GRANTHIS - PSYCHIC KNOTS

Brahma Granthi: The “knot of Brahma,” is a tangle of nadis that represents the first energetic and psychic contraction in the human being. It is situated in muladhara chakra and symbolizes the attachment to the material world. It is linked to the survival instinct, the urge to procreate, instinctive tendencies, passivity, desire, and tamas (inertia). When Brahma granthi is pierced (or transcended), kundalini is able to rise beyond muladhara chakra without being held back by the attractions and instinctual patterns of the personality.

Vishnu Granthi: “The knot of Vishnu,” the second of the granthis, is located in anahata chakra. (According to some yogis, it is located at the level of manipura chakra or on sushumna nadi between manipura and anahata chakras). It is associated with emotional attachment, attachment to limited forms of compassion, and doing good deeds. It is the knot that creates the desire to preserve ancient traditions and spiritual orders. Only by true discrimination, knowledge, and faith can one untie the knot of Vishnu and realize the purpose behind the Cosmos, which is a part of the divine plan.” Once Vishnu granthi is transcended, the awareness of the universal quality of energy is more easily recognized. In this way, the yogi will have more natural access to the universal source of energy, rather than having to draw energy from the localized centers within the being.

Rudra Granthi: “The knot of Rudra,” the third granthi, is located in ajna chakra (some yoga practitioners place it at the level of vishuddha chakra or on sushumna nadi between the eyebrows or between vishuddha and ajna chakras). It is also called Shiva granthi (“the knot of Shiva”). Attachment to siddhis (paranormal powers) is the great hindrance related to ajna chakra and it creates this knot. Rudra granthi can be pierced only by the power of discernment between what is ephemeral—samsara (the phenomenal world)— and what is eternal nirvana (the Absolute). Then, detachment from siddhis occurs naturally. When this knot is surmounted, the ego consciousness is left behind and the truth of the Oneness beyond individual consciousness is revealed.