3 stages of Shambhavi Mudra - technique - Stages of the spiritual eye

[@_Ag-]

I thought looking up at the point between the eyebrows meant focusing on the Kutastha point literally, so I was crossing my upturned eyes to do this. So much muscle effort, though! And often I’d fall asleep during meditation because focusing like that was difficult to maintain, and inevitably my eyes would lower which brings on 💤 😴. It’s helpful for everyone to see that it’s just looking upward. 🙄😌 Thanks for your fantastic videos, Forrest!🤍

[@Matt-pm4dg]

This is seriously one of the best channels explaining meditation. I currently do Isha hatha yoga practices and have been initiated into a Kriya meditation by Sadhguru I have been meditating everyday for about 1.5 years and it has changed my life. Keep at it brother! 🙏🏼😎🙌🧘‍♂️

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Matt! What a wonderful testimony!

[@333Eriana]

i agree!!! - i was taught meditation by the Marharishi Mahesh Yogi when i was 11 years old, i have learned many other types of meditations and such in the decades that followed. Forrest reminds me a a beautiful friend i had years ago that was a monk - he had such a gentle and yet enthusiastic voice about everything. so loving.

[@danielokeeffe5848]

@@333Eriana You are very privileged. I have been doing TM for over 3 years.

[@natesh1]

Getting initiated into Shambhavi mahamudra kriya, Shakti chalana kriya and shoonya meditation from Sadhguru has been my most treasured experience of life 🙏

[@alexandriasmith8986]

Hello Natesh, if you are initiated by Sadhguru, I would like to know what you need and want more from Mr. Knutson ? Kind regards.

[@davydsol8471]

Yes! why are you here IF you were initiated by sadhguru? I personally dont trust him.. my intuition is working and sadhguru is funky for too many reas

[@nomitnegi2265]

@@davydsol8471 many people are going crazy because of his inner engineering program my intuition is always against this man he is shaddy

[@boardsandstuff5008]

Im glad you found joy.

[@ajnadey7173]

This straight talk is exactly what the yoga community needs. Thank you for the simplicity and honesty. You are the Guru

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you so much I love this compliment!

[@peterhook2258]

lol was watching a video on this and thought , I am going to ask Forrest to explain this and here it is. Awesome! ty for your hard work Forrest.

[@ManmohanSharmaa]

Your channel is THE destination to get all doubts get cleared even before asking _/\_

[@ForrestKnutson]

Wow! Thank you so much! That has been my hope. I struggled for a long time for answers, so it is a joy to make my brother's road shorter.

[@Harshreal1]

Brother you r doing great job u r a real human, blessed soul in this age every master is earning money for shambhavi but u r giving free knowledge thats a difference

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Harsh. 🙏

[@medronhos]

Dear Harsh, Namaskar. Serious masters are asking money for it - as it is necessary nowadays to carry on any kind of activity - but not having personal profit. One of the best known institutions who is providing an initiation on an enhanced form of Shambhavi is a huge foundation with massive environmental and educational projects in India, bringing relieve and hope to rural populations (Rally for Rivers, Isha Vidhya...), But yeah, it takes a lot of attention to stay away from charlatans on one's path. All the best to yours

[@_Ag-]

LOVE the myth metaphor breakdown, Forrest! ⚜️🕉⭐️💙

[@MetalHobbit22]

One of the most helpful Channels I have found! Thank you for doing what you do, and sharing.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad it's helping!

[@davydsol8471]

I Loved your "8-hacks to better meditation" (think i got that right).. so i feel great that this will be SUPER! Thanx again for being here! I want something more sincere than so called sadhguru

[@hansrajh6123]

I ve been waiting for this big bang to happen during my meditations. Yr explanation was so clear and no BS. Thank you so much for the clarity. God bless you! 🙏💐

[@ForrestKnutson]

Awesome! Clarity! I love it!

[@rafaelaugustobetance]

This video is pure blessing, pure instruction, pure inner guidance. Thank you so much.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Rafael! 🙏

[@marilynzeinel-abidin1027]

Love this . Also noticed that closing the eyes and bringing focus to the medulla naturally brought my eyes up without strain.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Perfect Marilyn!

[@innerbliss108]

Thank you so much for such clear teachings of shambhavi mudra Forrest!

[@ForrestKnutson]

I'm so glad it was helpful! 🤩🙏

[@Sassieone1]

This visualization is great 👍 😊

[@ForrestKnutson]

Excellent!

