Swar Yoga
by Swami Sivananda
A Hindi translation of 'SVARA YOGA'
Published by The Divine Life Society
Publisher's Note
Swar Yoga is an ancient Hindu science and art that has thoroughly analyzed the life-element, Prana, and the functions of life in this body. It deals with the various Nadis (subtle energy channels) through which Prana vibrates in this body, giving it life and providing means to regulate the flow of Prana to ensure good health and longevity. This science, or Swar Yoga, is more subtle and accessible than the science of Pranayama. Compared to Pranayama, Swar Yoga is like its external outline. In Swar Yoga, we obtain various effective means to prevent disease and death. The practice of Swar Yoga should be undertaken under the guidance of an adept Yogi.
In the twentieth century, the modern Rishi and Yogi Swami Sivananda ji has written in this book about this little-known but important, practical, scientific, and yogic branch (whose description is not commonly found in Pranayama practice, Hatha Yoga, Yogabhyas, and Kundalini Yoga). The subjects of this book are of complete practical benefit for spiritual seekers and readers. And it would not be an exaggeration to say that it is useful for every reader.
- The Divine Life Society
A Few Words from the Translator
My hundred-fold salutations at the feet of the most revered Gurudev Sri Swami Sivananda ji Maharaj. Every book written by Gurudev is worth incorporating into practical life because Gurudev first applied them in his own life and only then wrote them in book form for the benefit of the masses. Indeed, while translating this book into Hindi, I felt as if Gurudev himself was the Yogi of Swar. It is a well-known fact that Swami ji was a Trikaldarshi (one who knows past, present, and future), and this is one of the Siddhis (accomplishments) obtained by a Swar Yogi.
In this book, Gurudev has taught us a very simple Swar Sadhana and has explained which Swar should be active on which day, what activities should be performed in which Swar to achieve complete success, and if our Swar is not flowing correctly, how to fix it; remedies for this are also given in this book. Along with this, the five elements that our body is made of, their use is also described in this book, and in it, we find a very important yet simple practice, which is Chhaya Tratak, by practicing which for twelve years, a person becomes a Trikaldarshi.
In the present book, Gurudev has written about the yoga related to our breaths. We all know that as long as there is breath, there is life; but very few people know that by regulating these very breaths, we can achieve success in every task of life and live a healthy life for an infinite period, and the name of this Sadhana is Swar Yoga Sadhana.
Finally, my humble request to all of you is to read this book and apply it in your daily life and achieve success in every task, and attain longevity and a healthy life.
By the uncaused grace of Gurudev, I got the opportunity to translate some books from English to Hindi. Some of the books translated by me are as follows: Simple Home Remedies, How to Get Sound Sleep, How to Live a Hundred Years, Kundalini Yoga, Swar Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Dharana and Dhyan, Karma and Disease, Modern Saint Swami Sivananda: A Biography, Devi Mahatmya, How to Become Rich, and The Philosophy of Idol Worship.
Ever in the service of Gurudev,
Shivananda Radhika Ashok
Chapter 1: Introduction
Even after the immense progress of science in the last few centuries, this life remains a mystery. Even after the research done by expert physicians, this mystery could not be solved. In short, this life has not become a subject of experiment in any laboratory. The mental laboratories of the saints and sages of India are our only guides that solve this puzzle of our life. This is the knowledge we have received in succession from our ancient Rishis and Yogis.
In the history of Indian philosophy, Yoga-Vedanta, we find many intelligent perspectives on life. The various philosophers of the darshanas have analyzed life in their own way. But the Upanishads, the supreme texts of Hindu thought, have given us the correct presentation of life. The Rishis of the Upanishads, through impartial and complete analysis of the birth, growth, and activities of every living being, have concluded that breath is life, energy, and activity, and that the act of breathing itself is life, energy, and motion.
Man, as we see him, is made of three parts. First, we see a mass of flesh and blood, connected by a network of nerve fibers, with its foundation being a skeleton made of bones. This mass of flesh is incapable of performing any action on its own. The second part is the consciousness that resides within this mass. Consciousness, due to its non-dual nature, also remains inactive. Even the Jiva (individual soul), which is endowed with ego, remains in a causal state, just as darkness covers a city. In the causal state, there is no activity. The next state, the subtle state, is where the process begins. This is the third part. The thread that connects the Jiva and the subtle body is Prana. Similarly, the thread that connects the subtle body and the gross physical body is the air we inhale. This air is the gross form of the Prana inherent in it.
