Bindu Chakra

Bindu = point, drop

About the Bindu Chakra

Who has not at some stage dreamt of the “fountain of eternal youth”, and wished to find it? As in most
sagas and myths there is also a kernel of truth in this. For this fountain of youth, vitality and health is
located in the Bindu Chakra – one of the most mysterious and remarkable energy centres in the human
body.

The Bindu Chakra lies beneath the cowlick that most people have at the back of their head. Anatomically
it is located where the bones of the back and sides of the skull meet (the occiput and the parietal). The
direction of the stream of cosmic energy flowing into the Chakra can be seen quite clearly at this point.
Some people have two cowlicks, indicating the existence of two energy centres. These people often
possess exceptional vitality and creativity, but on the other hand can also be inclined towards
hyperactivity and extreme nervousness. In these cases the method described later in this chapter can
help to balance out the energy flow again.

In most Yoga books the Bindu Chakra is not mentioned, but in Tantra Yoga great importance is attached
to the healing and rejuvenating effects of this Chakra.

Whilst this energy centre “sleeps” it is similar to a dot, but when awakened its energy begins to flow or
to “drip”. The Bindu Chakra produces truly astonishing effects. It is a “health centre” that brings about
improved physical, psychic and spiritual health, and is therefore a valuable aid on our spiritual journey. It
also helps to quieten our emotions and brings harmony and a sense of wellbeing.

With the help of this Chakra we are able to control hunger and thirst and overcome unhealthy eating
habits.

Concentration on the Bindu Chakra can also be beneficial for depression, nervousness, feelings of
anxiety and an oppressive feeling within the heart. A slight pressure with the fingernail on the site of the
Bindu Chakra gives rise to a spontaneous feeling of happiness that spreads to the heart. When a child is
restless and will not go to sleep it helps to gently massage the Bindu Chakra with soft circular
movements for a few minutes – the child will soon become quiet and sleepy.

But the most outstanding effect of the Bindu Chakra is the production of AMRITA, the nectar of
immortality.

At the beginning of the Peace Mantra it is said:

ASATO MĀ SAT GAMAYA

TAMASO MĀ JYOTIR GAMAYA

MRITYOR MĀ AMRITAM GAMAYA

Lead us from unreality to reality

Lead us from darkness into light

Lead us from death to immortality.

On the physical level this means that with the awakening of the Bindu Chakra the Pineal Gland, which is
connected to this centre, becomes active. This gland emits a hormone that has a “fountain of youth”
influence on both body and mind. This is why the Rishis gave it the name “Amrita”, nectar of
immortality. The more active the Bindu Chakra becomes, the more plentifully this precious Amrita flows.
It is said in the ancient scriptures that just one concentrated drop is sufficient to make new shoots grow
on a piece of dry wood, and bring the deceased back to life.

In Āyurveda this life-giving nectar is known as Sanjīvini Bhuti . There are Yogis who eat no food and are
nourished exclusively by the nectar from the Bindu Chakra. If we were able to utilise this life elixir for
our body we would not only prolong our life but also enjoy perfect health. But, unfortunately, this
precious nectar normally drips straight down into the fire of the Manipūra Chakra (Jatarāgni) and is
burnt before its effects develop. Through certain Yoga practices we can be successful in catching the
drops of nectar in the Vishuddhi Chakra and supplying the body. The Vishuddhi Chakra is responsible for
the purification and detoxification of the body if an imbalance occurs in the body due to harmful
substances.

In the Gheranda Samhitā (Verses 28-30) it is written:

“The Sun is in the navel and the moon in the head. The nectar that comes from the moon is consumed by
the sun, and the life force is gradually used up in this way.”

Here the moon stands for the Bindu Chakra and the sun for the Manipūra Chakra. Because the nectar
from the Bindu Chakra is constantly being destroyed in the fire of the Manipūra Chakra our body is
susceptible to illness and continues to deteriorate with advancing age.

In fact the Ātmā is immortal, but in this earthly existence we are bound to the mortal body. Only in this
very fragile body can we attain spiritual realisation and liberation (Moksha). Therefore Yogis endeavour
to keep their body healthy for as long as possible to enable them to complete their spiritual
development in the current lifespan.

And this is why the Rishis, in ancient times, sought methods by which this valuable nectar could be
gathered within the body and its benefits utilised. They found that they could control the flow of nectar
with the help of the Vishuddhi Chakra and the tongue. The tongue possesses subtle energy centres, each
of which connects to a specific part of the body or organ. Udāna Prāna, one of the five main Prānas (vital
forces), works within the Vishuddhi Chakra and this Prāna Vayu activates the muscles in the throat that
control the swallowing of food. Udāna Prāna also directs energy to the head. When the nectar is held
firmly in the Vishuddhi Chakra and influenced by Udāna Prāna its effect is set in motion. The way it
works is similar to Homeopathy; and like homeopathic medicine its beneficial effects are spread through
the whole body via the outgoing energy channels in the tongue.

But how are we able to catch this precious nectar with the tongue? Through a technique known as
Khecharī Mudrā , which is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipikā. In this the tongue is rolled back as far
as possible until the tip of the tongue reaches deeply into the Pharyngeal cavity. Then the nectar that
drips down from the Bindu Chakra can be caught.

