The Three Channels
In Sahaja Yoga, the subtle system contains three principal energy channels, known as Nadis — Ida Nadi, Pingala Nadi, and Sushumna Nadi. These channels carry the subtle energy within us and are connected with the seven main Chakras. The left and right channels are associated with different aspects of our attention, while the central channel represents balance, spiritual evolution, and ascent. The Ida Nadi relates to our emotions, desires, and connection with the past, while the Pingala Nadi relates to our thoughts, actions, planning, and connection with the future. The Sushumna Nadi lies between them and represents the present moment and the path of spiritual growth. In Sahaja Yoga, maintaining balance between these three channels is an important part of meditation and inner development.
Left Channel — Ida Nadi
The Ida Nadi is the left energy channel of the subtle system and is also known as the Moon channel. It begins at the Mooladhara Chakra and travels upward along the left side of the body.In Sahaja Yoga, this channel is connected with our desires, emotions, feelings, memories, and our relationship with the past. The memories, habits, and conditioning that influence our attention are associated with this side of the subtle system. Its essential quality is joy, particularly the simple and spontaneous joy experienced in childhood.
When attention becomes excessively caught in the past or emotions, we may experience sadness, guilt, lethargy, or other emotional disturbances. Through meditation and Self-Realization, the left channel can return to a state of balance and allow its qualities of joy and emotional well-being to develop.
When the left channel is balanced, it supports emotional stability, pure love, compassion, and a peaceful state of mind.
It allows the simple, spontaneous joy within us to develop naturally.
When the right channel is balanced, it brings dynamism, clarity, focus, and the ability to act with wisdom and kindness.
It allows us to be active and purposeful while remaining calm, joyful, and peaceful within.
Right Channel — Pingala Nadi
The Pingala Nadi is the right energy channel of the subtle system and is also known as the Sun channel. It begins at the Swadisthan Chakra and travels upward along the right side of the body. In Sahaja Yoga, it is associated with action, planning, thinking, physical and mental activity, and our attention towards the future. This channel provides the energy needed to act, organize, concentrate, and accomplish our goals in daily life.
Its balanced state supports dynamism and effective action while allowing us to remain calm and joyful. However, when too much energy is demanded from the right side, we may become excessively active, stressed, irritable, aggressive, or strongly identified with the feeling of “I” and “my.” Meditation and Self-Realization help restore harmony to the right channel, allowing activity and intelligence to function without disturbing our inner peace.
Central Channel — Sushumna Nadi
The Sushumna Nadi is the central energy channel and the middle path of balance and spiritual evolution in Sahaja Yoga. It begins at the sacrum, where the Kundalini is said to reside, and rises upward through the subtle system towards the Sahasrara Chakra at the top of the head. Unlike the left and right channels, which relate to the past and future, the central channel brings our attention towards the present moment. It supports spiritual ascent and the development of inner balance, peace, and awareness.
At the time of Self-Realization, the Kundalini rises through the Sushumna Nadi and nourishes the Chakras along its path. Through meditation and thoughtless awareness, attention gradually becomes established in the central channel, helping us move beyond thoughts of the past and future and experience greater inner stillness.
When the central channel is balanced, it brings inner peace, stability, clarity, and spiritual awareness.
It helps us remain present, balanced, and connected to our inner Self.
CONTACT US
Sahaja Yoga meditation is completely free, online, and open to everyone.
FREE • ONLINE • OPEN TO ALL
Experience meditation for yourself and discover a simple approach to inner peace, balance, and awareness. Discover the effectiveness of integrated healing medicine.
