As a means of preserving what I have found among the great gems of wisdom and insight on this planet, these publications of mine are my legacy and journal or insights along the way. I share them because the greatest pleasure is from sharing one's greatest treasure. That is what I present here.
Today I want to share with you my ultimate jailbreak for the lazy intelligent. Some people are active intelligent, and that is good, but some are lazy, yet still intelligent. Well, today's revelation requires little to no effort, yet the results can be life changing and worth more than any other treasure on this planet.
I'm talking about the yoga posture of the shoulder stand for capturing the hormones that are secreted by the pineal and keeping them in the brain by using gravity.
Yoga is for liberation and enlightenment, and the postures found in hatha yoga are merely tools to facilitate that. Getting physically fit is a secondary benefit.
The pineal gland secretes valuable hormones that enable healing, rejuvenation and awakened consciousness. To prevent them from being lost, the yoga technique of the shoulder stand enables the yogi to capture them and harness their rare power. That, my dear reader, is the treasure of all treasures, that hormone chemical from the pineal and pituitary system.
Knowing how to capture it is information that is akin to the greatest treasure in the world, so I present to you below what AI has summarized for me regarding this yoga technique. I record it here for both your and my benefit, and for all posterity onto the blockchain, long may she sail.
The Classical Practice of Inversion for Preserving the Divine Nectar
Etymology and Classical Definition
Viparita Karani (Sanskrit: विपरीतकरणी) derives from:
- Viparita = inverted, reversed, opposite
- Karani = doing, action, process
- Combined meaning: "the reversing process" or "inverse action"
The name comes from the Sanskrit words विपरीत viparīta, "inverted" or "reversed", and करणी karaṇī, "a practice". Viparita Karani means "reverse process." It not only increases metabolism — through stoking the gastric fire (jathara-agni) — but everything is turned topsy-turvy: body, mind, and breath.
Classical Textual Foundation
Primary Sources:
- Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 3, verses 78-82) - Most detailed classical exposition
- Gheranda Samhita - Listed among the 25 essential mudras
- Shiva Samhita - Additional philosophical context
- Various Tantric texts - Energetic mechanics
Classification in Classical Yoga:
In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, as in most classical texts on haṭha yoga, Viparita Karani is listed as a mudra, meaning its purpose is for the directing of energy upwards within the body, using gravity's action on the inverted body, as opposed to asanas which are used in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika for physical steadiness.
The Solar-Lunar Energy System
The Classical Understanding:
The whole of the nectar, possessing divine qualities, which exudes from the Soma (Chandra) is devoured by the Surya; and, owing to this, the body becomes old. This passage from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika establishes the fundamental energetic principle behind Viparita Karani.
Anatomical-Energetic Correspondence:
The Lunar Center (Soma/Chandra):
- Location: Above the soft palate, in the head region
- Nature: Cool, nourishing, life-preserving
- Function: Continuously secretes amrita (divine nectar)
- Association: Moon energy, receptive principle
The Solar Center (Surya):
- Location: Naval region, solar plexus (manipura chakra)
- Nature: Hot, consuming, digestive fire
- Function: Burns up the descending nectar
- Association: Sun energy, active principle
The Natural Downward Flow:
In the normal upright position:
- Amrita continuously drips from the lunar center (head)
- Flows downward due to gravity
- Gets consumed by the solar fire (naval region)
- Results in aging, decay, and eventual death
The Reversal Mechanism
Physical Inversion Effects:
In this position, the body of the sun and the moon change places, that is, the solar sphere (the lower abdomen) is at the top, and the lunar sphere (the head region) is at the bottom.
Energetic Consequences:
By reversing the action of the downward flow of this nectar and assimilating it into the body, one is said to rejuvenate and preserve the cellular tissues, thereby slowing down the aging process.
The Preservation Process:
This mudra is done in a half-shoulderstand position, reversing the body. This allows the amrita nectar from the Soma Chakra above the palate to flow in the opposite direction of gravity.
