Tṛtīyopadeśaḥ (Mudrā) · Verse 40
स्नुहीपत्र-निभं शस्त्रं सुतीक्ष्णं स्निग्धनिर्मलम् | समादाय ततस्तेन रोम-मात्रं समुच्छिनेत्
snuhī-patra-nibhaṃ śastraṃ sutīkṣṇaṃ snigdha-nirmalam | samādāya tatas tena roma-mātraṃ samucchinet
Taking a sharp, smooth and clean instrument, similar to a snuhī (Euphorbia) leaf, only the thickness of a hair is cut.
Snuhī-patra-nibham — similar to a snuhī leaf.The Euphorbia plant has long, thin leaves;The cutting instrument must have a similar shape.Sutīkṣṇam snigdha-nirmalam — very sharp, smooth and clean — emphasizes the required precision and hygiene.
Roma-mātram samucchinet — only the thickness of a hair is cut.This minimal incision of the frenulum must be repeated periodically for months.The process is extremely gradual to avoid damage and allow healing.
This traditional technique (chedana) is rarely practiced today due to the risks.Most contemporary teachers teach less invasive alternatives or reserve the full practice for very advanced disciples under direct supervision.