In order to be able to roll the tongue back far enough some practise is essential. Yogis achieve this by
carefully stretching the ligament beneath the tongue, gradually lengthening it through gentle pulling. In
this way the tip of the tongue can finally reach the Uvula.

The benefits of Khecharī Mudrā are strengthened when it is performed together with Ujjāyī Prānāyāma
and Jālandhara Bandha (Chin Lock).

Ujjāyī Prānāyāma is a breathing technique with concentration on the process of breathing in the throat.
The throat is contracted slightly so that the air flowing through it produces a soft sound, as in deep
sleep. Through Jālandhara Bandha the flow of energy is briefly interrupted and the Prāna is held in the
throat .

Another very effective practice is Viparitkaranī Mudrā , which has been translated as “The Energy
Regeneration Pose” in the system of “Yoga in Daily Life”. The reason for this is that the nectar flows
towards the throat in this inverted position and is therefore prevented from being burnt in the
Manipūra Chakra.

The symbol of the Bindu Chakra is the MOON; therefore it is also known as Chandra Chakra (Moon
Centre). In the inner Cosmos, which is seen by our inner eye in meditation, the Bindu Chakra appears to
have a circular opening with a lid almost completely covering it, and from this some light shines forth
through a small gap. This glimmer of light that is the emanation of the radiance of the Self in the
Sahasrāra Chakra is similar in appearance to the slender crescent of the new moon. If the Bindu Chakra
is fully awake and open it shines brightly with a silvery sheen, like the Full Moon.

The moon is a symbol of perfection, nectar and energy. Nature receives life-sustaining Prāna from the
moon allowing everything to grow and thrive, as moonlight is also essential for the growth of plants and
the ripening of fruit – not only sunlight.

In the Bhagavad Gita (15/13) Lord Krishna says:

“When I come onto the earth, I preserve all beings through my life-giving power. When I become the
nectar-giving moon, I nourish the vegetation.”

The moon is the symbol of Lord Shiva, and the Mantra of the Bindu Chakra is AMRITAM – I am immortal.
At the end of the Peace Mantra we sing:

OM TRYAMBAKAM YAJĀMAHE SUGHANDHIM PUSHTIVARDHANAM

URVĀRUKAMIVA BHANDANĀN MRITYOR MUKSHĪYA MĀMRITĀT

OM my adored One, the three-eyed Lord Shiva , who is omnipresent

May He nurture us and bless us with health

May His blessings liberate us and lead to immortality.

This Mantra is known as MAHĀ MRITYUN JAYA MANTRA – the glorious Mantra of victory over death.

May the light of Shiva fill our consciousness. May the nectar of immortality spread through and expand
our inner space (Chidākāsha). Through this nectar all Chakras are brought into harmony. Fear, sadness,
anger, resentment and other disease-producing emotions are released in the healing vibration of this
Mantra. May it spread fragrance, melodiousness, love, happiness and contentment through the entire
world.

The Qualities and Symbols of the Bindu Chakra

Position within the body At the back of the head beneath the cowlick

Colour COLOURLESS, TRANSPARENT

Tattva AMRITA – Nectar of Immortality

Divinity SHIVA – Consciousness

Symbols CRESCENT MOON – the moon as the dispenser of nectar

Qualities and Aspects Youthfulness, vitality, health

Healing
Harmony
Clarity
 Calming the emotions
Strengthening eyesight

Gland HYPOTHALMUS (part of the interbrain, diencephalon)

Other Names of Bindu chakra MOON CENTRE, CHANDRA KAMALA, SOMA CHAKRA

Exercises for the Bindu Chakra

Agnisāra Kriyā
Ujjāyī Prānāyāma with Khecharī Mudrā and Jālandhara Bandha
Viparītkaranī Mudrā (Half Shoulderstand)
Shirshāsana (Headstand)
Sarvāngāsana (Shoulderstand)

The following Āsanas activate the Bindu Chakra and balance physical functions

Yoga Mudrā
Shashankāsana (Hare)
Matsyāsana (Fish)
Vrikshāsana (Tree)
Sumeru Āsana (Mountain)
Bhūmi Pāda Mastakāsana (Head and Feet on the Earth)
Supta Vajrāsanaa (Back Bend sitting on heels)

In all these postures Ujjāyī Prānāyāma and Khecharī Mudrā can be performed at the same time with
concentration on the Bindu Chakra. Viparītkaranī Mudrā is particularly effective when combined with
the following breathing exercise:

 Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth 15 times.

 Then guide the consciousness from the Manipūra to the Bindu Chakra with the inhalation and
from the Bindu to the Manipūra with the exhalation for 15 minutes.

Another technique for activating the Bindu Chakra is to allow 1-2 litres of lukewarm water flow over the
Bindu Chakra. This is best done in the morning with a jug, or under the shower. The water temperature
should be about 39°C in winter and 35°C in summer. At the same time chant the Gāyatrī Mantra 5 times:

OM BHUR BHUVAH SVAH TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM

BHARGO DEVASYA DHĪMAHI DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYĀT

Let us meditate on the wondrous and blessed light of the Divine that resides within our hearts.

