Nadis, Granthis, Chakras and Kundalini
Nadis
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes a nadi as, “flow; subtle channel in the pranic body, conducting the flow of shakti; comparable to the meridians of acupuncture”. They transport pranic energy through both gross and subtle anatomy i.e. the physical body, chakras and pancha vayus.
There are fourteen major nadis of which three are most notable during the process of spiritual development, the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. The fourteen branches sub-divide into approximately 72,000 nadis.
The Ida and Pingala nadis can be related to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The Ida nadi is equated with symbolic feminine associations – the moon, paleness and passivity. The Pingala nadi is associated with the sun, activity and masculinity.
The Sushumna nadi passes through the spinal column and is also referred to as the ‘Brahman Nadi’, since the progression of prana through this nadi leads to an experience of Brahman or enlightenment.
Granthis
Within the central Sushumna nadi are three psychic knots known as granthis. As kundalini rises, these knots are pierced, so changing the perception of reality and consciousness.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika defines chakra as, “circle, wheel or vortex; pranic/psychic centre in the subtle body responsible for specific physiological and psychic functions; conjugating points of the nadis”.
The chakras are energy centres which distribute prana throughout the body. There are six main chakras relating to the physical body, the seventh being located above the crown of the head.
Kundalini is symbolically associated with the form of a snake and is also referred to as ‘kundalini shakti’ or ‘she who is coiled’. Kundalini is the dormant spiritual potential or cosmic energy which can be awoken through yogic practices. This energy sits like a coiled snake in the base chakra until the Ida and Pingala nadis are balanced enabling it to rise through the Sushumna nadi through the granthis towards the ajna chakra and finally the sahasrara chakra.
Kundalini is activated through hatha yoga practices including pranayama, mudra and bandha. It is recommended in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika that anyone aspiring to awaken kundalini should do so under the strict supervision of a guru. The body and mind must be first prepared for the influx of energy which could lead to the equivalent of a blown fuse if experienced too soon.
Bibliography
Muktibodhananda S., (1993), Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Bihar School of Yoga
Satchidananda S., (1978), The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Integral Yoga
Iyengar B.K.S., (1991), Light on Yoga, Harper Collins
BWY Handouts
Written by Justine Aldersey-Williams Dec 2007
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More yoga articles...
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes a nadi as, “flow; subtle channel in the pranic body, conducting the flow of shakti; comparable to the meridians of acupuncture”. They transport pranic energy through both gross and subtle anatomy i.e. the physical body, chakras and pancha vayus.
There are fourteen major nadis of which three are most notable during the process of spiritual development, the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. The fourteen branches sub-divide into approximately 72,000 nadis.
The Ida and Pingala nadis can be related to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The Ida nadi is equated with symbolic feminine associations – the moon, paleness and passivity. The Pingala nadi is associated with the sun, activity and masculinity.
The Sushumna nadi passes through the spinal column and is also referred to as the ‘Brahman Nadi’, since the progression of prana through this nadi leads to an experience of Brahman or enlightenment.
Granthis
Within the central Sushumna nadi are three psychic knots known as granthis. As kundalini rises, these knots are pierced, so changing the perception of reality and consciousness.
- Brahma Granthi - The first granthi is located in the base chakra which is concerned with the ‘Bhur Loka’ – our physical body and world, our sensuality, sexuality and experiences of pleasure and pain.
- Visnu Granthi - The second psychic knot is located at the heart chakra which is concerned with our understanding of ourselves through the concept of ego or Anamkara. This is also known as ‘Mahar Loka’.
- Rudra Granthi - The third knot is found in the ajna chakra or third eye which is concerned with our mortal insecurities and material existence – the world of ‘Tapa Loka’. When kundalini pierces this granthi, cosmic energy can progress to the crown chakra, enabling the practitioner to gain transcendental consciousness.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika defines chakra as, “circle, wheel or vortex; pranic/psychic centre in the subtle body responsible for specific physiological and psychic functions; conjugating points of the nadis”.
The chakras are energy centres which distribute prana throughout the body. There are six main chakras relating to the physical body, the seventh being located above the crown of the head.
- Muladhara Chakra - The base chakra located between the sacrum and coccyx is associated with the colour red and relates to a persons survival instincts and material/physical existence.
- Svadhistana Chakra - The second chakra located around the reproductive organs and lumbar region is associated with the colour orange and relates to a persons feelings, desires and sensations.
- Manipura Chakra - Located in the naval or solar plexus and associated with the colour yellow. This chakra relates to a sense of personal power and identity.
- Anahata Chakra - Located in the heart region, this chakra relates to a persons ability to give and receive love and is associated with the colour green.
- Vishuddi Chakra - The throat chakra is associated with the colour blue and relates to a persons ability to interpret and communicate what they have learnt.
- Ajna Chakra - Associated with the colour violet, the third eye chakra relates to intuition, creativity and imagination.
- Sahasrara Chakra - The crown chakra relates to cosmic consciousness and is associated with the colour violet.
Kundalini is symbolically associated with the form of a snake and is also referred to as ‘kundalini shakti’ or ‘she who is coiled’. Kundalini is the dormant spiritual potential or cosmic energy which can be awoken through yogic practices. This energy sits like a coiled snake in the base chakra until the Ida and Pingala nadis are balanced enabling it to rise through the Sushumna nadi through the granthis towards the ajna chakra and finally the sahasrara chakra.
Kundalini is activated through hatha yoga practices including pranayama, mudra and bandha. It is recommended in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika that anyone aspiring to awaken kundalini should do so under the strict supervision of a guru. The body and mind must be first prepared for the influx of energy which could lead to the equivalent of a blown fuse if experienced too soon.
Bibliography
Muktibodhananda S., (1993), Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Bihar School of Yoga
Satchidananda S., (1978), The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Integral Yoga
Iyengar B.K.S., (1991), Light on Yoga, Harper Collins
BWY Handouts
Written by Justine Aldersey-Williams Dec 2007
If you would like to comment on this article, please sign the Guestbook
More yoga articles...
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