In the world of yogic practices, few techniques are as mystically powerful and lesser-known as Vaasi Yogam. Rooted deeply in ancient Tamil Siddha traditions, Vaasi Yogam is more than just a breathing practice; it is a spiritual path that transforms external breathing into internal awareness, guiding the practitioner toward divine realization.
Understanding Vaasi Yogam
Vaasi Yogam is a profound yogic technique where the practitioner’s breath gradually transitions from external (conscious) to internal (subtle and involuntary). The ultimate goal of this practice is to control the mind, energize the body, and reach a state of divine consciousness.
Interestingly, we all experience a version of this Yogam every night. When we sleep and our thoughts diminish, our breath turns internal. However, this happens unconsciously. If one achieves the same state with full awareness, it becomes Vaasi Yogam, a deeply transformative meditative experience.
The Purpose of Vaasi Yogam
The core intention of this Yogam practice is to conserve life energy by entering a conscious hibernation state, wherein the body is filled with pranic energy. With regular practice, this internal breathing becomes natural, even without active effort.
Vaasi Yogam ultimately leads to:
- Mental stillness and thoughtlessness
- Activation of higher energy centers
- Control over one’s prana and soul
- Divine inner experiences and light perception
- Connection with the tenth gate (Sirasabai), the doorway to cosmic consciousness
Preliminary Practice: Naadi Suddhi
Before beginning this Yogam practice, it’s essential to practice Naadi Suddhi (alternate nostril breathing) for 2–3 minutes. This simple breathing technique:
- Clears blockages in the Naadis (energy channels)
- Stabilize your breath
- Prepares your mind for deep yogic states
Naadi Suddhi should be practiced:
- Early in the morning (compulsory) for optimal energy flow
- After completing your Vaasi Yogam session, to gently bring you back to normal awareness, this time with more force for 2–3 minutes
How to Practice Vaasi Yogam
Here is a step-by-step guide to practicing Vaasi Yogam:
1. Posture and Mudras
- • Sit comfortably in a meditative posture.
- • Place your hands in Chinmudra (tip of thumb and index finger touching).
- • Focus your gaze gently between the eyebrows (the Ajna Chakra).
- • Enter into Shambhavi Mudra (eyebrow gazing technique).
2. Khechari Mudra
- Roll your tongue back to touch the upper palate (or as far back as you can).
- This mudra helps redirect energy upwards and activates spiritual centers.
3. Breathing with Sound
- Inhale deeply with Khechari Mudra.
- Exhale with a subtle inner sound (a resonating vibration that guides the breath inward).
- This inner sound helps the breath move toward the tenth gate, located at the crown of the head.
As your practice deepens over time, the sound will gradually fade, and your breathing will become completely internal. At this stage, you’re not just meditating; you are consciously controlling your soul energy.
The Tenth Gate and Divine Connection
The tenth gate (Sirasabai) is a subtle energy center located at the crown of the head. It is the spiritual portal through which thoughts arise and divine light can be perceived. When the internal breath (Vaasi) reaches this gate:
- Thoughts are silenced
- The practitioner may see the inner light
- A deep connection with the Paramporul (Supreme Consciousness) is formed
Combining with Paramporul Yogam
To enhance your spiritual progress, you can combine Vaasi Yogam with Paramporul Yogam, a meditative practice focused on realizing the Supreme divinity. A recommended routine would be:
- Naadi Suddhi (2–3 minutes)
- Vaasi Yogam (until a deep meditative state is achieved)
- Paramporul Yogam (to rest in divine awareness)
However, Vaasi Yogam alone is powerful when done consistently with sincerity and discipline.
Final Thoughts
Vaasi Yogam is not merely a breathing exercise; it’s a sacred path to inner transformation and spiritual awakening. With time, dedication, and conscious practice, you can awaken your dormant potential and experience the light of the divine.
Begin your journey today; breathe inward and awaken the cosmos within.