Sadhguru explains in Sadhguru Sannidhyan about the Hamsa Vidya. Hamsa Vidya comes from the Shiva in 'Ha Ja Ba Ra La' (ह ज ब र ल) Tantra. In ancient Bengal once upon a time, this Tantra was practiced. This Tantra is widely practised by Guru Matsendranath in Bengal.
Article | January 16, 2000
Sadhguru: In the vast expanse of India's spiritual landscape lies a treasure trove of esoteric knowledge waiting to be explored. Among these jewels of wisdom, Hamsa Vidya shines brightly, offering seekers a path to enlightenment and self-realization. Rooted in ancient scriptures and practices, Hamsa Vidya is not just a doctrine but a profound philosophy that unveils the secrets of existence and the nature of consciousness. As I told you, It is from 'Ha Ja Ba Ra La' (ह ज ब र ल) Tantra' but majorly people say it is from Vedantic practice. That is wrong. It is actually from the very ancient practice of Tantra. Very few people know about Kirat Kamakshya. People nowadays only know about Kamakshya. This ancient practice is under Kirat Kamakshya. Once upon a time, Nath Yogis were practising this Tantra only in Bengal and the eastern part of India.
Later Hamsa Vidya came to Upanishad. The term "Hamsa" is derived from the Sanskrit words "ham" and "sa," which symbolize the breath—the incoming and outgoing breath, representing the primal rhythm of life. Vidya, on the other hand, translates to knowledge or wisdom. Thus, Hamsa Vidya can be understood as the science of breath or the knowledge of the breath.
The term "Hamsa" is derived from the Sanskrit words "ham" and "sa," which symbolize the breath—the incoming and outgoing breath, representing the primal rhythm of life.
At its core, Hamsa Vidya is a contemplative practice that delves into the intimate connection between the breath, the mind, and the ultimate reality. It teaches practitioners to harness the power of conscious breathing as a means to transcend the limitations of the egoic mind and merge with the universal consciousness. In essence, it is a journey inward, leading to the discovery of the Self beyond the fluctuations of thoughts and emotions.
One of the key techniques of Hamsa Vidya is the practice of Ajapa Japa, which involves the constant repetition of a sacred mantra synchronized with the breath. Through this meditative practice, practitioners cultivate a heightened awareness of the breath, allowing them to penetrate the layers of mental chatter and attain a state of deep tranquillity. As the mind becomes still, the practitioner experiences moments of pure awareness, free from the grip of egoic identification.
Ajapa Japa is not merely a mechanical repetition of a mantra but a dynamic meditation that harmonizes the rhythm of breath with the melody of sacred sounds, leading practitioners to the shores of divine consciousness.
The term "Ajapa Japa" is derived from Sanskrit, where "Ajapa" means "unspoken," and "Japa" refers to the continuous recitation of a mantra. Unlike traditional Japa, where the practitioner consciously repeats a mantra, Ajapa Japa transcends the realm of verbalization, guiding practitioners to a state where the mantra reverberates spontaneously within their being, synchronized with the natural flow of breath. In normal conditions, humans take 21600 breaths in 24 hours. Ajapa Japa is 21600 times in a body with every inhale and exhale.
Another fundamental aspect of Hamsa Vidya is the understanding of the subtle energy centres in the body known as chakras. According to this tradition, the breath is intimately linked with the movement of prana, or life force energy, through these energy centres. By harmonizing the breath with the subtle flow of prana, practitioners can awaken dormant energies within themselves and achieve states of profound spiritual awakening.
When we say Chakras, the secret tantric practice is here according to 'Ha Ja Ba Ra La' (ह ज ब र ल) Tantra'. In Nath Yogi parampara or tradition it is very much secret and sacred and only the Guru is giving to the disciple who is ready for the long journey.
At its essence, Ajapa Japa is a meditation on the primal sound of the breath itself—the sacred symphony that orchestrates the dance of chitishakti. By attuning the mind to the subtle rhythm of inhalation and exhalation, practitioners immerse themselves in the eternal mantra of "So'ham" or "Hamsa," which corresponds to the sound of the breath itself. "So'ham" translates to "I am That" - the "tat tvam asi". While "Hamsa" represents the "That I am".
