The word Shatkarma (षटकर्म) literally translates to “six actions” or “six techniques.”
Depending on the context, this term refers to two completely different frameworks in Indian tradition: Hatha Yoga (where they are physical cleansing practices) and Tantra Shastra (where they are magical or energetic acts, which is the framework that Stambhana belongs to).
1. The Hatha Yoga Framework (Physical Cleansing)
In standard text guides like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Shatkarmas are six internal cleansing actions designed to balance the body’s biological energies (doshas) before starting advanced breathing exercises or meditation.
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Neti: Nasal cleansing. Traditionally done using water (Jala Neti) or a thread (Sutra Neti) passed through the nostrils to clear the nasal passages.
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Dhauti: Digestive tract cleansing. This can involve drinking warm saltwater and expelling it, or swallowing a long, sterile cloth strip and gently pulling it out to cleanse the stomach.
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Basti: Colon cleansing. A traditional yogic method of internal washing using water to thoroughly flush the lower intestines.
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Nauli: Abdominal churning. An advanced practice where the abdominal muscles are isolated and rotated to massage and stimulate the digestive organs.
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Kapalbhati: Breath purification. Rapid, forceful exhalations that clear the respiratory system and energize the brain (literally translating to “skull shining”).
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Trataka: Focused gazing. Staring at a single point—typically a candle flame—without blinking until tears flow, which builds concentration and cleanses the eyes.
2. The Tantra Shastra Framework (Energetic Actions)
In esoteric Tantra, the Shatkarmas are six specific methods used to control, manipulate, or change external situations, forces, and minds.
| Action – – – | Meaning – – – | Purpose |
| Shanti-karana – – – | Pacification – – – | Curing illnesses, removing obstacles, and bringing peace to an individual or environment. |
| Vashikarana – – – | Subjugation – – – | Attracting, influencing, or bringing someone’s mind under control. |
| Stambhana – – – | Immobilization – – – | Freezing, paralyzing, or halting a person, animal, threat, or natural element (as discussed with Stambhana Vidya). |
| Videshana – – – | Dissension – – – | Creating division, conflict, or mutual separation between two hostile forces or people. |
| Uchhatana – – – | Eradication – – – | Disturbing an enemy’s mind or forcing them out of their place/home, causing them to flee. |
| Marana – – – | Destruction – – – | Eliminating a threat or causing severe harm/death to a malicious adversary. |
A Note on Tantric Practice: Traditional philosophy considers the lower four actions (Stambhana, Videshana, Uchhatana, and Marana) to be highly destructive. Ancient scriptures heavily forbid practitioners from using them for selfish gain or revenge, warning that misusing these powers damages the practitioner’s own spirit.