[@Madhura1818]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information with us. 🙏

[@CodyWheaten]

I have been trying to figure out how to work with this awesome gift

[@BipinKumar-vq4od]

Thank you for sharing this video.

[@801oap]

Thanks for sharing. This will be very helpful as things progress. Love all the tips included and the scientific threads running through your explanations.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you! It helps immensely, I think, to ground it all in the nervous system. As the Gita tells us, "THIS BODY ONLY is Kurushetra."

[@guaracilage]

Fantastic! Thank you

[@LeonwithaK]

Just going through these stages and exactly as you have mentioned. I saw the Star for the first time last night.

[@dr.sureshiyer2240]

Very helpful 🙏🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

Wonderful! 🙏🙏

[@jamesyoung4530]

Thanks, Forrest. This video was very helpful. TM has a technique called the Night technique that is similar to your descriptions. I think Maharishi once said that if you stare into the darkness behind your eyelids before sleep, you will eventually see a cave that you may walk into and begin to see a light at the end of the cave. This phenomenon also reminds me of people's near-death experiences where they walk through a dark tunnel into a light.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Absolutely James! Both of those are the same thing the same experience. It happens in the near-death experience because all of the energy is withdrawing from the outside very naturally. The yogi does this by getting into heart rate variability, and by stilling the projections of the psyche

[@abhishekghosh4384]

The other side of the cave is the Brahma nadi.

[@Brancaalice]

When I did fast for 6 days, in last 3 days, I woke up those light flashing constantly, it color every where I looked, even with close eyes. Sometimes I needed wear sunglasses few minutes until my eyes use to the light, cause the intensity of flash.

[@thomasklugh4345]

You da man, Forrest... you da man !

[@abbarajusathyadeva717]

Great and unique useful explanation. Thank you from India

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Abbaraju!

[@thomasklugh4345]

By the way, my meditation is going nicely. I've been doing it a little more than two weeks. Each morning, I sit in a straight-backed chair, facing east. I get my tongue in a Kechari Mudra position, and do full-lung deep Kriya breaths as explained by Yogananda Paramahansa. I do them for thirty minutes. That comes to about 150 breaths. I've progressed with my tongue position from, just getting it above my soft palatte, to above my soft palatte to touching the back of my nasal septum, to just a bit above the back of my nasal septum and at the roof of my nasopharynx. I still can't reach the very top yet, but my tongue gets further up each day. I love doing this, Forrest. I love seeing the progression. I can't thank you enough for all your input.

[@_Ag-]

How’s it going for you now? 🕉

[@LoretoEsTorres]

14:05 I am a bit confused…😅🤔😅. Isn’t the myth story called “Jason and the Argonauts”? Or is this the “Forrest version”? 😊😅😊

[@Mahesh-om6sq]

Please share full video with details. Helpful and thanks dear.

[@ricardovaz5041]

Wonderful!! I have done many techniques to activate the Ajna Chakra, but this one is so simple and at the same time so palpable! I can really notice magnetic sensations there and also the softening of the thinking mind and a centering in myself. Thank you for showing and explaining here the importance and big difference of not straining the eyes, just a smooth lifting upward. The best is that even when the voluntary lifting stops, there is a very good effect on how life is lived, more presence, less anxiety. And also seem like remains a calling from the spiritual eye. To come back, again and again. Thank you!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Ricardo! Wow! You are really getting it! Thank you so much for your testimonial! That's exactly it. It causes an Alpha wave every time we lift them.

[@ricardovaz5041]

@@ForrestKnutson _/[\_

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@ricardovaz5041 🙏🙏

[@heidipucci9078]

Wow! This is an amazing explanation! Thank you!🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Heidi!

[@nancythomason5767]

Thank you! You make it all seem attainable. Love the interpretations of the Greek myths.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Wonderful Nancy! It is absolutely attainable! All right there hidden inside of our very own brain. 🤩🙏

[@ron6107]

Thank you Forrest! Meditation helped by your videos is slowly changing my life.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Fantastic! That means so much to me!

[@ron6107]

@@ForrestKnutson :) I also have a request/suggestion. I have been scouting the internet for detailed instructions on Kriya Yoga but I didnt find anything much and cant afford to travel at the moment for initiation. Any chance that you are gonna do a series on the 12 Kriyas of Lahiri Mahasya? That would be so wonderful!

