Sakti Chalana is a higher practice shared exclusively by masters with the most dedicated and committed students who have advanced in their yoga journey through persistent practice. This practice is designed to awaken the Kundalini Shakti and not to be practiced as a mere physical exercise.
The Misconception of Modern Times
During this modern era, where no one wants to spend unnecessary time, everything is being oversimplified for commercial gains. Same goes for Sakti Chalana too. These days, such practices are spread in fragments without the necessary context, ethical considerations, or the requisite depth of preparation. It's crucial to understand that Sakti Chalana is not a technique to be taken lightly.
The Rigorous Path to Sakti Chalana
Hatha Yoga texts undoubtedly affirm that Sakti Chalana is one of the most guarded and sacred practices. It is allowed to be accessed by only those who have perfected the foundational practices of the discipline. This includes profound control over prana and mastery over Bhuta Shuddhi, and Tatwa Sodhana. Practitioners who want to practice Sakti Chalana should devote years to dedicated practice under the guidance of a qualified teacher.
Sakti Chalana: Two approaches
Sakti Chalana can be approached from two primary perspectives: the physical and the subtle.
Physical Approach
The first approach is physical. This involves intense physical techniques such as Nauli Kriya, Mula Bandha, Ashwini Mudra, and specific breath retention practices such as Antar Kumbhaka and Bahir Kumbhaka. This structured approach includes three parts.
Preparation
Core practice
Supplementary exercises
Subtle Approach
The second approach is more subtle and is based on the Tantric philosophy. It begins with reverence for the lineage and the master through Guru Vandana, and involves the cultivation of energy through regulated breathing, focused visualization, and mantra practices. The practitioner seeks to awaken and channel the Kundalini Shakti. Drawing this primordial energy from the Mooladhara to Akula Sahasrara and then back down, creating a movement of energy. This ends with some complementary practices. Kriya Yoga methods also have similar practices.
Essential Considerations
Regardless of the approach you choose, Yoni Mudra is indispensable to complement Sakti Chalana. This mudra, traditionally transmitted orally by the guru, is key to the efficiency of Sakti Chalana. Sakti Chalana is demanding and it requires strict adherence to celibacy and Mitahara, the yogic diet. The practice can take around twenty minutes to ninety minutes, depending on the practitioner's proficiency. The environment, seating posture, and attire are also factors that influence the practice.
Practitioners can gain a better understanding of Sakti Chalana through classic Hatha Yogic texts, such as Hatha Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, and Siva Samhita. However, those who are dedicated to learning this method must approach it with reverence and patience, and seek the guidance of a competent teacher.
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