The Three Channels and How to Work with Them

[Armando]

In Tibetan spiritual practice, for certain exercises, we visualise three  light channels running vertically through our body. The central one connects the groin with the crown; the two lateral ones start at the nostrils and connect to the central channel in the navel area. The picture below should make this clear.

 

Each channel has various attributes and connections:

 

• Right channel: Red, solar, male, fire, bile, snake, anger/ill will
• Central channel: Blue, neutral, wind, wind (as a "humour"), rooster, greed/attachment
• Left channel: White, lunar, water (and earth), phlegm, pig, delusion/confusion

 

 

Some of you already familiar with this scheme may have learned it with some of the attributes reversed. That's because there are different schools of thought on this. However, I believe that the scheme presented here is the correct one. Not that it would matter too much in practice, where your intent generally outweighs the details of your visualisation anyway.

 

In this topic, let's talk about that scheme and see what it can be used for.

[ilumairen]

Prior to intent there was experience, and this experience correlates to what you've presented here. 

 

Thank you for starting this discussion. 

[Armando]

1 minute ago, ilumairen said:

Prior to intent there was experience, and this experience correlates to what you've presented here. 

 

Thank you for starting this discussion. 

 

You are welcome.

 

And I would be curious to hear more about your experience...

[Pilgrim]

Very 😎 cool thanks Armando.

[Pilgrim]

Armando May I reply at length from experience?

[ilumairen]

5 hours ago, Armando said:

 

You are welcome.

 

And I would be curious to hear more about your experience...

 

There was much going on at the time..

 

There was a particular sensation I'd feel, like a small little stab at the place where there was a scar (on the right side) from a surgical incision. And the little stab persistently correlated with what you've stated regarding ill-will and/or anger - although it was from others. 

 

It still occurs, although it seems to only manifest when I'm able to assist in some way. And then come the tingles - normally at the forehead area.

 

And there is much more to this.. however it falls into the realm of what may be difficult for some to understand, and is not something I myself thoroughly understand.

 

There was also a massive something that first shot up, and then, just as strongly shot down along the central channel, and that seemed to have to do with my attachment - in ways I'd rather not discuss here. And there was no mistaking there was a central path it followed. 

 

Edited February 24, 2019 by ilumairen

[Michael Sternbach]

6 hours ago, Armando said:

In Tibetan spiritual practice, for certain exercises, we visualise three  light channels running vertically through our body. The central one connects the groin with the crown; the two lateral ones start at the nostrils and connect to the central channel in the navel area. The picture below should make this clear.

 

Each channel has various attributes and connections:

 

• Right channel: Red, solar, male, fire, bile, snake, anger/ill will
• Central channel: Blue, neutral, wind, wind (as a "humour"), rooster, greed/attachment
• Left channel: White, lunar, water (and earth), phlegm, pig, delusion/confusion

 

 

Some of you already familiar with this scheme may have learned it with some of the attributes reversed. That's because there are different schools of thought on this. However, I believe that the scheme presented here is the correct one. Not that it would matter too much in practice, where your intent generally outweighs the details of your visualisation anyway.

 

In this topic, let's talk about that scheme and see what it can be used for.

 

In regards to the highlighted part: I believe so too. Since this corresponds most closely with the foundational astrological diagram

 

 

combined with the chakras:

 

 

And also with related alchemical iconography in which invariably the male, solar aspect is red and the female, lunar aspect is white:

 

 

All this speaking to the universal validity of the scheme you introduced.

[Armando]

20 hours ago, Pilgrim said:

Armando May I reply at length from experience?

 

Sure, go ahead please.

[Armando]

15 hours ago, ilumairen said:

 

There was much going on at the time..

 

There was a particular sensation I'd feel, like a small little stab at the place where there was a scar (on the right side) from a surgical incision. And the little stab persistently correlated with what you've stated regarding ill-will and/or anger - although it was from others. 

 

It still occurs, although it seems to only manifest when I'm able to assist in some way. And then come the tingles - normally at the forehead area.

