Bandhas And Granthis || Untying the 3 Granthis (Knots) in the Path of the Kundalini Energy

In this practice

Key teachings

• Understanding Granthis as psychic knots blocking Prana in Sushumna Nadi
• The role of Bandhas (energy locks) in untying Granthis and harnessing Kundalini energy
• Identifying the three main Granthis (Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra) and their associated psychological barriers
• The specific application and purpose of Mula, Uddiyana, and Jalandhara Bandha

Ideal for

• Yoga practitioners interested in advanced energy work and Kundalini awakening
• Individuals seeking a deeper theoretical understanding of yogic philosophy and subtle body practices
• Those experiencing energetic or psychological blockages (Granthis)
• Practitioners looking to refine their knowledge and eventual application of Bandhas

Lesson

Instructions

Bandhas And Granthis || Untying the 3 Granthis (Knots) in the Path of the Kundalini Energy

The Sanskrit word granthi means “knot” or “doubt” and also means “an especially difficult knot to untie.” Granthi in spiritual practice are psychological or psychic barriers to total freedom. Granthi prevent prana from moving freely up sushumna nadi. Granthi bind the soul; they lock us to our misperception of reality (avidya) and self (asmita). They hold us to our preferences (raga and dvesha) and root us in fear of death (abhinivesha).

The hathayoga methods for untying these knots are the bandhas, or energy locks. By focusing the pranas in Sushumna Nadi the bandhas increase the potency of the rising Kundalini allowing us to transcend normal restrictions of thinking and acting.

Brahma Granthi is located at the base of the spine between Muladhara Chakra and Svadhisthana Chakra where primitive brain functioning like the “fight or flight reflexes” guarantee survival. Fear of death, anxiety about food, shelter or clothing, or general lack of grounding, all manifest as Brahma Granthi.

Mula (Root) Bandha is the first consolidation of Prana and Apana, piercing Brahma Granthi. Vitality, thought, breath, and speech are joined in pursuit of truth.

Vishnu Granthi knots energy between Manipura Chakra and Anahata Chakra. This Granthi is a knot of individual ego and power. Our clinging to ego, self-cherishing and the quest for personal power can slow spiritual success. Accumulation of power, possessions, and fame, all tie us to this level of consciousness.

Uddiyana (Flying up) Bandha is the second consolidation of Prana, Apana, and Samana vayus. Applied together with Mula Bandha, this lock pierces Vishnu Granthi. The individual is able to transcend individuality. The whole abdomen is drawn in and up – symbolizing the renunciation of accumulation and concentration of energy upward toward Anahata Chakra.

Rudra granthi is knotted between the Anahata and Ajña chakras. The attractiveness of heart centered action and the experience of serving others can distract the yogi who desires to “Be Love” – not just experience it. Serving others is a completely satisfactory way to spend your life, but this service could become your cross to bear, where you hold resentment against others, and view them as lesser beings.

The consummate consolidation of prana is Jalandhara Bandha. when Prana, Apana, Samana and Udana vayu in Sushumna Nadi loosen Rudra Granthi, and the veil of separation is lifted.

There are three main bandhas: Jalandhara, Uddiyana and Mula bandha. Activating all three of these bandhas at the same time is referred to as Maha bandha or main lock.

Jalandhara Bandha: the throat lock. Jalandhara bandha can be applied by contracting the front muscles in the neck when tucking the chin towards the sternum. This bandha is naturally activated in some asanas like Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) or Halasa (Plough Pose). It is subtly activated during Ujjayi pranayama in which the glottis (the area where the vocal cords are located) is gently contracted. This bandha focuses the mind on the fifth or throat chakra and contains the upward-flowing movement of prana past the throat. It also seals off the downward movement of “nectar” from the sahasrara or crown chakra, which is said to preserve youth and vitality.

Uddiyana Bandha:the abdominal lock. Uddiyana bandha is applied by contracting the upper abdominal muscles (just below the solar plexus). This bandha is naturally activated after each exhalation when the lungs are emptied and the diaphragm rises. During asana practice it is especially useful to apply this bandha to support the lumbar region in back bends. When used together with Mula bandha, it strengthens the abdominal muscles. This bandha focuses the mind on the third chakra and directs prana up towards the sixth chakra.

Mula Bandha: the root lock. Mula bandha is applied by contracting the pelvic floor and elevating the inner organs in this region like the bladder and genitals. Other groups of muscles, like the upper leg adductors (by slightly pressing the knees together), can intensify this bhanda. If engaged during asana practice it is said to “provide an extra lift, which is especially useful when jumping”. This bandha focuses the mind on the first chakra, and directs prana from the pelvic region upwards, providing energy to the whole body and stopping it from flowing downwards out of the body.

Activating the bandhas can also help to unblock the three granthis or knots that prevent prana from freely circulating within the Sushuma nadi. These knots can block the chakras and keep us tied to negative attitudes and emotions, preventing us from fully experiencing the richness of life.

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Steps

• Mula Bandha (Root Lock) application
• Uddiyana Bandha (Abdominal Lock) application
• Jalandhara Bandha (Throat Lock) application
• Maha Bandha (Great Lock - combination of all three Bandhas)

Benefits

• Unblocking the free flow of Prana (life force) through Sushumna Nadi
• Transcending psychological and psychic barriers to spiritual freedom
• Increasing the potency of rising Kundalini energy
• Achieving a better, happier, and healthier life with sustained energy
• Fostering self-growth and accelerating spiritual development
• Transcending normal restrictions of thinking and acting