Vayu-tattva

Ruminations on Vayu, Hanuman, Energy, and healing

Let me begin by offering my respects to the feet of my Guru and the Guru Parampara (oral lineage), as she gracefully tends her garden of Nama-Bhajana (spiritual practice) on the banks of Govinda-Kund, a holy Tirtha (pilgrimage site) in India. Without the grace of Guru, I cannot fully express what I am about to share.

“Take a deep breath in, hold it just a little while and let it out… follow it out and above your head, and don’t breathe. Feel that space; don’t panic. Be here, for a moment, as your breath expands into the vastness of sky, listen intently and move in the direction of the highest value.” - Ananta’s Journal

tesham satata-yuktanam bhajatam priti-purvakam
dadami buddhi-yogam tam yena mam upayanti te

To those whose minds are always united with Me in loving devotion, I give the divine knowledge by which they can attain Me.

- bhagavad-Gita 10.10

In the sequence of the pancha-mahabhuta (the five great elements), Akasha (space or ether) is known through frequency or sound, which is perceived by the ears. The movements that unfold from frequency and sound give rise to Vayu tattva (the principle of dynamic-energy, wind, air, or breath). This tattva is connected with the Heart chakra, Buddhi(Intellect/Wisdom) the breath, touch, skin, etc. The famous Kapalika, Aghori, or Skullbearing yogi is the a symbol of the stage of buddhi-Yoga. This requires mastery of the Vayu-Tattva

The Bhagavata purana explains this process as follows:

"From the subtle element of sound in the sky , by the movement of time , transformation occurred. Then, from that, touch manifested, and from touch came the element of air (vāyu). The skin became the organ of sensation for perceiving touch."
-Srimad-Bhagavata purana 3.26.35

Vayu, Air, but more than just air or gas it is Prana, the basic original active energy state, prana-Sakti. There is nothing in Indian mysticism as central and common as Prana . Prana is literally translated as “Life-Force” or “Winds,” and these Winds, according to both Vedic and Tantric texts, are said to regulate various physical and mental functions, Our mental state and perceptions can be manipulated by changing patterns of breath, and Pranayama serves as a bridge or vehicle between the waking state and inner/outer realities including; 14 realms and ultimately Super-consciousness, transcendence. It is our touch on the world, the point of contact from the infinite to the finite.

"Movement, propulsion, touch, drying up, and having a smoky hue—these are the five qualities of the Great Wind.”
Siddha-Siddhanta-Paddhati, verse 33

Going into further details, the Siddha-Siddhanta-Paddhati of Gorakhnath continues

"First, there are the ten vayus, or life-energies. In the heart resides Prana Vayu, the breath of inhalation and exhalation, linked with the sounds ‘ha’ and ‘sa.’ This state, when altered, becomes known as Hatha Yoga.

The ‘ha’ sound signifies the sun, and the ‘tha’ sound represents the moon. The union of sun and moon energies is thus named Hatha Yoga."

In the lower abdomen, Apana Vayu governs functions of expelling and stabilizing energy. At the navel center, Samana Vayu acts as the internal fire, digesting and balancing. Vyana Vayu flows through the entire body, enabling swallowing, expelling, and speech. Udana Vayu is known as Naga Vayu, energizing all parts and responsible for movement. Kurma Vayu causes the fluttering of the eyelids and allows focus. Krikala Vayu induces sneezing and belching. Devadatta prompts yawning, and Dhananjaya creates internal sounds within the body.” (69)"

The inner realities expand without limit, and the means of their exploration is the vehicle of the mind. The Mind is powered by prana-sakti and The mind can go anywhere it can imagine. Without sufficient energetic capacity, it cannot go far or with lucidity and control. It takes years of working with the Air element consciously to actually use this Vehicle.

The image of the flying Yogi Mahasiddha Ghantapa suggests the power of the practices related to the wind, and these stories are common in the circles of Yogis and ascetics.

Taken literally, one would likely be disappointed to find flying Yogis today, but when “Flying” means going up into the inner dimensions of the higher chakras (energy centers), you’d be surprised how many Yogis I’ve met that have experience with this level of experience. Astral projection, intentional lucid dreaming with clarity, experiencing the clear light of deep sleep with presence and entering into the void to emerge reborn a fresh Soul.