[@ForrestKnutson]

I've made certain promises, and if you email me at [e-mail] I'd be happy to talk to you about it.

[@ron6107]

@@ForrestKnutson Thanks Forrest! I will email you tommorow. Good Night for now as I am off to practice what you talked about in the video!

[@alexandriasmith8986]

This is so nice, thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

Great Alexandria! 🤩

[@anandsankar697]

I have just started back meditation and I am experiencing just what talking about and it give me confidence what I am practicing. I just want to go on and on meditating. Your guidance is great. Thank you .

[@ForrestKnutson]

Fantastic Anand!

[@nancythomason5767]

Thank you ! I love the Greek mythology interpretations.

[@ayin9738]

Mate you are wonderful. I found you by accident and I'm starting a new journey. Greetings from Poland. Thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

Poland! Amazing! I'm so glad you found me!

[@selenakorleski2967]

I am very grateful for your informative videos. They are a gift to us all

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Selena! 🙏🙏

[@rakhishah7223]

Wonderful thanks for sharing

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you!!

[@aparnadhawal2908]

Thank you for the video & Lot of respect for you.. These colours actually scares

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi Aparna! Whenever we encounter something new, it can be a bit scary. If you will sit with these however, then your psychology will get used to the event, and you will begin to love the experience. It's very bright and dazzling.

[@danielokeeffe5848]

Great stuff. I love mythology.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Me too, Daniel!

[@rupalimapuskar7561]

It was a woww for me watching throughout this video...Amazed by the tips .

[@ForrestKnutson]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you for watching!

[@عمرالحربي-ز2ك]

6

[@tammycates333]

Thank you ❤

[@TheVirpa]

So lost in all my experience.. thank you for speaking out. One of the reason Advaita vedante stopped for me after 8 years of teachers just telling me to ignore all my seeing . Thow I heard an felt deep wisdom and inner guru from these phenomenas as they where called. Thank God I found you and Igor Kufayev

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes, use them! The eye is a wonderful meditative tool, if it is there for you. And a workman may only abandon his tools when the work is actually done. Thank you for your confirmation, and your story!

[@TheVirpa]

Forrest Knutson ... i have been with the eye in all its form and travelled through it. The peace and bliss is there

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@TheVirpa wonderful! Well done!

[@TheVirpa]

@@ForrestKnutson should I worry about seeing the eye everywhere while my eyes are opened too, I even have a cool breeze around and on me ???

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@TheVirpa that's a very deep state, and the breeze is the Freeze Response of the Dorsal Vagal, that's staying active even as you are "outward." The only problem comes when it gets in the way of your day to day activities. One of my students likes to keep his mind on the whole body continuously so that he stays grounded during the day, and doesn't become overwhelmed continuously with bliss.

[@pittyj369]

Thank you for your help and efforts, Archangel Michael sends light and love

[@shivamvaidya1782]

Excellent

[@1rsalc]

I revisited this video today. Thanks for the tips. I often have issue with Shambhavi Mudra and have came up with two work-arounds (my main problem being, I don't know where to focus my eyes). 1. If I am very relaxed, I focus my attention on the medulla. Once there, thoughts slow down and I get into the "oh wow" mood that you mentioned. Medulla "leads" me to kutastha. Once I focus my attention there, the raised gaze happens automatically. This is great: medulla, kutastha, automatic gaze, no effort is needed! 2. If I am mildly relaxed, since I don't know where to focus my eyes, I have to get an "inner marker": I imagine I'm bringing my eyebrows together and mentally focus on a "handle" just inside my skull. Once I am focused in the general area of kutastha, I make a small effort to raise the eyes (just to AIM THEM UP, without seeking to focus the eyes anywhere). 3. If I am stressed out, with irritated or sore eyes, I just can't do Shambhavi mudra, so I try to focus on the medulla (which may or may not happen depending on my level of stress) As far as seeing, a small golden "fire ball" or the "cave of darkness" are my favorites because they give me a sense of "oh wow" (I feel no need to think or verbalize) PLUS sometimes, I get the feeling that I am looking BACK into the medulla (not sure if this makes sense, but it feels reassuring). (Sorry about the long post!)

[@ForrestKnutson]

This is really amazing. You have it perfectly.

[@ashwins.selvarajan1714]

Thank you so much for this..

[@ForrestKnutson]

You're welcome Ashwinji! I'm glad you liked it.

