The body remembers any type of intimacy
Runanubandha, a concept derived from ancient Indian philosophy, refers to the ties that bind individuals through their physical and emotional experiences. It is the concept that every act of intimacy, from the most fleeting encounter to the most profound connection, leaves an indelible mark on the individuals involved.
The body remembers
The body remembers any type of intimacy, not only with another physical body but with any physical substance. Even if one just holds someone’s hand, Runanubandha develops. This explains why in India people greet with palms joined together. They do not intend to acquire Runanubandha.
The same thing underlines Sadhguru and also applies to the transmission of some substances like salt, sesame seeds or earth: people never take them from someone else’s hands, to avoid developing Runanubandha. It is acquired in many ways, but sexual relationships have the maximum impact in terms of the amount of memory they leave behind.
When physical memory overlaps, it causes a physical level of confusion, which will lead to a certain level of discomfort, lack of exuberance and involvement with everything around us.
The more Runanubandha we accumulate, the more our body becomes an archive of physical memories, like a cluttered hard drive filled with disorganized files. And guess what? All of this can affect our relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. In short, if we don’t do some cleaning every once in a while, we risk becoming hoarders of memories (not just shoes!).
Fortunately, we are not doomed to live forever with Aunt Edna’s imprint lingering in our bodies. There are various practices to liberate ourselves from Runanubandha, some more extravagant than others.
The Purifying Bath
It may seem trivial, but showering regularly (and not just twice a week, mind you!) can help wash away the physical memories accumulated during the day. If you’re feeling particularly “charged,” opt for a bath with salt water or purifying essential oils.
Chanting
You don’t need to be Mariah Carey to harness the power of chanting to release Runanubandha. Specific mantras and yogic chants, when intended correctly, can create vibrations that “cleanse” the body of physical memories.
The “Fire Washing” Ritual
Sadhguru tells of the existence of various processes that wash away Runanubandha. There are festivals like Pongal or Bhogi that serve to clean the mental and emotional baggage. One can also do chants to create a certain reverberation in the body. In some temples, like Linga Bhairavi, there is a “fire washing” ritual. This is a way to burn the physical memories that have been collected.
The Purifying Breeze
Most yogis bathe at least twice a day. During some seasons, like the movement of the Sun from the southern to the northern hemisphere and, again, from north to south, the winds are strong in the Indian subcontinent. A simple procedure consists of going to position oneself in the middle of the wind, to obtain an adequate air wash. This is useful for washing away Runanubandha. When there is a strong breeze, Sadhguru explains, one should wear something loose and stand for half an hour, with eyes closed. Just turn in both directions, so that the breeze flows over us front and back. One will feel much lighter and more energized.
And…so?
Runanubandha is a fascinating concept that can have a significant impact on our lives. Freeing ourselves from this physical memory is not always easy, but it’s worth it.
What are your thoughts on Runanubandha? Do you have any personal experiences with it? Feel free to leave a comment.
Thanks for reading.