Bindu: The Secret Yogic Nectar Thats Most Often Missed

This is a post created for Ashtanga Tech, Michael’s online esucation platform.

What is Bindu According to Yoga Texts?

In yogic philosophy and spiritual traditions, the term “Bindu” holds significant meaning and symbolizes various concepts associated with energy, consciousness, and creation. Bindu translates to “point”, “drop” or “dot” in Sanskrit[3]. In yoga, however, the concept of bindu goes beyond its literal interpretation, symbolizing the absolute, the infinite, and the unmanifest potential that lies within each individual[3].

Bindu is viewed as the cosmic seed from which all creation arises[3]. It symbolizes the unmanifest potential that preceded the materialization of the universe[3]. In yoga philosophy, bindu is associated with the fundamental concept of unity, representing the underlying oneness of all existence and symbolizing the union of individual consciousness (Shiva) and universal energy (Shakti)[3].

In yogic practice, bindu is often employed as a point of focus during meditation[3]. By concentrating on a visualized or imagined bindu, practitioners aim to still the mind, transcend mundane thoughts, and access deeper states of consciousness[3]. Bindu is also associated with energy centers or chakras within the body[3].

The Yogachudamani Upanishad provides insights into the concept of bindu, presenting it as a duality comprising a white bindu symbolizing purity (shukla) and a red bindu representing mastery (maharaj)[3][7]. The white bindu is associated with Shiva, the masculine principle, and the moon, while the red bindu is linked to Shakti, the feminine principle, and the sun[3][7].

In Hatha Yoga and Tantra, bindu is categorized as a chakra[3]. The bindu chakra is described as being located above the third eye chakra (ajna) and below the crown chakra (sahasrara)[3]. It is portrayed as a lotus with twenty-three petals and symbolizes the moon[3][7].

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes bindu as a substance stored in the head[3]. Hatha yogis practice techniques to preserve the bindu and direct its flow up the spine, believing this promotes good health and longevity[3].

Sources
[1] Religious work references – APA Style https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples/religious-work-references
[2] Chicago Citation Style Guide: Religious Texts – Research Guides https://libguides.wvu.edu/c.php?g=418946&p=2853966
[3] What Is Bindu? – Yogajala https://yogajala.com/bindu/
[4] Religion: Citing Sacred Texts – Research Guides – Princeton University https://libguides.princeton.edu/religion/citingsacredtexts
[5] Bindu, Bimdu: 39 definitions – Wisdom Library https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/bindu
[6] Nadabindu Upanishad – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadabindu_Upanishad
[7] Bindu (symbol) – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindu_(symbol)

Bindu in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika discusses bindu in several important ways:

1. Bindu is described as a vital fluid or essence in the body that is associated with semen/sexual fluids. Preserving and controlling bindu is seen as crucial for longevity and spiritual progress.
2. The text states that “death comes by discharging bindu, and life is prolonged by its preservation” (verse 87). Conserving bindu is thus viewed as a key to overcoming death.
3. It teaches various techniques like mudras and bandhas that are said to help retain and redirect bindu upwards in the body, rather than allowing it to be lost.
4. Kechari mudra is specifically mentioned as a practice that prevents bindu from leaving its place in the body (verse 42).
5. The text states that when the body is full of bindu/soma nectar, it becomes impervious to snake venom and other poisons (verses 44-45).
6. Preserving bindu is said to give the yogi’s body a pleasing smell and protect against aging (verses 87-88).
7. The mind is said to control bindu, and life depends on bindu. Therefore, the text advises protecting both mind and bindu “by all means” (verse 89).
8. Various mudras and practices are taught with the aim of uniting bindu (often associated with Shiva) with rajas/kundalini (associated with Shakti) in the body.

In essence, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika views bindu as a vital essence that should be carefully preserved and sublimated through yogic practices for spiritual and physical benefits. Its retention and upward movement in the body is seen as key to achieving yogic siddhis and liberation.

