Disease is a product of imbalances that set in the etheric body. In my book, ‘Sanatan Kriya: Essence of Yoga’, I have explained in detail how imbalances develop in the etheric layer. For a layperson, in simple words, imbalances first occur in the outer layer commonly known as the aura of the person, either due to blockages or depletion or outflow of prana (here it refers to the vital force which runs the body). Aura of a person clearly indicates the impending disease in the body.
There are various tantric and yogic practices given to deal with imbalances and clean the aura before they set in the physical body. The techniques of cleansing the etheric body require certain pre-practices and only an advanced practitioner of tantra can perform them with perfection. At the physical level, practices to clean the physical layer, called Shatkarmas, are given to rid the body of accumulated toxins and infectious pathogens.
In this issue I will take you through AgnisaarKriya.
If you recall the episode from Ramayana, you will find that Ravan appeared to be invincible despite repeated attacks by Rama, and was killed only when Rama pierced his navel with an arrow. The navel corresponds to the seat of power in the body.
Ayurveda says, death begins in the colon. Maximum imbalances in the body start with congestion in the stomach. In our etheric body, corresponding to the area of the navel lies a chakra or energy centre called the Manipoorak. This is the seat of fire and the storehouse of energy/ prana in the body. It is here that all the energy of the body is stored. This is scientifically substantiated by the fact that the process of digestion and metabolism (which provides energy to the whole body) takes place here.
A weak digestive system is unable to throw out waste from the body. As a result, the waste starts rotting in the colon. This rotten waste or ‘ama’ leads to congestion in the stomach causing hindrance in the process of elimination and gives rise to problems like constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence and other digestive disorders.
Our immune and digestive systems are designed to use the digestive fire for the purpose of burning or cooking the ingested food, throw out the waste and utilise the nutrients by converting them into rasa and subsequent dhatus by aid of Dhatu agnis. Dhatu agnis are seven in number (rasa, rakta, mansa, meda, asthi, majja and sukra) and each converts and passes on the nourishing part to the subsequent one. When agnis are in a balanced state – and that can only happen when food is eaten keeping one’s prakriti in consideration, maintaining a proper time for eating and eating food when the previous meal has been digested – the agnis are able to perform their functions well and utilisation of nutrients is optimum. Also, the waste is excreted from the body at the right time and in right quantity. When a person is unable to follow the correct diet and regimen suitable for his constitution and continues to abuse
the system, agnis become feeble and start malfunctioning. This can happen due to various reasons like not eating the right kind of food, eating before the previous meal is digested, eating more than ones digestive power allows and eating foods of cold potency. Agnis get weakened and symptoms described above start to show. So there arises a need to strengthen this digestive fire to be able to cook or digest the food ingested and throw the wastes out of the system.
Agnisaar Kriya, as the name suggests, is aimed at rekindling the digestive fire that results in proper elimination of waste from the stomach and intestines. It is known that the process of digestion requires agni to digest or cook the ingested food and convert it into energy by way of metabolism. Agnisaar Kriya ignites the fire to perform the process of digestion. It then brings the weak system back into a state of normalcy or balance.
In ‘Gheranda Samhita’ it is written:
“Nabhi granthim meruprsthe atavaram ca karayete agnisaram iyam dhautir yoginam yogasiddhidaudaryam amayam tyaktva jatharagnim vivardhayet.”
(Press in the navel knot or intestines towards the spine 100 times. This is Agnisaar or fire or the essence of fire. It gives success in the practice of yoga, cures all the diseases of the stomach and increases the internal fire).
Steps for Agnisaar Kriya
🍂Sit in Siddhasana with your back absolutely straight.
🍂 Hold your knees with your hands.
🍂 Slowly exhaling completely perform the Jalandhar Bandha (chin lock).
🍂 Holding the position and the breath move your stomach in and out 7 times and then slowly inhaling releas the bandha.
🍂 Depending on your comfort, gradually you may progress to 14 sets.
Caution: This kriya should always be done on an empty stomach. Women who are more than three months pregnant should not do Agnisaar Kriya.
However it can be practiced in the postnatal period as this kriya strengthens and develops the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. Those suffering from high bloodpressure, overactive (hyper) thyroid gland, acute duodenal or peptic ulcers, and chronic diarrhoea should not perform this kriya. This kriya must always be practiced under the strict supervision of your Guru.
Dhyan Foundation UK Center conducts free weekly Sanatan Kriya Yoga classes every Monday evening at 6:30 pm GMT onwards at Kings College London.
Ashwini Guriji is the guiding light of Dhyan Ashram and an authority on the Vedic Sciences. His book, ‘Sanatan Kriya, The Ageless Dimension’ is an acclaimed thesis on anti-ageing. He is a rare spiritual master who blends ancient wisdom with modern understanding. With a background in Economics and Management, he spent years with Himalayan Rishis, mastering Vedic sciences, healing arts, and Sanatan Kriya. He is known for his powerful mantra chanting, proven clairvoyance before medical professionals, and deep knowledge of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedic rituals. As the guiding force behind Dhyan Foundation, his initiatives span 45+ shelters, 2,000+ women empowered, education for underprivileged children, and care for 70,000+ animals. His vision is rooted in the dharma of selfless service.
Words: Ashwini Guru Ji of Dhyan Ashram
Leave feedback about this