Yoga Practice Name
Bindu (बिंदु)
Description and Steps
| Name and Sanskrit Spelling | The Sanskrit name is बिन्दु, transliterated as "Bindu," and pronounced "bin-doo." |
| Meaning and Symbolism | "Bindu" means dot, point, or seed. It represents the point of origin or creation—the cosmic seed from which all manifestation arises. In subtle body practices, Bindu is associated with the point of consciousness where sound, form, and thought arise and dissolve. It is considered a secret or subtle chakra that holds the essence of vitality and life energy. |
| Location | Back of the head near the occipital region (where the skull curves at the base), slightly above the Ajna chakra. |
| Associated Element (Tattva) | Ether (associated with transcendence and sound); sometimes said to transcend all elements. |
| Seed (Bija) Mantra | Typically no specific bija mantra, but closely connected with OM and silence. |
| Number of Petals | Not always depicted with petals; in some traditions, associated with a white drop or crescent moon. |
| Color Association | White or translucent light |
| Associated Gland/Organ/System | Pineal gland; linked to hormonal regulation and inner stillness. |
| Psychological/Emotional Themes | Pure awareness, unity, transcendence of duality, and the integration of masculine and feminine energies. It governs the seed of thought and is often connected with deep meditative states, bliss, and preservation of vitality (ojas). |
| Signs of Imbalance (Deficiency or Excess) | Disconnection from source, lack of clarity in meditation, mental distraction, or energy leakages (from lack of ojas). Excessive stimulation or misuse of sexual energy may also disturb Bindu's balance in tantric or advanced practices. |
| Balancing and Activation Techniques | Deep meditation, silent sitting, mantra japa (OM or Hamsa), inversion postures (like Viparita Karani), yoga nidra, and cooling breath practices. Practices that preserve ojas and minimize sensory overload are also supportive. Chanting and visualizing light at the back of the head can bring gentle awareness to Bindu. |
| Symbol and Deity (optional) | Often represented as a bindu or crescent moon drop in iconography; associated with Shiva, and in some traditions with Shakti as the creative essence. Bindu is also considered the source of Amrita (nectar of immortality) in advanced yogic texts. |
| Reflective Prompts / Inner Inquiry | “What is the origin of my thoughts?” “Can I remain silently present and aware?” “How does my awareness shift when I center on stillness instead of doing?” |
| Real-Life Examples or Modern Context | Awareness of Bindu may not arise in daily life unless one is deeply immersed in meditation or energy work. However, preserving life energy, cultivating silence, and accessing stillness in the midst of activity can serve as practical expressions of the Bindu principle. Creative inspirations and meditative insight often flow from this center when it is consciously accessed. |
Practice Level
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