Yoga-Kundalini
Upanishad
Om ! May He protect us both together; may
He nourish us both together;
May we work conjointly with great energy,
May our study be vigorous and effective;
May we not mutually dispute (or may we not hate any).
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !
CHAPTER - I
1. Chitta has two causes, Vasanas and (Prana) Vayu. If one of them is
controlled, then both are controlled.
2. Of these two, a person should control (Prana) Vayu always through
moderate food, postures and thirdly Sakti-Chala.
3-4. I shall explain the nature of these. Listen to it, O Gautama. One
should take a sweet and nutritious food, leaving a fourth (of
his stomach) unfilled, in order to please Shiva (the patron of Yogins).
This is called moderate food. Posture herein required is of two kinds,
Padma and Vajra.
5. Placing the two heels over the two opposite thighs (respectively) is
the Padma (posture) which is the destroyer of all sins.
6. Placing one heel below the Mulakanda and the other over it and
sitting with the neck, body and head erect is the Vajra posture.
7. The Sakti (mentioned above) is only Kundalini. A wise man should take
it up from its place (Viz., the navel, upwards) to the middle of the
eyebrows. This is called Sakti-Chala.
8. In practising it, two things are necessary, Sarasvati-Chalana and the
restraint of Prana (breath). Then through practice, Kundalini (which is
spiral) becomes straightened.
9-10(a). Of these two, I shall explain to you first Sarasvati-Chalana.
It is said by the wise of old that Sarasvati is no other than Arundhati.
It is only by rousing her up that Kundalini is roused.
10(b)-11(a). When Prana breath is passing through (one’s) Ida (left
nostril), he should assume firmly Padma-posture and should lengthen
(inwards) 4 digits the Akasa of 12 digits.
11(b)-13(a). Then the wise man should bind the (Sarasvati) Nadi by means
of this lengthened (breath) and holding firmly together (both his ribs
near the navel) by means of the forefingers and thumbs of both hands,
(one hand on each side) should stir up
Kundalini with all his might from right to left often and often; for a
period of two Muhurtas (48 minutes), he should be stirring it
up fearlessly.
13(b)-14. Then he should draw up a little when Kundalini enters Susumna.
By this means, Kundalini enters the mouth of Susumna. Prana (also)
having left (that place) enters of itself the Susumna (along with
Kundalini).
15. By compressing the neck, one should also expand the navel. Then by
shaking Sarasvati, Prana goes above (to) the chest.
16-17. Through the contraction of the neck, Prana goes above from the
chest. Sarasvati who has sound in her womb should be shaken (or thrown
into vibration) each day. Therefore by merely shaking it, one is cured
of diseases.
18. Gulma (a splenetic disease), Jalodara (dropsy), Pliha (a splenetic
disease) and all other diseases arising within the belly,
are undoubtedly destroyed by shaking this Sakti.
19. I shall now briefly describe to you Pranayama. Prana is the Vayu
that moves in the body and its restraint within is known as Kumbhaka.
20. It is of two kinds, Sahita and Kevala. One should practise Sahita
till he gets Kevala.
21. There are four Bhedas (lit., piercings or divisions) viz., Surya,
Ujjayi, Sitali and Bhastri. The Kumbhaka associated with these four is
called Sahita Kumbhaka.
22-23. Being seated in the Padma posture upon a pure and pleasant seat
which gives ease and is neither too high nor too low, and in a place
which is pure, lovely and free from pebbles, etc., and which for the
length of a bow is free from cold, fire and water, one should shake (or
throw into vibration) Sarasvati;
24. Slowly inhaling the breath from outside, as long as he desires,
through the right nostril, he should exhale it through the left
nostril.
25. He should exhale it after purifying his skull (by forcing the breath
up). This destroys the four kinds of evils caused by Vayu as also by
intestinal worms.
26(a). This should be done often and it is this which is spoken of as
Surya-Bheda.
26(b)-27. Closing the mouth and drawing up slowly the breath as before
with the nose through both the Nadis (or nostrils) and retaining it in
the space between the heart and the neck, one should exhale it through
the left nostril.
28. This destroys the heat caused in the head as well as the phlegm in
the throat. It removes all diseases, purifies his body and increases the
(gastric) fire within.
