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Raise the arms in front of the face with the elbows pointing sideways.
Close the ears with the thumbs, the eyes with the index fingers, the nostrils with the middle fingers, and the mouth by placing the ring and little fingers above and below the lips.
Release the pressure of the middle fingers and open the nostrils. Inhale slowly and deeply, using full yogic breathing.
At the end of inhalation close the nostrils with the middle fingers.
Retain the breath inside for as long as is comfortable. Try to hear any manifestation of sound in the region of bindu, ajna or anahata chakras.
There may be many sounds or none at all; just listen. After some time, release the pressure of the middle fingers and slowly breathe out.
This is one round.
Breathe in again immediately to start another round. Continue in this way throughout the practice.
To end the practice, lower the hands to the knees, keeping the eyes closed, and slowly begin to externalise the mind by becoming aware of external sounds and the physical body.
Breathing: This technique gives greater benefits when the practitioner can retain the breath for extended periods. Those who have been practising nadi shodhana pranayama regularly will find this practice easier.
Duration: Practise for 5 to 10 minutes to begin with, gradually building up, over a period of months to 30 minutes. Awareness: Bindu, ajna or anahata chakra may be used for concentration. The important thing is to become aware of progressively more subtle sounds.
Time of practice: Shanmukhi mudra is best practised early in the morning or late at night when there is maximum quiet. Practising at this time awakens psychic sensitivity. Contra-indications: People suffering from depression should
avoid this practice.
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