*Question :*What are Nadis (vestibules)? What happens to them during meditation? Why are they closed by default?
*SK:*
I like to think of Nadis as subtle channels through which Prana, or life energy, flows. Chakras are points where this energy becomes concentrated. Another way to understand Chakras is as the intersection points between the subtle body and the causal body.
There are said to be around 72,000 Nadis, and the three most important ones originate at the Muladhara (root) and rise up to the Sahasrara (crown). These are:
Ida (left channel)
Pingala (right channel)
Sushumna (central channel)
Since Chakras serve as intersections between the subtle and causal layers, samskaras—residual impressions on consciousness—can interrupt the flow of Prana. Through cleaning as prescribed in Heartfulness practice, we dissolve these impressions, which helps clear the Nadis and allows Prana to flow freely.
Nadis aren’t exactly closed by default, but they can become blocked due to factors such as intense illness or going through emotional stress or when one is heavily engaged in the grosser, material aspects of life.
As for vestibules, Daaji mentioned them during a seminar in New Jersey, though I haven’t yet come across a clear, formal definition. From what I’ve learned through discussions with a few friends, vestibules are located along both the right and left sides of the body, with 14 points on each side.
Before karmic burden (Bhoga) manifests, grossness tends to accumulate at these vestibules. They are not “cleaned” in the traditional sense, but rather emptied through Sankalpa—the power of intention. It’s important to note that vestibules are not directly connected to Prana or the Nadis.