For Purifying The Mind: The Inspiration of Neti, Neti

Beyond physical cleansing is the cleansing of the mental field. Neti, Neti is one  

of the primary meditations found in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Neti, Neti 

meditation is the use of the faculty of discernment to realize the Self through witness 

consciousness. It is a practice of identifying everything that we are not, in order to 

be left with what we truly are. Neti Neti  means“not this, not this”...Through focused 

awareness we can observe: I am not this body. I am not this breath. I am not this 

mind. I am not anything that changes or that I can observe. The Supreme Self 

cannot be grasped by the thinking mind because it is the Witness. It is unseen. It is 

the Seer. 

How to Practice Jala Neti

1. Fill Neti Pot with lukewarm water
2. Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt
3. Insert spout into one nostril
4. Tip head slightly to opposite side and forward
5. Breathe through open mouth throughout process
6. Pour water through upper nostril
7. Repeat entire sequence through other nostril
8. Blow nose after completing both sides
9. Bring head down to knees to release any excess water

Benefits of Jala Neti: removes toxins and impurities; increases resistance 

to disease; awakens nadis (energy centers); assists pranayama practice

Neti pots are available at CSE’s Tree of Life Welcome Center and Bookshop,  

and they are also available in many health food and drug stores.

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