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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. In Jainism, bandha, refers to the karmic process of binding of material karmic particles to the soul consciousness. This bondage is on account of kasaya or passions of the soul. As per ancient Jain text of Tattvarthasutra, bandha is one of the tattva or fundamental truth of this world. As such the samsaric soul is always found in bondage with the karma since time immemorial.

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]

Hatha Yoga

Bandha are employed in Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga holds that there are four types of bandhas, Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, Mula Bandha and Maha Bandha which have been codified in many ancient texts.^[3]

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) ^[4]

• (lit. stop, block or lock). 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.^[5]

See also

• Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga#Bandhas
• Bandhu
• Trul khor
• Karma in Jainism

Notes

1. ^ [1] Monier-Williams dictionary
2. ^ Source: http://www.yogapoint.com/info/bandha.htm (Accessed: Friday June 8, 2007)
3. ^ Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda: The System “Yoga in Daily Life”, 2005 by Ibera Verlag, ISBN 3-85052-000-5, p. 252-255
4. ^ Feuerstein, Georg. 200 Key Sanskrit Yoga Terms in Yoga Journal
5. ^ Sanatan Sanstha. Glossary

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

External links

• Yoga in Daily Life - Explanation of the Bandhas.