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INTRODUCTION
nyāsa, Shadanga-nyäsa on the body (Hridayādi-shadanga-nyāsa) and with the hands (Angushthadi-shadanga-nyāsa) Pītha-nyāsa and so on. The Kulārnava (IV--20) mentions six kinds. Each of these might come under one or the other of the four general heads. "Nyasa also has certain physical effects for these are dependant on the state of mind. The pure restful state of meditation is reflected in the body of the worshipper. The actions of Nyäsa are said to stimulate the nerve centres and to effect the proper distribution of the Shaktis of the human frame according to their disposition and relations, preventing discord and distraction during worship, which itself holds steady the state chus induced" pp. 292-293 'Shakti and Shākta.'
JIVA-NYASA Jiva-nyāsa is infusion into the Sadhaka's body purified by Bhūtashuddhi rite of the life-Prāna of the Ishtadevatā accompanied by recital of Mantra. By this the body is thought to become that of Devatā.
MĀTRIKA-NYASA Mātrikā-nyāsa is the placing the fifty letters of the Sanskrit alphabet, which are considered Mantra-bodies of the Devata on the body of the Sadhaka. They are so placed, mentally saying 'Om Ham Namah' etc., in the six inner centres (Chakra) in case of Antarmātrikā-nyāsa; and externally on the body in case of Bahyamātrikā-nyāsa. This Mātrīkā-nyāsa again is Sșsti Mātrikā Nyāsa (i. e. Creative) or Sanghāra Mātrika Nyāsa (Dissolving).
VIDYA-NYASA Nyāsa of Vidyā should be done on the head, Mülādhāra, heart, three eyes, two ears, mouth, two arms, back, knees, and navel."
RISHI-NYASA Rishi-nyāsa consists of salutation on the head to Rishi of the particular Māntra and salutation in the mouth to the particular meter of the verse of the Mantra and in the heart to the Devatā and in the hidden part (Guhya) to the Bija and also on the two feet and on the whole of the body.