29. It removes also the evils arising in the Nadis, Jalodara (waterbelly
or dropsy) and Dhatus. This Kumbhaka is called Ujjayi and may be
practised (even) when walking or standing.
30. Drawing up the breath as before through the tongue with (the hissing
sound of) ‘Sa’ and retaining it as before, the wise man should slowly
exhale it through (both) the nostrils.
31. This is called Sitali Kumbhaka and destroys diseases, such as Gulma,
Pitha, consumption, bile, fever, thirst and poison.
32. Seated in the Padma posture with belly and neck erect, the wise man
should close the mouth and exhale with care through the
nostrils.
33. Then he should inhale a little with speed up to the heart, so that
the breath may fill the space with noise between the neck and
skull.
34-35. Then he should exhale in the same way and inhale often and often.
Just as the bellows of a smith are moved (viz., stuffed with air within
and then the air is let out), so he should move the air within his body.
If the body gets tired, then he should inhale
through the right nostril.
36-37(a). If his belly is full of Vayu, then he should press well his
nostrils with all his fingers except his forefinger and performing Kumbhaka
as before, should exhale through the left nostril.
37(b)-38. This frees one from diseases of fire in (or inflammation of)
the throat, increases the gastric fire within, enables one to know the
Kundalini, produces purity removing sins, gives happiness and pleasure
and destroys phlegm which is the bolt (or obstacle) to the door at the
mouth of Brahma-Nadi (viz., Susumna).
39. It pierces also the three Granthis (or knots) differentiated through
the three Gunas. This Kumbhaka is known as Bhastri and should especially
be performed.
40. Through these four ways when Kumbhaka is near (or is about to be
performed), the sinless Yogin should practise the three Bandhas.
41. The first is called Mulabandha. The second is called Uddiyana and
the third is Jalandhara. Their nature will be thus described.
42. Apana (breath) which has a downward tendency is forced up by one
bending down. This process is called Mulabandha.
43. When Apana is raised up and reaches the sphere of Agni (fire), then
the flame of Agni grows long, being blown about by Vayu.
44-45(a). Then Agni and Apana come to (or commingle with) Prana in a
heated state. Through this Agni which is very fiery, there arises in the
body the flaming (or the fire) which rouses the sleeping Kundalini
through its heat.
45(b)-46. Then this Kundalini makes a hissing noise, becomes erect like
a serpent beaten with stick and enters the hole of Brahmanadi (Susumna).
Therefore Yogins should daily practise Mulabandha often.
47-48(a). Uddiyana should be performed at the end of Kumbhaka and at the
beginning of expiration. Because Prana Uddiyate (viz.,
goes up) the Susumna in this Bandha, therefore is called Uddiyana by the
Yogins.
48(b)-49(a). Being seated in the Vajra posture and holding firmly the
two toes by the two hands, he should press at the Kanda and at the place
near the two ankles.
49(b)-50. Then he should gradually upbear the Tana (thread or Nadi)
which is on the western side first to Udara (the upper part of
the abdomen above the navel), then to the heart and then to the neck.
When Prana reaches the Sandhi (junction) of navel, slowly it removes the
impurities (or diseases) in the navel. Therefore this should be
frequently practised.
51. The Bandha called Jalandhara should be practised at the end of
Kumbhaka. This Jalandhara is of the form of the contraction of the neck
and is an impediment to the passage of Vayu (upwards).
52. When the neck is contracted at once by bending downwards (so that
the chin may touch the breast), Prana goes through Brahmanadi on the
western Tana in the middle.
53. Assuming the seat as mentioned before, one should stir up Sarasvati
and control Prana.
54. On the first day Kumbhaka should be done four times; on the second
day it should be done ten times and then five times
separately;
55. On the third day, twenty times will do and afterwards Kumbhaka
should be performed with the three Bandhas and with an
increase of five times each day.
56-57. Diseases are generated in one’s body through the following
causes, viz., sleeping in daytime, late vigils over night, excess
of sexual intercourse, moving in crowd, the checking of the discharge of
urine and faeces, the evil of unwholesome food and laborious mental
operation with Prana.
