Note: For the complete lessons, with additions, see the AYP Easy Lessons for Ecstatic Living Books.

Lesson 133 - Q&A – Nectar

From: Yogani
Date: Sat Mar 6, 2004 3:20pm

New Members: It is recommended you read from the beginning of the web archive, as previous lessons are prerequisite to this one. The first lesson is, "Why This Discussion?"

Q: Sometimes I feel a very sweet taste at the end of my throat. It's not exactly sweet but what can be called as madhur (an Indian word....not sure of the English equivalent). It happens on its own and goes off after an hour or so. I have not been able to relate it with anything. Neither to anything I do or eat. I really enjoy it when it happens and the more I gulp the more I can get the taste. Hope you can throw some light.

A: Your description sounds like nectar, called amrita or soma, coming down from the brain through the nasal pharynx. It is stimulated by spiritual practices, especially pranayama, kumbhaka and kechari, though it could come from any practices, sometimes even only with bhakti.

The biology of kundalini involves sexual essences going up the spine, and also through the digestive system and other channels. Then, in the brain, there is a process that brings the nectar down into the digestive system via the front passage mentioned, where it is reprocessed and sent up again. So, it is a circular process, up the middle and down the front, like that. This biology is the basis of rising inner experiences. It is part of human spiritual transformation. Advanced yoga practices are designed to promote this.

Nectar can be sweet with a fragrance like flowers. It is most noticed in early stages of kundalini awakening. Then later it is less noticeable. Don't get too fixated on it. Continue your practices, whatever they may be. The experience is part of the larger process, not an end in itself.

Good things are happening.

The guru is in you.

Note: For detailed discussion on the inner neurobiology of the "nectar cycle," see the Diet, Shatkarmas and Amaroli book.

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