Part 4 · Granthis · Locks

Granthis & Bandhas — The Knots and the Locks

Three knots that hold the pattern, three locks that work on them

A granthi is a knot: a place where energy binds itself to a way of being and refuses to move on. The tradition names three, each guarding a stage of maturity. The bandhas — the energetic locks — are the practical instruments applied precisely at those places.

01

Brahma Granthi — the knot of survival

At the base, root to navel

The first knot binds energy to security, appetite and the body's insistence on continuing. Held tight, life narrows to what is scarce.

  • The pattern survival anxiety, hoarding, restlessness about money, food and safety
  • In the body chronic pelvic and low-back tension, shallow apana, irregular elimination
  • What loosens it grounding practice, mula bandha, steady routine, honest work with fear
02

Vishnu Granthi — the knot of attachment

Between navel and heart

The second knot binds energy to relationship, status and emotional identity — the beautiful attachments that quietly become conditions.

  • The pattern possessiveness, need for approval, ambition that cannot rest, grief that stays unfinished
  • In the body diaphragm held tight, guarded chest, breath that stops at the ribs
  • What loosens it uddiyana bandha, heart-opening practice, seva and deliberate generosity
03

Rudra Granthi — the knot of control

Between the throat and the brow

The third and subtlest knot binds energy to knowing, being right and managing outcomes — including spiritual attainment itself.

  • The pattern the exhausting need to control, subtle pride, over-analysis, spiritual ambition
  • In the body jaw and neck tension, headaches behind the eyes, disturbed sleep from an unresting mind
  • What loosens it jalandhara bandha, silence, surrender practice, meditation without objective
04

The Bandhas & Mudras

The instruments, taught safely

Locks are not force. Each is taught in stages, with its correct breath phase, duration and contraindications.

  • Mula bandha the root lock — apana gathered and lifted, worked at the first knot
  • Uddiyana bandha the abdominal lift — samana kindled, worked at the second knot
  • Jalandhara bandha the throat lock — udana regulated, worked at the third knot
  • Maha bandha the three combined, only after each is independently stable
  • Key mudras shambhavi, khechari (introductory stage), yoga mudra and shanmukhi
  • Cautions not practised in pregnancy, uncontrolled hypertension, heart conditions or after recent abdominal surgery
From the Teaching
"Energy rises only as far as the first knot that has not been met honestly."
From the workshop teaching
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