What is "bandha"

Bandha (बन्ध, a Sanskrit term for "binding, bond, arrest, capturing, putting together" etc.) may refer to:

• Bandha (Yoga)
• Bandha (Jainism)

Bandha (also karma-bandha) in Jainism, refers to mutual intermingling of the soul and karmas (fine matter). Bandha (Bondage) comes immediately after the asrava (influx of karmas).

Bandha' (bond, arrest) is a term for the "body locks" in Hatha Yoga, treated under the heading of mudra. Specific bandhas are:

• Mula Bandha, contraction of the perineum
• Uddiyana bandha, contraction of the abdomen into the rib cage
• Jalandhara Bandha, tucking the chin close to the chest
• Maha Bandha, combining all three of the above bandhas