Hatha Yoga Pradeepika Ch-3, Po-9

The Jâlandhara Bandha.

Contract the throat and press the chin firmly against the chest. This is called Jâlandhara Bandha, which destroys old age and death. It stops the opening (hole) of the group of the Nâdîs, through which the juice from the sky (from the Soma or Chandra in the brain) falls down. It is, therefore, called the Jâlandhara Bandha —the destroyer of a host of diseases of the throat.

In Jâlandhara Bandha, the indications of a perfect contraction of throat are, that the nectar does not fall into the fire (the Sûrya situated in the navel), and the air is not disturbed. The two Nâdîs should be stopped firmly by contracting the throat. This is called the middle circuit or centre (Madhya Chakra), and it stops the 16 âdhâras (i.e., vital parts).

Note.—
The sixteen vital parts mentioned by renowned Yogîs are the (1) thumbs, (2) ankles, (3) knees, (4) thighs, (5) the prepuce, (6) organs of generation, (17) the navel, (8) the heart, (9) the neck, (10) the throat, (11) the palate, (12) the nose, (13) the middle of the eyebrows, (14) the forehead, (15) the head and (16) the Brahma randhra.

By drawing up the mûlasthâna (anus,) Uḍḍiyâna Bandha should be performed. The flow of the air should be directed to the Suṣumnâ, by closing the Idâ, and the Pingalâ. The Prâna becomes calm and latent by this means, and thus there is no death, old age, disease, etc. These three Bandhas are the best of all and have been practised by the masters. Of all the means of success in the Haṭha Yoga, they are known to the Yogîs as the chief ones.

The whole of the nectar, possessing divine qualities, which exudes from the Soma (Chandra) is devoured by the Sûrya; and, owing to this, the body becomes old. To remedy this, the opening of the Sûrya is avoided by excellent means. It is to be learnt best by instructions from a guru; but not by even a million discussions.

Hatha Yoga Pradeepika Ch-3, Po-8

refer:http://yog-knowledge.blogspot.com/2010/12/hatha-yoga-pradeepika-ch-3-po-8.html

The Mûla Bandha.

Pressing Yoni (perineum) with the heel, contract up the anus. By drawing the Apâna thus, Mûla Bandha is made. The Apâna, naturally inclining downward, is made to go up by force. This Mûla Bandha is spoken of by Yogîs as done by contracting the anus. Pressing the heel well against the anus, draw up the air by force, again and again till it (air) goes up.

Prâṇa, Apâna, Nâda and Bindu uniting into one in this way, give success in Yoga, undoubtedly. By the purification of Prâṇa, and Apâna, urine and excrements decrease. Even an old man becomes young by constantly practising Mûla Bandha. Going up, the Apâna enters the zone of fire, i.e., the stomach. The flame of fire struck by the air is thereby lengthened.

Note.—
In the centre of the body is the seat of fire, like heated gold.

In men it is triangular, in quadrupeds square, in birds circular. There is a long thin flame in this fire. It is gastric fire.These, fire and Apâna, go to the naturally hot Prâṇa, which, becoming inflamed thereby, causes burning sensation in the body. The Kuṇḍalinî, which has been sleeping all this time, becomes well heated by this means and awakens well. It becomes straight like a serpent, struck dead with a stick.

It enters the Brahma Nâdî, just as a serpent enters its hole. Therefore, the Yogî should always practise this Mûla Bandha.

Hatha Yoga Pradeepika Ch-3, Po-7

refer:http://yog-knowledge.blogspot.com/2010/12/hatha-yoga-pradeepika-ch-3-po-7.html

The Uḍḍiyâna Bandha.

Uḍḍiyâna is so called by the Yogîs, because by its practice the Prâṇa (Vâyu,) flies (flows) in the Suṣumnâ. Uḍḍiyâna is so called, because the great bird, Prâṇa, tied to it, flies without being fatigued. It is explained below. The belly above the navel is pressed backwards towards the spine. This Uḍḍiyâna Bandha is like a lion for the elephant of death.

Uḍḍiyâna is always very easy, when learnt from a guru. The practiser of this, if old, becomes young again. The portions above and below the navel, should be drawn backwards towards the spine. By practising this for six months one can undoubtedly conquer death. Of all the Bandhas, Uḍḍiyâna is the best; for by binding it firmly liberation comes spontaneously.

Hatha Yoga Pradeepika Ch-3, Po-4

The Mahâ Bandha.

Press the left heel to the perineum and place the right foot on the left thigh. Fill in the air, keeping the chin firm against the chest, and, having pressed the air, the mind should he fixed on the middle of the eyebrows or in the suṣumnâ (the spine). Having kept it confined so long as possible, it should be expelled slowly. Having practised on the left side, it should be practised on the right side.

Some are of opinion that the closing of throat is not necessary here, for keeping the tongue pressed against the roots of the upper teeth makes a good bandha (stop). This stops the upward motion of all the Nâdîs. Verily this Mahâ Bandha is the giver of great Siddhis. This Mahâ Bandha is the most skilful means for cutting away the snares of death. It brings about the conjunction of the Trivenî (Idâ, Pingalâ and Suṣumnâ) and carries the mind to Kedâr (the space between the eyebrows, which is the seat of Śiva).

As beauty and loveliness, do not avail a woman without husband, so the Mahâ Mudrâ and the Mahâ-Bandha are useless without the Mahâ Vedha. 25.