Hinduism says Lord Shiva is the creator and destroyer of the universe. To experience Lord Shiva’s cosmic power, the devotee regularly performs Shambhavi Mudra. Faithful perseverance ushers an individual to feel a union with Shiva and delights him to the core; making life cheerful and prosperous by all means.
Shambhavi Mudra Mean Love Adoring Shiva And Grit Universe
Introduction to Shambhavi Mudra
Shambhavi Mudra is a spiritual yogic practice that explicitly aims to connect practitioners with the divine, particularly, Lord Shiva. Further, it is part of the Kundalini Yoga under another name ‘gaze meditation.’
This is popularly called Shiva-Mudra. Its other name is Rudrani Mudra. However, Hatha yoga mentions this mudra more in the prevailing sense of the samadhi.
Here, the word ‘Shambhavi’ shows the power of Shakti, i.e. female strength. More importantly, study and perseverance for the Shambhavi Mudra awakens Kundalini Shakti. In other words, it awakens from Muladhara Chakra to Ajna Chakra.
The awakening of the Ajna Chakra specifies the union of Shambhu with Shambhavi. Thus, the continuous meditating practice of Shambhavi Mudra uplifts the devotees, who feel the essence of universal power.
The third eye region on a person’s face holds supreme significance in Shambhavi Mudra. Typically, the practitioner concentrates between two eyebrows without exertion while sitting in Padmasana or Sukhasana. This spot between two eyebrows is also known as Ajna Chakra. Furthermore, the practitioner spiritually connects with Shiva’s cosmic power through the awakening of this Chakra. Because Lord Shiva symbolizes the true balance between masculine and feminine, creation and destruction; the devotee begins understanding the ‘rules of the universe’ through intense yogic concentration. In other words, Shambhavi Mudra paves the way for him to merge with God and the cosmos. Noteworthy, it happens only when the ego gets completely dissolved.
Meaning of the Term ‘Shambhavi’
Shambhu is the root word in the ancient Sanskrit language. Let’s understand the significance of the word Shambhavi Mudra.
Here, Shambhu is the lexical root word composed of two different components.
Sham: It means prosperity, happiness, and of course, peace.
Bhu: Means to manifest. To exist, otherwise.
Hence, Shambhu together has nuances for the origin of happiness. Further, in the spiritual context, it refers to Lord Shiva, the bestowing deity of pleasure and delights. Broadly, like roots nourish the plants, Lord Shiva auspices the lives of the devotees.
This is more than a physical activity for marshaling the practitioner’s inner energy at par with the cosmic powers, i.e. connecting to Shiva.
The Science Behind Shambhavi Mudra
Shambhavi Mudra, however, is an ancient spiritual science. To illustrate, Hinduism provides profound building construction science in the form of Vastu Shastra. In the same way, this yogic science ushers us to the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for a better understanding of life.
By all means, yogic science is the perfect remedy for present-day bodily and mental shortcomings. Through the thorough practice of Shambhavi Mudra, adherents activate their undiscovered energy channels for physiological and neurological benefits.
Thus, it helps reduce stress and anxiety with better sleep hours. Concentrated gaze between eyebrows enhances cognitive skills through a serene process of calming the mind. Moreover, it triggers the devotee’s emotional resilience.
The ancient yogic practice called Shambhavi Mudra is a Sanskrit term. It elates mental status as the Sanskrit word Shambhavi means blissful. Mudra means the posture of the practitioner. Thus, it implies a specific sitting position to perform it.
Interestingly, this relates to the Elysian Fields of the Greek mythology. The practitioner of the Shambhavi Mudra attains the mental peace of dwelling in paradise. Moreover, this age-old yogic practice spiritually aligns the body with the mind to yield universal power in its cosmic form, ultimately, fostering a deep sense of well-being.
Benefits of Practicing Shambhavi Mudra
Shambhavi Mudra has a wide range of benefits, making it a valuable technique for anyone looking to enhance their quality of life.
Some of the key benefits include,
- Elated Energy Levels: Regular practice revitalizes the body and mind, leaving practitioners feeling rejuvenated and energetic.
- Deep Inner Peace: Shambhavi Mudra helps individuals experience a sense of calm and tranquility, even amidst tough conditions.
- StrengthenedImmunity: Practice under proper guidance acts to balance the body’s power systems, thereby reducing stress and enhancing immunity.
- Spiritual Growth: Shambhavi Mudra directs spiritual awakening in addition to physical and mental benefits.
Shambhavi Mudra originated in the ancient yogic tradition, which dates back thousands of years in Indian history. It is mentioned in classical yogic texts and is considered one of the key practices for spiritual awakening and inner transformation. Here is a closer look at the origins of Shambhavi Mudra.
Ancient Yogic Tradition
Yoga and meditation are inseparable parts of Hinduism. That’s why, different verses and devotion processes involve these practices in various ways.
It is mentioned in texts such as:
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika: This foundational text of Hatha Yoga, written by Swatmarama in the 15th century, describes Shambhavi Mudra as a method of focusing on the mind and awakening higher states of enlightenment.