 

And there is much more to this.. however it falls into the realm of what may be difficult for some to understand, and is not something I myself thoroughly understand.

 

There was also a massive something that first shot up, and then, just as strongly shot down along the central channel, and that seemed to have to do with my attachment - in ways I'd rather not discuss here. And there was no mistaking there was a central path it followed. 

 

 

I am hardly surprised. I sense that you are very perceptive in regards to Lung flows. On the level you are at, exercises that work specifically with the vajra body would be advisable.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 24, 2019 by Armando

[Armando]

14 hours ago, Michael Sternbach said:

 

In regards to the highlighted part: I believe so too. Since this corresponds most closely with the foundational astrological diagram

 

 

combined with the chakras:

 

 

And also with related alchemical iconography in which invariably the male, solar aspect is red and the female, lunar aspect is white:

 

 

All this speaking to the universal validity of the scheme you introduced.

 

That's awesome, Michael! I was aware of a connection to Tibetan astrology, but I am not very familiar with those other traditions that you are obviously involved with.

 

Thanks for sharing.

[Armando]

I would like to talk about the Nine Step Purification Breathing technique with you. This is such an important exercise. Let us discuss how to do it, our experiences with it, any questions that may have arisen on the way...

 

Again, there are several variations of the technique commonly being practised. After an extended search, I found this video showing a version fairly close to the one that I was taught. However, I do not raise the shoulders but keep them relaxed at all times.

 

 

Later we will look at some variations of the basic technique that can be used for specific purposes.

Edited February 24, 2019 by Armando

[doc benway]

There is a wonderful new English resource for channel and chakra practices from the Bön Mother Tantra:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/tsultrim-tenzin-and-dmitry-ermakov-and-yungdrung-rabten-and-carol-ermakova/magyu-tsalung-tummo/paperback/product-23946284.html

[Pilgrim]

3 hours ago, Armando said:

 

Sure, go ahead please.

Thanks Armando my posts can be a bit long, figure it is better to ask for permission than beg forgiveness.

 

Primarily I practice Kriya Yoga. There are similarities.

 

Part of First Kriya ( There are 6 Stages )

is the separating of Ida & Pingalu from where they interact with Sushumna.

 

Left and Right Channels respectively Sushumna being the center.

 

This is often referred to as preparing the field.

 

I have found the 9 breaths of Purification to make a fantastic preparatory practice prior to the initial Kriya’s (individual Kriya Practices)  in first Kriya.

 

Feeling the Lung entering the left channel electrically cool and cleansing vibrating from the left nostril mixing at the field 3 inches below the navel building a charge there then up and out the right channel with an additional feeling of not only energy but emotional relief often watching old feelings and thought exit quite beneficial then reversing the proceduree after 3 breaths and finally the center channel and out the top of the head.

 

I like to perform Tsa Lung directly afterwards and feel the vibration pulsation and hear the sounds in each center with the accompanying practice. The attitude is one of gratitude and an inner smile.

 

When completed then 1st Kriya begins.

 

Years ago now after Kriya Practice while sitting in the state of deep absorption, the Lung took over. It started moving in patterns unknownto me. Later upon studying the 6 Yogas of Naropa I learned that this is called Tummo.

 

Ever since then I have had an interest in Tummo.

 

Do you teach the formal practice?

[Pilgrim]

5 hours ago, steve said:

There is a wonderful new English resource for channel and chakra practices from the Bön Mother Tantra:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/tsultrim-tenzin-and-dmitry-ermakov-and-yungdrung-rabten-and-carol-ermakova/magyu-tsalung-tummo/paperback/product-23946284.html

Hi Steve I have this book John Jackson recommended it, nice illustrations but without some experience however one gets it, it is fairly poorly written.