[@joshuamiller5701]

Inspirational , thanks Forrest!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Joshua!

[@HariniL-gu6gn]

🙏🙏🙏 Thank you.

[@aacreation911]

Thank you for your deep knowledge and explanation 🙏 this happened to me 2 years ago by chance and scared the living Jesus out of me... now trying to figure out how to achieve this on my own and your video explains it the best so far... God bless

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's fantastic!

[@couldbefaraway9726]

Thanks, im greateful for the explanation of the Aha moment and the orign of that...much left to explore but you explain in a very fresh and clear way, yeah it resonates...love it, thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

Stefan! I'm so glad to hear that! Fresh and clear is everything I aim for.

[@SerpentLightDrums]

Very nice, thanks u

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Dan!

[@Sogehtsgut]

So its a god idea to train first the shambhavi mudra until ist natural and than progress for other technics? In the srf lassens they recomment eaven to Do upwars trataka until the eyes become fix without moving.

[@ForrestKnutson]

You can begin another practice right away but just keep in mind that you want the eyes to go up in a habit, you want the subconscious mind to take care of it for you, and not have to consciously put the Eyes upward over and over. But this takes time to develop. So you probably don't want to wait until you have that habit but to begin your other practices at the same time.

[@azizhusseinz2083]

Thank you so much for this information. You answer my question about what is the circle that I saw when I was medtating few weeks ago. I never though that I saw my 3rd eye. Even though I saw a glimpse of that but that feeling was relaxing.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Aziz, that was it! You saw it! Well done!

[@behnamkiani3736]

Thank you so much i believe knowing these detail is half of the way and at least help to progress god bless you,in my medition practice i went to a point when i saw some dim images like slide show and start to get clearer and i tried physically to see them more clear but they disappeared and till now i have not had any success,what would be my mistake please

[@raamkumar1979]

I realized When ever I pay attention to Inhalation and Exhalation ..... especially Exhalation while doing kriya Energizing exercise I find haaa haaa moment...... amazing 🙏🙏🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

Excellent! That's perfect!

[@kusukuttan]

Thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you for watching!

[@opaccountant33]

Great soul Aapke Guru Kon h ......?

[@linuxbro-offical]

I am seeing an eye. Sometimes white light. I am really confused. Some times cooling sensation in middle of eyebrows. Confused like where I am i? On which stage i was. Some one please guide me..?

[@_Ag-]

That’s a huge gift/attainment! Keep going. Stage doesn’t matter. ⭐️

[@drezzolani]

thankyou

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you!

[@notAYUSHGAMING]

Please tell what happens when second knot opens

[@ForrestKnutson]

It makes your body feel like it is nothing but energy. There are a few ways that you can experience that.

[@trueastrology1929]

Please make video in hindi also

[@ForrestKnutson]

You can use the subtitles for translation into Hindi.

[@Vshamann336]

I really need your help with some of this. You're the only one I found that is mentioned a lot of these things that I've gone through and there's also had great explanations. I would need to explain some things and let you know how my experience was and then you could use the material as content and help me. :-)

[@_Ag-]

You could sign up for his courses.

[@matty609]

Sometimes I see different faces and shapes. Any insight or experience with this?

[@_Ag-]

“Notice impassively and let it go” is the usual suggestion for such visuals. Continuing to attend to your practice, eventually all of these visual manifestations will fade away. 🙏🕉

[@sameermalik8485]

Sir, I am doing shambhvi mudra by knit brows technique. I am pressing my eyebrows. In this video you talked only about gazing technique. Will pressing eyebrows for shamvhvi mudra will yield same results as gazing eyebrows. Is gazing technique better than pressing eyebrows

[@thomasklugh4345]

Forrest, I was wondering what the tattoos are on your wrist?

[@piyushsharma8563]

How do sambhavi mudra right way method....Eyes close or eyes open???? How do it???

[@ForrestKnutson]

Once the eyes are sure of their position, you're ready to close the eyes. There's an advanced position of the eyelids where they are half open, but this has to be done with the eyelids completely relaxed without fluttering. For this reason, closing the eyes completely is much easier position to relax in. I hope that clarifies things for you.

[@piyushsharma8563]

@@ForrestKnutson now i m understood... thank you so much for reply...

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you for your great question!

