“The yogi must always perform moola bandha to guide kundalini into the Brahma nadi.”
The verse: Hatha Yoga Pradipika 3.68
The quote above is our paraphrase. This is the verse as it reads in the Pancham Sinh translation (1914):
“It enters the Brahma Nâdî, just as a serpent enters its hole. Therefore, the Yogî should always practise this Mûla Bandha.”
About the text: Hatha Yoga Pradipika
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a Sanskrit manual of hatha yoga compiled by Svatmarama, usually dated to the 15th century. Its four chapters cover postures, cleansing practices and breath control, mudras and bandhas, and meditation, and it is among the most influential surviving hatha yoga texts.
More from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
- “The experience of complete absorption reduces the significance of death to insignificance.”
- “Pranayama, when practiced correctly, is like sowing seeds in fertile soil, yielding fruits in time.”
- “The guru's wisdom unveils hidden aspects of the self that the student could not perceive.”
- “The qualities of existence, consciousness, and bliss are present in all elements, gods, animals, and men alike.”
- “By the sharp goad of nada, the mind, which is like a furious elephant roaming in the garden of senses, is controlled.”
- “It is better not to concern yourself with mental activities; just do your practices.”