three vegetarian meals a day with two beverages (ideally herbal tea if not, tea/coffee) and fruit bowl
  • One group session on Diet and Ayurveda

Exclusions

Extra meals, fruits, tea, coffee & juices

Extras

  • Airport taxi pickup and drop are available (see below)
  • Additional specific treatments are available
  • Astrology Session – INR4,000

We regret that Teacher’s Discount is not available for the retreats.

Venue information

Poonthottam

Closest domestic airports (in order) are Kozhikode, Cochin, Coimbatore.
Cochin takes longer because of very heavy traffic. The asram will help organise a taxi for you – see contact details below.

Contact

For taxi bookings and information about additional treatments or extending your stay, please contact Jishnu Ravendranath
WhatsApp is prefered +918075435242

Cancellation Policy

  • After 15 September – Cancellation fee of 30%
  • After 15 October – Cancellation fee of 60%
  • After 15 November – Cancellation fee of 100%

Limited to 20 participants. We expect places to fill quickly.

Meditations of the Thunder Dragon (Taranyali Dhyanam)

with Sundernath

Over the past twenty years, we have introduced and taught all the preparatory practices required to cultivate the subtle energy and initiate the gathering of vital power that leads to the spontaneous or natural state of Sahajavasta which is the highest peak of meditation.

These practices and technical tools were laid out in Sundernath’s book Taranyali Tridha Dhyanam in the chapters on Krantam and Kriya. In the last chapter, he introduces the principles and characteristics of the final phase to which they lead – the acquisition of Shambhavi Mudra. These properties can be summed up in the term prasādājñā which implies that this mudra has a double nature – Rudra Shakti, the command of authority for the removal of impurities and Kundalini Shakti, the command of grace. When these two energies are drawn together into a single point the portal of transmission is opened. In this explanation I gave enough for genuine seekers to gain some sense of the path ahead and the demands that it would make.

The time has come to teach those individuals who are suitably prepared and open, by practical steps and in a systematic manner, the complete process through to this final stage.

This will be undertaken in four stages as follows:

  1. The Sheathing of Thunder and Lightning
  2. Stabilising the Thunder and Lightning
  3. Opening the Sky and Flooding
  4. The Arousal of Hamsah – the Anahata Nad, (the unstruck sound of the heart).
    Shambhavi Mudra

Each stage will consist of three-weekend workshops, each weekend consisting of three sessions. Between these stages, the students will be given suitable time to practice and absorb what they have learned before proceeding further.

Copyright © Shadow Yoga. All rights reserved. No part of these teachings may be reproduced, distributed, recorded or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, recording, or other electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of Shadow Yoga. All advice given is strictly in confidence.

Vitry-lès-Cluny

About the region

Tourism center information

Close by: Remember to call ahead for visit conditions

Roche de Solutré: Not to miss, on the Great Site of France Solutré Pouilly Vergisson

Musée de préhistoire: Jardin archeological and botanical garden, the Maison du Grand Site to complete the tour.

Château De Pierreclos: In the midst of organic vineyards.

Chateau De Berze-Le-Chatel: Historical monument, one of the most well-preserved medieval fortified castles of Burgundy (where Ridley Scott shot ‘The Last Duel’!)

Chapelle Des Moines: In Berzé-la-Ville (the next village!)  – not to be missed.

Château De Cormatin: (only possible to visit its magnificent garden) Between Tournus et Cluny.

Les Communs: Local ceramists.

Chapaize – L’église Saint Martin & L’église De Lancharre: The village offers bed and breakfasts, 3 restaurants a Sunday organic market, an art gallery, and artists’ ateliers.

Grottes D’azé: Earth under life: in -350 000, a primal man appeared in the cave, then rhinos and antique elephants…the prehistorical cave and the underground river hide one of the largest European cave bears fields.

Grottes De Blanot

Château De Saint-Point-Lamartine: If one appreciates the writer

Solornay sur Guye: The neighbouring town – includes a restaurant, small food store, salon de thé – pâtisserie 

Cité- Abbaye De Cluny: The Benedictin Abbaye Of Cluny Shined On The Whole Middle Age Europe, Being The Widest Of Western Christianity Before The Building Of Saint-Peters In Rome.

Communauté De Taizé: Christian Ecumenical Community Founded In 1940 By Brother Roger.

Abbaye Saint Philibert – Tournus: One Of The Largest French Monastic Cities.