Technical Practice Variations
Traditional Mudra Form:
The classical Viparita Karani mudra involves:
- Full inversion (headstand or shoulder stand)
- Extended hold times (traditionally up to 3 hours)
- Specific breathing patterns
- Mental focus on energy circulation
Modern Asana Adaptations:
Viparita Karani is an inverted yoga pose that involves lying on the back with legs extended vertically upward. It is similar to the Shoulder Stand. Some people call this pose Legs-up-the-wall-pose.
Progressive Approach:
Level 1: Legs-Up-the-Wall
- Setup: Lying with legs vertical against wall
- Duration: 5-20 minutes
- Benefits: Gentle inversion, stress relief
- Suitability: Beginners, therapeutic applications
Level 2: Supported Shoulder Stand
- Setup: Shoulders elevated on blankets, legs vertical
- Duration: 10-30 minutes
- Benefits: Moderate inversion, increased energy reversal
- Suitability: Intermediate practitioners
Level 3: Classical Mudra
- Setup: Full shoulder stand or headstand
- Duration: 30 minutes to 3 hours (advanced)
- Benefits: Complete energy reversal, spiritual transformation
- Suitability: Advanced practitioners with proper guidance
The Amrita Preservation Theory
Classical Description:
"With the navel region above and the palate below, the sun is above and the moon is below. This is called Viparita Karani, the reversing process. When given by the Guru's instructions it is fruitful practice" (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter 3, Verse 79).
The Nectar's Properties:
- Divine Quality: Possesses supernatural characteristics
- Life-Preserving: Maintains cellular integrity
- Consciousness-Enhancing: Increases awareness and clarity
- Rejuvenating: Reverses aging processes
The Preservation Mechanism:
- Normal State: Nectar flows downward, gets consumed
- Inverted State: Nectar pools in head region
- Assimilation: Body absorbs rather than wastes the essence
- Result: Extended life, enhanced vitality, spiritual development
Physiological and Energetic Benefits
Classical Claims:
- Conquest of Death: "There is a miracle cure which does not allow (lunar) nectar to burn in the fire of the sun"
- Youth Preservation: Slowing or reversing aging processes
- Enhanced Vitality: Increased life force and energy
- Spiritual Development: Acceleration of consciousness evolution
Modern Understanding:
Clinical studies report reduced stress, improved immunity, and balanced cardiovascular parameters. Viparita Karani integrates physical and energetic mechanisms, activating chakras and facilitating parasympathetic dominance, thus supporting holistic health.
Documented Physiological Effects:
- Circulatory Benefits: Improved venous return, reduced edema
- Nervous System: Parasympathetic activation, stress reduction
- Hormonal Balance: Potential influence on pineal and pituitary function
- Lymphatic Drainage: Enhanced immune system function
- Cardiovascular Health: Reduced blood pressure, improved heart rate variability
Detailed Practice Instructions
Preparatory Practices:
- Pavanmuktasana Series: Joint mobility and energy activation
- Surya Namaskara: Building heat and preparing circulation
- Pranayama: Breath awareness and control
- Bandha Practice: Energetic locks for enhanced control
Basic Legs-Up-Wall Technique:
Setup:
- Place bolster or folded blanket perpendicular to wall
- Lie with lower back on support, sitting bones close to wall
- Extend legs vertically up the wall
- Arms relaxed by sides, palms facing up
Practice Guidelines:
- Duration: Start with 5-10 minutes, gradually increase
- Breathing: Natural, relaxed breathing throughout
- Mental Focus: Awareness of energy flowing upward
- Exit: Slowly roll to side, rest before sitting up
Advanced Mudra Practice:
Classical Shoulder Stand Method:
- Entry: From lying position, lift legs and torso
- Support: Hands on back, elbows grounded
- Alignment: Straight line from shoulders to feet
- Hold: Begin with 3-5 minutes, gradually increase
Energy Circulation Technique:
- Visualization: Imagine nectar pooling in head region
- Breath Work: Slow, deep breathing to enhance circulation
- Mental Rotation: Systematic awareness through body centers
- Integration: Gradual assimilation of preserved energy
Philosophical and Spiritual Dimensions
The Reversal of Natural Order:
It promotes spirituality over temporality: when ego is no longer the subject, it allows purusha (pure consciousness) to emerge as the primary reality.
