Surya_Chandra Bhedana

The first view:

There are only two temperatures—heat (sun-Surya) and cold (moon-Chandra).  Nature is constantly striking a balance between these two.  In human body, according to Hatha Yoga (no other Indian classical science holds this view) these two are represented by left (Chandra)  and right (Surya)  nostrils. Breathing runs through one nostril in a predominant way for approximately 3 hours (for a healthy adult in normal condition). Then it shifts to the other. It has also to do with two hemispheres of the brain and therefore to do with human emotional and rationality.  Right nostril dominance of breath means left hemisphere of the brain is active which is the seat of rationality, judgment etc.  Left nostril dominance means sentimentality and emotionality.

Yogis try to strike a balance between these hemispheres by doing Pranayama so that Prana moves through the middle path—Sushumna—both nostrils are dominant. Dominance of Sushumna means two brains functionality is neutralized and mind is rendered free.

In Pranayama there are two distinct techniques—Surya Bhedana and Chandra Bhedana.  The process involved is the same. Only difference is, Surya Bhedana starts with right nostril and Chandra Bhedana with left.

Pranayama leads to Kevala Kumbhaka—Kevala means Samadhi.  Samadhi – freedom from ensnaring mind—can be arrived at through meditation as well.  This too will lead to Kevala Kumbhaka—breathing halts.

Yogis had been clever.  By any means breathing must not be allowed to move at all.  Onece it goes out of the body and does not come back, none can bring it back.  So don’t allow it to move at all.

This is amply highlighted in Vijnana Bhairava.

Objective of both Bhedanas remains the same – sending Prana through Sushumna.

Pranayama is not the only way out, one can enter into the state of Samadhi and Prana moves through Sushumna.  Or even blessing of a Guru can do this.  This is Shaktiaata.       

The second view:

The sun (Surya) burns at Manipura Chakra (at the navel). Soma, the life nourishing essence is located above the uvula (Chandra Mandala) and if it is not managed, it dribbles to the Manipura where it is burnt out.  This is the reason life is constantly diminishing.  Human body decays.  To prevent the flow of the nectar (Chandra) one must hold the body upside down or enter into Smadhi.  Thus Soma won’t be wasted.  One can have a divine body. 

This is Chandra Bhedana—control of life-essence.