About Shambhavi mudra

Mudras: Shambhavi Mudra

Shambhavi mudra (eyebrow centre gazing), the technique we will shortly describe, is very similar to agochari mudra (nose tip gazing)'. The main difference is that the eyes are

focused on the eyebrow centre instead of the nose tip. It gives fundamentally the same benefits and the two mudras are equally as good as each other. They are both an integral part of kriya yoga and should therefore be mastered to a reasonable level of proficiency before starting to learn and practise kriya yoga.

Though this technique is called a mudra, it is also a meditative practice in its own right. As such the practitioner can perform shambhavi mudra (or agochari mudra) for a prolonged period of time to gain the same benefits and experiences as other meditational techniques.

SHAMBHAVI MUDRA (EYEBROW CENTRE GAZING)

Shambhavi is the name of the wife or consort of Shambhu (Shiva). She has many other names, such as Parvati, Shakti, etc., all of which have special significance in Indian mythology. It is believed tbat Shambhu taught Shambhavi the practice of shambhavi mudra and urged her to practise it diligently if she wanted higher awareness. It is said that the practice of shambhavi mudra will stir Shambhu (superconsciousness) and make him appear before you.

The practice is also known as bhrumadhya drishti. The word bhrumadhya means 'eyebrow centre', and drishti means 'gazing'. This name describes the practice exactly – eyebrow centre gazing.

Scriptural references

This practice (like agochari mudra) is widely quoted in the yogic scriptures. For example, in the Gherand Samhita it states: "Direct your eyes towards the middle of the eyebrows. Reflect on

your real nature. This is shambhavi mudra, the most secret of all tantric scriptures." (3: 59)

The same text devotes the next few verses to showering praise on this mudra. Among other things it says: "The man who diligently practises and knows shambhavi mudra becomes Lord Shiva himself. He becomes Narayana (Vishnu), the sustainer of all and also Brahma, the creator of the universe."

This means many things, most of which are understandable only when one knows the significance of the Hindu gods. But we can say that one of the meanings is that one can transcend the fetters of the individual ego through practising shambhavi mudra for a sufficiently long period of time. Through this one is able to expand awareness and see a significance and essence behind everything. Furthermore, one realizes that one's real nature is far more than we can normally conceive