[@Crispylaff]

I see the yellow ring at times. I thought it was light seeping through my eye lids somehow. Like when you stare at the sun and get that after effect . It's so good to know that it's a good thing!! It starts on the outside of my vision and the circle gets smaller and smaller till it goes away and it does this over and over. When it comes I try to get in the middle of it, to go past it but i can't. Should i just watch the light without doing anything? Its like I'm blocked somehow

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes, that's the spiritual eye! Isn't that great to know! When we try and focus on it, our focusing can cause it to recede, and the turning of the eyes may cause it to move left or right. So, what we need is to deepen our relaxation and trance. You want to open up to it, rather than fight your way into it. That won't always work in just one sitting. So, best to enjoy it, and realize that just seeing it affects us deeply. That a new internal reality is impinging on our consciousness.

[@Crispylaff]

@@ForrestKnutson Thank you! I'm really new to this so I'm glad I found your channel. I've only been meditating for a few months. It's good to know I'm on the right track.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@Crispylaff you are! And doing very well to already see the golden ring!

[@lovepeaceandkarma7923]

Hi! Katie I too have exactly the same experience..... I am glad you shared it. It feels great that I am not alone.

[@medronhos]

What we "see" during a certain meditation and when varies a lot from a person to another, just like a fingerprint.

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's why I'm mentioning many variations.

[@Vshamann336]

I've been having a problem doing the eye movement up and not streaming. Every time I do it it feels like I'm straining or I'm letting them go back down. Any tips?

[@PAOComposer]

Thank you!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you Patrick!

[@superrainbowsuperpop]

Thank you for your video, you gave me an aha moment! I have been practicing yoga and meditation for a few months, and I’ve been practicing Shamhbavi mudra since November 25, I felt I was in a cave and I saw a dark purple sky. At the beginning, the purple sky came and gone, lately the cave ring expanded, I kinda feel I came out of a cave and looked at the sky on an open field. I can’t wait to see some lights! How long did you practice meditation to see the white/yellow light? Thank you 🙏

[@ForrestKnutson]

If you are seeing the blue cave, you're already seeing the deeper part. Please see this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIHSq5SaZ8x9mKM

[@anandkesar5042]

Whether we have to look up while closed or opened eyes

[@ForrestKnutson]

Closed eyes is usually more relaxing. Thank you for the question!

[@alexandriasmith8986]

Hello Forrest, I’m interested in your 2 online courses but I would like to know how they differ from your KZbin video, what extra can it bring us ?

[@anandkesar5042]

2nd and 3rd knot of lahirimahasya make a video and explain whole

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes! It's on my list! A VERY important video, which I'm excited to make and share!

[@OscarCortesV]

Where did you get all this information? I practiced Kriya in the linage of Lahiri baba and I saw that circular halo you describe, I asked the guru who taught me and he was very vague, he told me I should continue practicing and not pay too much attention to that, later when I was in India I met another guru in the same linage who told me that there is a dot right in the middle, he told me that he could see that dot all the time and that through practice you can cross that star or dot and get samadhi, but he said I shouldn't get too distracted and focus more on the final goal of life, I always wondered where did they get all that information.

[@_Ag-]

What do you think your Guru meant by “focus more on the final goal of life”? Is that not eventually samadhi? Thanks for your comment sharing your experience. Hope all is going well for you. 🕉🙏🤍

[@OscarCortesV]

@@_Ag- The purpose of life according to yogic and advaita traditions is to realize the Brahman, the ultimate truth, samadhis are extraordinary experiences that may or may not give you self realization, the guru I met in India had gained nirvikalpa samadhi the highest of all samadhis only once is his lifetime and despite of that he was not completely self realized, he was a very advanced yogi, his presence was powerful and had many followers but he was not self realized, he said that his realization will happen at the moment of death and not before by the grace of his guru. Jay guru!

[@_Ag-]

@ Thank you for generously sharing this perspective. Which Guru are you speaking of, if you don’t mind me asking? 🙏🌟

[@OscarCortesV]

@@_Ag- his name was Raghabananda Nayak, from outside he looked like any other man in India but he was highly advanced in the path, the first time I met him he answered my questions before asking, he knew what was in my mind, he made many predictions about my life that became real, but most importantly practicing sadhana kriya next to him was something else, he had the power to elevate anyone around him.

[@_Ag-]

@ What an experience to have had. I was also lucky enough to receive such blessings in India. Amazing also when a sentence uttered by such a yogi can be heard on such a different personal level by all in earshot with the full multifaceted spiritual impact conveyed simultaneously (yet individually) to each in attendance. Immensely grateful to the incredible god-realized beings who walk among us and show us what is real.