[Aetherous]

In my limited experience of these side channels, not related to specific practices which deal with them like the 9 purification breaths (which I've also done, and enjoy)...it seems like these side channels really deal with the entire one side of the body (and not just a line), all the way up to the crown. I think we can activate one side by placing our hand on the side of the head, like basically over the parietal bone of the skull toward the top, or otherwise slightly off center from the crown. Or, when one side has a lot more activity and openness, we can notice that it's open or active up at the side of the crown. The nose seems like it was used as another powerful means of controlling these side channels. Although for a one sided blockage, where there are always issues in various body parts on only one side, I haven't come across a side channel method that truly clears it. Maybe over a long period of time, alternate nostril breathing could.

Ever hear of swara yoga? It's a science (sort of) which deals with the fact that one nostril will be more open than the other at various times throughout the day, which activities best suited to different nostrils, and methods to change the flow to the opposite nostril. They also teach that at sunrise and sunset, when the flow changes from one nostril to the other, there is a period of time in which the central channel is activated, which is the best time for meditation.

[Armando]

16 hours ago, steve said:

There is a wonderful new English resource for channel and chakra practices from the Bön Mother Tantra:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/tsultrim-tenzin-and-dmitry-ermakov-and-yungdrung-rabten-and-carol-ermakova/magyu-tsalung-tummo/paperback/product-23946284.html

 

Excellent! Thanks for sharing.

[Armando]

17 hours ago, Pilgrim said:

Thanks Armando my posts can be a bit long, figure it is better to ask for permission than beg forgiveness.

 

Primarily I practice Kriya Yoga. There are similarities.

 

Part of First Kriya ( There are 6 Stages )

is the separating of Ida & Pingalu from where they interact with Sushumna.

 

Left and Right Channels respectively Sushumna being the center.

 

This is often referred to as preparing the field.

 

I have found the 9 breaths of Purification to make a fantastic preparatory practice prior to the initial Kriya’s (individual Kriya Practices)  in first Kriya.

 

Feeling the Lung entering the left channel electrically cool and cleansing vibrating from the left nostril mixing at the field 3 inches below the navel building a charge there then up and out the right channel with an additional feeling of not only energy but emotional relief often watching old feelings and thought exit quite beneficial then reversing the proceduree after 3 breaths and finally the center channel and out the top of the head.

 

I like to perform Tsa Lung directly afterwards and feel the vibration pulsation and hear the sounds in each center with the accompanying practice. The attitude is one of gratitude and an inner smile.

 

When completed then 1st Kriya begins.

 

Years ago now after Kriya Practice while sitting in the state of deep absorption, the Lung took over. It started moving in patterns unknownto me. Later upon studying the 6 Yogas of Naropa I learned that this is called Tummo.

 

Ever since then I have had an interest in Tummo.

 

Yes, there are parallels. The following is a quote from the Wikipedia article about Tummo:

 

Miranda Shaw clarifies:

Kuṇḍalinī-yoga offered a range of techniques to harness the powerful psycho-physical energy coursing through the body... Most people simply allow the energy to churn in a cauldron of chaotic thoughts and emotions or dissipate the energy in a superficial pursuit of pleasure, but a yogi or yogini consciously accumulates and then directs it for specified purposes. This energy generates warmth as it accumulates and becomes an inner fire or inner heat (candālī) that [potentially] burns away the dross of ignorance and ego-clinging.

 

Quote

Do you teach the formal practice?

 

Yes, I do. Generally only to already somewhat experienced practitioners, though. And even to those not quite the way I was taught by my master, who had me meditate for several hours outside in a cold winternight sometimes.

 

However, this brings to mind a little story...

 

Once, during my last stay in Kathmandu, a group of mountain travellers showed up. I sensed that they were insufficiently prepared for their adventure (unfortunately, many of those travellers are, since trips to the Himalaya have been commercialised some 15 years ago). Though they had no prior experience with meditation, acting on a hunch, I insisted on teaching them Tummo in just one evening.

 

During their expedition, they got stuck at an altitude of over 6000 meters due to bad weather conditions. Threatened by the deadly cold, they put to use what I had taught them. And they were alright until they could be retrieved by helicopter, except for some minor symptoms of frostbite. Later they told me that they credited their Tummo training with their survival.