Sources
[1] [PDF] Yoga Swami Svatmarama. Hatha yoga pradipika – Terebess https://terebess.hu/english/HathaYogaPradipika2.pdf
[2] Hatha Yoga Pradipika – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogi_Swatmarama
[3] Hatha Yoga Pradipika – SwamiJ.com https://www.swamij.com/hatha-yoga-pradipika.htm
[4] The Hatha Yoga Pradipika – Yoga Basics https://www.yogabasics.com/learn/hatha-yoga-pradipika/
[5] Hatha Yoga pradipika- A complete lesson of yoga https://nepalyogahome.com/hatha-yoga-pradipika-complete-lesson/
[6] [PDF] Swami Muktibodhananda. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. – Terebess https://terebess.hu/english/Hatha-Yoga-Pradipika-Muktibodhananda.pdf
[7] Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Chapter III – On Mudras – Yogi Tonics https://yogitonics.com/hatha-yoga-pradipika-chapter-iii-on-mudras/

Bindu in Other Texts

There are several other references to bindu in various spiritual and philosophical traditions:

1. In Vedanta philosophy, bindu is sometimes associated with the concept of Brahman – the ultimate reality or cosmic consciousness. It represents the point from which all creation emerges and into which it dissolves[2].
2. In Kashmiri Shaivism, bindu is considered a manifestation of Shiva-Shakti union. It symbolizes the concentrated power of consciousness from which the universe unfolds[1].
3. In Kundalini yoga, bindu is associated with the sahasrara (crown) chakra. It’s seen as the point where individual consciousness merges with cosmic consciousness[3].
4. In some Tantric texts, bindu is described as having three aspects:

• Para Bindu (supreme point)
• Apara Bindu (manifest point)
• Bindu-Visarga (the flowing forth of creation)[5]

1. In Sanskrit grammar and phonetics, bindu refers to the anusvara – a diacritic mark that nasalizes the vowel it follows[2].
2. In Ayurveda, bindu is sometimes equated with ojas – the subtle essence of the body’s vital fluids that promotes strength and immunity[4].
3. Some Tantric practices involve visualization of bindu as a luminous point of light in meditation[6].
4. In Tibetan Buddhism, bindu (Tib. thig le) is an important concept in Dzogchen teachings, referring to spheres of colored light that appear in certain meditative experiences[3].

So while the core meaning of bindu as a “point” or “drop” remains consistent, its specific interpretations and applications vary across different spiritual and philosophical systems within the broader Indian tradition.

Sources
[1] What Is Bindu? https://yogajala.com/bindu/
[2] Bindu, Bimdu: 39 definitions – Wisdom Library https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/bindu
[3] Bindu (symbol) – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindu_(symbol)
[4] Bindu | Point, Drop, and Dot in Hinduism, Tantra, and Yoga https://www.traditionalbodywork.com/bindu-meaning-in-tantra-yoga-and-ayurveda/
[5] BINDU – Bhagavad-Gita https://www.bhagavadgitausa.com/BINDU.htm
[6] The Hatha Yoga Pradipika • Yoga Basics https://www.yogabasics.com/learn/hatha-yoga-pradipika/
[7] Bindu Chakra Meditation & Activation – tantra meaning https://www.tantrasm.com/bindu-chakra-nectar-poison-chakra

In Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, the concept of bindu is known as “thigle” (Tibetan: ཐིག་ལེ, thig le) and holds significant importance, particularly in Vajrayana and Dzogchen teachings. Here are some key aspects of thigle in Tibetan Buddhism:

1. Meaning and Symbolism:
   Thigle is often translated as “drop” or “sphere” and represents the essence or seed of enlightened mind[1]. It symbolizes the fundamental nature of reality and consciousness.
2. Subtle Body Anatomy:
   In Tibetan Buddhist tantra, thigle is considered an aspect of the subtle body anatomy, along with channels (tsa) and winds (lung). These thigles are understood as spheres of light or energy within the body[1].
3. Visualization Practices:
   Many Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices involve visualizing thigles as luminous spheres of light. These visualizations are used to cultivate awareness and realize the nature of mind.
4. Dzogchen Teachings:
   In Dzogchen, the highest teachings of the Nyingma school, thigle takes on special significance. It’s described as “spheres of rainbow light” representing the ground substance of reality[2]. Practitioners may experience these as visual phenomena during meditation.
5. Types of Thigle:
   Tibetan Buddhism recognizes different types of thigle:

• The ultimate thigle of primordial wisdom (ye shes kyi thig le)
• Relative substantial red and white thigles (rdzas kyi thig le), associated with subtle essences in the body

1. Connection to Bliss and Wisdom:
   Thigle is often associated with the “essence or seed of great bliss” in Vajrayana practices. It’s seen as a union of bliss and emptiness, or method and wisdom.
2. Rainbow Body:
   In advanced Dzogchen practices, the realization of the nature of thigle is said to lead to the attainment of the “rainbow body,” where the practitioner’s physical body dissolves into light at the time of death.
3. Experiential Phenomena:
   Practitioners may report seeing thigles as dots, wheels, or shafts of light during meditation or in visionary experiences. These are understood as direct perceptions of the fundamental nature of reality[2].