58. If a Yogin is afraid of such diseases (when attacked by them), he
says, “my diseases have arisen from my practice of Yoga”. Then he will
discontinue this practice. This is said to be the first obstacle to
Yoga.
59. The second (obstacle) is doubt; the third is carelessness; the
fourth, laziness; the fifth, sleep;
60. The sixth, the not leaving of objects (of sense); the seventh,
erroneous perception; the eighth, sensual objects; the ninth, want
of faith;
61. And the tenth, the failure to attain the truth of Yoga. A wise man
should abandon these ten obstacles after great deliberation.
62. The practice of Pranayama should be performed daily with the mind
firmly fixed on Truth. Then Chitta is absorbed in Susumna
and Prana (therefore) never moves.
63. When the impurities (of Chitta) are thus removed and Prana is
absorbed in Susumna, he becomes a (true) Yogin.
64. Apana, which has a downward tendency should be raised up with effort
by the contraction (of the anus) and this is spoken of as Mulabandha.
65. Apana thus raised up mixes with Agni and then they go up quickly to
the seat of Prana. Then Prana and Apana uniting with one another go to
Kundalini, which is coiled up and asleep.
66-67. Kundalini being heated by Agni and stirred up by Vayu, extends
her body in the mouth of Susumna, pierces the Brahmagranthi formed of
rajas and flashes at once like lightning at the mouth of Susumna.
68-69(a). Then it goes up at once through Vishnugranthi to the heart.
Then it goes up through Rudragranthi and above it to the middle of the
eyebrows; having pierced this place, it goes up to the Mandala (sphere)
of the moon.
69(b)-70(a). It dries up the moisture produced by the moon in the
Anahata-Chakra having sixteen petals.
70(b)-71. When the blood is agitated through the speed of Prana, it
becomes bile from its contact with the sun, after which it goes to the
sphere of the moon where it becomes of the nature of the flow of pure
phlegm. How does it (blood) which is very cold become hot when it flows
there ?
72. (Since) at the same time the intense white form of moon is speedily
heated. Then being agitated, it goes up.
73. Through taking in this, Chitta which was moving amidst sensual
objects externally, is restrained there. The novice enjoying this high
state attains peace and becomes devoted to Atman.
74. Kundalini assumes the eight forms of Prakriti (matter) and attains
Shiva by encircling him and dissolves itself in Shiva.
75. Thus Rajas-Sukla (seminal fluid) which rises up goes to Shiva along
with Marut (Vayu); Prana and Apana which are always produced become
equal.
76. Pranas flow in all things, great and small, describable, or
indescribable, as fire in gold.
77. Then this body which is Adhibhautika (composed of elements) becomes
Adhidaivata (relating to a tutelar deity) and is thus purified. Then it
attains the stage of Ativahika.
78. Then the body being freed from the inert state becomes stainless and
of the nature of Chit. In it, the Ativahika becomes the chief of all,
being of the nature of That.
79. Like the conception of the snake in a rope, so the idea of the
release from life and Samsara is the delusion of time.
80. Whatever appears is unreal. Whatever is absorbed is unreal. Like the
illusory conception of silver in the mother-of-pearl, so is the idea of
man and woman.
81. The microcosm and the macrocosm are one and the same; so also the
Linga and Sutratman, Svabhava (substance) and form and the
self-resplendent light and Chidatma.
82. The Sakti named Kundalini, which is like a thread in the lotus and
is resplendent, is biting with the upper end of its hood (namely, mouth)
at the root of the lotus the Mulakanda.
83-84. Taking hold of its tail with its mouth, it is in contact with the
hole of Brahmarandhra (of Susumna). If a person seated in the Padma
posture and having accustomed himself to the contraction of his anus
makes his Vayu go upward with the mind intent on
Kumbhaka, then Agni comes to Svadhisthana flaming, owing to the blowing
of Vayu.
85. From the blowing of Vayu and Agni, the chief (Kundalini) pierces
open the Brahmagranthi and then Vishnugranthi.
86. Then it pierces Rudragranthi, after that, (all) the six lotuses (or
plexuses). Then Sakti is happy with Shiva in Sahasrara Kamala (1000
lotuses seat or pineal gland). This should be known as the highest
Avastha (state) and it alone is the giver of final beatitude.
