Yoga – The Path of Purification
Just as a sculptor clears away everything unnecessary from a block of marble to reveal the statue within, a yogi must free body and mind from all impurities to achieve the goal of Yoga. To support this process, we should perform cleansing practices (Kriyas) described in the yogic scriptures. Among the various methods, the following are the most important for daily life:
- Asana Practice: Cleanses the body by releasing tension, deposits, and waste products. The body becomes strong and supple.
- Pranayama: Exercises like Kapalabhati (forced exhalation), Bhramari (humming bee breath), and Nadi Shodhana / Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) cleanse the nadis (subtle energy channels), lungs, and blood, while stimulating lymphatic flow.
- Morning Nasal Rinse with Lightly Salted Water (Jala Neti): Dissolve approximately ½ teaspoon of Himalayan salt or unrefined sea salt in ¼ liter of water. When the water tastes like tears, the dosage is correct. Pour the water in a thin stream using a neti pot into one nostril for about 15 seconds while tilting your head to the side, letting it flow out of the other nostril without snorting up. Gargle with the remaining water.
- Tongue Cleansing: Done with a tongue scraper or teaspoon in the morning after brushing your teeth. Scrape the coating off the tongue from back to front, rinsing the scraper with hot water after each stroke until the tongue is clean.
- Occasional Oil Pulling: Slowly and gently swish about 1 tablespoon of olive oil through your teeth for 2–5 minutes, then spit it out. Alternatively, massage your gums with your fingers using salt and olive oil.
- Eye Exercises and Cleansing: Performed through candle gazing (Tratak).
- Stomach and Intestinal Cleanses: These should be guided by an experienced teacher. They serve to reduce stomach size back to normal, normalize bowel activity, restore healthy gut flora, remove metabolic waste, and keep the body parasite-free.
- Yogic Diet: A natural and healthy yogic diet is an essential part of cleansing the body.
These are guidelines. A forced lifestyle bears no fruit because an individual has not yet matured internally. With continued yoga practice, habits change effortlessly and naturally, without external pressure.
