MODULE introduction to Sushumna Nadi © Sushumna literally means “sacred stream.” Sushumna is the most powerful nadi (energy channel) in the pranic body. Its often referred to as being housed within the spine, a vertical channel and central within the body. However, since sushumna is not part of the physical body, itis less than helpful to limit your understanding of it to the physical structure of the spine. In fact, sushumna is less a part of your body and more a state of consciousness—one that is identical to the Infinite, the alltpervading Reality. Asilluminated by the tantra yoga tradition, the teachings on susuhmna are a key part of the formula for spiritual/kundatini awakening ‘only when prana (and mind) enter this central channel do you awaken to the light and power of the soul and the Reality of which sushumna is identical This formula requires—as a preliminary practice—that you first balance the left (pingali) channet—associated with the right nostriand the right (ida) channet—associated with the left nostri. to Clarify the above statement, “ida” = left nostril, which corresponds to right hemisphere/tight channel and “pingali" = right nostril, which corresponds to left hemisphere/ left channel In conjunction with balancing the polarities of left and right (‘ha and “tha"), energy and mind, prana and chitta, pingali and ida, the systematic approach to kundalini yoga involves cultivating energy at the navel center.© Navel centered practice accomplishes the following: © builds the force of positivity, potency, strength, self-confidence and healing capacity © builds the force that bums/assimilates the limitations ‘of your lower mind © purifies the lower three chakras © Building energy/consciousness in this channel, while developing the energy in the navel center, engages the core of tantra yoga’s systematic approach to transformation and spiritual awakening. TANTRA SHAKTI MSMODULE 4: Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: Victory Over the Great Death © The maha mrityunjaya mantra is said to be the father of the Vedas. The mantra’s essence is identical to the living expression of the one Reality, the light (or fre] that breathes life into existence. Its name consists of three vital terms: mahi = supreme or great mrityor = mortality, death jaya = victory thus, its meaning: the mantra that grants victory over the supreme death According to the tradition, fear is the singular cause of death, disease and decay. thus, fear is considered “the great death” since the mantra grants victory over fear. it is called maha mrityunjaya mantra The mantra is identical to and invokes Rudra (“one who cries ‘or how's") Rudra is the most fierce and vibrant, yet compassionate form of Shiva {as the sound body of Rudra, the mantra is the living power ‘of healing, nourishment, strength, potency, motivation ‘and vitality The mantra is of real significance for the age we live in, where fear, anger and despair are so pervasive. TANTRA SHAKTI M4Thus, the mantra is an antidote for the modem age. Itis particularly relevant for healers, therapists, teachers and those who guide or counsel. The mantra potentizes/strengthens the healing potential of all activities, rituals, medicines, herbs and foods. While both gayatri and maha mrityunjaya mantras build the positive force of light, the distinction between them is that: © gayatri mantra builds the positive force of ight by weakening/reducing the darkness that inhibits universal light © maha mrityunjaya mantra strengthens and builds this ight directly, thus empowering you to overcome the darkness See the appendix for more information on the maha mrityunjaya mantra. TANTRA SHAKTI Ma