In my late teens, my younger brother and I began learning Pranayama, mudras(gestures and seals), bandhas(various locks and breath holds for moving energy). We were investigating astral travelling, deep relaxation and yoga-nidra, lucid dreaming, and various methods of entering Samadhi and other mystic states of consciousness. In between each state of consciousness(Waking, Dreaming, Deep sleep, Turyia) there is a liminal space of consciousness or Bardo. There we can learn, train, and develop our Yogic abilities and connect with our Guides, Teachers, and Guardians.

It was very difficult to do on purpose, but I did achieve a few moments of what was like being completely lucid outside of my body, though without full capacity to control or manipulate my “Subtle-body.” Too much excitement for achieving the state would instantly cancel the experience, leaving me lying in bed annoyed that I didn’t keep my cool. A lot of spiritual practice is like this; it requires a calm, reverent, and observing attitude.

There is an incredible wealth of classical yoga-tantra texts that give basic instructions for the practice of Pranayama and the states of Consciousness achievable through careful attention to breath. I’d like to share some thoughts and insights in this aspect of Yoga-Tantra from my own thoughts and insights studying these stories over and over.

In Vaishnavism (a tradition focused on devotion to Vishnu and his incarnations), the consciousness related to the winds is called “Vayu,” derived from the word “Vata,” which means to “blow” as related to the wind or to “breathe” as related to Prana. This principle appears again and again in relation to Brahma (his brother and the deity of mind and perception), both being sons of Vishnu-Narayana, the Supreme One who preserves creation. Vayu is said to to take 3 main incarnation on Earth in service to his Lord and father, Sriman Narayana! Hanumana comes to serve Sri Rama in Treta-Yuga, Bheemasena comes to help Sri Krsna in dvapara-yuga. It is said that Madhvacharya is the 3rd Vayu-Avatar and he comes in kali-Yuga to instruct a doctrine of Devotional Monotheism as a counter-attack to the launch of India’s own Satanism, Mayavad(The Idea that all is illusory)

Of the 3 Avatars, Hanuman is the most beloved of all avatars (divine incarnations) of this mighty principle. He is also known as Vajrangi, or Thunderbolt-body. This eludes to the notion that the Vayu tattva in the body relates to the electrical impulses in the brain and nervous system that cause the body to function. These stories are always relating to five levels of being. Everything in Hinduism has a coloration in the body, emotions, symbol/visual field/inner vision, as conception or idea, and ultimately as a personality/conscious entity/aspect of the total Self.

Śrī Hanumān Dhyāna Śloka

पिङ्गाक्षं पिङ्गकेशं ससारुधिर निकषस्यधोपद पद्मम्।
प्रोद्यन्मार्तण्डकोटि प्रमित तनुगलद्रश्मिभिर्दुर्निरीक्ष्यम्।
राकाचन्द्रांसु जल प्रस्यमर नखदंष्ट्रांशु सन्धानस्य।
उद्वन्दसाचक्रवालं कपिवरमणिशं वायुपुत्रं नमामि॥

"I bow to Hanuman, the son of the wind, who has reddish-brown eyes and reddish-brown hair ), whose body is smeared with blood from the defeated enemies. His lotus feet are radiant like freshly blossomed lotus flowers. He shines like a million rising suns, and his intense rays are difficult to gaze upon. His nails and fangs gleam like the cooling rays of the full moon, dispelling darkness. He lifts the entire universe with his immense power, and I offer my salutations to this noble, ever-vigilant hero among monkeys."

The mantra "Hum Hanumate Rudratmakaya Hum Phat Svaha!" honors Hanuman as having the soul of Shiva, Rudra (the destroyer and enlightener). By doing malas (repetitions) of this mantra or even a Puruscharana (complex mantra-sadhana involving rituals like Homas and Tarpana), I highly recommend it for spiritual protection and the cleansing of one’s pranas or life airs, which can become darkened by bad association, heavy drug use, or self-destructive behaviors. Rama and Hanuman bring one back to proper judgement.

The interplay between principles in the Drama of Lila (divine play) is a fascinating aspect of Hinduism—the connection between metaphysics and mythology, a sort of dance between physics and narrative, both explaining each other.

