8/11/2019 16 adhara

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This is the part of my article (draft):

The term "adhara" is the most well-known so we may take it as basic. Some teachers consider adharas, chakras and dvadashanta systems to have close interconnection; 16 adharas are mentioned as knots (granthis) in such texts as Manthanabhairava tantra, Mahakalasamhita where they are called "sthanas" and are depicted in the quantity of 18 sthanas through which pratiahara is practised. Prana and the goddess Hamsagamini are passing over them. In Kaulajnananirnaja they are noted inthe quantity of 11. With reference to Sammohana tantra and Yogasvaroda 16 adharas are depicted as the chakras inside of the body and out of the body, located above the head (sukshma-chakras). They are stated as following:

Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, Ajna-chakra, Bindu, Kalapada, Nirodhika, Adrdhendu, Nada, Nadanta, Vishnuvaktra. Dhruvamandala and Shiva.

In Sharadatilaka tantra we may also meet mentioned above names of 16 adharas butthere Unmani is placed after Nadanta, which is unusual for lots of other schemes, then Dhruvamandala follows it and so on. In Sharadatilaka 16 adharas are represented in the following way:

Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Nabhi (manipura), Anahata, throat (kanhta), eyebrows, Bindu, Kalapada, Adrdhendu, Nibodhika,Nada, Nadanta, Unmani, Vishnuvaktra, Dhruvamandala and Shiva.

There is the order and names of 16 adharas according to Gautamya tantra:

Padangushta, Gulfa, Janu (knees), Uru (hips), Sivni, Linga, Nabhi, Hridaya, Griva (neck), Kantha (throat), Lambika, Nasika, Bhrumadhiaya, Mastak (head) and Murdha.

In Yogasvaroda the next names are stated in the methods of concentration on 16 adharas:

1. Padangushta; 2. Padamula; 3. Gudadhara; 4. Lingadhara; 5. Jatharadhara; 6. Nabhiyadhara; 7. Hridayadhara; 8. Kanthadhara; 9.Ghantikadhara; 10. Taluadhara; 11. Jihva taladhara (tip of the tongue); 12. Dantadhara (the teeth); 13. Nasikadhara; 14. Nasaput adhara; 15. Bhrumadhiya; 16. Netradhara.

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In jalandhara bandha, these receptors are artificially compressed. This tends to prevent a sudden rise in blood pressure which would be expected when the breath is held for some time. This increases the duration of breath retention and soincreases the effectiveness of practices such as nadi shodana pranayama. These carotid sinuses were well known in ancient times, as were also the sinus nerves.In the Shiva Samhita it says: Stop the flow of the vijnana nadis (sinus nerves) with the second fingers (that is press the side of your neck with your fingers).This gives siddhi (perfecion) in the form of happiness and bliss.(55,56) We do not suggest you try this for you will more than likely become unconscious if youare not careful. This is caused by reducing or preventing the blood flow to the

brain. But the implications of the above verses are obvious; if you gently pressthese carotid sinuses then you will become very relaxed and perhaps a little faint. This can be a help in various other yogic practices that lead to meditational experience.These carotid sinuses are widely known in modern times. Many people have faintedby mere pressure of these bodies. Some people seem to be more sensitive than others; a slight pressure is enough to put some people on their back. It is also widely known in wrestling, boxing, etc. where through discreet pressure on the opponents neck, it is possible to almost instantly finish the match. This is regarded as foul play.

8/11/2019 16 adhara

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It is also interesting to note that these carotid sinuses can be pressed to prevent or counteract tachycardia (fast heartbeat beyond the normal limit) This is often used in medical circles. A gentle massage of the carotid sinuses slows downthe heart rate and brings about a faster normalization. However this is not always the case. It depends on the ability to select exactly the right place for massage and to do it gently enough to prevent an increase in tension. That is, overpressuraization of the caroitid bodies could easily bring into mobilizaton theemergency activities of the body to induce greater flow of blood to the brain. This will tend to increase the heartbeat again which is exactly the opposite to that which is required. So care must be taken. We have not discussed the carotidsinuses to encourage you to tamper with them. We have discussed them to show howjalandhara bandha acts directly on the physical body, and how one must be careful of overexertion during the practice.

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