Understanding and working with thigle is considered an advanced aspect of Tibetan Buddhist practice, particularly in the higher tantras and Dzogchen. It’s typically taught under the guidance of a qualified teacher due to its profound and esoteric nature.

Sources
[1] Bindu (symbol) – Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia https://tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php/Bindu_(symbol)
[2] Thigle – Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia https://tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php/Thigle

Bindu in Western Context

While the concept of bindu originates from ancient yogic and tantric traditions, there are intriguing parallels that can be drawn between this subtle energy point and certain physiological processes in the human body. Here’s an argument for the potential reality of bindu, associating it with specific physiological functions:

The Pineal Gland Connection

The bindu chakra, often described as a point at the back of the head, bears a striking resemblance to the location and function of the pineal gland[1]. This small endocrine gland, situated in the epithalamus near the center of the brain, plays a crucial role in several physiological processes:

1. Melatonin Production: The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and influences circadian rhythms[6]. This aligns with the yogic concept of bindu as a center of consciousness and awareness.
2. DMT Synthesis: Some researchers hypothesize that the pineal gland may produce trace amounts of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a powerful psychedelic compound[6]. This could potentially explain the association of bindu with altered states of consciousness and spiritual experiences in yogic traditions.

Neuroendocrine Integration

The bindu chakra is often described as a point of integration for various energies in the body. This concept finds a parallel in the neuroendocrine system:

1. Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis: The hypothalamus and pituitary gland, located near the pineal gland, form a crucial neuroendocrine hub that regulates numerous bodily functions, including stress response, growth, and reproduction[7]. This integration of neural and hormonal signals mirrors the yogic description of bindu as a center of energy confluence.
2. Cerebrospinal Fluid Production: The choroid plexus, located in the ventricles of the brain, produces cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The flow and circulation of CSF around the brain and spinal cord could be seen as a physiological representation of the “nectar” or “amrita” associated with the bindu in yogic texts[5].

Neuroplasticity and Consciousness

Recent neuroscientific research suggests that consciousness may be related to the organization of energetic activity in the brain, rather than simply localized functions[6]. This aligns with the yogic concept of bindu as a focal point for consciousness:

1. Default Mode Network: The posterior cingulate cortex, a key node in the brain’s default mode network, is located near the anatomical position often associated with bindu. This network is involved in self-referential thinking and consciousness[7].
2. Neuroplasticity: The practice of concentration on the bindu, as described in some yogic traditions, could potentially influence neuroplasticity and brain organization, leading to altered states of consciousness or heightened awareness[6].

Conclusion

While direct scientific evidence for the existence of bindu as described in yogic traditions is lacking, there are compelling physiological processes and structures that align with its purported functions. The pineal gland, neuroendocrine system, and emerging research on brain organization and consciousness provide a framework for understanding bindu from a modern scientific perspective.

As our understanding of the brain and consciousness evolves, it’s possible that future research may uncover more direct correlations between the ancient concept of bindu and specific physiological processes. Until then, the bindu remains an intriguing intersection of traditional wisdom and modern neuroscience, inviting further exploration and study.

Sources
[1] Bindu (symbol) – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindu_(symbol)
[2] What Is Bindu? https://yogajala.com/bindu/
[3] Bindu, Bimdu: 39 definitions – Wisdom Library https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/bindu
[4] BINDU: – ENLIGHTENMENT https://philosophicain.wordpress.com/bindu-2/
[5] Bindu Chakra – Moon center https://www.chakras.net/energy-centers/bindu/about-the-bindu-chakra
[6] Consciousness as a Physical Process Caused by the Organization … https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6225786/
[7] Yoga’s Energy Centers: What Science Says About the Chakras https://yogauonline.com/yoga-practice-teaching-tips/yoga-research/yogas-energy-centers-what-science-says-about-the-chakras/
[8] The Science of Chakras-What the Chakra, Indeed – Glo | Blog https://blog.glo.com/2012/04/the-science-of-chakras/