- GherandaSamhita: Another key yogic text, this scripture highlights Shambhavi Mudra as a tool for controlling the mind and activating the Ajna Chakra, the Third Eye.
- Tantric Traditions:
The ultimate goal of life is to attain mental peace and physiological strength for prosperity. Shambhavi Mudra focuses on transcending limitations to facilitate the union of an individual with the supreme power.
Yogic philosophy has been a central part of Hinduism for thousands of years. Self-realization through profound meditation and other Sanatani worshipping methods is significant in this religion. Meanwhile, Shambhavi Mudra consequently ups higher consciousness, resulting in higher intuitive and insightful qualities of an individual. Precisely, the perseverance of the practitioner’s one-pointed focus finally activates his Ajna Chakra or the Third Eye, which auspiciously relates to the character of Lord Shiva.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shambhavi Mudra
Spiritual teachers in India preserved and promoted meditation in different forms, but maintained the religious essence. Thus, Indian sages and yogis transmitted Shambhavi Mudra through generations, which evolved over the ages to suit the populace.
Shambhavi Mudra is beneficial to human life. It is equally important to imbibe daily practice. Firstly, the devotee should develop certain habits like simple foods and comfortable apparel championed in yoga traditions. A serene atmosphere in a clean place with ample ventilation is the key to concentrating the distracting mind.
Follow the steps to perform Shambhavi Mudra.
- One can sit straight on a chair, or a mattress on the ground; both feet on the floor while on the chair.
- Keep hands on the thighs; Palms on the knees are equally good; and feel relaxed.
- Breathing should remain natural and normal. Start from the toes, and gradually imagine and feel relaxed other body parts until your head is reached. Make the forehead stress-free.
- Now, gently close your eyes. Concentrate on inhalation and exhalation.
- Next, start deep breathing for a while to gather concentration. It takes a few moments to acquire a comfortable straight posture.
- It’s time to take your gaze between the eyebrows, the third eye spot- as it is called. It is also known as the Ajna Chakra.
- This is the ultimate time to focus while ridden of mind distractions. Keep your eyes half-closed or fully closed with steady and rhythmic inhalation and exhalation.
- Zero thoughts or repeated chanting of a mantra will help connect to the supreme authority.
- Open the eyes after 21 minutes. Stay calm and peaceful for some time before resuming other activities.
Notably, the duration of Shambhavi Mudra practice may differ from person to person. However, regular attempts may enhance the experiences to the next level.
Finally, it makes a huge difference if undertaken with experts or gurus.
Isha Foundation: A Journey to Inner Well-Being
Isha Foundation is a renowned organization working on human well-being; however, it is a non-profit organization serving thousands of goal-seekers worldwide.
Ancient yoga methods are relevant in modern times as well. Traditionally, yoga benefits stressful urban life. Modern life, as we know, is full of unhealthy career competitions and unnecessary runs for larger-than-life goals.
In essence, the timeless yogic system offers some balanced techniques to reconnect with the inner selves of the individuals. Isha Foundation brings these techniques to broader daylight and provides a strong platform to uplift human lives.
Shambhavi Mudra is an important practice to learn at Isha Foundation centers, however, it is popularly known as Shambhavi Maha Mudra at those centers. In essence, there is no word like Maha Mudra in ancient scriptures, yet, the word coins its profound meaning and ushers the modern world to imagine its impact.
What is the Isha Foundation?
Sage Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev established the Isha Foundation in 1992 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. His coaching in Yogic traditions hit global attention demanding more Isha Foundation Centers worldwide.
The organization aims to enhance sustainability and wisdom among its followers via integrated modern science and ancient methods. Moreover, it works for trans-continental harmony to facilitate peace and prosperity.
The Isha Foundation continuously works on mass awakening. For instance, Sadhguru launched the Cauvery Calling and Rally for Rivers Project in addition to the Isha Vidhya Schools and Yoga-meditation centers.
“The perspective and practices that Sadhaguru has given, gives you the strength and stability to go through the day without getting overly disturbed by stress. My equanimity and sense of calmness in the face of all that life throws at me has certainly improved a lot.”
– Ravi Venkatesan, Author and Former Chairman, Microsoft India
Learning centers:
The Isha Foundation runs the Inner Engineering program at various centers for individual welfare. However, it is also available online to benefit a larger audience.
Many traditional methods require contemporary understanding rather than literal accounts. Thus, human experiences are far more valuable in the context of myths and religious stories as reality reads religion.
The Isha Foundation has established centers for teaching Shambhavi Mudra. The following is a list of centers where an aspirant can learn it in person.
- Isha Yoga Center, India:
The Foundation’s headquarters is in Coimbatore, India.
- Isha Institute of Inner Sciences, USA:
This is situated in Tennessee. This center serves as the primary base for Isha programs in America.
- Isha Europe:
Located in London, UK, it caters to participants from across Europe.
- Isha Singapore:
A regional center offering programs tailored to participants in Southeast Asia.
- Isha Australia:
Based in Melbourne, this center brings Isha teachings to the Oceania region.
These centers provide the perfect environment for individuals to immerse themselves in the practice and experience its transformative effects.
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