Nadis

Nādīs

Energy Channels and Transmitters

NĀDĪS are energy channels through which PRĀNA – divine energy, life and consciousness – streams. The Sanskrit term ’NADI’ comes from the root ‘Nad’ means ‘ motion’

Within the human body there is a subtle and perfect network of 72,000 – 3,50,000 Nādīs that distribute this life force throughout the whole body. In the 72,000 nadis 72 are noteworthy and of these are ten are most important.

On the physical level the Nādīs correspond to the nervous system, but their influence extends beyond this to the astral and spiritual planes of our existence. If all the Nādīs are functioning correctly then we are healthy and generally feel happy. But nearly every one of us has some physical or psychic problem, which means that some of the Nādīs are not working properly and need to be balanced.

PRĀNA is conscious energy, which means that the Nādīs also transmit consciousness. By means of the Nādīs one can see and hear things at a great distance and move in other levels of consciousness.

There are numerous reports from people who were clinically dead and then came back to life again. They nearly all described how they travelled along a tunnel with light radiating at the end. This tunnel is the Nādī through which life escapes from the body.

Three Nādīs are of special importance - IDĀ, PINGALĀ and SUSHUMNĀ.

• IDĀ arises in the left side of the body and represents the moon principle
• PINGALĀ begins on the right side of the body and symbolises the sun principle.
• SUSHUMNĀ runs through the central channel of the spinal cord and represents the consciousness.

On the physical level PINGALĀ has its counterpart in the Parasympathetic Nervous System, IDĀ in the Sympathetic Nervous System, and SUSHUMNĀ in the Central Nervous System.

The moon symbolises the mind with its changeable feelings. Just as our emotions and thoughts change constantly, the moon is also constantly changing its form. The sun represents the intellect. The intellect, however, is a stable and constant principle like the sun.

Only when harmony and balance prevail between the moon system and sun system are we healthy and capable of developing further mentally and spiritually.

We are able to activate and harmonise the Nādīs through the breath. When we breathe through the left nostril in Prānāyāma we activate the Idā Nādī. The Idā Nādī cools, quietens and refreshes body and mind like the silvery light of the moon.

Pingalā Nādī, however, which is influenced by breathing through the right nostril has a warming and activating influence, in the same way as sunshine warms the earth and stimulates the growth of vegetation.

Idā and Pingalā begin in the brain at approximately the level of the Pituitary Gland. Idā has an effect on the right side of the brain whilst Pingalā influences the left hemisphere. To maintain balance both Nādīs run in a snake-like course from one side of the body to the other. At the points where they cross they also meet with the central Nādī, Sushumnā. At those places where the power and radiance of the sun and moon meet, together with the strengthening effect of the Sushumnā, very powerful energy centres called CHAKRAS form.

The first crossing of the Nādīs at the top of the spinal column forms the Throat Chakra (Vishuddhi Chakra) and the last crossing at the base of the spinal column forms the Root Centre (Mūlādhāra Chakra). Here the Idā Nādī flows on the left side of the body and the Pingalā Nādī on the right side, and it is precisely here that our dormant consciousness lies hidden.

At several places along the spinal column the Nādīs form a type of knot (GRANTHI), each of which constitutes a key point in our spiritual development. When these knots are “untied” the energy located within them is activated and the hidden powers (SIDDHIS) are given to us as healing powers, the seeing of past and future, the seeing of auras, and other supernatural abilities.

Sushumnā Nādī is only active for certain short periods of time (for example, at dawn and dusk). When the three main Nādīs unite only one stream of consciousness flows – the spiritual energy of the Sushumnā Nādī. The energy also flows through this Nādī in deep meditation and in Samādhī. For as long as the Sushumnā is inactive we are plagued by constantly changing CHITTA VRITTIS – thoughts, emotions, worries, etc. But once the Sushumnā begins to flow the waves of the mind come to rest and we “bathe” in the bliss of divine consciousness.

Pranayama:

Pranayama is the science of cleansing, balancing and gaining control over the Prana in the human system. Prana is the vital life force and Pranayama is the process by which the internal Pranic store is increased. Pranayama  is comprised of the words Prana and Ayama which means 'Pranic capacity and length.' It is not merely breath control, but a technique through which the quantity of the Prana in the body is activated to a higher frequency.

Prana, the life force and manas, the mental force, are the two fundamental factors. Every object in the universe, right from the smallest atom to the largest star, is composed of that energy. Prana can never be motionless. The Prana is always moving, and the mind is ever-changing as well. By controlling the Prana, the mind is automatically controlled, i.e. Prana and mind exert an influence on each other. By practicing pranayama correctly, the mind is automatically conquered. The effects of pranayama are not so simple to manage. It creates extra heat in the body. It awakens some of the dormant centers in the brain.

Pranayama is one of the best yogic practices for spiritual growth as well as therapeutic applications. By regular practice of pranayama, one can be free from deadly diseases. One can slow the aging process by reducing the metabolic rate through pranayama. It brings balance between the nadas and helps to awaken the Kundalini. One can experience highest state of consciousness when the Kundalini is awakened.
The technique of pranayama provides the method where by the life force can be activated and regulated in order to go beyond one's normal boundaries or limitations and to attain higher states of consciousness. pranayama can be the most useful practice for a physical culturist. To the spiritual aspirant its importance is supreme. pranayama is a weapon that easily lends itself to abuse. In playing with pranayama, a man plays with his nerves, heart and lungs. Undue strain or imperfect methods in pranayama may damage these parts permanently, so everyone should proceed into this practice with caution and care. When this is done and when the instructions are attentively and faithfully followed, pranayama is perfectly safe. When rightly done, pranayama will never fail to ensure supreme vitality for the body and eternal peace for the mind.