 

I was more than happy to hear that.

Edited February 25, 2019 by Armando

[Pilgrim]

1 hour ago, Armando said:

I was more than happy to hear that.

As am I  

 

In First Kriya it is more about Sense withdraw and separating the side channels from the central channel. It is viewed the side channels with their polarity are where most are experiencing from with constant fluctuations. These two side channels being error, delusion and confusion and it is important to separate them from the central channel and then to open and straighten the central channel like a pipe from Base to crown. This is the work of first Kriya and one of the signs it has been sufficiently accomplished is the advent of Naturaly occurring Kechari Mudra where the body literally mimics the cessation of the bifurcation of the Sushumna middle channel becoming a straight pipe. (There is more confusion than not surrounding Kechari Mudra) (It should never be made to happen or forced in any way, it should occur because it must)

 

The purpose / the work of Second  Kriya the two side channels are severed a little at a time and one then lives in the central channel as the fluctuations present in the side channels gradually cease to influence the sadhak. In this way both Rajas and Tamas, Guna begin to hold less and less sway in ones life. The sadhak also gradually comes to experientialy know that truly the sadhak does nothing that, the works one does are not you doing them but that which animates all working through you as an extension of all the variables that have ever been or ever will be. The sadhak becomes more like a witness to the actions of the lord or the supreme un-manifest God the background the space in which all including nature exists. A body that does not have the animating principle within it does nothing it is a corpse.

 

As a practical example last night I was doing the dishes and it occurred to me there was no such thing as I doing the dishes. That the very water coming out of the tap was not my doing,  no it was so many other doings even making such a miracle as running water possible from some unknown place to flow freely just by turning a valve.  So what is this that has made so many things possible running as the animating principle through all of humanity for ages unknown that has culminated in the present day?

 

In The practice of Second Kriya the Divine Vibration, Sound and light are experienced in each Chakra and each is a different experience and we learn of the sole doers involvement in this way more and more.

 

Does Tummo lead to similar destinations of comprehension and awareness?  Or is it only a method of purification in bliss and the heat component of Kundalini? 

Edited February 25, 2019 by Pilgrim

[Pilgrim]

14 hours ago, Pilgrim said:

Hi Steve I have this book John Jackson recommended it, nice illustrations but without some experience however one gets it, it is fairly poorly written.

BY the way here is a link to a video that accompanies the book. 

 

[doc benway]

14 hours ago, Pilgrim said:

Hi Steve I have this book John Jackson recommended it, nice illustrations but without some experience however one gets it, it is fairly poorly written.

 

I can understand and respect your criticism.

On the other hand, English Bon resources are so rare I'm thrilled it is available and very appreciative to have it.

Definitely a good idea to get some personalized instruction, if possible.

[Pilgrim]

9 minutes ago, steve said:

 

I can understand and respect your criticism.

On the other hand, English Bon resources are so rare I'm thrilled it is available and very appreciative to have it.

Definitely a good idea to get some personalized instruction, if possible.

Agreed. It is not really bad at all. Not my intent to come across as criticizing.  The main thing is people need some experience to get something out of it from what I have read.  

 

My exposure to Bon has been with TWR and he is a very clear teacher very remarkably so in fact. He however does not permit anything other than in person training when it comes to Tummo even then it is not taught in the first retreat but the main focus is on The 9 breaths and TSA Lung.  

[Creation]

8 hours ago, Pilgrim said:

As a practical example last night I was doing the dishes and it occurred to me there was no such thing as I doing the dishes. That the very water coming out of the tap was not my doing,  no it was so many other doings even making such a miracle as running water possible from some unknown place to flow freely just by turning a valve.  So what is this that has made so many things possible running as the animating principle through all of humanity for ages unknown that has culminated in the present day?

...

Does Tummo lead to similar destinations of comprehension and awareness?  Or is it only a method of purification in bliss and the heat component of Kundalini? 