Thus ends the first chapter.
CHAPTER - II
1. I shall hereafter describe the science called Khechari which is such
that one who knows it is freed from old age and death in this world.
2. One who is subject to the pains of death, disease and old age should,
O sage, on knowing this science make his mind firm and practise Khechari.
3-4. One should regard that person as his guru on earth who knows
Khechari, the destroyer of old age and death, both from knowing the
meaning of books and practice, and should perform it with all his heart.
The science of Khechari is not easily attainable, as also its practice.
5. Its practice and Melana are not accomplished simultaneously. Those
that are bent upon practice alone do not get Melana.
6. Only some get the practice, O Brahmana, after several births, but
Melana is not obtained even after a hundred births.
7. Having undergone the practice after several births, some (solitary)
Yogin gets the Melana in some future birth as the result of his
practice.
8. When a Yogin gets this Melana from the mouth of his Guru, then he
obtains the Siddhis mentioned in the several books.
9. When a man gets this Melana through books and the significance, then
he attains the state of Shiva freed from all rebirth.
10. Even Gurus may not be able to know this without books. Therefore
this science is very difficult to master.
11. An ascetic should wander over the earth so long as he fails to get
this science and when this science is obtained, then he has
got the Siddhi in his hand (viz., mastered the psychical powers).
12. Therefore one should regard as Achyuta (Vishnu) the person who
imparts the Melana, as also him who gives out the science.
13. He should regard as Shiva him who teaches the practice. Having got
this science from me, you should not reveal it to others.
14-15. Therefore one who knows this should protect it with all his
efforts (viz., should never give it out except to persons who
deserve it). O Brahmana, one should go to the place where lives the
Guru, who is able to teach the divine Yoga and there learn from him
the science Khechari and being then taught well by him, should at first
practise it carefully.
16-17. By means of this science, a person will attain the Siddhi of
Khechari. Joining with Khechari Sakti (viz., Kundalini Sakti) by means
of the (science) of Khechari which contains the Bija (seed of letter) of
Khechari, one becomes the lord of Khecharas (Devas) and lives always
amongst them. Khechari Bija (seed-letter) is spoken of as Agni encircled
with water and as the abode of Khecharas (Devas).
18. Through this Yoga, Siddhi is mastered. The ninth (Bija) letter of
Somamsa (Soma or moon part) should also be pronounced in the reverse
order.
19. Then a letter composed of three Amsas of the form of moon has been
described; and after that, the eight letter should be pronounced in the
reverse order;
20. Then consider it as the supreme and its beginning as the fifth and
this is said to the Kuta (horns) of the several bhinnas (or parts) of
the moon.
21-22(a). This which tends to the accomplishment of all Yogas, should be
learnt through the initiation of a Guru. He who recites this twelve
times every day, will not get even in sleep that Maya (illusion) which
is born in his body and which is the source of all vicious deeds.
22(b)-23. He who recites this five lakhs of times with very great care –
to him the science of Khechari will reveal itself. All obstacles vanish
and the Devas are pleased.
24. The destruction of Valipalita (viz., wrinkle and greyness of hair)
will take place without doubt. Having acquired this great science, one
should practise it afterwards.
25-26. If not, O Brahmana, he will suffer without getting any Siddhi in
the path of Khechari. If one does not get this nectar like science in
this practice, he should get it in the beginning of Melana and recite it
always; (else) one who is without it never gets
Siddhi.
27. As soon as he gets this science, he should practise it; and then the
sage will soon get the Siddhi.
28. Having drawn out the tongue from the root of the palate, a knower of
Atman should clear the impurity (of the tongue) for seven days according
to the advice of his Guru.
29. He should take a sharp knife which is oiled and cleaned and which
resembles the leaf of the plant Snuhi (“Euphorbia Antiquorum”) and
should cut for the space of a hair (the Fraenum Lingui).
30. Having powdered Saindhava (rock-salt) and Pathya (sea-salt), he
should apply it to the place. On the seventh day, he should again cut
for the space of a hair.
