Unmani (उन्मनी)

Yoga Practice Name

Unmani (उन्मनी)

Description and Steps

Meaning and Definition:

Unmani is a profound yogic state rooted in ancient texts and spiritual traditions. The word "Unmani" comes from the Sanskrit root:

"Un" = upward or beyond
"Mani" = mind or thinking

Definition:

Unmani is the state of no-mind or transcendence of mental activity. It refers to a deep meditative condition in which the fluctuations of the mind (manas) dissolve, leaving the practitioner in pure awareness. In this state, the ego dissolves, thoughts cease, and only conscious presence remains.

Preparatory Practices (Foundational Steps):

Find a calm environment: Choose a quiet, undisturbed place, preferably early morning or evening.
Sit in a steady posture: Padmasana, Siddhasana, or Sukhasana with the spine erect.
Regulate the breath: Practice Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) or Kumbhaka (breath retention) to still the prana and mind.
Pratyahara (sense withdrawal): Gently withdraw awareness from the senses. Internalize focus, possibly using Shanmukhi Mudra or Nasikagra Drishti.
Dhyana (Meditation): Focus on the breath, a mantra, or a point between the eyebrows (Ajna Chakra). Allow thoughts to fade without force.

Transition to Unmani:

Drop all technique: As the mind quiets, let go of effort, identity, and expectations. Just be.
This is where the Unmani state can naturally arise—pure awareness, without thought or form.
Remain in stillness: Rest in the silence and spaciousness of the moment. Any thought that arises is simply noticed and allowed to dissolve.

Suggested Duration:

Beginners: 5–10 minutes of meditation or breathwork with intent toward stillness.
Intermediate: 15–30 minutes.
Advanced: Unmani can occur spontaneously during deep meditation. There's no fixed duration, as it is a state, not a technique.

General Benefits

1. Mental Stillness and Clarity

Unmani dissolves mental fluctuations (vrittis), leading to mental peace, clarity, and freedom from inner chatter.
It fosters a deep sense of silence and non-reactivity.

2. Awakening of Inner Consciousness

The state promotes inner awareness and connection to higher self or pure consciousness.
It opens the door to spiritual insight, intuitive wisdom, and Self-realization.

3. Relief from Stress and Anxiety

As thoughts and ego dissolve, tension, fear, and identity-based stress fall away.
Practitioners often experience a deep sense of freedom, calm, and joy.

4. Enhanced Energy Flow (Pranic Balance): Unmani arises after control of breath (pranayama) and energy redirection, leading to balanced prana and activation of higher chakras, especially Ajna and Sahasrara.

5. Entry to Samadhi: Considered the threshold to Samadhi, Unmani is often the final meditative state before complete absorption in the infinite or cosmic consciousness.

6. Detachment and Liberation: Practicing toward Unmani leads to non-attachment (vairagya) and an experience of being beyond the body, mind, and senses—key for moksha (liberation).

Cautions-Limitations-Contraindications

1. Not for Beginners

Unmani is not suitable for beginners in yoga or meditation.
Attempting to reach this state without a strong foundation in concentration, breath control, and inner stillness may lead to confusion, frustration, or mental unrest.

2. Requires Mental Stability

Individuals with a history of psychiatric conditions, anxiety disorders, or emotional instability should avoid deep meditative practices that dissolve identity.
The dissolving of the ego-mind can be destabilizing if one is not mentally prepared.

Not to be Practiced Casually: The Unmani state is spontaneous and sacred; forcing the mind into stillness or trying to "experience" Unmani prematurely can lead to false states or spiritual bypassing.

4. Should Be Practiced Under Guidance

Advanced inner practices that lead to Unmani should ideally be pursued under the guidance of a qualified teacher or guru.
This ensures the practitioner stays grounded and balanced in their progress.

5. Physical Weakness or Fatigue

Practicing deep meditative states like Unmani when the body is exhausted or unwell may create disconnection and reduce vitality.
Ensure the body and energy systems are nourished and strong.

Practice Keynotes

1. Unmani is a State, Not a Technique

It is the absence of mind, not something to "do."
Let go of the desire to reach or attain it—effortlessness is key.

2. Establish Strong Foundations First

A regular practice of asana, pranayama, pratyahara, and meditation is essential.
Techniques like Kumbhaka (breath retention), Nasikagra Drishti, and Ajna Chakra meditation help quiet the mind.

3. Create a Still, Silent Space

Practice in a calm environment with minimal sensory disturbance.
Internal silence is supported by external simplicity.

4. Drop Techniques When the Mind Calms

Begin with breath or mantra, then let all effort dissolve.
Enter a state of pure being—just witness, without thinking or judging.

5. Surrender is Essential

Let go of control. Let the experience unfold organically.
This surrendering of the ego-mind is often the final gate to Unmani.

6. Avoid Forcing or Expecting

Forcing stillness creates more mental activity.
Unmani happens in non-expectation and pure presence.

7. Journal After Deep Practice

Write your experience (if any) after practice.
It strengthens awareness and tracks your inner growth.

Practice Level

Beginnner