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Breathing: Inhale in the starting position before performing
jalandhara bandha. Retain the breath inside while raising and lowering the buttocks. Exhale only after the body has been finally lowered and
jalandhara bandha released. Duration: Practise 3 rounds in the beginning. Over a period of
months, gradually increase to a maximum of 11 rounds. Awareness: Physical - on keeping the spine straight and on
touching the floor with the buttocks and thighs together.
Spiritual - on mooladhara chakra. Sequence: Maha vedha should be practised after maha mudra
and maha bheda mudra. Precautions: Be very careful not to beat the buttocks too hard.
It is important to use a thick mat to avoid injury. Do not let the coccyx (tailbone) land directly on the floor. When the backs of the legs and buttocks hit the floor simultaneously,
it cushions and distributes the impact over a wide area. Contra-indications: People who have any inflammatory disease,
infection or general complaint in or around the pelvic
area should avoid this practice. Benefits: This is a powerful practice for introverting the mind,
awakening psychic faculties and the dormant kundalini which is said to reside in mooladhara chakra. The endocrine system is stimulated by activating the pineal gland. This keeps the pituitary gland under control, regulates hormonal secretions and curtails catabolism, reducing the
symptoms of old age. Practice note: If padmasana has not been mastered this practice
cannot be performed properly. However, it can be performed with the legs outstretched, although this method
is less effective. Note: The Sanskrit word maha means 'great' and vedha means
'piercing! The purpose of maha vedha mudra is to channel the prana accumulated through maha mudra and maha bandha. This technique belongs to hatha yoga and should not be confused with the kriya yoga practice oftadan kriya, which is very similar.
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