The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

THE EQUINOX with a concentrated mind and stop the upward and downward course of the Prana by Jalandhara Bandha, Resting his body upon his palms placed upon the ground, he should strike the ground softly with his posteriors. By this the Prana, leaving Ida and Pingala, goes through the Sushumna. . . . The body assumes a death-like aspect. Then he should breathe out.* 5. Khechari Mudra. The Yogi sitting in the Vajrasana (Siddhdsana) posture, should firmly fix his gaze upon Ajna, and reversing the tongue backwards, fix it in the hollow under the epiglottis, placing it with great care on the mouth of the well of nectar.t 6. Uddiyana Mudra. The drawing up of the intestines above and below the navel (so that they rest against the back of the body high up the thorax) is called Uddiyana Bandha, and is the lion that kills the elephant Death.t 7. Mula Mudra. Pressing the Yoni with the ankle, contract the anus and draw the Apéna upwards, This is Mula Bandha.§ 8. Jalandhava Mudra. Contract the throat and press the chin firmly against the breast (four inches from the heart). This is Jalandhara Bandha. . . .|| 9. Viparitakavani Mudra. This consists in making the Sun and Moon assume exactly reverse positions. The Sun which is below the navel and the Moon which is above the palate change places. This Mudra * “Hatha-Yoga Pradipika,” p. 48; “Shiva Sanhita,” vol. iv, 23-30. + “Shiva Sanhita,” chap iv, 31. This is perhaps the most important of the Mudras. The “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” gives a long description of how the Sraenum linguae is cut. See pp. 49-56. t “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 57; “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. iv, 48-52. § “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 58; “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. iv, p. 41-44. || “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 60; “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. iv, 38-40. 94