Bandha

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Bandha (Sanskrit: बन्ध -binding, bond, arrest, capturing, putting together etc.^[1]) is a term often employed in relation to yogic discourse and instruction. The term denotes a binding, lock or bondage that may be either internal or external to the body.

Bandha may be defined as a particular focused and intentional action involving pressure, contraction or force on the muscles or some other bodily or sensate phenomena. In yogic traditions, bandha are to be studied, maintained and held principally whilst engaged in pranayama.

Various bandhas are described and elucidated in Yogic texts and discourse. However, rarely is an exegesis of Bandha provided.

Bandhas have been described in Hatha Yoga Pradipika in the chapter relating to Mudras. Ten mudra are codified in this treatise. Of marked importance, the chapter describes all bandha as mudra. ^[2]

Contents 1 Hatha Yoga 1.1 Definitions 2 See also 3 Notes 4 References

[edit] Hatha Yoga

Bandha are employed in Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga holds that the three types of bandhas, Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Mula Bandha have been codified in many ancient texts.

[edit] Definitions

• ("bond/bondage"): the fact that human beings are typically bound by ignorance (avidya), which causes them to lead a life governed by karmic habit rather than inner freedom generated through wisdom (vidya, jnana) ^[3]

• (lit. stop or block). It means stopping or blocking the flow of spiritual energy in a specific channel (nadi) of the body by a particular yogic posture. It also means getting rid of the cycles of birth and death.^[4]

[edit] See also

• Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga#Bandhas
• Bandhu
• Trul khor

[edit] Notes

1. ^ [1] Monier-Williams dictionary
2. ^ Source: http://www.yogapoint.com/info/bandha.htm (Accessed: Friday June 8, 2007)
3. ^ Feuerstein, Georg. 200 Key Sanskrit Yoga Terms in Yoga Journal
4. ^ Sanatan Sanstha. Glossary

[edit] References

• Long, Ray (2006). Scientific Keys Volume I: The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga. (Accessed: Friday June 8, 2007)
• Maehle, Gregor (2007). Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy (Paperback). New World Library. ISBN 1577316061 & ISBN 978-1577316060