It is the movement of this Prana that operates the various centers of the subtle sensory organs (Jnana-indriyas) and motor organs (Karma-indriyas). This is the movement of Prana taken in through our breath, which operates our hands, feet, and limbs and supports every action of our body.
In the Isavasya Upanishad, you will find: "Tasminnapo Matarishva Dadhati", which means - Matarishvan (the wind) supports the activities of all living beings. In the second question of the Prashna Upanishad, you will find: "Taan Varishthah Prana Uvacha... Avashtabhya Vidharayamiti", where Prana is called the greatest among them. "Do not be deluded, I have divided myself into five parts to support this body." You will find this same idea again in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (Ch. 6, Shloka 1).
The True Chyawanprash
The secret meaning of Chyavana Rishi's story is very significant. Chyavana Rishi represents this human body. The origin of 'Chyavana' is from the root Sanskrit word 'chyu', which means 'to move'. This body never stays in one place but always moves from one state to another. Thus, it develops from childhood to old age and is then destroyed. The senses of the body are the Devas. They always remain young and energetic through the power of Prana. Just as we go to a physician for physical ailments, they depend on Prana for their energy and life force. Prana and Apana are the Ashvinikumaras. They are called Ashvinikumaras because they run continuously like two horses without a moment's rest. They are indivisible, hence they are called twins. Chyavana Rishi obtained their grace, meaning he gained control over Prana and Apana and used them for the enjoyment of youth, Ojas (vitality), and energy.
Thus, using the medicine of Chyavana Rishi to attain eternal youth means controlling and using the breath through yoga. And this is the panacea, the giver of strength and power. Therefore, it is an essential requirement for every person who wishes to live a life full of longevity, strength, enthusiasm, vigor, and Ojas.
Health and Longevity
With increasing age, degeneration in the body is inevitable. If this degeneration can be stopped, the weakness that comes with old age can be avoided. This can be achieved by combining the following practices into the daily routine:
- Viparita Karani: Morning and evening, one hour each time.
- Saraswati Chalana: Morning and evening, 45 minutes each time.
- Bhastrika immediately after Saraswati Chalana.
- And practice the three Bandhas in the following sequence: First - Saraswati Chalana, Second - Jalandhara Bandha, Third - Uddiyana Bandha, Fourth - Mula Bandha.
- If only Kumbhaka (breath retention) is combined with the above, old age can be prevented.
Swar Yoga
Swar Yoga is an ancient Hindu science and art that has fully analyzed the life principle, the activity of Prana, and the performance of life in this body. It deals with the various Nadis with which this Prana vibrates in the body, giving it life and providing the means to regulate the flow of Prana to establish good health and longevity. This science or Swar Yoga is simpler and more easily understood than Pranayama-sadhana. If Swar Yoga is compared with Pranayama, Pranayama is merely the outer boundary of Swar Yoga. In Swar Yoga, we obtain various effective methods to stop disease and death. The practice of Swar Yoga should be done under the direct guidance of a perfect Yogi (proficient in Swar Yoga).
Chapter 2: Swar and Yoga
Swar
Swar means the sound or air taken in through the nostrils. This word is derived from the root word 'Swar', which means 'voice' or 'to breathe'. The breath does not come equally from both nostrils. When the breath stops in one nostril, it begins in the other. The commencement of breath from any nostril is called 'Swarodaya'.
The ancient Rishis observed certain things about the commencement (Swarodaya) and cessation of breath in each of the two nostrils, which not only influenced their various activities but also governed them. The presence of life in this body, the functioning of various internal organs, the perfection of health or the manifestation of diseases, the balance or imbalance of the mind—all depend on the flow of breath in either nostril. These Rishis recorded their experiences from the analytical study of the motion of breath and referred to it by various names such as Swarodaya, Swar Vigyan, Swar Shastra, etc.