May it awaken all our qualities, guide our intellect and rapidly enlighten our reason.

BRAHMAGHATA
Religious and cultural customs often have a practical background. In India one can sometimes see men
who have allowed a thin strand of hair to grow at the back of the head which is then twisted and
knotted. This is known as BRAHMAGHATA. It creates pressure on the scalp, similar to acupressure,
stimulating nerves and glands, and promoting activation of the Bindu Chakra.

Those who lack energy, feel constantly tired or suffer from feelings of helplessness should tie a
Brahmaghata and concentrate on the Bindu Chakra. Within a few days the invigorating effect of the
Chakra becomes obvious. This measure is also beneficial for headaches and improves vision. To begin
with, while the Chakra is still “hard”, the constant pull on the scalp can be rather uncomfortable. After a
while the tension eases, the nectar begins to drip and the pleasant energy of the Bindu Chakra begins to
spread.

Or, instead, one can daily massage the scalp in the region of the Bindu Chakra with gentle, circular
movements using sandalwood paste or oil, in the morning and evening.

Meditation Practices for Bindu Chakra

Meditation 1

(about 20-30 minutes)

 Sit in a comfortable meditation posture. Become aware of your breathing and relax.

 Sing OM three times.

 Dive deeply into your inner world, but continue to remain as an observer and witness of any
images and experiences. Do not allow yourself to be overwhelmed by emotion. -You are looking
at a clear, starry sky and admire the light of the full moon. Silvery moonlight streams into your
inner space and fills your body with ambrosia, the nectar of immortality.

 Listen to the “sound of silence” and feel a deep, inner joy grow within you.

 Direct your awareness to the Bindu Chakra and observe the flow of energy that radiates from it.
When your consciousness connects with the Bindu Chakra an unparalleled feeling of joy rises
from the heart. You feel you are no longer alone and perceive within yourself oneness.

 You are experience a delicate sensation in your inner space. The nectar can be felt like very fine
rain or mist touching your skin. Each drop produces a resonance in your inner space that lasts
for seconds or minutes.

 Dive deeper and deeper, breathe quietly and in a relaxed manner. With each inhalation and
exhalation you can see the silvery, lustrous drops falling from the Bindu Chakra and feel its
sweet taste on your tongue.

 After about 15-20 minutes externalise your consciousness again and become fully aware of your
whole body.

 Inhale and exhale deeply a few times.

 End the meditation by singing OM three times.

To finish each of the meditation practices:

 Rub the palms together firmly, place them on your face and warm your face muscles.

 Bend forward (either in the meditation pose or whilst sitting on your heels) until your forehead
rests on the floor. Be aware of the flow of blood into the facial muscles. Remain in this position
for a short while. In this way the circulation is stimulated after sitting motionless, and a good
supply of blood is brought into the head.

 Slowly sit up and open your eyes.

Meditation 2

(about 20-30 minutes)

 Sit in a relaxed meditation pose.

 Bring your awareness to your breathing. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your
mouth 20 times.

 Concentrate on the Bindu Chakra in your inner space.

 Imagine a beautiful, shining full moon that is shining on a peaceful place (eg the ocean, a
mountain, a sandy beach, a distant plain).

 Listen to the subtle sound that the moonlight produces. Smell the fragrance of the nectar that
streams from it.

 A feeling of happiness, love and contentment arises within you. You feel oneness and a sense of
peace.

 Be aware of the fragrance and joyful feelings spreading to the Vishuddhi and Anāhata Chakras
(about 15-20 minutes).

 Sing OM three times and then the Peace Mantra:

OM SHĀNTIH, SHĀNTIH, SHĀNTIH

OM Peace, Peace, Peace

Meditation 3

(about 20-30 minutes)

 Sit in a comfortable meditation pose. Relax and inhale and exhale deeply a few times.

 Sing OM three times.

 Bring your awareness to the Bindu Chakra. (If it is difficult to feel the Bindu Chakra then press
the place where it is located with your finger a few times).
  Imagine you are in a room and looking at the moon through a window. The room is your body,
and the window is where the Bindu Chakra is located.

 The shining moonlight evokes a pleasant feeling within your whole body. The nectar radiating
from the moonlight quietens your thoughts and emotions and imparts an inner clarity, wisdom
and harmony. Amrita flows in the form of light and energy as well as nectar. This nectar has a
harmonising and healing effect on your psyche. It releases blockages and heals inner wounds.

 Relax deeply and feel as though the moonlight is illuminating your inner space, and the nectar is
releasing all tension. Feel that you are free and healthy (about 15-20 minutes).

 Inhale and exhale deeply a few times.

 Sing the Mahā Mrityun Jaya Mantra five times, and then the Mantra:

NĀHAM KARTĀ PRABHU DĪP KARTĀ

MAHĀPRABHU DĪP KARTĀ HI KEVALAM

OM SHĀNTIH, SHĀNTIH, SHĀNTIH

I am not the doer, Prabhu Deep is the doer,

Mahāprabhu Deep alone is the doer

OM Peace Peace Peace