We've all heard of and remember the famous hero of the fantasy movie Star Wars, named Luke Skywalker. Well, did you know that the term Skywalker is the English translation of the Sanskrit term for a yogi in meditation who is practicing the kechari mudra.
This is a technique where the advanced yogi is able to manipulate the tongue in such a way that it touches the upper palate and pushes further toward the nasal cavity. In this way the yogi is able to tap the nectar or hormonal chemical secretion from the brain that is said to facilitate enlightenment.
Since Luke Skywalker was a Jedi knight trained in the mystic warrior arts, the name might be befitting for him. It shows how the writer and also the director of the movie, George Lukas, knew about yoga practices from the ancient Goraknath foundational texts on yoga from around 1000 years ago. And he incorporated what he knew into the characters of his fantasy movie, Star Wars.
This movie went on to become one of the biggest of all time and one of the legendary tales that will be etched into the collective psyche of humanity, much like the Aesop or Anderson fairy tales of earlier times.
I asked AI to give me more info on this ancient yoga practice and below I present to you the findings of AI, as summarized from the original text on yoga by Gorakhnath. If you really want the details about yoga and what it really is meant for, then it helps to study the original texts, of which Bhagavad Gita chapter six is a summary presentation.
Life is meant for self-realization and liberation from the bondage of old age, disease and death. The body is a tool with which consciousness can achieve this perfection of life. We all have the tools at our fingertips and nose tips. We simply need to remember how to use it. Here is some information for those who are keen to do that:
Khechari Mudra: The Complete Traditional Practice
A comprehensive examination of the "Sky-Walking Seal" from classical Hatha Yoga texts
Etymology and Meaning
Khechari (Sanskrit: खेचरी) derives from:
- Khe = sky, space, ether
- Chari = moving, walking
- Mudra = seal, gesture
Khecarī mudrā is a hatha yoga practice carried out by curling the tip of the tongue back into the mouth until it reaches above the soft palate and into the nasal cavity. The name suggests "moving in the sky" or "sky-walking," indicating the practitioner's consciousness transcends ordinary bodily limitations.
Classical Textual Sources
Primary References:
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 3, verses 32-55) - Most detailed classical description
- Goraksha Shataka - Gorakhnath's foundational text
- Shiva Samhita - Alternative descriptions and benefits
- Gheranda Samhita - Practical instructions
Traditional Classification:
According to the Hatha Pradipika, Khechari mudra is the bliss of the vast expanse of spiritual consciousness and is considered one of the most advanced practices in classical Hatha Yoga.
The Complete Technique
Basic Definition:
The practice involves a tongue lock mudra, where the tongue is rolled back and placed into the nasal cavity. The ultimate goal of Kechari Mudra is to attain higher states of consciousness, stimulate the higher chakras and regulate the flow of prana, or life energy, in the physical body.
Progressive Stages:
Stage 1: Nabho Mudra (Preparatory)
Nabho Mudra itself can be considered a preparatory step before one starts with khechari. It's more like a learning practice; your focus is on lengthening the tongue and making it flexible to slip backwards.
Technique:
- Curl tongue backward to touch the soft palate
- Hold for comfortable duration with natural breathing
- Practice daily to increase tongue flexibility
Stage 2: Uvula Contact
First touching the tongue to the uvula, or "little tongue" at the back of the mouth.
Technique:
- Extend tongue further back to contact the uvula
- Maintain gentle pressure without forcing
- Coordinate with slow, deep breathing
Stage 3: Soft Palate Penetration
Usually, beginners can only curl the tongue till the soft palate. It is after the practice of months and even years that a person can progress further.
Technique:
- Tongue passes beyond the soft palate
- Enters the nasopharyngeal cavity
- Requires significant tongue lengthening
Stage 4: Complete Khechari
By touching the tip of the tongue to the naso pharyngeal cavity behind the uvula, the divine life-current is said to be activated.
Technique:
- Tongue fully inserted into nasal cavity
- Complete sealing of the throat opening
- Advanced breath retention practices integrated
Tongue Lengthening Methods
Traditional Approach:
Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentioned frenum (skin below tongue that links it with gums) should be cut in order to increase the extension of the tongue (ONLY recommended under the guidance of an experienced teacher).
WARNING: This surgical approach is extremely dangerous and not recommended in modern practice.