'Ha Ja Ba Ra La' (ह ज ब र ल) Tantra' but majorly people say it is from Vedantic practice. That is wrong. It is actually from the very ancient practice of Tantra. Very few people know about Kirat Kamakshya. People nowadays only know about Kamakshya. This ancient practice is under Kirat Kamakshya. Once upon a time, Nath Yogis were practising this Tantra only in Bengal and the eastern part of India.
In the scriptures it is mentioned that the practice of Ajapa Japa unfolds in stages, guiding practitioners from gross awareness to subtle absorption. But many sadhaks express their grief that long time they were practising but nothing happened. Actualy Hamsa Vidya is not kriya. Without Smabhabi Vidya Initiation Sadhaks will not get the actual feeling of Hamsa Vidya. Hamsa Vidya is directly associated with Shambhabi Vidya where only the SiddhaGuru can initiate to his disciples. Shambhabi Mahamudra people can attain this by proper Sadhana. If you think by practising Shambhabi Mahamudra you will get Shambhabi it is absolutely wrong. This is not a reversible process. This may harm your eyes. Shambhabi is not Kriya. This Shambhabi is so secret that in any scripture it is not mentioned what the mantra or what is the practising process of it. Only mention the word, Shambhabi Shakti or Shambhabi Vidya. The true Guru only can transfer this to his disciples. If any Guru is doing any mischief he will be badly cursed by the Shiva and to protect the immense power of Shambhabi the Shiva Bhairabas will act on it.
By normal practising of Hamsa Vidya initially, practitioners may bring their attention to the physical sensation of the breath as it flows in and out of the nostrils, gradually letting go of conscious effort and allowing the breath to move spontaneously. As the mind becomes more attuned to the natural rhythm of breath, the mantra "So'ham" or "Hamsa" arises effortlessly, like a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of consciousness.
Through sustained practice, the boundaries between the meditator and the object of meditation begin to dissolve, giving rise to a state of profound union known as Samadhi. We call it 'Dhyan', 'Dhyata' and 'Dheyo'. In this state of absorption, the meditator transcends the limitations of the individual self and merges with the infinite expanse of pure consciousness. Every breath becomes a sacrament, every heartbeat a hymn of devotion, as the practitioner realizes their inherent unity with the divine.
The transformative power of Ajapa Japa lies not only in its ability to quiet the restless fluctuations of the mind but also in its capacity to awaken dormant faculties of perception and intuition. As practitioners delve deeper into the subtle realms of consciousness, they may experience profound insights, mystical visions, and states of bliss beyond description. Yet, the true fruits of the practice lie not in extraordinary experiences but in the gradual unfoldment of wisdom and compassion in everyday life.
In an age marked by constant distraction and disconnection, the practice of Ajapa Japa offers a sanctuary of stillness and serenity amidst the chaos of modern living. By cultivating a conscious relationship with the breath and the sacred mantra, practitioners discover an inexhaustible reservoir of peace and joy within themselves, independent of external circumstances. Moreover, Ajapa Japa serves as a potent antidote to the epidemic of loneliness and alienation, reconnecting individuals with the source of all life and love.
As we embark on the journey of Ajapa Japa, let us approach the practice with humility, sincerity, and reverence, knowing that it is not merely a technique but a sacred pilgrimage to the innermost sanctum of the heart. With each breath, let us awaken to the eternal song that echoes throughout the cosmos, whispering the timeless truth of our divine nature: "So'ham," "Hamsa," "I am That."
In today's fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety have become endemic, the teachings of Hamsa Vidya offer a much-needed antidote. By incorporating simple breathing techniques and mindfulness practices into our daily lives, we can cultivate inner peace, clarity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Now the question is how? The 'Prana' and the 'Mon' the mind are interconnected. Though prana is not exactly the meaning of breath. Breath is one part of Prana. Moreover, Hamsa Vidya provides a holistic framework for understanding the interconnectedness of all life forms, fostering a sense of unity and compassion in a world plagued by division and strife.
As we delve deeper into the timeless wisdom of Hamsa Vidya, we come to realize that it is not merely a set of esoteric teachings confined to ancient texts but a living tradition that continues to inspire and transform lives today. In the sacred dance of breath and consciousness, we find the key to unlocking the gates of liberation and realizing our inherent divinity. May we tread this path with reverence and humility, knowing that the journey itself is the destination, and every breath is a step closer to the ultimate truth.
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