Yoga
The word Yoga is derived from the root word 'yuj', which means to yoke or to join. In its higher sense, it means joining the individual soul (Jivatma) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatma), the part becoming one with the whole, the merging of man in the cosmos. It is a supreme science that is connected with different planes—physical, astral, mental, intellectual, intuitional, etc., and brings harmony among all of them.
The practice of Yoga is an essential need of the present time. Any science that inspires the harmonious development of an individual's inner powers, that leads to the perfection of life, and that provides an individual with health, longevity, joy, all-around success, mental balance, peace, and ultimately, immortality, is called Yoga. Balanced development, all-around success, health, and perfection of life are the main benefits derived from Yoga.
The practice of any Yoga should be done regularly and systematically and with complete detachment from worldly temptations. There are many types of Yoga, and they help in the development of different aspects of an individual's personality. Hatha Yoga and Pranayama are helpful in attaining health and perfection of the body. But Swar Yoga goes into the deep secrets of life, guides a person in every action, and also warns in advance in many cases.
Success in life, accumulation of wealth, and attainment of mental peace depend on a person's health and actions. Swar Yoga controls both of these. It warns about future diseases and also reveals the hidden remedy for diseases within the individual. It also tells the right time to perform a new task so that maximum success can be achieved in that task. Therefore, Swar Yoga is a mysterious science of health, longevity, success, wealth, eternal peace, and immortality.
Chapter 3: Prana and its Divisions
Prana is the name given to the fundamental basis of the universe, which is the support of all activities and energy. The Prana moves within the air we inhale, but it is neither the air nor a component of it. With every breath taken in, a person draws in a large amount of Prana into their system. Merely because it contains Prana-vayu (oxygen), it cannot provide support to life, nor can it sustain this gross physical body. For these tasks, a large amount of Prana is required.
The root of disease is essentially in the subtle body. That is why a physician is unable to identify it. But Prana can go deep into the subtle chakras and by treating the disease in this way, can elevate the level of health from its low state to its real state.
The Nadis
Nadis are the vehicles for Prana. Just as blood circulates through small and large blood vessels, Prana is carried to different parts of our body through the Nadis. There are 72,000 Nadis in the human body. They are related to the subtle body, and we cannot see them with our physical eyes. Yet, through subtle insight, we can experience the movement of Prana in these Nadis. Their origin is in the navel region, at a place called the Kanda.
Among the thousands of Nadis, ten are principal: Ida, Pingala, Sushumna, Gandhari, Hastijihva, Pusha, Alambusha, Kuhu, Shankhini, and Sharada. Out of these ten, Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna carry the Marut or the breath of life within them.
Divisions of Breath (The Vayus)
The Prana or life-force that we take in with the air is further divided into ten divisions, but even after this division, its wholeness remains. These divisions are made according to the functions of the Jiva (living being), which are conducted by the Jiva's Prana. They are: Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, Samana, Naga, Kurma, Krikala, Devadatta, and Dhananjaya.
- Prana: The foremost. Functions in the region of the mouth, nostrils, navel, and heart-lotus. It is the cause of sound, respiration, shortness of breath, and phlegm.
- Apana: Functions in the anus, genitals, and surrounding areas. It moves in the thighs, testicles, and the area below the navel-cavity. It helps in the excretion of urine and feces.
- Vyana: Controls actions not managed by Prana and Apana. It moves in the eyes, ears, waist, and nostrils.
- Samana: Pervades the entire body and circulates in all 72,000 Nadis, carrying the digestive fire (Jatharagni) with it. It aids in the digestion of food.
- Udana: Its field of action is all the joints and the throat. It helps various limbs to function.
- Naga: Controls speech.
- Kurma: Responsible for blinking.
- Krikala: The cause of hunger and thirst.
- Devadatta: Associated with yawning.
- Dhananjaya: The cause of the sound heard even when the ears are closed. It does not leave the body even after death.
Chapter 4: Sun, Moon, and Fire
Out of the ten Nadis that go upwards from the navel, the three most important are Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. Living a long and peaceful life, which grants us immortality, depends on the nature of the flow of breath in these three Nadis and the rhythm and ease with which the breath flows.