[@franciscoelho4090]

Pls explain more accurately thanks step by step

[@ngcache]

Thank you for your video. I loved the tips. I don't know if my eyes were in the right position, but anyway I felt great relaxation. Now I would like to know if I can do this meditation several times a day, and for how long ? What's the best practice to get most benefits from it ? Thanks a lot.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Absolutely! There's no limit to how often you can practice this, so long as you don't use strain. If the muscles around the eyes become tired, then of course give them a break. ...The best way to get benefits from this is to do it with a reduced breath practice. I have a specific video on this and the Dorsal Vagal Nerve called, Clinical Mindfulness. It's also best to practice this in the dark in order for the eyes to dilate.

[@ericfontaine1997]

thankyou for these details...i have been experiencing the intense gold/white light circle, which usually is preceded by a half circle on the left side or right side of my field of view. Then, when i alter/adjust my gaze, it becomes the full circle...on one occasion, after being in the full golden circle mode for a while, a purple nebulous looking ovalish/circular shape was in the middle of the golden halo. I had no idea what i was looking at, but it was intriguing. Upon thinking back on that experience, it was sort of like i was rooted at the center of creation...i did not get the white star yet. But your videos give confirmation to me that i am doing things right and i am on the right track. Note: doing the partial yoni mudra that you described in a recent video (ears blocked and gentle upward pressure on my eyes while gazing in third eye mode) greatly increases the likelihood of getting the golden circle to appear.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Wonderful, Eric! You got it. It's all part of the same whole, and you're doing great. All of your descriptions are of the one same spiritual eye; which you probably already know at this point. Isn't it nice to be able to understand what is happening? That's exactly why I made this video, so thank you so much for sharing. This is also a good sign that you are staying in HRV, which "saves heartbeats" and greatly increases our likelihood of having this experience. Which means you are definitely on track.

[@reenamisra481]

Hello and namaste Forrest: please share link to video where you explain what next after experiencing the meditative mellows. Once I am in that stage, do I just continue till..? Thank you.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Then I would continue with the 2 trainings here, as you have time: www.meditativemellows.com/

[@reenamisra481]

@@ForrestKnutson Thank you

[@masterskitchen3521]

The medulla is the aha moment! Do the knots overcome us or do we overcome the knots?

[@ForrestKnutson]

We experience them unraveling in the process of interiorizing. Excellent question!

[@darshankv]

What do you think about Sadhguru's Isha Kriya meditation? There is also the looking up and concentrating on the breath, and in addition some more components.

[@ForrestKnutson]

I had several people tell me that they liked how they didn't have to wait to receive it's practices. They could begin right away. I don't like that they strain the neck backwards, but I understand what he's trying to do with that. I did look at all of it's practices. It seems an okay routine to me. Though Lahiri Mahasaya's original kriya will always be my 1st choice.

[@darshankv]

@@ForrestKnutson Thank you for answering! I have watched and liked many of your videos in the past few weeks and have started reading "The Autobiography of a Yogi". Very first steps trying to understand and learn kriya yoga but it is very interesting to me. I wish I had time to read all the books that you are recommending and to meditate more.

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@darshankv fantastic! So glad to hear it!

[@darshankv]

@@ForrestKnutson Yes the neck gets strained and a little sore by holding the head slightly upwards during the hole Isha Kriya meditation. I was thinking positively about that -- there probably is too much holding the head downwards during other times with all the smartphones and other worldly doings. The daily looking upwards for 15 minutes might be a little counterbalance for that and maybe good for my posture and worth a little trouble, or that's what I was thinking. I get a lot of yawning (or something similar to yawning) during this and also other kinds of meditation. I have encountered various explanations of yawning during meditation and was wondering, do you have some explanation about yawning in combination with meditation that you like? You don't have to answer if you are busy. I don't want to take advantage of you trying to answer to every comment. :) I will keep watching and learning without you answering to me as well. Best of luck with your important work!

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@darshankv I'm personally against the backward neck tilt. I have a video on here about the man bun. In that video I give a neck stretch which stretches out the area around the medulla. I think this is much more beneficial for the body and for most people's posture in general. Even when we look down this area of the neck is often still scrunched up in a manner. So elongating that backside of the medulla is really critical for General Health and specifically for meditation. ... there is very often an activation of the digestive response during meditation. This one specific part of my meditation that causes me to burp almost immediately. So I do that always in the beginning which is where it's supposed to be, and it really balances the entire digestive system before I step into the rest of my meditation. You're experiencing a yawn but it may be very well connected to the same response of digestion.

