Laya is a term deeply intertwined with yoga but often remains elusive to the practitioner. In subtlety, both Laya and Yoga are the same; however, the different stages in Laya may make one feel it is distinct from Yoga. According to Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, when the mind is absorbed, a state of ecstasy is experienced; this is Laya.
Laya yoga is one of the four Mahayogas; the other three are Mantra yoga, Hatha yoga, and Raja yoga.
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā defines Laya yoga in various ways. As per the text, “Dissolution of breath and mind is laya,” “Dissolution of breath into sushumna is laya,” and "Mind dissolved in Nada is laya.” Laya is nothing but forgetting the objects of senses and past impressions and developing detachment from the objects, which further prevents the Vâsanâs from rising again.
Apunarvāsanotthānāllayo vishayavismrtih
At its core, Laya is a state of profound meditation where the individual consciousness merges with the cosmic consciousness. Here, the sadhak ceases to become “I” and surrenders to the infinite. When the senses are detached from the outer world and focus inward, the mind finds stability and gradually dissolves itself, attaining the state of Samadhi. This is the aim of yoga.
Laya yoga is essentially the yoga of absorption. There are varied paths to Laya—be it the sakhya bhava in Bhakti yoga, the pranava mantra practice in Raja yoga, or the nadanusandhana practice in Hatha yoga—converge at a singular point: dissolution.
Laya yoga in terms of Haṭha yoga
Haṭha yoga offers tools and techniques to reach Laya. Pranayama, the process of regulating the breath to control the prana, is foundational. Retention of breath or Kevala Kumbhaka, achieved through pranayama, helps cultivate a sense of internal stillness. As the prana is withdrawn from respective areas, the mind also gets withdrawn from its habitual patterns and becomes quiet and stable. This is when the yogi attains Laya.
Laya yoga is also attained through the practice of Nadanausandhana.
Nadanausandhana: Path to Laya yoga
Indriyānām mano nātho manonāthastu mārutah
Mārutasya layo nāthah sa layo nādamāśritah
The mind controls the senses, but the breath governs the mind. Breath itself is controlled by absorption or laya, which is dependent on nâda.
Internal sounds or Nada are subtle vibrations within the body. Unlike the normal sounds created by the friction between objects, Nada is eternal. It is the sound that underpins the existence of life and the universe.
Nâdanusandhana is an advanced practice in Hatha yoga that emphasizes focusing on the nâda and detaching oneself from outer objects and noises. Through this practice, practitioners get equipped with the ability to hear nâda, going beyond their fleshly ears, through their minds. Thereby, sadhak creates a profound sense of connection with the underlying cosmic rhythm.
The awakening of Kundalini, which is considered to be the aim of Hatha and Tantric practices, is also a journey towards Laya. As Kundalini ascends through the subtle energy channels, it ignites a transformation of consciousness. The practitioner experiences a gradual expansion of awareness, resulting in the realization of the self as the supreme consciousness.
Laya is said to be beyond explanation; it is known only by experience.
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