Shambhavi Mudra
The eyebrow-centre gaze. Both eyes turn upward and inward toward ājñā chakra while the face stays entirely relaxed. One of the most powerful concentration practices in yoga, and one of the easiest to overdo.
शाम्भवी मुद्रा
Śāmbhavī Mudrā
Meaning of the name
The seal of Shambhu — of Shiva. The eyes turn toward the space between the brows, and the gaze that always looked outward turns.
How to practise
- 1
Sit in a steady meditation posture with the head balanced and the face soft.
- 2
Look straight ahead at a fixed point, then slowly raise the gaze upward and inward toward the space between the eyebrows.
- 3
The eyebrows lift slightly; the forehead must not frown.
- 4
Hold only as long as it is completely comfortable — a few seconds at first.
- 5
Close the eyes and rest fully before repeating. Never force, and never continue if the eyes ache.
Benefits
- Produces rapid, deep concentration — often within a minute
- Quietens the internal monologue more effectively than most practices
- Relieves tension headache originating in the forehead and brow
- Strengthens the eye muscles and improves the ability to hold a steady gaze
- Traditionally described as awakening ājñā chakra, the seat of intuition
What happens in the nervous system
Convergent upward gaze is associated with alpha-wave activity on EEG, the signature of relaxed alertness. That said, the extraocular muscles fatigue quickly and holding the position too long causes real strain and headache. This is the clearest case on the whole site of a practice that needs a teacher watching you.
Related practices
नासिकाग्र दृष्टि
Nāsikāgra Dṛṣṭi
Nasikagra Drishti
नासिकाग्र दृष्टि
Gyan Mudra
ज्ञान मुद्रा
Dhyana Mudra
ध्यान मुद्रा
KSN Yoga & Healing