31. Thus for the space of six months, he should continue it always
gradually with great care. In six months, Siro-Bandha (Bandha at the
head), which is at the root of the tongue is destroyed.
32. Then the Yogin who knows timely action should encircle with
Siro-Vastra (lit. the cloth of the head) the Vak-Ishvari (the
deity presiding over speech) and should draw (it) up.
33. Again by daily drawing it up for six months, it comes, O sage, as
far as the middle of the eyebrows and obliquely up to the opening of the
ears;
34. Having gradually practised, it goes to the root of the chin. Then in
three years, it goes up easily to the end of the hair (of the head).
35-36. It goes up obliquely to Sakha and downwards to the well of the
throat. In another three years, it occupies Brahmarandhra and
stops there without doubt. Crosswise it goes up to the top of the head
and downwards to the well of the throat.
37. Gradually it opens the great adamantine door in the head. The rare
science (of Khechari) Bija has been explained before.
38. One should perform the six Angas (parts) of this Mantra by
pronouncing it in six different intonations. One should do this in
order to attain all the Siddhis;
39. And this Karanyasam should be done gradually and not all at a time,
since the body of one who does it all at once will soon
decay.
40-41(a). Therefore it should be practised, O best of sages, little by
little. When the tongue goes to the Brahmarandhra through the outer
path, then one should place the tongue after moving the bolt of Brahma
which cannot be mastered by the Devas.
41(b)-42. On doing this for three years with the point of finger, he
should make the tongue enter within; then it enters Brahmadvara (or
hole). On entering the Brahmadvara, one should practise Mathana
(churning) well.
43. Some intelligent men attain Siddhi even without Mathana. One who is
versed in Khechari Mantra accomplishes it without Mathana.
44-46(a). By doing the Japa and Mathana, one reaps the fruits soon. By
connecting a wire made of gold, silver or iron with the nostrils by
means of a thread soaked in milk, one should restrain his breath in his
heart and seated in a convenient posture with his
eyes concentrated between his eyebrows, he should perform Mathana
slowly.
46(b)-47. In six months, the state of Mathana becomes natural like sleep
in Children. And it is not advisable to do Mathana always. It should be
done (once) only in every month.
48. A Yogin should not revolve his tongue in the path. After doing this
for twelve years, Siddhi is surely obtained.
49. Then he sees the whole universe in his body as not being different
from Atman. This path of the Urdhva-Kundalini (higher Kundalini), O
chief of Kings, conquers the macrocosm.
Thus ends the second chapter.
CHAPTER - III
1. Melana-Mantra: Hrim, Bham, Sam, Pam, Pham, Sam, Ksham. The lotus-born
(Brahma) said: “O Shankara, (among) new moon (the first day of the lunar
fortnight) and full moon, which is spoken of as its (mantra’s) sign ?
2. In the first day of lunar fortnight and during new moon and full moon
(days), it should be made firm and there is no other way (or time).
3. A man longs for an object through passion and is infatuated with
passion for objects. One should always leave these two and seek the
Niranjana (stainless).
4-5. He should abandon everything else which he thinks is favourable to
himself. Keeping the Manas in the midst of Sakti and Sakti in the midst
of Manas, one should look into Manas by means of Manas. Then he leaves
even the highest stage. Manas alone is the Bindu, the cause of creation
and preservation.
6. It is only through Manas that Bindu is produced, like the curd from
milk. The organs of Manas is not that which is situated in the middle of
Bandhana.
7-8(a). Bandhana is there where Sakti is between the sun and moon.
Having known Susumna and its Bheda (piercing) and making the Vayu go in
the middle, one should stand in the seat of Bindu and close the
nostrils.
8(b)-9(a). Having known Vayu, the above-mentioned Bindu and the
Sattva-Prakriti as well as the six Chakras, one should enter the Sukha-Mandala
(viz., the Sahasrara or pineal gland, the sphere of happiness).
9(b)-11. There are six Chakras. Muladhara is in the anus; Svadhisthana
is near the genital organ; Manipuraka is in the navel; Anahata is in the
heart; Visuddhi is at the root of the neck and Ajna is in the head
(between the two eyebrows).
