Shatkarma
The shatkarmas (
TheHaṭha Ratnavali mentions two additional purifications, Cakri and Gajakarani, criticising the Hatha Yoga Pradipika for only describing the other six.[1]
Purpose
The shatkarmas are six (or more) preliminary purifications described in the
Description
The six purifications taught in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and repeated in the Gheranda Samhita, are:
- Dhautī, the cleansing of the whole digestive tract.[2]
- abdominal muscles alternately in a clock-wise, then in a counterclock-wise direction.[2]
- Basti, a colonic irrigation.[2]
- Kapālabhātī, a skull polishing, and is a pranayama (breathing) practice intended to energize and balance the nadis, and the chakras. Specifically, it is a sharp, short outbreath, followed by a relaxation of the core that allows the body to inhale on its own.[2]
- Trāṭaka, gazing at a fixed point such as a black spot or a candle flame.[2]
The two additional purifications in the Hatha Ratnavali are:
- Cakri, the dilation of the anus, using a finger moved about in the rectum.[1]
- Gajakarani (present but described differently in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika), holding sweetened water and the breath in the oesophagus, followed by expulsion of its contents.[1]
References
- ^ OCLC 928480104.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Shatkarmas - Cleansing Techniques, in Yoga Magazine, a publication of Bihar School of Yoga
- ^ Muktibodhananda, Swami. (1985). Hatha Yoga Pradipika. New Delhi India: Thomson Press India, for The Yoga Publications Trust.
- ^ These techniques and their practice are outlined in considerable detail by Swami Rama in his two volume set:
Rama, Swami. (1988). Path of Fire and Light, Volume I: Advanced Practices of Yoga; Volume II: A Practical Companion to Volume I. Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Himalayan Institute Press. - ^ demonstration