Welcome to tutorial 6 on Agnissara Dauti,
Or Firewash.
Agnissara Dauti is one of the four purification methods that was taught by Baba Hari Das based on the ancient text of the Garanda Samhita.
The practice was passed down to me by his students during my yoga teacher training at Mt.
Madonna Institute,
And it is my intention to teach this method in the same way that I was instructed.
Agni means fire,
Sar means with,
And dauti means wash.
Washing with fire.
This breath involves rhythmically pulling in and releasing the abdomen on an outheld breath.
As always,
The best way to learn is to practice.
After I walk through the steps,
We'll practice together.
Find a comfortable seat.
Place your hands just above the knees with your fingers pointed inward.
Lean forward slightly,
Shifting your weight onto your hands.
Relax the abdomen while keeping the spine long.
Exhale completely and hold your breath out.
While holding your breath out,
Pull the abdomen to the spine and release in a rhythmic fashion.
Repeat these pull and release movements as many times as you can do comfortably on an outheld breath.
Inhale slowly and gently as you come back to an upright sitting position.
This constitutes one round.
There are some contraindications for this breathing method.
Since Agni Saradauti involves breath retention,
This should not be practiced by those with anxiety.
If you have an acute ulcer or are in your first trimester of pregnancy,
You should not perform this practice either.
If you have acid reflux disease,
You can try this practice gently and monitor how it affects you.
Let's practice five rounds with up to 30 pulls for each round.
I will guide you through the first two and then you'll do three on your own.
Find a comfortable seat,
Hands just above the knees with your fingers pointing inward.
Lean forward slightly,
Shifting your weight onto your hands.
Exhale completely and hold your breath out.
Now start pulling in and releasing your abdomen in a rhythmic fashion.
Go at a pace that is comfortable to you and complete as many pulls as you can without gasping for air on the inhale.
Make sure to take a catch breath before starting your next round.
When you're ready,
Exhale completely,
Hold the breath out and start your series of pulls and releases again.
When you finish this round,
Take a moment if you need before starting again.
I'll remain silent as you do three more rounds at your own pace.
Once you've completed your five rounds,
Return to your natural breath and take a few breaths.
Once you've completed your five rounds,
Return to your natural breath and I'll give you a moment to reflect and experience the effects of your practice.
As you begin,
The rhythm of the pulls and releases can be slow with the goal to keep that rhythm steady.
You can gradually increase the pace of the contractions as you develop the ability to keep a steady rhythm.
Leaning forward helps isolate the abdominal muscles.
Relax your abdomen by shifting your weight into your hands.
You can also try practicing Agni Saradati standing up.
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart,
Bend forward and place your hands above your knees,
Fingers pointing inward.
Do up to 30 pulls per round in the beginning,
Working up to 60 to 100 pulls per round.
Two to four rounds are good practice.
Concentration during Agni Saradati is on your navel center or Manipura Chakra.
Let's practice another three rounds.
I will guide you through the first round and then you'll do two on your own.
Pick a pace that is comfortable for you.
Sit or stand comfortably,
Hands just above your knees with your fingers pointing inward.
Lean forward slightly,
Shifting your weight onto your hands.
Exhale completely and hold your breath out.
Start your series of abdominal pulls and releases.
As soon as you feel the need to inhale,
Gently breathe in and take a catch breath before starting your next round.
I'll remain silent as you do two more rounds at your own pace.
Once you've completed your three rounds,
Return to your natural breath and I'll give you a moment to reflect and experience the effects of your practice.
Since your navel center is the seat of the fire element,
Agni Saradati not only purifies the abdominal region,
But also stimulates Samana Vayu and your digestive fire.
Thank you for joining me for this tutorial on the third of the four purifications,
Agni Saradati.
I look forward to welcoming you in tutorial seven on Ashwini Mudra,
The final of the four purifications.
