Understanding Arohan and Avarohan in Yoga
The teaching of Arohan and Avarohan is simple yet profound. It expresses a truth we all experience with every breath we take, yet rarely stop to feel and connect with its power. As such a fundamental philosophy and piece of yogic wisdom, it surprises me how seldom Arohan and Avarohan are explored in modern yoga classes.
The Tantric Yoga Lineage of Arohan and Avarohan
A teaching most commonly delved into in the Tantric Yoga Lineage, Arohan and Avarohan are described as the psychic pathways within. In this context, “psychic” does not mean fortune-telling but refers to the unseen, subtle, and hidden aspects of our being.
Connecting with the Inner Landscape
We spend so much time with our senses dialled into the external, physical world that we become less aware of our inner landscape and the uncharted depths within. To truly understand Arohan and Avarohan, we must first be open to seeing beyond the surface of our world, ourselves, and others. We need to learn how to retune our radio to the frequency of the inner world. When we do this, we get to experience our spiritual essence, the magic of the universe, and our existence in it. This is one of the goals of Tantra: to experience our own true nature.
The Meaning of Arohan and Avarohan
Arohan (आरोहण) is a Sanskrit word that means rising or ascending. Avarohan (अवरोहण) means falling or descending. In Indian classical music, Arohan and Avarohan are the terms for ascending and descending musical scales. Within Tantric Yoga, they are first experienced as the rising of our inhalation and the softening descent of our exhalation. Feel that now in yourself as you take a breath. That is life energy, our life energy, and the life energy of the whole natural world. A fresh tree sapling rises to form a tree; its leaves fall in Autumn, and its seeds disperse downwards so new trees may rise.
The Natural Cycle of Arohan and Avarohan
In that same sense, why does a waterfall never run out of water? As the water evaporates from the rivers and streams, condenses in clouds, and falls back down to nourish the earth, it flows onwards.
The Pathway Inside: Arohan and Avarohan in Practice
In the teachings of Arohan and Avarohan, there is more depth to experience as we follow the pathway inside. Beginning at the base of the torso in Mūlādhāra chakra, the flow rises up the front body past the chakra kshetram before crossing at the neck to the back body, rising to the flat aspect on the back of the head at the Bindu chakra, crossing over the crown of the head, and then flowing down past the third eye center, crossing at the neck and descending down the back body to Mūlādhāra chakra.
RELATED: 3 Secret Chakras to Unearth Your Soul’s Purpose
Visualising the Infinity Loop
What shape does this make but the sacred symbol of the infinity loop? This pathway can be visualised, breathed, and then meditated with using mantras such as “so hum” or by visualising chakra focal points, or even connected with in āsana for a more visceral experience.
Conclusion
Understanding and practising Arohan and Avarohan can deepen your connection to your inner self and the natural world. This ancient wisdom offers profound insights into the cycles of life and energy flow within us. I hope this inspires your personal explorations and teaching practice.
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