yahooyoga: The greate piercing attitude

Sit in Padmasana. Relax the body and close the eyes. Place the palms of the hands on the floor beside the thighs with the fingers pointing forward or make fists with the knuckles facing down. The arms should be straight but relaxed. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose. Retain the breath inside and perform the Kriya variation of Jalandhara Bandha. Raise the body by placing all the weight on the hands and straightening the arms. Gently beat the buttocks on the ground four times, keeping the awareness at Mooladhara Chakra. The spine must be kept straight and Jalandhara Bandha maintained. The buttocks and the back of the thighs should touch the ground simultaneously. Rest the buttocks on the floor, release Jalandhara Bandha and exhale slowly and deeply. This completes the round one. When the breathing returns to normal, inhale and repeat the process. Inhale in the starting position before performing Jalandhara Bandha. Retain the breath inside while raising and lowering the buttocks. Exhale only after the body has been finally lowered and Jalandhara Bandha released. Practice four rounds in the beginning. Over a period of months, gradually increase to a maximum of twelve rounds.

Maha Vedha should be practiced after Maha Mudra and Maha Bheda Mudra. Be very careful not to beat the buttocks too hard. It is important to use a thick mat to avoid injury. Do not let the coccyx (tailbone) land directly on the floor. When the backs of the legs and buttocks hit the floor simultaneously, it cushions and distributes the impact over a wide area. People who have any inflammatory disease, infection or general complaint in or around the pelvic area should avoid this practice.

This is a powerful practice for introverting the mind, awakening psychic faculties and the dormant Kundalini which is said to reside in Mooladhara Chakra. The endocrine system is stimulated by activating the pineal gland. This keeps the pituitary gland under control, regulates hormonal secretions and curtails catabolism, reducing the symptoms of old age. If Padmasana has not been mastered this practice cannot be performed properly. However, it can be performed with the legs outstretched, although this method is less effective.

Note: The Sanskrit word Maha means ‘Great’ and Vedha means 'Piercing’. The purpose of Maha Vedha Mudra is to channel the Prana accumulated through Maha Mudra and Maha Bandha.

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