शाम्भवी मुद्रा

Śāmbhavī Mudrā

The gesture of Śiva

Sources: Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 4.34-37 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.65-67 · Śiva Saṃhitā 5.22-26

Meaning

Śāmbhava (शाम्भव) means “belonging to Śambhu”, which is a name of Śiva. Śāmbhavī Mudrā is “the gesture of Śiva” —the characteristic gaze of the Lord of Yoga, with eyes fixed on the eyebrow center, looking inward.

It is also known as Bhrūmadhya Dṛṣṭi (eyebrow center gaze) and is one of the most important meditative techniques of Haṭha Yoga. The HYP mentions it in chapter 4, dedicated to samādhi.

Technique

Basic practice

  1. Sit in a stable meditative posture
  2. Keep the spine erect and body relaxed
  3. Close the eyes
  4. Direct both eyes upward, toward the eyebrow center
  5. Although eyes are closed, “look” at the point between the eyebrows
  6. Don’t force — the gaze is soft but focused
  7. Maintain natural breathing
  8. Remain in this state, keeping attention on bhrumadhya

Variation with half-open eyes

  1. Keep eyes half-open, eyelids drooping
  2. Direct the gaze upward to the eyebrow center
  3. Eyes may converge slightly
  4. The exterior remains blurry; attention is within
  5. This version is used in some tantric traditions

Refinement

With practice, the muscular action of the eyes is minimized. What remains is an intention to look toward the eyebrow center, rather than a physical movement. The gaze becomes interior and the mind is absorbed in the point.

Effects

Physical level

  • Strengthens the eye muscles
  • Paradoxically reduces eye strain (through concentration)
  • Calms the nervous system
  • Induces alpha and theta brainwave states

Mental level

  • Intensely quiets the mind
  • Develops ekāgratā (one-pointed concentration)
  • Reduces internal dialogue
  • Prepares for deep meditative states

Energetic level

  • Activates ājñā chakra (the third eye)
  • Directs prāṇa to the command center
  • May awaken subtle perceptions
  • Facilitates the entry of kuṇḍalinī into suṣumṇā

Higher states

Texts describe that sustained practice of Śāmbhavī can lead to:

  • Visions of inner light
  • Internal sounds (nāda)
  • States of absorption (samādhi)
  • Direct perception of inner reality

In the classical texts

“With mind and breath absorbed in the inner goal, gazing outward without blinking — this is Śāmbhavī Mudrā, preserved in secret in all Tantras.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 4.36

“The Vedas, the Śāstras and the Purāṇas are like common prostitutes, but Śāmbhavī must be guarded like a woman of good family (in secret).” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 4.37

“Gazing at the eyebrow center, contemplate the Supreme Self. This Śāmbhavī is the most secret.” — Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.65

“The yogi who knows Śāmbhavī is like Ādi Nātha (Śiva himself), is like Nārāyaṇa, is like Brahmā the creator.” — Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.67

Integration with other practices

Śāmbhavī Mudrā naturally combines with:

Prāṇāyāma: Maintaining the gaze during kumbhaka intensifies concentration.

Meditation: As a dhāraṇā (concentration) technique leading to dhyāna.

Āsana: In meditative postures and during Savasana.

Mantra recitation: The gaze focuses the vibration of the mantra at ājñā.

In the Kriyā Yoga tradition popularized by Paramahansa Yogananda, Śāmbhavī is a fundamental technique integrated into breathing sequences.

The five gazes (Dṛṣṭis)

Śāmbhavī is one of the five main yogic gazes:

DṛṣṭiPointEffect
Bhrūmadhya (eyebrow center)Ājñā chakraConcentration, wisdom
Nāsāgra (nose tip)Mūlādhāra/AnāhataBalance, centering
Ūrdhva (upward)SahasrāraElevation, transcendence
Tiryak (diagonal)Specific aspectsAccording to practice
Nimīlana (eyes closed)InteriorDeep interiorization

Precautions

  • Glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure
  • Retinal detachment or risk thereof
  • Severe eye convergence problems
  • Dizziness or vertigo (stop if they appear)
  • Epilepsy (some traditions advise caution)

Practice should not cause headache or eye strain. If eye fatigue appears, relax them and rest. The gaze should be firm but not tense.

Start with brief sessions (1-2 minutes) and increase gradually. Excessive practice without preparation can cause eye fatigue or headache.

Note on secrecy

Texts emphasize that Śāmbhavī should be “kept secret”. This does not mean it is forbidden to teach it, but that:

  • Its true power is revealed only with persistent practice
  • The inner experience cannot be communicated with words
  • Each practitioner must discover it for themselves
  • It is a jewel that should not be wasted with superficial practice