Dear Neesha,

During your class you spoke about “Shambhavi Mudra,” which is inner and outer balance. I would love to learn more about this concept and would appreciate if you can help me.

Thank you & Namaste, Euisun

Hi Euisun,

Shambhavi Mudra is the practice where ones looks outside and inside simultaneously.

Shambhavi is the essence of one form of Shiva (auspicious, Ground of Being).  Shiva has many forms and names, Shambho is one of them, so this Mudra or seal is relating to the essence of Shiva.  How does one relate to the essence of the Ground of Being?  In this asana practice I modified the original meditation technique, to a larger full body context.  The classic technique of Shambhavi Mudra is looking at the tip of your nose and inside your head (between the eyebrows at the ajna chakra or pineal gland) at the same time.

Every day I practice the refinement of my inner vision and my outer vision. It brings together the opposites that we live in, and to me, refines my ability to know my center in this huge outer world and the vast inner world.  If this is not enough on this concept for you, keep studying with me, and it will make sense as Anusara yoga is based on the optimizing of relationship between the polarities of life.  We call it “balanced action.”

In a very physical sense, you always want to create inner fullness before you actively engage your muscles.  And you always actively tone before actively expanding and stretching.  Can you see how this is one way to embody Shambhavi Mudra?

Enjoy the dance!

In pulsation and play,

Neesha