Thribandha & Khechari Mudra

All Bandha-s and Mudra-s are designed to help one raise the Prana (vital energy) from the Lower chakra-s into higher domains so as to aid successful transmutation of the vital energy, leading to deep meditation aimed at self-realization. This also bestows Brahmacharya. As a byproduct, these improve health, detoxify the body and give vitality and well being to the entire system. The Thribandha-s should always be performed before the start of Pranayama.

The Mula Bandha when masterd leads to merger of the Prana (upward) and the Apana (downward) Vaayu-s (vital winds). It is performed in the state of Kumbhaka (breath retention) by taking in a deep breath, holding the breath, tightening (constricting) the anal and urinal muscles (muscles used to stop the flow of excrement and urine), and pulling up Apana with a swift jerk like pull using the above mentioned muscles along with the abdominal muscles. This state is then maintained for a few seconds and breath then slowly exhaled. It leads to youth and vitality along with an increase in the gastric fire. This then arouses 'Kundalini Shakthi' which enters the 'Sushumna' Naadi within the spine leading to conditions suitable for Samadhi (super-consciousness).

The Uddiyana Bandha is another important Bandha used to help Prana enter Sushumna. It is performed at the final point of Rechaka (breath exhalation) first by slow exhalation and then extremely swift and sudden expiration of the remaining breath by drawing back the abdominal and stomach muscles above and below the navel against the back of the body and upwards towards the thorax. This state of breath exhalation is then maintained for a few seconds and breath then slowly inhaled. It curtails ageing and bestows excellent health and strength. It is most suitable for those wishing liberation as per the 'Hatha Yoga Pradipika' written by the great & self-realized Svatmarama Yogin.

The Jalandhara Bandha when mastered helps prevent the downward flow of 'Amrit' (or Soma, the nectar in the region of the moon in the brain) by constricting the Naadis in the throat region, thereby providing immortality to the Yogi. This then prevents consumption of the nectar 'Soma' through the 'Jatharaagni' (gastric fire in the stomach) leading to a stabilized Prana. It is performed in Kumbhaka (breath retention) by taking a deep breath and suddenly and swiftly pressing the chin (below the lower jaw) against the lower neck (uppermost part of the chest) by a firm contraction of the throat. This state is maintained for a few seconds and breath then slowly exhaled. This leads to closing of the Ida (Moon) and Pingala (Sun) naadis.

The Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha when performed together in conjunction are called 'Thribandha' and are the best tools for attaining excellent Brahmacharya and successful Pranayama.

Those interested in Khechari Mudra should practice only after learning the correct technique from a Guru who is adept in this vidya. It should not be attempted or practiced by the beginner who has not yet purified the lower chakras adequately. One might consider learning the practice after many years of unbroken Brahmacharya and meditation, following which one acquires the knowledge if God so wishes. If the procedure of Yoga and Brahmacharya as has been outlined in past answers, with the practice of Bandha, Nadi Shodhana, Pranayama and Meditation is correctly followed, the best results including all those which come from Khechari Mudra will be eventually obtained and one need not resort to Khechari mudra.

It is important for the aspirant to know that one should adhere to one system and one path that leads to self-realization and not dribble and meddle with various different methods of Yogic practices in a casual manner. Nothing will be gained by such an attitude; Rather, one might seriously endanger oneself through such behavior as has been the case with many people. These Yogic kriya-s, Pranayama-s and other practices are very powerful and can become dangerous if randomly mixed and incorrectly practiced as per one's fancy without the guidance of one who has successfully tread the path.

ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)