First Impression
Wow, there were way more people than I expected. I guess I underestimated just how famous Sadhguru is. We arrived early at the Convention Center on Saturday, and I was taken aback by its enormous size and the cold, impersonal atmosphere with lots of cement and bright white neon lights. Before entering the space, they made us remove our shoes, which caught me off guard since I hadn’t planned on wearing socks that day. Not the most comfortable start, to be honest. But let me tell you about the event itself.
The first day was filled with talks about existence, engaging Q&A sessions, and we learned some basic movements that would serve as a warm-up for a more advanced technique called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya. Looking back, I now understand that the main objectives of those two days were to 1. Teach us Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya and 2. Provide the Transmission. Everything else surrounding the event now feels like an additional wrapping, albeit significant.
Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya
Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya is a yogic practice that was developed by Sadhguru. It is described as “a simple, yet powerful practice that can have a profound impact on the mind and body”.
This practice entails a series of breathing techniques and specific yoga exercises that are performed in a particular sequence and for a minimum duration of 21 minutes.
Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya is said to have a number of benefits, including:
- Increased focus and concentration
- Improved memory and recall
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Increased energy levels
- Enhanced creativity and intuition
- Deeper states of meditation
Participating in Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya felt like being part of a secretive ritual. For those familiar with the show The OA, it reminded me of the physical movement ritual depicted in the series, believed to possess the power to heal, access other dimensions, and even revive the deceased.
Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya is described as very powerful and demands the utmost respect — in short, don’t mess with it. It must be taught and transmitted in person by an enlightened instructor, and precise execution is crucial (we spent nearly an entire day practicing and receiving one-on-one corrections to ensure accuracy). Specific conditions must be met, including performing it during certain receptive times of the day and in a fasting state, among other requirements.
The Transmission
To be honest, I’m still not entirely sure about the exact nature of this experience. On Sunday, there were two transmission events, each lasting 30 minutes. These sessions were taken very seriously. We were instructed not to open our eyes during this time and to perform the Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya practice with intense focus. Picture 2,500 individuals in one massive hall, not uttering a single sound, and synchronizing their practice perfectly. It was quite something to witness (eyes closed obviously ;) ).
Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya is described as a tool, and practicing it daily is said to lead to a heightened level of consciousness. The very first time it is practiced, a guru imparts the seed through the transmission process. From there, it is up to the practitioner’s dedication to nurture and grow that seed into a tree.
During the event, someone asked for clarification about what exactly Sadhguru is doing during the transmission events. In response, he explained that he couldn’t provide a direct explanation. He likened the process to manufacturing a car. On that day, he taught us how to drive, but if we were to delve into the intricate details of how the engine is built and functions, it would take weeks. And if he were to explain to us how to manufacture the engine on top of that, it would take even longer. In essence, if you truly want to understand the ins and outs of what’s happening, he encourages joining Isha to explore it further.
First Transmission
We gathered on the floor, and as the ritual began, a profound silence enveloped the space, with only the calm breathing of those around me audible. I was a bit anxious about making any missteps during the process, but Sadhguru provided some guidance, which eased my concerns.
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much beyond a 21-minute meditation session, similar to the practice sessions. And initially, that’s how it started. During the first exercise, I experienced the usual relaxation one would anticipate during meditation. Occasionally, Sadhguru would clap his hands, prompting a few individuals to scream or burst into laughter without any apparent reason. The second exercise involved singing, and it was a powerful experience to harmonize with so many people, but it didn’t deviate significantly from my expectations. The third exercise focused on breathwork, which I found challenging to keep up with, but I persevered. Up until this point, I was still comfortably seated, despite the fact that sitting on the floor isn’t my preferred position.
However, things took an interesting turn during the fourth exercise. I entered a trance-like state where the movements suddenly made profound sense to me. After completing the fourth exercise, Sadhguru began singing, and that’s when my body seemed to dissolve. Initially, my “soul” felt as if it were swaying back and forth like a boat, while my physical body remained still. And then, all at once, my body seemed to vanish. It was the strangest sensation ever. Let me take a slight detour to explain it better. If you’ve ever experienced a bodiless state during an Ayahuasca journey, where your soul feels separate from your physical body, that’s precisely what it felt like. I completely lost touch with my body. It was incredibly exhilarating, and I did my best to remain highly focused on my breath to sustain that state. Something truly remarkable happened without the aid of any drugs.
When it was time to “return,” I realized my leg was in extreme pain from prolonged seating, which I hadn’t noticed earlier, and I could barely move it. It took a few minutes before I could walk again.
Later, my partner informed me that those individuals who were screaming may have been mediums receiving spirits. It might sound far-fetched, but hey, at this point, why not?
Second Transmission
In the second round, our positions in the room were different, and I can confidently say that the proximity to Sadhguru during the transmission process matters.
I was filled with anticipation for this second experience, hoping to encounter something similar to the first time. However, the experience unfolded differently. While my hands seemed to “disappear,” I didn’t have the same complete bodiless sensation as before. But something new and intriguing occurred. At some point after the third exercise, the sounds coming from everyone in the entire hall seemed to fade away. Despite being surrounded by over 2,000 people, the only voice I could hear distinctly was Sadhguru’s, as if he had moved right in front of me. Though I resisted the urge to open my eyes, I concentrated all my energy on listening for others, yet there was absolute silence. It felt like I was engaged in a private session with him.
In addition to this, each time Sadhguru clapped his hands, an intense shiver coursed through my spine, from the base of my back to the back of my neck. Initially, I thought I had been startled by the clapping noise which in turn had given me goosebumps, but with each subsequent clap, the exact same sensation recurred. Eventually, people around me “returned,” and I regained my sense of normalcy.
Moving Forward
The newfound practice we learned had immediate, transformative effects. We experienced heightened energy levels, reduced appetite, decreased frequency of restroom visits, elevated happiness and calmness, along with an intensified sense of excitement. In essence, our basic physical needs took a backseat, while our motivation to embrace life was rejuvenated and strengthened.
However, those two days were overall truly draining. Being in the presence of an enlightened individual takes its toll, and much-needed sleep was a welcome respite.
The most exhilarating outcome, personally, was the sustained increase in mental clarity. It’s akin to Harry Potter consuming Felix Felicis — also known as Liquid Luck — where he instinctively knows which path to take or what actions to pursue in order to achieve his objectives. At present, I feel the same way, as everything I’ve undertaken in the past 48 hours has seamlessly fallen into place, and my creative faculties have skyrocketed. It’s as if for whichever balls life is throwing my way, I possess a new impressive swing to handle them all.
From here on out, I’m diving into a 40-day adventure, committing to a couple of daily practices. I can’t wait to see if I’ll be able to grow that tree and eventually taste its fruits.