Ida, or the Chandra Nadi (Moon channel), is identified by the flow of breath in the left nostril, and Pingala, or the Surya Nadi (Sun channel), is identified by the flow of breath in the right nostril. These two Nadis work alternately. The time of change in flow from one Nadi to another is called Vishuvat. This period of change is very inauspicious. No good or bad work should be done during the Vishuvat time.
Sushumna
Among the three main Nadis we are considering, Sushumna is the most important. When the flow of breath changes rapidly in both nostrils after each breath, it is called Sushumna. This is inauspicious for all activities. This indicates mental distraction, restlessness, haste, instability, doubt, and a faulty state of the body.
There is another type of Sushumna in which the flow of breath is continuous in both nostrils. It is identified in another way: there is a uniform flow without any jerk, and the mind's concentration is focused on one of the six chakras. The time of Sushumna is an excellent opportunity for concentration and meditation on God because at this time the mind is naturally calm and stable. No other work should be done at this time.
Victory Over Time (Kaal)
The man who is proficient in controlling the three Nadis and can stabilize the Prana in Sushumna, purifies his mind, and such a man alone can achieve victory over time. The man who has thus stabilized the Prana in Sushumna should try to take it towards the Brahmarandhra (the crown of the head). Only then can he experience Samadhi or the state of supreme consciousness.
The Yogi knows the time of his death. At this time, he takes his Prana into Sushumna and from there takes it to the Brahmarandhra and achieves victory over time or death.
Chapter 5: The Science of Swar
Duration of the Flow (Swar)
Both Ida and Pingala, starting from sunrise, flow for a duration of one hour (or 2.5 Ghati). Thus, in one day (24 hours), the breath flows 12 times from Ida and 12 times from Pingala. This indicates the normal functioning of the breath and Nadis, and also good health.
Generally, when a person is busy with physical or mental activities, Sushumna does not flow. Sushumna flows only when the mind is concentrated and controlled by its secret tendencies. If, contrary to this, Sushumna flows (a sudden, rapid change in breath flow) when the person's mind is not in a state of meditation and is in a waking state, it is a sign of some obstruction in the natural flow of breath.
The Healthy Flow (Swar)
Along with the rules that control the flow of breath in Ida and Pingala, the lunar days (Tithis) also affect the functioning of the Nadis; but this does not change their duration. From this, it is understood that the moon has a very powerful effect on the human mind. In the Purusha Sukta, it is written: "Chandrama manaso jatah" - the moon was born from the mind (of the Virat Purusha).
During the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha), on the first, second, third, seventh, eighth, ninth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and full moon days, Ida (left nostril) flows at sunrise. During the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha), on the fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth days, Ida flows at sunrise. Pingala (right nostril) starts flowing at sunrise on the following days: During the dark fortnight - first, second, third, seventh, eighth, ninth, thirteenth, fourteenth, and new moon days. During the bright fortnight - fourth, fifth, sixth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth days.
If the flow of the Nadi is as described above, it indicates the natural and healthy flow of breath in a healthy person. If the situation is the opposite, it indicates some defect in the body. Before these defects or diseases develop and become serious, they can be cured by changing the flow of breath (Swar). This work is done with the help of Prana, without the aid of medicines.
Chapter 6: The Tattvas (Elements)
This creation is a play of the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) and the five Tattvas. The five Tattvas are: Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Ether (Akash). From the realm of Brahma down to the earthly realm, every object is made of the above three Gunas and five Tattvas.
The difference between various planes of existence is only in the Nadis. With every inhalation and exhalation, there is a change in these Tattvas as well. Good knowledge of the Swars, along with special subtle insight into the activities of the Tattvas, leads a person towards liberation. There is a saying in Tamil: "Saram parppan param parppan," which means, "He who sees the change of the Tattvas well and knows their various effects in the realm of creation, sees the Supreme Being."
The Five Elements
- Earth (Prithvi): Its location is the Muladhara Chakra. Its color is yellow. Its Tanmatra (subtle essence) is smell. Its Bija mantra is 'Lam'.
- Water (Jal): Its location is the Svadhisthana Chakra, at the root of the genitals. Its color is white. Its Bija mantra is 'Vam'.
- Fire (Agni): Its location is the Manipura Chakra, in the navel. Its color is red. Its Bija mantra is 'Ram'.