Symbolic Meaning:
The physical inversion represents:
- Reversal of ordinary consciousness: From mundane to sacred awareness
- Temporal transcendence: Moving beyond linear time constraints
- Energy conservation: Redirecting life force for spiritual purposes
- Death conquest: Theoretical immortality through energy mastery
Integration with Other Practices:
- Pranayama: Enhanced through inverted breathing patterns
- Meditation: Deeper states accessed through energy reversal
- Mantra: Sound vibrations enhanced by positional changes
- Visualization: Internal imagery strengthened by blood flow to brain
Traditional Timing and Progression
Daily Practice Schedule:
- Morning: Brief practice to energize for the day
- Evening: Longer sessions for restoration and integration
- Full Moon: Extended practice for maximum lunar energy
- Seasonal Adjustments: Longer holds in winter, shorter in summer
Progressive Development:
Months 1-3: Foundation
- Focus: Comfortable inversion up to 10 minutes
- Goals: Basic energy awareness, physical adaptation
- Signs: Reduced fatigue, improved sleep quality
Months 4-12: Integration
- Focus: Extended holds up to 30 minutes
- Goals: Clear energy circulation experience
- Signs: Enhanced vitality, mental clarity, emotional stability
Year 2+: Mastery
- Focus: Traditional mudra practice, extended durations
- Goals: Systematic preservation of vital essence
- Signs: Reported slowing of aging, heightened awareness
Safety Guidelines and Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications:
- Neck Injuries: Previous cervical spine problems
- High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension
- Eye Conditions: Glaucoma, detached retina
- Menstruation: Traditional contraindication during flow
- Pregnancy: Especially after first trimester
Relative Precautions:
- Heart Conditions: Practice with medical clearance
- Recent Surgery: Allow complete healing first
- Digestive Issues: Avoid after large meals
- Mental Health: Caution with severe depression or anxiety
Progressive Safety Protocol:
- Start Gradually: Begin with 5-minute sessions
- Use Support: Props and wall support initially
- Monitor Comfort: Stop if pain or dizziness occurs
- Seek Guidance: Learn from qualified teacher
- Listen to Body: Honor personal limitations
Modern Research and Scientific Validation
Clinical Studies:
Clinical studies report reduced stress, improved immunity, and balanced cardiovascular parameters from regular Viparita Karani practice.
Measured Benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Lowered cortisol levels, reduced anxiety
- Immune Enhancement: Improved lymphocyte function
- Cardiovascular Health: Better circulation, reduced blood pressure
- Sleep Quality: Enhanced rest and recovery
- Hormonal Balance: Positive effects on endocrine system
Ongoing Research Areas:
- Neuroplasticity: Brain changes from regular inversion
- Longevity: Potential anti-aging mechanisms
- Energy Medicine: Validation of subtle energy concepts
- Therapeutic Applications: Clinical uses for various conditions
Integration with Modern Life
Practical Applications:
This rather poetic passage is saying that viparita karani will help you preserve the energy and consciousness that gets unnecessarily wasted through the body. In other words, it will help you stop wasting energy on unimportant things.
Daily Life Benefits:
- Energy Management: Better conservation of vital resources
- Stress Recovery: Rapid restoration from daily pressures
- Mental Clarity: Improved focus and decision-making
- Physical Restoration: Relief from gravitational effects
- Emotional Balance: Enhanced stability and resilience
Workplace Applications:
- Break Practice: Brief inversions during work day
- Travel Recovery: Counteracting long periods of sitting
- Digital Detox: Physical reversal as mental reset
- Performance Enhancement: Energy optimization for peak function
Conclusion
Viparita Karani represents one of the most elegant and accessible practices in the Hatha Yoga tradition for working with the body's subtle energies. The classical understanding that this should overcome birth and death may seem extreme, but the underlying principle of energy conservation and redirection offers practical benefits that modern science is beginning to validate.