12. Having known these six Mandalas (spheres), one should enter the
Sukha-Mandala (pineal gland), drawing up the Vayu and should send it (Vayu)
upwards.
13. He who practises thus (the control of) Vayu becomes one with
Brahmanda (the macrocosm). He should practise (or master) Vayu, Bindu,
Chitta and Chakra.
14-15. Yogins attain the nectar of equality through Samadhi alone. Just
as the fire latent in (Sacrificial) wood does not appear without
churning, so the lamp of wisdom does not arise without the Abhyasa Yoga
(or practice of Yoga). The fire placed in a vessel does not give light
outside.
16. When the vessel is broken, its light appears without. One’s body is
spoken of as the vessel and the seat of ‘That’ is the fire (or light)
within;
17-18(a). And when it (the body) is broken through the words of a Guru,
the light of Brahma Jnana becomes resplendent. With the Guru as the
helmsman, one crosses the subtle body and the ocean of Samsara through
the affinities of practice.
18(b)-19. That Vak (power of speech) which sprouts in Para, gives forth
two leaves in Pashyanti; buds forth in Madhyama and blossoms in Vaikhari
– that Vak which has before been described, reaches the stage of the
absorption of sound, reversing the above order (viz., beginning with
Vaikhari, etc.,).
20-21(a). Whoever thinks that He who is the great lord of that Vak, who
is the undifferentiated and who is the illuminator of that Vak is Self;
whoever thinks over thus, is never affected by words, high or low (or
good or bad).
21(b)-23(a). The three (aspects of consciousness), Vishva, Taijasa and
Prajna (in man), the three Virat, Hiranyagarbha and Ishvara in the
universe, the egg of the universe, the egg of man and the seven worlds –
all these in turn are absorbed in Pratyagatman through the absorption of
their respective Upadhis (vehicles).
23(b)-24(a). The egg being heated by the fire of Jnana is absorbed with
its Karana (cause) into Paramatman (Universal Self). Then it becomes one
with Para-Brahman.
24(b)-25. It is then neither steadiness nor depth, neither light nor
darkness, neither describable nor distinguishable. Sat (Be-ness) alone
remains. One should think of Atman as being within the body like a light
in a vessel.
26. Atman is of the dimensions of a thumb, is a light without smoke and
without form, is shining within (the body) and is undifferentiated and
immutable.
27-28(a). The Vijnana Atman that dwells in this body is deluded by Maya
during the states of waking, dreaming and dreamless sleep; but after
many births, owing to the effect of good Karma, it wishes to attain its
own state.
28(b)-29(a). Who am I ? How has this stain of mundane existence accrued
to me ? What becomes in the dreamless sleep of me who am engaged in
business in the waking and dreaming states ?
29(b)-30. Just as a bale of cotton is burnt by fire, so the Chidabhasa
which is the result of non-wisdom, is burnt by the (wise) thoughts like
the above and by its own supreme illumination. The outer burning (of
body as done in the world) is no burning at all.
31-32. When the worldly wisdom is destroyed, Pratyagatman that is in the
Dahara (Akasa or ether of the heart) obtains Vijnana, diffusing itself
everywhere and burns in an instant Jnanamaya and Manomaya (sheaths).
After this, He himself shines always within, like a light within a
vessel.
33. That Muni who contemplates thus till sleep and till death is to be
known as a Jivanmukta. Having done what ought to be done, he is a
fortunate person.
34. And having given up (even) the state of a Jivanmukta, he attains
Videhamukta (emancipation in a disembodied state), after his body wears
off. He attains the state, as if of moving in the air.
35. Then That alone remains which is soundless, touchless, formless and
deathless, which is the Rasa (essence), eternal, and odourless, which
has neither beginning nor end, which is greater than the great and which
is permanent, stainless and decayless.
Thus ends the third chapter.
Hari Om Tat Sat !
Om ! May He protect us both together; may He nourish us both together;
May we work conjointly with great energy,
May our study be vigorous and effective;
May we not mutually dispute (or may we not hate any).
Om ! Let there be Peace in me !
Let there be Peace in my environment !
Let there be Peace in the forces that act on me !
Here ends the Yogakundalini Upanishad belonging to the
Krishna-Yajur-Veda |