NEYS, DROPS, AND A LACK OF SELF NATURE

Earlier in the manual we looked at the importance of crucial points in bringing the winds into the central channel. As well, we briefly touched on the idea of drops, or drops of consciousness, and how these too play a role in bringing winds into the central channel. In fact, the entire goal of Lady Niguma yoga is to use inner and outer methods to bring winds into the central channel. When winds enter into this channel we use bandhas, or locks, to keep the winds from releasing back out. Through continued practice, these winds enter, stay, and dissolve into the heart chakra and at this point the dissolution of the elements occurs. As these elements dissolve, so too do the inner winds, and as these winds calm down and settle, what else starts to dissolve? Our thoughts which ride upon these winds. At the heart chakra, during the dissolution of the elements, this happens in a very extreme way. At the center of this chakra is the most important drop called the “indestructible drop”. As the winds dissolve here, all forms of conceptual thought subside, and this drop breaks open releasing the most crucial wind and the most crucial thought of all… But first, it is important to understand that these are extremely advanced practices and come with some very important warnings. Working with the subtle body at this level, especially at the level of the heart can cause all sorts of very serious ailments. Ailments that can come on in minutes and take days, months or even years to fix. These practices are generally not taught in large groups, these practices are generally only taught to students who have been studying closely with a teacher for many years,and the specifics of the practices are never taught to beginners.

The main problems that can occur are related to an excess of the wind energy.To understand this we can use the analogy of a hose and water.If there is a kink in the hose and we force too much water into this constriction, the hose will burst and water will go everywhere. This is the same with our winds and our channels. If we start moving energy through the channels in a forceful way through our yoga practice for example, we are at risk of blowing out our channels just like the hose. What would be a forceful way? Doing our yoga practices with emotions like jealousy or pride, thinking how great or inferior we are compared to others in class. Doing poses that are too extreme, with too much intensity or holding them for too long. Doing our poses with extreme thoughts of ignorance or holding our breath in forceful ways. This condition of excess wind energy is called lung (pronounced “loo-ng” like the “u” in glume (not like the lung in our chest). When doing these practices it is essential that we recognize when these conditions are starting to arise and we must react immediately to take corrective measures. Signs of lung include:

• Chest pain or feelings of constriction around the heart • Inability to sleep • Headaches • Shaking in the body, arms, or hands • Abnormal inability to concentrate • Feeling overly giddy and acting silly, laughing uncontrollably for no apparent reason • Feeling paranoid or having delusions; being overcome by sudden anxiety • Again, when these signs arise, we must take some action. These ailments are much easier to treat if we act sooner than later. The most important way to counteract these conditions is by slowing down or stopping our practices until the symptoms go away. Additionally we can: • Eat solid, heavy food. Oils, butter, peanut or other nut butters, and ghee, are especially helpful • Take a walk outside or in nature. Look up at the sky or vast landscapes to open up our consciousness in relaxing, expansive ways

• Take a nice relaxing warm bath • Have an oil massage • Read something enjoyable, not serious, something that makes you laugh • Avoid situations that further cause stress or anxiety. Strictly avoid all forms of caffeine and sugars, even things like chocolate and fruit juices.

If these symptoms are acute or continue for more than 18-24 hours, it may be necessary to seek advice from an experienced yoga teacher or someone who has experience in contemplation retreats, or from professional medical personnel. These conditions are rare, but not uncommon. As we progress along our yogic path, we will recognize lung quickly and be able to deal with it more and more effectively. As a yogi, we should see our health as a crucial component in our ability to serve others. Keeping our bodies and minds healthy therefore becomes an important part of our yoga practice. And perhaps not so ironically, this ends up being the best protection against lung--setting a pure motivation for our practice and doing it out of love and compassion. This is the ultimate protection. This is the ultimate path. And this is the ultimate goal.