Tribandha The three yogic locks

Dr Satish K Kapoor

Prana, the primordial energy animating the universe, manifests in human beings as respiratory breath. By regulating breath, one can exercise control over the body and the mind. Tribandha, or ‘three locks’, are basic to the practice of pranayama or controlled breathing. They are: jalandhara bandha, uddiyana bandha and mulabandha. These bandha-s tone up glands, nerves, tissues and cells, keeping the body fit and disease-free.

Jalandhar bandha (chin-lock)

Jalandhar bandha was initiated by mahasiddha yogi, Jalandhar, of the Natha tradition, for concentration and mental stability through breath retention. To perform it, sit in an easy position, resting your hands on the knees. Inhale deeply and retain the breath, stretching the chest forward. Bend your head, and press the chin against the throat, to the extent possible. Bring your attention to ajna chakra, in the middle of eyebrows, and exhale after 10-15 seconds. Repeat the cycle five times or more. Another method is to retain the breath outside and rest the chin in the pit of the throat.

With the contraction of throat, and the closure of ida and pingala nadi-s, (neural passages starting from lower abdominal area below the navel and terminating at the base of forehead), vishuddha chakra at the base of throat, is activated. The secretion of nectar from brahmarandhra on top of the head, is thus retained; or else, it flows down to manipura chakra, at the level of the navel, and is consumed in the gastric fire. Jalandhar bandha wards off pharyngeal disorders like tonsillitis and laryngitis, and improves the quality of voice. It improves the functioning of thyroid gland and parathyroid glands that regulate hormones and the level of calcium in the body.

Uddiyana bandha (abdominal lock)

‘Uddiyana’ means ‘to fly up’. Uddiyana bandha pushes up the trapped apana vayu in the stomach towards sushumna-nadi, the central nerve channel running along the spine. It can be performed in sitting or standing position, but the latter is more convenient. Stand with legs apart. Bend forward placing hands on thighs, slightly above the knees. Exhale completely and contract the navel region towards the spine. Remain in this state as long as the breath can be retained. Alternately, breathe in, inflating your abdomen, and breathe out withdrawing it towards the spine. Pull the abdomen inwards and upwards synchronizing it with breath. Repeat the exercise a few times. It helps in nauli kriya, that involves turning of the abdominal muscles. Uddiyana bandha should be done on an empty stomach, after clearing the bowls. It activates manipura chakra, and keeps abdominal organs in perfect condition. It increases metabolism.

Mulabandha (root-lock)

Mulabandha can be performed at any time, by stretching the anus and urinary bladder upwards. But it is best done in the lotus posture, along with bahya kumbhaka, in which breath is retained externally. Alternately, while sitting, one should press the perineum with the left heel, and place the right heel above genitals, followed by contraction of the pelvic floor muscles 15-20 times. As a result, apana vayu, having a natural tendency to incline downwards, goes up, and unites with prana vayu, located at the heart centre. With practice, both vayu-s integrate and enter brahma nadi, ‘just as a serpent enters its hole.’(Ibid.III.68). Brahma nadi (sushumna) is a subtle passage of kundalini-energy as it moves towards sahasrara, at the crown of the head. Mulabandha balances muladhara chakra at the base of spine, sublimates passion, and makes one an urdhavareta that is one whose energy flows upwards.

When the three locks are applied together systematically, it is called mahabandha, great lock.

((Dr Kapoor is a noted educationist,

historian and spiritualist)