Khecarī mudrā

Khechari Mudra English Coloured

Khecarī mudrā is a yoga practice and a mudrā (seal) in Hatha Yoga and Tantra traditions. It is considered one of the most important and advanced mudrās amongst yogic practices. The term "Khecarī" is derived from the Sanskrit roots "khe", meaning "space" or "ether", and "carī", which means "moving" or "roaming". Thus, Khecarī mudrā can be translated as "roaming in the ether", symbolizing the freedom and vastness of consciousness that practitioners aim to achieve.

Practice

The practice of Khecarī mudrā involves rolling the tongue backwards towards the soft palate and, in advanced stages, inserting it into the nasal cavity above the soft palate. This is believed to stimulate the vishuddha chakra (throat chakra) and the bindu chakra located at the back of the head, leading to various spiritual and physical benefits. The ultimate goal of Khecarī mudrā is to achieve a state of samadhi (spiritual liberation) and to awaken the kundalini energy.

Benefits

Practitioners of Khecarī mudrā claim it offers numerous benefits, including:

• Reversal of the aging process
• Detoxification of the body
• Enhanced mental focus and concentration
• Reduction in hunger and thirst, leading to the possibility of living on prana alone
• Awakening of psychic abilities and enhanced spiritual awareness

Preparation and Techniques

Before attempting Khecarī mudrā, one must prepare the body and mind through general Hatha Yoga practices, including asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), and meditation. The tongue's flexibility is gradually increased through specific exercises, such as Talabya Kriya, until it can be comfortably inserted into the nasal cavity.

Historical and Scriptural References

Khecarī mudrā is mentioned in several key yogic texts, including the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Gheranda Samhita, and the Shiva Samhita. These texts describe the mudrā's technique, benefits, and the spiritual significance behind its practice.

Controversies and Criticisms

The practice of Khecarī mudrā, especially its advanced stages, has been met with skepticism and criticism. Concerns include the potential for physical harm through the cutting of the frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth) and the insertion of the tongue into the nasal cavity. Critics argue that the claimed benefits lack scientific evidence and caution against attempting such practices without expert guidance.

Conclusion

Khecarī mudrā remains a significant and revered practice within Hatha Yoga and Tantra, symbolizing the transcendence of physical limitations and the exploration of higher states of consciousness. Despite its controversies, it continues to be practiced by those seeking spiritual advancement and the purported benefits associated with its mastery.