- Air (Vayu): Its location is the Anahata Chakra, in the heart-lotus. It is green or blue. Its Tanmatra is touch. Its Bija mantra is 'Yam'.
- Ether (Akash): Its location is the Vishuddha Chakra in the throat. Its color is black or dark spots. Its Tanmatra is 'sound'. Its Bija mantra is 'Ham'.
Chapter 7: General Forecasts
Annual Forecast
A Yogi, sitting in Padmasana at the time of Mesha Sankranti (Sun's entry into Aries), should analyze the nature of the Tattva and Nadi:
- If the Earth, Water, and Air Tattvas are in the Chandra Nadi (left nostril), it indicates an abundance of all grains.
- Fire and Ether generally indicate famine.
- The flow of Sushumna indicates confusion, fear, and epidemics.
According to the day of the week, lunar day, and the time of Mesha Sankranti, if the correct Tattva arises and the correct Nadi is flowing, success can easily be predicted in every field. In this way, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and daily forecasts can be made.
If the Chandra Nadi is flowing, there will be abundant food grains on earth and good rainfall on time.
Chapter 8: Important Instructions
Directions for Self
1. Food: Eat well when the Chandra Nadi is active. Eat in moderation when the Surya Nadi is active, and eat very little when Sushumna is active. If Sushumna is flowing, it is best to fast. Food eaten at this time is not digested and causes disease.
2. Bathing: When the Surya Nadi is active, enter a pond or river. Nausea will be cured by this. Come out of the water when the breath changes from Pingala to Ida (left Swar starts flowing). If you stay in the water during the flow of Chandra Nadi (left Swar), uric acid will increase.
3. Oil Bath: When the Chandra Nadi (left Swar) is flowing, apply oil, and when the Surya Nadi (right Swar) is flowing, take a bath. This will not cause phlegm (kapha) to increase.
The Flow of the Nadis
If the Chandra Nadi flows alone for many days, and the Surya Nadi does not flow at all, or the opposite happens, death is predicted within a fortnight or a month.
If any one Nadi (Surya or Chandra) flows continuously for three days, it is an indicator of death within a year.
If a particular Nadi flows continuously for two days, it is an indicator of death in two years.
One who is proficient in Swar Yoga and has complete control over the flow of breath and the rise of the five Tattvas can attain immortality by making the Chandra Nadi flow during the day and the Surya Nadi flow at night.
Chapter 9: Practical Path
The Three Important Nadis
The breath going through the left nostril is called Ida Nadi, and the breath going through the right nostril is called Pingala Nadi. They are also called Chandra and Surya Nadi respectively. When the breath is not in either nostril, it is in the Sushumna Nadi. It is also called Agni Nadi. When the breath flows equally in both nostrils, it is called Poorna (full).
Auspicious Activities for Chandra Nadi (Left Swar)
Sending messages, appointing representatives or ambassadors, wearing new clothes and ornaments, performing marriage ceremonies, keeping slaves or servants, digging wells or ponds, purchasing land for residence, entering a new house, selling goods, meeting the king for the first time, performing sacred rituals, consecrating a deity or idol, treating fever, making peace with an old enemy, earning money for profit, preparing gifts, and abandoning bad habits.
Auspicious Activities for Surya Nadi (Right Swar)
Receiving teachings from a Guru, teaching others, studying scriptures, teaching scriptures, practicing hospitality, routing an enemy's army, sowing seeds, engaging in trade, theft, gambling, debating, riding an elephant-horse or chariot, writing, giving a musical performance, giving a speech, creating hatred, dismembering someone, inviting judges, chasing away demons, attaining mantra-siddhi, starting medical treatment, eating at night, sleeping, bathing, and stopping the enemy's activities through yogic power.
Chapter 10: The Gradual Ascent of the Mind
The chakras located in our body are centers of energy. They are centers of Prana Shakti that manifest through the Prana Vayu in a living body. They are not visible to the gross senses. They are only visible in a living body and become invisible with its disintegration after death.
Perfection in Yoga is achieved through purity of mind. When you interact with others, be correct in your behavior. Be tolerant. Do not hate sinners. Have compassion for all. If you invest your maximum energy in Yogabhyas, your progress will be swift. You must have a strong desire for liberation and intense dispassion. You must be diligent and determined. It is necessary to enter into deep and continuous Dhyan (meditation) and Samadhi.