[@MultiRajus]

from the giri lineage of kriya yoga they told us to open eye and concentrate but you are telling with close eyes...what is the difference

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi Samuga, both are good. Many prefer closed eyes in order to more clearly see the light, yet in the beginning this may hamper the training of dilating the eyes.

[@MultiRajus]

@@ForrestKnutson thanks

[@tusharexplains2283]

Is shambhavi mudra and mahamudra different?? Pls answer

[@ForrestKnutson]

There is shambhavi mudra, as I mention in this video. This is a classical term for turning the eyes up to the spiritual eye. Shambhavi Mahamudra is a new name created by the new Isha foundation. These new terms are not classical, just so you know.

[@doncorleone6182]

Isha foundation describes the mahamudra to be a derivative of the classical technique where they have added certain safeguards against misuse, mishaps and accidents.

[@Vera-dg3hf]

@@doncorleone6182 yup! that is right. this is nothing i learned before. its actually weird. This practice shouldnt be messed with. everyone has their own experience. When you tell people "you might see this and that," your mind will create those things. The practice is not correct. This is not correct.

[@Omelija17]

I could not express my happiness to discover your chanel Dear Forrest, thank you for priceless information.I am almost finishing Mandela period, but, having some struggles.I have few questions to ask , where exactly we have to concentrate the eyes?Is it between eyebrows or more higher?And when I tilt my head I find my neck really strained, , and while doing flatter breath I get shortness of breath , and my concentration seems like loosen up, eyes drop down.Is it ok just to breath normal without flatter breath?Thank you

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi Oksana! I don't teach that breath. I teach HRV Breathing. I have a Playlist on this, and it is HUGELY important because it is the fastest way to get into deep mediation. I also don't tilt the head. These are modern methods that you're talking about, and I'm much more of a Traditionalist. The point is just where you knit your brows when you are thinking deeply. So glad you found me! God bless!

[@SamsamSamsara]

My eyes never close everytime I try to look up and close my eyes. Its almost like it's fluttering. Will closing them with my palms help?? And also I have heard that doing it in the dark will help as well. Is that valid as well?? Please help.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes, massage around your eyes and try not to look so high up. The gaze is only slightly elevated and very relaxed. If the eyes stay open that's okay as well. The darker the better. But even if the room is not dark you can still look up with open eyes and soften your days so that you see everything in your peripheral vision.

[@elviragottinger6814]

Hi!!! Is the body position important when you start to look up before meditation? I had an accident and can not sit in the lotus position. Some other alternatives for it? How do I hold my hands and legs by looking up? Thank you soooo much!!! :)

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi Elvira! Try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5e0YWN-bK5-a7M and if it is uncomfortable still, then lay on the floor. You'll also want the HRV-Resonate Breathing I teach.

[@manuhere4u]

Its Awesome but background music ruined the beauty

[@sauravlilke5015]

After Sambhavi mudra, my vision is blurred for some point of time. What's ur take on it??

[@ForrestKnutson]

I've had that happen for a while, and then the eyes corrected themselves. Be sure not to strain as well.

[@taopol]

the ARgonauts Forrest, not the AGROnauts ...

[@ForrestKnutson]

You're so right! What a slip! Thank you.

[@taopol]

@@ForrestKnutson Many thanks for your videos, always very inspiring !

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@taopol thank you!

[@jeetok]

Hi Forrest, thanks for the videos! My experience of the spiritual eye so far has been a bright "fuzzy" golden ring that appears more like an oval than a circle -- kind of eye shaped even. Any thoughts on the shape difference?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi John that's very normal. It will only occasionally be super clear depending on how much you practice different techniques. I have a recent video on developing the spiritual eye where I talk about those techniques that help to make it more clear however that isn't actually necessary in order to expand your way into it.

[@1rsalc]

FK thanks for this video. As far as lights, during my meditation they come and go sporadically. Sometimes I see a white circle. It doesn't last for long. Other times I see a tiny bright dot in the middle area. A few times I have seen a white five-pointed star on an indigo background. The lights that I see are about 1 inch in diameter.

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's perfect. That's it, you're seeing it.

