SHAKTI CHALANA MUDRA (Attitude of Moving the Energy) of Hath Yoga

 SHAKTI CHALANA MUDRA  (Attitude of Moving the Energy)

Breathing in through the right nostril (pingala) the serpent (shakti) shouldbe seized through kumbhaka and rotated constantly for an hour and a half, morning and evening. The kanda, situated above the anus, one hand span high and four fingers breath wide, is soft and white as if enveloped in cloth. Firmly seated in vajrasana, holding the ankles, one should squeeze the kanda close to the anus. In the position of vajrasana, the yogi should move the kundalini. Havingdone bhastrika pranayama the kundalini is soon aroused. Contracting the sun in manipura, kundalini should be moved. Even if sucha person should be on the verge of death, where is the need to fear death? (112-16).

Shakti Chalana Mudra describes the final stage of Hatha Yoga, often referred to as Kundalini Yoga. The term may be translated as the loosening of the power latent in one’s innate nature by means of a sealed path. This indicates that the process does not draw upon an external force but initiates a release of inner power through skilful means. This stage marks the entry into Raja Yoga, a profound and demanding path often described in facile terms. Raja Yoga constitutes the hidden essence and final goal of the processes of Hatha Yoga. This is Hatha Vidya, the science of inner light that is cultivated through the mastery of the sun and moon energies.

The techniques used in hatha yoga are moola bandha, antar and bahir kumbhaka, siddhasana/siddha yoni asana and nauli. The process of shakti chalana mudra combines bhastrika and surya bhedana pranayamas with the processes of nauli kriya and khechari manthana (churning of the tongue).

Technique of Shakti Chalana Mudra

Sit in siddhasana/siddha yoni asana. Keep the eyes closed throughout the practice.

Inhale slowly and deeply through the right nostril and perform internal breath retention, antar kumbhaka. Perform moola bandha as tightly as possible, concentrating on the area of contraction.

Hold the breath and moola bandha as long as possible. Exhale slowly. Perform jalandhara and uddiyana bandha.

Then practice ‘churning’ nauli, moving the rectus abdomini muscles clockwise in a circular motion from left to right, then directly back to the left and again circling to the right side, counting the number of rotations up to ten.

Before inhaling, come back to uddiyana, slowly release uddiyana and jalandhara bandhas. Only after the head is raised should inhalation proceed very slowly. This is one round.

Though it is stated in the text that shakti chalana should be practiced for ninety minutes, this will not be possible, nor is it advisable. Initially five rounds can be practiced. After seven months of continual practice gradually increase the number of rotations per round. Up to twenty rotations can be performed. Increase one rotation every two or three days. The number of rounds can also be increased very gradually up to ten rounds over a period of one year.

Benefits of of Shakti Chalana Mudra

Regular practice at the appropriate time creates harmony in the body/mind and like wise, irregular practice at the wrong time creates imbalance. By regular practice, pranic intensity is activated and even if kundalini does not rise up in sushumna the vital capacity of the nadis and chakras is nevertheless increased. 

The whole body system is activated; the immune system operates as a powerful army. The heart, lungs, stomach and all the other internal organs are strengthened. Muscles remain flexible. Each living cell becomes a vital source of energy. Even if you do not awaken kundalini these practices will at least bring optimal health and tranquility of mind.