Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Bhuta Shuddhi Mean?
Bhuta shuddhi is yogic spiritual practice, or sadhana, in which the five elements of water, air, earth, fire and space are purified and balanced. The term comes from the Sanskrit, bhuta, meaning “element” or a protective spirit, and shuddhi, meaning “purification.”
The purpose of bhuta shuddhi is to free the yogi from his/her physical nature and open the door to higher levels of consciousness so that he/she may become one with Brahman. Practicing bhuta shuddhi creates physical, emotional and mental changes that cleanse the body, spirit and mind.
Yogapedia Explains Bhuta Shuddhi
Some types of yoga view bhuta shuddhi as a kriya. Kriyas are a series of asanas, breathing exercises, meditation and mantras practiced in order to reach a specific goal. There are many ways to practice bhuta shuddhi in order to purify the elements. One common method is chakra meditation, which uses bija mantras. This type of chakra meditation includes preparatory yoga asanas and relaxation.
To perform this kind of bhuta shuddhi, begin with 15 minutes of simple stretching asanas and some pranayama breathing exercises to warm up and relax the body. Then continue with 30 minutes of meditation on the chakras. Starting with the root chakra, work up the spine, allowing three to four minutes of chanting the appropriate bija mantra. Continue back down the body through each chakra with 30 seconds of meditation on each. End with 15 minutes of regular meditation practice, focusing on either the anahata or ajna chakra.
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