Mind is always on movement from one object to other.
It is just like a horse, very speedy. Allegorically, mind is
equated to a monkey because it never remains concentrated on
one subject and always fluctuates quite like a monkey
changing from one action to another.
In the body, the spine is the most important part which
controls one's life and actions. There are three Naadis or
energy flowing channels within the spinal cord which are
minute and cannot be seen with microscope. These are visible
only in the advanced stage of meditation. In this three
energy flowing channels or Naadis, the central one is very
straight starting from the lowest end of spinal column and
ending in the centre of head just above the Thalamus or
above the upper portion of the throat which also is the
centre of the brain. This channel is called Sushumna Naadi.
The left channel is called Ida or Chandra Naadi as it is
controlled by Moon, which also signifies mental energy. This
portion also controls the coolness of the body. The third
one is called Pingala or Surya Naadi i.e. Sun channel which
is the physical energy of the body and controls the heat.
When the practice is advanced in Pranayama, one attains the
flow in Sushumna Naadi or the central channel. Physically
the flow can be gauged as follows:
When the breath flows in the left nostrils it is called
Chandra Naadi. When it flows on the right nostril it
is called Surya Naadi. When flows in both nostrils it
is called Sushumna Naadi. There is a separate science
based on the flow of the Naadis, which we will
discuss at a later stage.
When sitting for meditation, it is advisable to start
Naadisuddhi Pranayama as it is very simple to practice.
One should do atleast eleven Pranayamas before start
of the meditation. This will be beneficial. Before starting
Pranayama, one has to test the flow of breath.
Normally breath flows ninety minutes alternating both
nostrils. For some it can be less due to one or the other
reason and discussion of this point is not necessary here.
Finding the flow, first see that the entire breath is
exhaled and close the nostril in which there is no flow. For
closing the nostril, it is recommended to use Thumb for
right nostril and little and ring finger together for the
left nostril. Take as deep a breath as possible without
straining the flowing nostril while closing the other one.
Then close the nostril through which you have taken the
breath and release the finger from the other nostril and
exhale. Through exhaled nostril, take deep breath inhaling
and close that nostril and open the other nostril and exhale
and again inhale and repeat the same way. One inhaling
through one nostril exhaling through other nostril and
inhaling and then exhaling through the first nostril is one
full Naadisuddhi Pranayama. Similar eleven may be
practiced.
One can do this practice either with closed eyes or with
open eyes. This is very essential to purify the channels and
ultimate results of meditation can come only after
purification of the Naadis.
Once this part is over, gradually close your eyes. Try to
concentrate on the centre of the forehead.
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