Valmiki’s Ramayana and the Ramacharitamanasa are beloved by all Hanuman upasakas (worshippers). To hear the tale of your Ishta-deva is akin to Samadhi for a true lover of God. Hanuman especially comes near to those who are especially devoted to reciting Rama Nama, a mantra capable of granting liberation and direct contact with pure Consciousness.

I have personally experienced a lot of profound things through Rama Nama Sadhana and many of the friends and I have suggested exploring this mantra have reported back to me powerful experiences that have dramatically shifted their awareness.

I cannot stress more how serving Hanumana, for Vaishnavas who work in the occult/hidden realms, he is essential. He is our Bhairava, our Ksetrapala! Without him we will be vulnerable not only to outside demonic influences but also a nervous system incapable of holding the energy that is required to experience higher states of consciousness safely. The risk of losing ones mind is very very real in the occult.

This part of the world is perfect for connecting to ancient deities like Hanuman, who has been worshipped for thousands of years deep in the Jungles of India in honor of his dedication to God, to Sri Rama. He is the wild messenger who finds the Truth, Sita Devi (goddess and consort of Rama). The White Star. Tara and the goddess of the Earth itself. Bhu-devi. The energy of salvation and support of all. Rama Nama (the name of Rama) is always resounding on his lips, connecting him instantly to the Prakash (the manifest, infinite source of energy, the Sun) within and without. The Sun is his Guru and Teacher! Solar worship is the Virtue Discipline aspect of Yoga and it relates very much to the boons of Vayu-tattva.

When I was waiting for my son to arrive I performed a monthly homa for Panchamukha Hanumana(Tantric fire offering using only sattvic ingredients). It was a wonderful and powerful way to clear the space of our home for new life to enter. Casting out Ghosts, haunted memories, and pacifying the spirits and ancestors of this land. My strength and will to heal my own damaged nervous system, I feel, has been greatly boosted by this Sadhana and I am continuing this practice in the coming months.

In order to navigate samsara, enter into knowledge, and find nirvana, We need Healthy Judgement and a pure heart; this process of Vayu Sadhana is all about that. Meditation on Hanuman, his form, his iconography, his attitude and mood brings us into the same state of being. Ultimately, Hanuman is portrayed as a perfect buddhi Yogi, one who intelligence is fully guided by Rama. His heart is in the right place, in total service and dedication to God, Sri Rama. He is the Ideal Yogi and realizer of Truth

The faculty of Buddhi, Judgment or intellect is cleansed and strengthened when we work with deities related to Vayu Tattva. The anahata-chakra is the location of this element, making it the essential “Heart” of the Yogi. To experience this element directly we can work with the sound Yam or yang which is called Vayu-Bija
(Bija mantras are single syllabic sonic tools/beings/deities)
You can follow the breath into the depths of your being or energize your body and mind. Whatever you aim to accomplish in your mystic inquiries, correct breath and deep knowledge of breath and voice will vibrate all the bones in your body the way you were meant to be played—the human instrument, a sonic transformer.

Living here in Australia, I felt drawn to learn at least the basics of the didgeridoo as I noticed that is an instrument that really helps you feel how your body can channel wind and sound, heal various ailments, soothe headaches or sore muscles, and increase mental clarity by amplifying your own vibrations. When I go deeply into this, especially with high dose psilocybin, I can really tune into how everything is vibration/Frequency. It helps me enter a trance-like state of relaxed focus where I can experience everything as only Sound. That reality is cyclical vibrations, conch like, and spiraling .This is Omkara, the sacred seed of reality. I think we gain easier access to super states when we learn how to activate the human machine properly through breath and vibration.

I highly recommend that anyone interested in magical/mystical sadhanas and exploring reality through meditation, learn the standard traditions of pranayama, the theory of the five pranas, the process of bhuta-suddhi or elemental purification and kundalini awakening and the vast wealth of mantra shastra (Indian scripture on mantras) available to empower oneself towards Self and Super-Self, or as many call him/her, GOD. With Tiny Temple, We are slowly unpacking and re-presenting these elements of Vaishnav-Tantra for people looking to go deeper and explore their personal connection the elements and their deities.

”Om, Hum, hraum, Hrim! Oh Lord Hanuman you are called Jivottama, the supreme amongst the individual souls, and we follow in your service. You are the one pointed mind and the winds that carry my mind to serve the lotus feet of Sita-Rama (Samadhi or union with the Divine).”

Jai Nitai
Ananta das