Hi Mr. Pilgrim,

 

I'm answering from book knowledge here but it struck me how your realization that there is no such thing as doing the dishes because it is dependent on innumerable causes and conditions is precisely what Buddhists call the "emptiness" of doing the dishes, and in fact, realizing the emptiness of all things is the primary goal of all Buddhist practices, including tummo. 

 

Most Tibetan schools of Buddhism actually teach that the animating principle underlying ordinary things is empty in the same way that ordinary things are.

[Armando]

21 hours ago, Pilgrim said:

As am I  

 

In First Kriya it is more about Sense withdraw and separating the side channels from the central channel. It is viewed the side channels with their polarity are where most are experiencing from with constant fluctuations. These two side channels being error, delusion and confusion and it is important to separate them from the central channel and then to open and straighten the central channel like a pipe from Base to crown. This is the work of first Kriya and one of the signs it has been sufficiently accomplished is the advent of Naturaly occurring Kechari Mudra where the body literally mimics the cessation of the bifurcation of the Sushumna middle channel becoming a straight pipe. (There is more confusion than not surrounding Kechari Mudra) (It should never be made to happen or forced in any way, it should occur because it must)

 

The purpose / the work of Second  Kriya the two side channels are severed a little at a time and one then lives in the central channel as the fluctuations present in the side channels gradually cease to influence the sadhak. In this way both Rajas and Tamas, Guna begin to hold less and less sway in ones life. The sadhak also gradually comes to experientialy know that truly the sadhak does nothing that, the works one does are not you doing them but that which animates all working through you as an extension of all the variables that have ever been or ever will be. The sadhak becomes more like a witness to the actions of the lord or the supreme un-manifest God the background the space in which all including nature exists. A body that does not have the animating principle within it does nothing it is a corpse.

 

As a practical example last night I was doing the dishes and it occurred to me there was no such thing as I doing the dishes. That the very water coming out of the tap was not my doing,  no it was so many other doings even making such a miracle as running water possible from some unknown place to flow freely just by turning a valve.  So what is this that has made so many things possible running as the animating principle through all of humanity for ages unknown that has culminated in the present day?

 

In The practice of Second Kriya the Divine Vibration, Sound and light are experienced in each Chakra and each is a different experience and we learn of the sole doers involvement in this way more and more.

 

Does Tummo lead to similar destinations of comprehension and awareness?  Or is it only a method of purification in bliss and the heat component of Kundalini? 

 

It can have such an effect.

 

There seem to be many parallels between your practice and Bön/Tibetan Buddhism. Though I assume that there will be some differences as well.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[Pilgrim]

 Will you discuss with us more about Tummo, I am certain there are many who would like to learn. I would, and I know a good friend of mine who would as well.

[Pilgrim]

17 hours ago, Creation said:

Most Tibetan schools of Buddhism actually teach that the animating principle underlying ordinary things is empty in the same way that ordinary things are.

Yes and in the Gita we are taught Krishna as a manifestation of the one true God ( Not to be confused with the many Gods people think Hinduism is about ) We are taught the one true God is formless and shapeless and is indeed emptiness as is all of our true natures. So I can see a direct correlation with what you have shared.

 

Thank you for sharing.  

 

The Gita is not so easy to read if you get the Gita for Children by Roopa Pie (it is by no means a childish book) or listen to the audible audio book  it makes everything very clear it is all about a discussion between Krishna who is God taking Mortal form and Arjuna a man who has known him all his life as a cousin but never suspected his true stature the conversation takes place right before a great battle.

 

You deprecated yourself with honesty admitting book knowledge that is pretty rare and a very good trait. I really appreciate your input even more because of it.  If for some reason you can not get the experience of these words you have shared I know a very good teacher who can teach you Kriya so you will.

 

I will also say that the practice of Kriya is the Gita but it took me 7 years to experience that and it was due to my amazing friend and teacher Donald Abrams.

 

Please forgive the side track on this thread, I only wish to give in return for receiving.