The Shifting Forms of Amṛtasiddhi’s Mahāmudrā, Mahābandha, and Mahāvedha
Translator’s Note
In the earlier Amṛtasiddhi text composed by Indian yogis and paṇḍitas, three principal practices are described — Mahāmudrā, Mahābandha, and Mahāvedha — which closely resemble those found in later Haṭha Yoga traditions. Later, the Amṛtasiddhi Trulkhor text authored by Tibetan yogis of the Shangpa tradition came to identify four primary trulkhors: Am-grol, Bandha, Vedha, and Mahāmudrā.In this Tibetan system, the Haṭhayogic Mahāmudrā technique is referred to as Am-grol, Mahābandha as Bandha, and Mahāvedha as Veta. An additional posture called Mahāmudrā is also included, which resembles a meditative or Tummo posture more than the original Haṭhayogic Mahāmudrā.
This text further shows how the Am-grol (Haṭhayogic Mahāmudrā) technique has been modified and adapted, particularly when compared with the version found in the Amṛtasiddhi Trulkhor of the Shangpa master Tsundue Singhe, notably through the addition of Beps (yogic “drops”) at the end of each sequence. The present work is a commentary on that Amrtasiddhi Trulkhor, as taught by Kunga Phuntsok.
This translation includes only the four outer primary trulkhors from that commentary.
I. Am-grol (Haṭhayogic Mahāmudrā)
Begin in a squatting position with the legs crossed, placing the right leg on the outside (keeping both knees upright). Cross the arms inside the legs, with the right arm over the left, and grasp the opposite big toes. Then, after taking a short inhalation through the right nostril, the left, and then both, strike the forearms and upper arms against the body. Next, twist the torso to the right and left while simultaneously pressing the air down (with the inhaled air toward the navel). Repeat this cycle three times. Conclude with a small Beps (the yogic “drop”).
II. Bheta (Haṭhayogic Mahāvedha)
Begin in a sattva posture, holding kumbhaka with your hands resting on your thighs. From this position, swiftly rise to stand. With your right hand, grasp the fingers (excluding the thumb) of your left hand. Then, bending forward, stretch your legs fully — keeping them straight without bending the knees — and place your hands, still in the same grip, on the ground with your head bowed down. Next, bring your heels and buttocks together and strike them against the ground. Repeat this three times. Conclude with a big Beps (big yogic “drop”).
III. Bhandha (Haṭhayogic Mahābandha)
Begin in a sattva posture, holding kumbhaka with your hands resting on your thighs. From this position, swiftly rise to stand. Leave about fifteen inches of space between your feet. Then bend forward with your head lowered, wrap your arms from the inside and behind your legs, and grasp your toes with your fingers. Gently twist your torso slightly to the right and then to the left. Conclude with an open-wide Beps (the yogic drop).
IV. Mahāmudrā (Non-Haṭhayogic Mahāmudrā)
Begin in a sattva posture, holding kumbhaka (breath retention) with your hands resting on your thighs. Then transition into the previously described Am-grol posture — a squatting position with the legs crossed, placing the right leg on the outside and keeping both knees upright. Join your arms outside the legs, grasping the opposite arms. In this posture, settle the mind and meditate on Mahāmudrā.