Shodhana Kriyas An Analysis

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sodhana Kriyas: An Analysis" by M.L. Gharote:

Core Concept: Sodhana Kriyas - Purification and Strengthening in Yoga

The central theme of this analysis is "Sodhana Kriyas," a fundamental concept in Yoga that translates to internal cleansing or purification. However, the term also encompasses strengthening and conditioning the body and mind. The text emphasizes that the ultimate goal of all Yogic practices is purification, likening the body to an unbaked earthen pot that disintegrates in water. Yoga, through its various practices, aims to "bake" the body in the "fire of yoga," making it purified and strengthened. This concept is akin to "Purgativum" in Mysticism and the Yogic concept of "Tapas" (austerity) and "mortification" in Mysticism. Sodhana is considered complete when the state of Samadhi is attained.

Sodhana Kriyas as Essential Yogic Practices:

The text elaborates on how various Yogic practices contribute to Sodhana:

• Asanas: Removing disorders of the body and mind (fickleness), eradicating dualities (like pleasure and pain), and strengthening the body.
• Pranayama: Destroying "sins" (impurities or negative karmas) and purifying all impurities. Some authorities believe Pranayama alone is sufficient for thorough purification.
• Dhyana (Meditation): Considered an unparalleled purificatory process for overcoming negative actions or deeds.

The Centrality of Shatkarmas in Sodhana:

While all Yogic practices contribute to Sodhana, the text highlights the Shatkarmas (six cleansing processes) as a more specific and primary means of purification within Hatha Yoga. These are described as the special features of Hatha Yoga, with an elaborate development of their contents compared to the Pancakarmas of Ayurveda. The Hathapradipika verse lists them as: Dhauti, Basti, Neti, Trataka, Nauli, and Kapalabhati.

The text clarifies that Shatkarmas are not just six individual processes but six classes of cleansing processes, with Gheranda Samhita providing an exhaustive list of varieties within these classes, particularly for Dhauti. The efficacy of Shatkarmas is described as being a secret for strengthening the body and bestowing wondrous qualities, making practitioners revered.

The Role of Shatkarmas in Preparation for Pranayama:

Crucially, Shatkarmas are presented as a vital preparatory step for Pranayama. The text quotes that practitioners of Pranayama resort to Shatkarmas, and that those who are free from phlegm, fat, and other impurities through Shatkarmas can practice Pranayama with ease and achieve results quickly. While some may argue against the necessity of Shatkarmas if Pranayama alone suffices, the author, Swatmarama, takes a practical stance. He suggests Shatkarmas are beneficial for individuals with imbalances in bodily humors (excessive phlegm, fat, obesity, etc.) to achieve humorism balance, thereby facilitating comfortable and effective Pranayama practice. In modern times, due to artificial living, most individuals are considered to have imbalanced humors, making the judicious use of Shatkarmas practical.

Classification and Therapeutical Value of Shatkarmas:

The text classifies Shatkarmas in two ways:

• By Mode of Cleansing:
  • Air: Vatsara, Bahishkta Dhauti, Sushka Basti/Sthalabasti, Kapalabhati.
  • Water: Vamana Dhauti, Gajakarani, Varisaara/Shankhaprakshalana, Jalabasti, Jalaneti/Vyutkrama & Sitkrama Kapalabhati, Netrabasti, Linga basti.
  • Friction or Appliance: Danda Dhauti, Vastra Dhauti, Mula Shodhana/Ganesakriya, Sutra Neti, Dantamula, Jihvamula, Karmarandrayuga, Kapalarandhra, Karnasalakya.
  • Manipulating Movements: Agnisara, Nauli, Trataka, Vatabasti, Varibasti/Jalabasti.
• By Region of Cleansing:
  • Naso-pharyngo-oro-cranial: Neti, Kapalabhati, Trataka, Dantamala, Jihvamala, Karnarandhara, Karnasalakya.
  • Gastro-esophageal: Dhautis like Danda, Vamana, Vastra, Gajakarani, Vatasara.
  • Ano-recto-intestinal: Vatasara, Varisaara, Vahnisaara, Jalabasti, Sushkabasti, Mula Shodhana, Bahishkta, Nauli, Payuja bastis.

The therapeutical value of Shatkarmas lies in their ability to remove imbalances in bodily tissues (Dhatuvaisamya) that cause psycho-physiological disturbances. They widen the adaptability of tissues and raise their reactivity thresholds, establishing voluntary control over reflexes. Examples include controlling the vomiting reflex through inhibition (Danda Dhauti, Vastra Dhauti) or stimulation (Gajakarani). These kriyas help achieve psycho-physiological balance, paving the way for other Yogic practices. Clinical evidence suggests their efficacy in treating chronic functional disorders.

Scientific Investigations on Sodhana Kriyas:

The text highlights significant scientific research conducted at Kaivalyadhama, initiated by Swami Kuvalayananda in the early 1920s. These studies provided scientific evidence for the efficacy of Sodhana Kriyas using techniques like X-rays. Key findings include:

• Nauli: Demonstrated the voluntary creation of sub-atmospheric pressure in the colon, termed "Madhavadasa Vacuum." These studies explained water suction in Basti and Vajroli, and showed Nauli's therapeutic use in adhesions, kinks, hernia, and constipation by creating partial pressures and aiding circulation, secretion, assimilation, and elimination.
• Vastra Dhauti: X-ray studies revealed that Dhauti should be withdrawn within 20 minutes to avoid complications. It also indicated increased uropepsin excretion, suggesting increased adreno-cortical activity, making Dhautis potentially beneficial for allergic conditions. Studies on gastric acidity showed a decrease in free acid and an increase in combined acid.
• Vatasara (Air Swallowing): Showed a reduction in gastric acidity after filling the stomach with air, suggesting potential benefits for hyper-acidity.
• Trataka: Suggested usefulness as a means of psychotherapy due to its influence on behavior.
• Agnisara: Produced high negative pressure in the stomach and positive intra-thoracic pressure during protrusion.
• Gajakarani: Produced very high positive pressures in the stomach.
• Kapalabhati: Studies on alveolar CO2 percentages at the end of the practice were conducted.

Conclusion and Future Scope:

Despite their recognized importance in maintaining psycho-physiological health and facilitating higher states of consciousness, Sodhana Kriyas have not garnered as much attention as Asanas, Pranayama, and Meditation, especially in the West. The full efficacy of these practices, particularly their therapeutical values, remains largely un-investigated scientifically. The text concludes by emphasizing the need for more training and research in the area of Sodhana Kriyas.