#IndiaBreatheAgain | Guided by Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar
Understanding Consciousness in Yoga
In Himalayan yoga, consciousness is the field through which life experiences unfold. It is not limited to thoughts or emotions; it is the subtle essence that perceives, guides, and shapes our inner and outer realities. Yogic philosophy explains that consciousness expresses itself through multiple layers — physical experience, breath, mind, intellect, memory, and deeper intuitive awareness.
Among these layers, the mind (manas) plays an immensely influential role. The mind interprets sensations, forms impressions, shapes emotions, and governs the quality of our actions. When the mind is steady, life feels balanced. When the mind is restless, the entire system loses harmony.
This is why Himalayas emphasise mastery of the mind as the foundation of yogic living. The mind influences breath, and the breath influences consciousness. Through breath, one gains access to the deeper layers of awareness that yoga speaks of.
This relationship forms the basis of Chandra Nadi Shodhan — a practice that works directly on the mind through the breath.
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Ida and Pingala — The Two Channels That Shape Human Life
Every human system operates through two primary energetic flows:
- Ida (Chandra Nadi) – the Moon channel
- Pingala (Surya Nadi) – the Sun channel
These channels influence our physical strength, emotional patterns, mental clarity, spiritual awareness, and energetic rhythm.
Ida nurtures the qualities of coolness, calmness, intuition, softness, reflection, and inner peace.
Pingala carries the qualities of warmth, action, clarity, dynamism, and vitality.
A harmonious life emerges when these channels flow in balance.
A refined mind, a powerful body, and a stable emotional field arise from this balance.
When these channels are imbalanced:
- thoughts become clouded
- emotions fluctuate
- breath becomes disturbed
- energy becomes unstable
- routines lose discipline
- sleep rhythm changes
- clarity becomes limited
When these channels awaken:
- the mind gains steadiness
- breath becomes expansive
- vitality rises
- intuition sharpens
- decisions become clear
- emotional strength develops
- inner awareness becomes luminous
The Moon Channel — The Pathway of Mind and Inner Stability
The Chandra Nadi originates on the left side of the body, flowing in a subtle path that influences the mind and emotional body. It is linked to the cooling element and supports the water-based functions of the system — calmness, lubrication, emotional fluidity, and the ability to process thoughts gracefully.
The Moon channel governs:
- the rhythm of the mind
- mental clarity
- emotional balance
- intuitive perception
- sleep quality
- hormonal stability
- cooling of internal heat
In yoga, the mind is seen as a reflection of the Moon.
When Chandra Nadi is calm, the mind becomes serene.
When this channel is steady, thoughts gain depth, decisions gain clarity, and emotions settle into harmony.
The breath is the bridge that activates the Moon channel.
By directing the breath through the left nostril, practitioners awaken Chandra Nadi, influencing the mind in a gentle, balanced way.
“A refined Mind is the foundation of Spiritual Growth
When the Moon channel becomes steady, the mind gains depth, clarity, and the strength to experience life with awareness.”
— Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar
How to Practise Chandra Nadi Shodhan
Step-by-Step Method
- Sit with your spine aligned and the body relaxed.
- Gently close your right nostril.
- Inhale through your left nostril with a slow, deep, steady breath.
- Release the right nostril.
- Close your left nostril softly.
- Exhale through your right nostril with ease.
- Continue this pattern in a steady rhythm, allowing breath and awareness to flow together.
Duration
Begin with 1 minute of practice.
Gradually cultivate this to 7 minutes, morning and evening.
Through consistent practice, the Moon channel strengthens and the mind settles into its natural peaceful state.
The Role of Chandra Nadi Shodhan in Today’s World
In a world filled with overstimulation, agitation, emotional overload, and rising environmental stressors, the mind rarely rests.
Chandra Nadi Shodhan restores the mind’s natural rhythm through breath, allowing clarity, calmness, and balance to re-emerge.
This is why this practice is an essential part of the #IndiaBreatheAgain movement by Akshar Yoga Kendraa — a national initiative guided by Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar Ji to strengthen breath, consciousness, and well-being through the ancient teachings of the Himalayas.
The practice connects breath with awareness, mind with stability, and human life with the timeless wisdom of yoga.
Deepen your practices with the upcoming Full Moon Meditation guided by Himalayan Siddha Akshar