Shatkriyas

Article by Sundernath (Shandor Remete)

Shatkriyas – The Six Acts

The six acts (processes)

The Asanas constitute the first limb of Hatha Yoga and must be mastered before beginning the internal practices of Pranayama, Mudra, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. This mastery involves the dynamic asanas and their static counterparts, the later required for the practices of Pranayama. It is here at the crossroads between asana and pranayama that the use of the six acts should be considered.

‘…if the practitioner still suffers from conditions of flabbiness and phlegmatic breathing disorders, they should utilise the six acts of Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli and Kapalabhati.’

This recommendation suggests that though one may have gained some facility in the asanas due to inherited ability, real mastery may be incomplete as evidenced by such symptomatic disorders.There is a further suggestion that to progress from asanas to pranayama, one must first gain voluntary control over the involuntary natural processes that guarantee the sustenance and health of the body so that the necessary longevity and strength is achieved to to allow the unfolding of wisdom.

Dhauti and Basti give control over the digestive tract all the way from the mouth to the rectum. Neti and Trataka are responsible for clearing the breathing passages and the vision through steadying the eyes. Kapalabhati and Nauli Kriya are the crowning processes of the six acts. Like any other art or science Hatha Yoga includes both crude and refined methods of cultivation. Those that have reached mastery of the required asanas have no need of Dhauti, Basti, Neti or Trataka – crude forms intended only for those insensitive and rough individuals who are otherwise incapable of perceiving the experiences that are the fruits of the practice of Asanas. For those who gain true mastery of the required asanas the mastery of the three bandhas is already within their grasp and with them the practices of kapalabhati (cleansing of the skull, the brain stem) and nauli kriya (the churning of the abdominal recti).

The three bandhas are Jalandhara, Uddiyana and Mulabandha. Jalandhara bandha gives control over the network of nadis (subtle channels) within the brain and the regions of the throat that control the movements of cerebrospinal fluid, blood and lymph as well as the fluids of reproduction. Jalandhara bandha is gained through mastery of Kandasana.

Mulabandha (the root tie) leads to the mastery of the excretory systems and their organs in addition to the energy that operates through the organs of reproduction. This is made possible by the mastery of Mulabandhasana. This seat is also known as Bhagasana, (the seat of the womb referring to absorption and development) and Yoni Mudra, (the seal of the womb (this references advanced practices within the refined activities of meditations).

Uddiyana bandha is responsible for the union (yoga) of the other two bandhas and its mastery is consequently more demanding. The asanas used in this mastery are Mayurasana, Hamsasana (both danda and padmasana variations), then Bhadrasana, Gorakshasana 1, 2 and 3, and Garbha Mudra 1 and 2. If one has the patience and determination to gain mastery over these asanas then one has also gained possession of the refined actions of the three bandhas in the seat of siddhasana (the seat of the adepts) termed Mahabandha.

By mastering these procedures one not only gets the benefits of practicing Kapalabhati and Nauli kriyas but also opens the way to the refined practices of the pranayamas, mudras and the further refinements of pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.

By the adaptation of the kriyas and bandhas one gains unimposed control over the 10 vayus, 16 nadis (sound corridors), the 5 gross elements and the mind with an occasional glimpse of the universal expanse.

The processes described here can only be learnt from a competent guru not from text books or copying images.

Though there is mention of eight million four hundred thousand asanas, only a few are used as tools in the cultivation of the mind and the life force. Many of the showy and badly copied practices of modern day Yoga are of no use within the fields of Hatha, Shadanga or Ashtanga yogas.

This article will slowly unfold into its full bloom within the lines of the next article – The Mudra Kings and their Queen.

© Sundernath (Shandor Remete)

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Important Information

August is the time of the monsoon in India. Ancient writings outline that this season is the best season for Panchakarma treatments (Ayurvedic cleansings) which are enhanced at this time. Alongside this, the yoga will be offered with the treatments.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation for the specified nights. We will do our best to provide your choice of accommodation
  • One 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

Discounts

  • 5% For EarlyBird booking and full payment received before 31 March (will be applied at checkout)
  • If you are registering for more than one course at Poonthottam an additional 5% discount is available. We will also include the night between the courses. In this case, please email Danny May with your course selection and room type.
  • We regret that Teacher’s Discount is not available for these retreats.

Venue information
Poonthottam
The closest domestic airports in order are Kozhikode, Cochin, Coimbatore. Cochin takes longer because of very heavy traffic. The ashram 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

(based on Ayurvedasram policy)
After 30 April – Cancellation fee of 25%
After 28 May – 100%

Limited to 25 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.