THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON THE KING
then engage in contracting the yoni (the space between the
lingam and anus). After which contemplate that the God of
love resides in the Brahma-Yoni, and imagine that an union
takes place between Shiva and Shakti.
A full account of how to practise this Mudra is given in
the “Shiva Sanhita”;* but it is both complicated and diffi-
cult to carry out, and if attempted should most certainly be
performed under the instruction of a Guru.
2. Maha Mudra.
Pressing the anus with the left heel and stretching out the right leg, take
hold of the toes with your hand. Then practise the Jalandhara Bandhat and
draw the breath through the Sushumna. Then the Kundalini becomes straight
just as a coiled snake when struck. . . . Then the two other Nadis (the Ida and
Pingala) become dead, because the breath goes out of them, Then he should
breathe out very slowly and never quickly.}
3. Maha Bandha.
Pressing the anus with the left ankle place the right foot upon the left thigh.
Having drawn in the breath, place the chin firmly on the breast, contract the
anus and fix the mind on the Sushumna Nadi. Having restrained the breath as
long as possible, he should then breathe out slowly. He should practise first on
the left side and then on the right.§
4. Maha Vedha.
As a beautiful and graceful woman is of no value without a husband, so
Maha Mudra and Maha Bandha have no value without Maha Vedha.
The Yogi assuming the Maha Bandha posture, should draw in his breath
* “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. iv, 1-11. Also see “Gheranda Sanhita,” p. 23.
+ The Jalandhara Banda is performed by contracting the throat and pressing
the chin firmly against the breast.
} “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” pp. 45, 46. Also see “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. iv,
11-20, The breath is always exhaled slowly so as not to expend the Prana.
§ “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” p. 47; “Shiva Sanhita,” chap. iv, 21, 22,
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