Safe Alternative Methods:
1. Daily Stretching Exercises:
- Gentle pulling of tongue with clean cloth
- Systematic stretching in all directions
- Gradual increase in extension over months/years
2. Massage Techniques:
Outward massage (as in milking process) of the tongue using a finger to increase length and flexibility.
3. Progressive Training:
The tongue is made long enough to do this with many months of daily tongue practice and patience.
Physiological Mechanism
The Nectar Collection Process:
This mystic practice is said to be practiced by touching the nasopharyngeal cavity behind the uvula using the tongue tip and drawing up the prana into the spine, passing the chakras, and awakening the Kundalini Shakti. Khechar mudra is acclaimed to secrete the elixir of life, Amrita.
Anatomical Understanding:
- Nasopharyngeal Cavity: Space behind the soft palate where amrita is believed to collect
- Uvula Region: Gateway to the upper respiratory tract
- Soft Palate: Barrier between oral and nasal cavities
- Frenulum: Tissue that may limit tongue mobility
Energetic Effects:
- Prana Redirection: Upward flow of vital energy
- Chakra Activation: Particularly higher centers
- Amrita Preservation: Preventing loss of divine nectar
- Kundalini Stimulation: Awakening dormant spiritual energy
Claimed Benefits and Powers
Classical Claims:
The Khechari Mudra as described in various disciplines of Hatha Yoga, is one of the highest accomplishments of Yoga-Mudra sadhana stage. It bestows the practitioner yogi with super-human powers like complete freedom from disease, halting old-age(rejuvenation, anti-aging), remaining without food and water for months, even immortality!
Specific Traditional Benefits:
- Conquest of Hunger and Thirst: Extended periods without food/water
- Disease Immunity: Complete freedom from illness
- Aging Reversal: Halting and reversing physical decay
- Poison Immunity: Protection from toxins
- Immortality: Theoretical transcendence of death
- Psychic Powers: Various siddhis (supernatural abilities)
Hibernation Connection:
The principle of Khechari was adopted by the Yogis from snakes going in hibernation for long periods of time. Other animals that naturally perform Khechari mudra for hibernation are: certain mountain bears, bats, frogs, etc.
Modern Practitioner Experiences
Reported Sensations:
Jolts in the body when I do it for a long time in the relaxing position - from a practitioner with 9 months experience.
Common Experiences:
- Sweet taste in the mouth (amrita)
- Cooling sensation in the head
- Reduced need for food/water during practice
- Enhanced meditative states
- Tingling sensations throughout the body
- Spontaneous breath retention
- Altered states of consciousness
Safety Considerations and Warnings
Critical Precautions:
It looks very simple to understand but it's the most difficult mudra to perform and also it can be dangerous.
Potential Risks:
- Respiratory Obstruction: Blocking airflow through manipulation
- Tissue Damage: Forcing tongue beyond natural limits
- Infection: Unhygienic practices in sensitive areas
- Psychological Disturbance: Intense altered states without guidance
Essential Safety Measures:
- Never force the tongue beyond comfortable limits
- Maintain hygiene with clean hands and mouth
- Progress gradually over months and years
- Seek qualified guidance from experienced teachers
- Stop immediately if pain or breathing difficulty occurs
Integration with Other Practices
Preparatory Practices:
Khechari Mudra Steps include Nabho Mudra, Thalabhya Kriya, Dohan Kriya, Kumbhaka, Mudras and Bandhas, most of them are advanced ones.
Essential Prerequisites:
- Asana Mastery: Comfortable seated postures for extended periods
- Pranayama Proficiency: Advanced breath control techniques
- Bandha Practice: Integration with yogic locks
- Mental Preparation: Meditation and concentration skills
Complementary Techniques:
- Jalandhara Bandha: Throat lock coordination
- Kumbhaka: Breath retention practices
- Trataka: Gazing practices for concentration
- Mantra: Sacred sound integration
Stages of Mastery Timeline
Beginner Phase (6 months - 2 years):
- Nabho mudra practice
- Basic tongue flexibility
- Soft palate contact
Intermediate Phase (2-5 years):
- Uvula region access
- Brief nasal cavity entry
- Coordination with breath retention
Advanced Phase (5+ years):
- Complete nasal cavity insertion
- Extended practice periods
- Integration with higher samadhi states
Master Level (Decades):
- Effortless performance
- Continuous practice during daily activities
- Reported supernatural abilities
Philosophical and Spiritual Dimensions
Symbolic Meaning:
The tongue reaching toward the "source" represents the individual consciousness returning to its divine origin, literally "tasting" the nectar of immortality that flows from the cosmic center.
