the Equinox - The Hermetic Library

94
THE EQUINOX
with a concentrated mind and stop the upward and downward course of the
Prânâ by Jalandhara Bandha. Resting his body upon his palms placed upon the
ground, he should strike the ground softly with his posteriors. By this the Prânâ,
leaving Ida and Pingala, goes through the Sushumnâ. . . . The body assumes a
death-like aspect. Then he should breathe out.*
5. Khechari Mudra.
The Yogi sitting in the Vajrâsana (Siddhâsana) posture, should firmly fix his gaze
upon Ajna, and reversing the tongue backwards, fix it in the hollow under the
epiglottis, placing it with great care on the mouth of the well of nectar.†
6. Uddiyana Mudra.
The drawing up of the intestines above and below the navel (so that they rest
against the back of the body high up the thorax) is called Uddiyana Bandha, and is
the lion that kills the elephant Death.‡
7. Mula Mudra.
Pressing the Yoni with the ankle, contract the anus and draw the Ap?naupwards.
This is Mula Bandha.§
8. Jalandhara Mudra.
Contract the throat and press the chin firmly against the breast (four inches
from the heart). This is Jalandhara Bandha. . . .ƒƒ
9. Viparitakarani Mudra.
This consists in making the Sun and Moon assume exactly
reverse positions. The Sun which is below the navel and the
Moon which is above the palate change places. This Mudra
* “Hatha-Yoga Pradipika,” p. 48; “Shiva Sanhita,” vol. iv, 23-30.
† “Shiva Sanhita,” chap iv, 31. This is perhaps the most important of the
Mudras. The “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” gives a long description of how the
fraenum linguae is cut. See pp. 49-56.
‡ “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 57; "Shiva Sanhita," chap. iv, 48-52.
§ “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 58; "Shiva Sanhita," chap. iv, 41-44.
ƒƒ “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 60; "Shiva Sanhita," chap. iv, 38-40.