Whether practiced as a simple restorative pose or developed into the advanced mudra described in classical texts, Viparita Karani provides a direct method for reversing the ordinary flow of life force, allowing practitioners to experience the profound effects of energy preservation and conscious redirection.
The practice embodies the fundamental yogic principle that through skillful manipulation of the body's position and energy, ordinary biological processes can be transformed into vehicles for enhanced vitality and spiritual development. In our modern context of chronic stress and energy depletion, this ancient practice offers both immediate relief and long-term benefits for those committed to its regular application.
Essential Reminder: While the classical texts make extraordinary claims about conquering death and achieving immortality, practitioners should approach Viparita Karani with realistic expectations while remaining open to the profound transformative potential that lies within this deceptively simple reversal of the body's ordinary relationship with gravity.
Bhagavad Gita ch 6:18
यदा विनियतं चित्तमात्मन्येवावतिष्ठते ।
निस्पृह: सर्वकामेभ्यो युक्त इत्युच्यते तदा ॥ १८ ॥
yadā viniyataṁ cittam
ātmany evāvatiṣṭhate
nispṛhaḥ sarva-kāmebhyo
yukta ity ucyate tadā
SYNONYMS
yadā—when; viniyatam—particularly disciplined; cittam—the mind and its activities; ātmani—in the Transcendence; eva—certainly; avatiṣṭhate—becomes situated; nispṛhaḥ—devoid of; sarva—all kinds of; kāmebhyaḥ—material desires; yuktaḥ—well situated in yoga; iti—thus; ucyate—is said to be; tadā—at that time.
TRANSLATION
When the yogī, by practice of yoga, disciplines his mental activities and becomes situated in Transcendence—devoid of all material desires—he is said to have attained yoga.
PURPORT
The activities of the yogī are distinguished from those of an ordinary person by his characteristic cessation from all kinds of material desires—of which sex is the chief. A perfect yogī is so well disciplined in the activities of the mind that he can no longer be disturbed by any kind of material desire. This perfectional stage can automatically be attained by persons in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, as is stated in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (9.4.18-20):
sa vai manaḥ kṛṣṇa-padāravindayor vacāṁsi vaikuṇṭha-guṇānavarṇane
karau harer mandira-mārjanādiṣu śrutiṁ cakārācyuta-sat-kathodaye
mukunda-liṅgālaya-darśane dṛśau tad-bhṛtyagātra-sparśe 'ṅga-saṅgamam
ghrāṇaṁ ca tat-pāda-saroja-saurabhe śrīmat tulasyā rasanāṁ tad-arpite
pādau hareḥ kṣetra-padānusarpaṇe śiro hṛṣīkeśa-padābhivandane
kāmaṁ ca dāsye na tu kāma-kāmyayā yathottama-śloka-janāśrayā ratiḥ
"King Ambarīṣa first of all engaged his mind on the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa; then, one after another, he engaged his words in describing the transcendental qualities of the Lord, his hands in mopping the temple of the Lord, his ears in hearing of the activities of the Lord, his eyes in seeing the transcendental forms of the Lord, his body in touching the bodies of the devotees, his sense of smell in smelling the scents of the lotus flower offered to the Lord, his tongue in tasting the tulasī leaf offered at the lotus feet of the Lord, his legs in going to places of pilgrimage and the temple of the Lord, his head in offering obeisances unto the Lord and his desires in executing the mission of the Lord. All these transcendental activities are quite befitting a pure devotee."
This transcendental stage may be inexpressible subjectively by the followers of the impersonalist path, but it becomes very easy and practical for a person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, as is apparent in the above description of the engagements of Mahārāja Ambarīṣa. Unless the mind is fixed on the lotus feet of the Lord by constant remembrance, such transcendental engagements are not practical. In the devotional service of the Lord, therefore, these prescribed activities are called arcanā, or engaging all the senses in the service of the Lord. The senses and the mind require engagements. Simple abnegation is not practical. Therefore, for people in general—especially those who are not in the renounced order of life—transcendental engagement of the senses and the mind as described above is the perfect process for transcendental achievement, which is called yukta in the Bhagavad-gītā.
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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