Tantric Significance:
In tantric physiology, this practice represents the ultimate union of individual awareness with universal consciousness, achieved through direct physical manipulation of subtle energy currents.
Alchemical Transformation:
This is an advanced practice and the yogi is said to overcome thirst, hunger, decay and death by this practice, representing the transformation of the ordinary human condition into a divine state.
Contemporary Perspectives
Scientific Considerations:
- Neurological: Possible stimulation of vagus nerve and parasympathetic system
- Endocrine: Potential influence on pituitary and pineal gland function
- Respiratory: Altered breathing patterns and CO2 levels
- Psychological: Meditative states and altered consciousness
Modern Applications:
- Meditation Enhancement: Deepening contemplative practices
- Stress Reduction: Activation of relaxation response
- Breath Awareness: Increased sensitivity to respiratory function
- Mind-Body Integration: Enhanced psychosomatic awareness
Conclusion
Khechari Mudra represents one of the most advanced and potentially dangerous practices in the Hatha Yoga tradition. While classical texts make extraordinary claims about its benefits, modern practitioners should approach it with extreme caution, proper preparation, and qualified guidance.
The practice embodies the fundamental Hatha Yoga principle that enlightenment can be achieved through direct manipulation of the body's subtle energies, transforming the physical form into a vehicle for transcendent realization.
Essential Warning: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Khechari Mudra should never be attempted without direct guidance from a qualified and experienced teacher who has mastered the practice themselves.
Bhagavad Gita ch 6:16
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नत: ।
न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन ॥ १६ ॥
TEXT 16
nāty-aśnatas 'tu yogo 'sti
na caikāntam anaśnataḥ
na cāti-svapna-śīlasya
jāgrato naiva cārjuna
SYNONYMS
na—never; ati—too much; aśnataḥ—of one who eats so; tu—but; yogaḥ—linking with the Supreme; asti—there is; na—nor; ca—also; ekāntam—very low; anaśnataḥ—abstaining from eating; na—nor; ca—also; ati—too much; svapna-śīlasya—of one who sleeps too much; jāgrataḥ—or one who keeps night watch too much; na—not; eva—ever; ca—and; arjuna—O Arjuna.
TRANSLATION
There is no possibility of one's becoming a yogī, O Arjuna, if one eats too much, or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough.
PURPORT
Regulation of diet and sleep is recommended herein for the yogīs. Too much eating means eating more than is required to keep the body and soul together. There is no need for men to eat animals because there is an ample supply of grains, vegetables, fruits and milk. Such simple foodstuff is considered to be in the mode of goodness according to the Bhagavad-gītā. Animal food is for those in the mode of ignorance. Therefore, those who indulge in animal food, drinking, smoking and eating food which is not first offered to Kṛṣṇa will suffer sinful reactions because of eating only polluted things. Bhuñjate te tv aghaṁ papa ye pacanty ātma-kāraṇāt. Anyone who eats for sense pleasure, or cooks for himself, not offering his food to Kṛṣṇa, eats only sin. One who eats sin and eats more than is allotted to him cannot execute perfect yoga. It is best that one eat only the remnants of foodstuff offered to Kṛṣṇa. A person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness does not eat anything which is not first offered to Kṛṣṇa. Therefore, only the Kṛṣṇa conscious person can attain perfection in yoga practice. Nor can one who artificially abstains from eating, manufacturing his own personal process of fasting, practice yoga. The Kṛṣṇa conscious person observes fasting as it is recommended in the scriptures. He does not fast or eat more than is required, and he is thus competent to perform yoga practice. One who eats more than required will dream very much while sleeping, and he must consequently sleep more than is required. One should not sleep more than six hours daily. One who sleeps more than six hours out of twenty-four is certainly influenced by the mode of ignorance. A person in the mode of ignorance is lazy and prone to sleep a great deal. Such a person cannot perform yoga.
Reference: Bhagavad Gita As It Is, translation and commentary by Swami A. C. Bhaktivedanta, original Macmillan 1972 edition, freely available at www.prabhupadabooks.com.
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