The mind of a worldly person wanders in the Muladhara and Svadhisthana chakras, along with basic desires and passions. If one's mind becomes pure, it reaches the Manipura chakra, where one experiences some power and bliss. If the mind becomes even purer, it ascends to the Anahata chakra, where one experiences bliss and has visions of the radiant form of their chosen deity. When the mind becomes extremely pure, Dhyan and Bhakti become powerful, and this superior mind ascends to the Vishuddha chakra, where it experiences even more power and bliss. When the Yogi reaches the Ajna chakra, he attains Samadhi and realizes Paramatma or Brahman. When he reaches the spiritual center located in the brain, the Sahasrara chakra, the Yogi attains Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the supreme state of consciousness. He becomes one with the non-dual Brahman. This is the highest plane of consciousness or the supreme Asamprajnata Samadhi. Now, Kundalini becomes one with Shiva.
Chapter 11: Experiences Upon Kundalini Awakening
Upon Kundalini awakening, you have divine visions; you experience divine fragrance, divine taste, and divine touch. You hear the divine Anahata Nada. You receive guidance from the Lord. All these are signs that the Kundalini Shakti is awakened within you. When there is vibration in the Muladhara, when your hair stands on end, when Uddiyana, Jalandhara, and Mula Bandhas occur spontaneously, know that Kundalini is awakened.
When the breath stops without any effort, when Kevala Kumbhaka occurs spontaneously, know that Kundalini is awakened. When you feel that the Prana Shakti is rising towards the Sahasrara, when you experience bliss, and when you start chanting Om mechanically, when no worldly thoughts enter your mind, know that Kundalini Shakti is awakened.
When you are in Dhyan, when you receive inspiration and intuition, when nature reveals its secrets to you, when all doubts disappear, when you clearly understand the meaning of the Vedas, know that your Kundalini is awakened. When you become as light as air, when your mind is balanced in a state of agitation, when you have inexhaustible energy to work, know that Kundalini is awakened.
The Yogi Drinks Nectar (Amrita)
Below the navel is the Agni Mandala (region of fire), within and above the heart is the Surya Mandala (region of the sun). Within and above the head, the region of the moon is the Chandra Mandala.
A great amount of nectar flows from the Yogi's brain-moon-mandala. The Yogi absorbs it into his system and lives for an infinite time without consuming any food or drink. The nectar that flows from the moon-mandala situated in the head is utilized by the fire-mandala situated in the navel-mandala. But by practicing Sarvangasana and Viparitakarani Mudra, this nectar nourishes the entire body. Therefore, its practitioner attains longevity. In Shirshasana and Sarvangasana, the fire-mandala is inverted, due to which the nectar does not reach the fire, and the fire cannot consume it.
Appendix: Shiva-Swarodaya
Devi Uvacha (The Goddess spoke):
O God of Gods, Mahadeva! Having mercy upon me, O Lord, tell me the knowledge that brings all accomplishments. How was the universe created, how does it change, and how does it dissolve? O Deva, tell me the truth of the universe.
Ishwara Uvacha (The Lord spoke):
The universe is born from the Tattvas, it changes through the Tattvas, and it dissolves into the Tattvas, O Devi. Thus is the truth of the universe. The stainless, formless one God, Maheshwara. From that came Akash (ether), from Akash came Vayu (air). From Vayu came Tejas (fire), from that Apas (water), and from that Prithvi (earth) was born. These five Tattvas are spread out in five ways. From them, the universe is born, by them it changes, and in them it dissolves and again resides.
In this body made of five elements, O beautiful one, the five elements exist in a subtle form and are known by the Yogis of the Tattvas. Now I shall speak of the Swara, the Swarodaya of the body, which, in the form of the movement of Hamsa (breath), brings knowledge of the three times (past, present, future). This knowledge of Swarodaya is a jewel on the head of all knowledge, more secret than the most secret, a revealer of benefits. More subtle than the subtlest knowledge, easy to understand, and based on truth, it is a wonder to the non-believer in the world, and a foundation for the believer.