[@1rsalc]

@@ForrestKnutson Thank you very much for your reply. Blessings.

[@1rsalc]

@@ForrestKnutson I have a quick question. I have seen photos of Paramahansa Yogananda and of Sri Yuksterwarji. They seem to be meditating deeply and their eyes are wide open and fixed looking straight ahead. Is there an explanation for this?

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@1rsalc great question. When you enter into the right hippocampus deeply, all sense of the body is lost. It may be suspended in varying degrees of the Freeze Response. So, either they were doing an open eye meditation, or were simply not aware that their eyes had opened.

[@prantokumer]

For how much time should one practice shamvabi mudra?

[@ForrestKnutson]

I have a video called Spiritual Survival that explains my philosophy about building a meditative practice. I hope you'll watch that one.

[@ritikarai5600]

Could u Pl not use background music.

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you for the feedback! Was it too loud, or was it annoying in general? In the newer videos, I've found a better balance, and the background music is lower.I should create a poll on here and see what the general concensus is on music vs no music among all the subscribers. Thanks again, and I am working to steadily improve my videos!

[@WilsonCanda]

Forrest, thank you very much for your awesome videos. Can you comment on reasons / recommendations on what to do for when the "magnetic pull" happens outside of a context of meditation, say while walking in the street or during a social interaction. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for an awesome vid!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Hi Wilson! When this comes in an unwanted time, try rubbing the face vigorously. This is where the Ventral Vagal aspect ends, and so it will put us in more of an outward orientation.

[@084muhammadusaidbinabdulla9]

Synchronicity

[@WilsonCanda]

@@084muhammadusaidbinabdulla9 I have noticed correlations. Happens for you as well?

[@084muhammadusaidbinabdulla9]

Wilson Canda Yes it like sign that good thing will happen

[@sajanbharvad9353]

While doing Shambhavi Mahamudra eyes is close or open?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Either way is good. Many prefer less distractions with closed eyes. Open eyes helps dilation of the eyes.

[@sajanbharvad9353]

What is benefits of eyes dialation

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@sajanbharvad9353 it puts you into the attitude of surrender. And also helps with the attitude of expansion.

[@sajanbharvad9353]

Thanks for your reply iam doing Shambhavi and HRV Breathing You can’t cantrol your Thought while doing meditation That’s why HRV is best for meditation

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@sajanbharvad9353 you are exactly right!

[@swedish_sadhguru3854]

How has your life changed after starting to do meditation and yoga? I have noticed fast changes in my life, like things will suddenly happen. I lost my job for a very mysterious reason.....and then I got a new one for a mysterious reasons, these things make 0 logical sense but Im accepting of them.

[@ForrestKnutson]

That's great Rasmus, that the new job came out of the blue. Is it a better fit? Myself I don't think I can accurately breakfast in what's happened to my life. Because I've been at it for over 25 years and so choices and the results compound over time. Not in a text anyway. Great question and I have to think about how I can respond to that.

[@swedish_sadhguru3854]

@@ForrestKnutson Yeah it was a better fit as well! Wow, 25 years. Have you been doing Kriya Yoga for all that time or normal meditation for most of that time?

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@swedish_sadhguru3854 yes, 2 forms of Kriya over 25 years.

[@swedish_sadhguru3854]

@@ForrestKnutson That's amazing. Are you enlightened yet? Can you manipulate energy how you want, do healing etc? Clairvoyance?

[@alex121429]

What if i have a pressure in my third eye area? Have you had this? What is it even?

[@ForrestKnutson]

Yes, that is the beginning of the magnet, the magnetic sensation that I talked about in this video. Please also see the video titled Pratyahara and 3 Knots. ... if the sensation becomes too strong be sure to remember the medulla oblongata and move that magnetic sensation back to the medulla which should help considerably.

[@alex121429]

Forrest Knutson thank you, this has been troubling me for a while

[@ForrestKnutson]

@@alex121429 Wonderful that I can help. Please let me know if the Three Knots video is helpful to you. That information changed my life so I hope it is as profound to you as it is to me.

[@linavu5834]

It should come automatically when you awakened partially that’s how the cave get dark then other processes life time

[@shanebaird543]

Is it just up or do you want to cross your eyes a little too? Thank you for the great content!

[@ForrestKnutson]

Thank you! It is up, and slightly in, but that shouldn't cause any strain or discomfort. If it does, be sure to take a little break before beginning again.