BIO-PSYCHOLOGY, CAKRAS, FOOD AND ASANAS
krpama...@pacific.net.sg
The process of yoga needs to be explained in three dimensions, that is,
physical, mental and spiritual. Each has its own value and resources. Each
must be discussed separately and finally synthesized with equilibrium and
equipoise.
CAKRAS
The word "cakra" means controlling nucleus. There are many controlling
nuclei in the universe. The controlling nucleus of any particular province
or state, for example, is the provincial or state capital. The controlling
nucleus of the country is the national capital.
The nucleus of the moon is the earth, and the nucleus of the earth is the
sun. The controlling nucleus of the universe is the Cosmic or Universal
Mind, commonly called God, but better called the Supreme Consciousness.
Everything in this universe has a controlling nucleus and each nucleus is
controlled, in turn, by a superior nucleus, in a somewhat hierarchical
order.
The cakras or controlling nuclei of the human body are formed in two ways.
The human backbone is actually composed of several small bones piled one on
another, separated by pillow-like substances called discs. Through the
center of these backbones runs the spinal cord.
SPINAL CORD
This spinal cord seems to be one entity, but there are actually three
channels within each other containing three subtle nerves. One central
nerve descends from the brain, passing directly through the spinal cord
within the backbone to the base of the spine. The second starts at the
root
of the right nostril and twists and twines around the central nerve,
crossing at five points in the trunk of the body until it reaches the base
of the spine. The third nerve starts at the root of the left nostril,
twisting and twining in a similar way around the central nerve, crossing at
the same five points, reaching to the base of the spine.
Where these three nerves cross within the spinal cord marks the location of
the first five cakras. The first cakra is located two fingers above the
anus. The second is located at the root of the genital organs and also
controls the first cakra. The third is located at the navel and controls
the two lower cakras. The fourth cakra is found at the center of the
chest,
controlling the three lower cakras, and the fifth is at the vocal cord and
controls the four lower cakras.
GLANDS AND MENTAL PROPENSITIES
The cakras are also formed along with clusters of glands which act like
small factories which exist at these controlling centers; around each of
the
first five cakras are a number of glands. The sixth cakra is located at
the
pituitary gland and controls all the five lower cakras. The seventh and
highest cakra is located at the crown of the skull where as a baby our
skull
was soft. The seventh cakra is the controller of all the six lower cakras.
It is associated with the pineal gland in the brain.
Each of the glands or small factories surrounding the nerves produce a
particular hormone or chemical which activates a special emotion, feeling
or
tendency within the mind. There are fifty factory-like glands producing
fifty hormones or chemicals in the body. Each hormone activates a unique
tendency within the mind, so there are a total of fifty mental tendencies.
This chemical stimulation of the body affects the mind. Therefore, the
cakras are physico-psychic; that is, the body influences the mind.
The three nerves mentioned earlier are the extensions of the brain, and the
brain is the machine of the operator-mind. When a particular thought,
memory or idea about one of the fifty tendencies or emotions arises in the
mind, the glands respond accordingly and that hormone or chemical is
released into the blood activating the particular emotion or tendency. So
the cakras are also psycho-physical; that is, mind stimulates chemical
reaction in the body leading to emotional behaviour.
Because of the cakras being both physico-psychic and psycho-physical, this
gives rise to 50 x 2 expressions in relation to the internal and external
application of mental propensities.
VIBRATIONS
This network of seven cakras, with related glands, hormones and nerves,
acts
like a transmitter and receiver. Everything in the universe is sending and
receiving peculiar energies in different wave patterns called vibrations.
Each and every animate and inanimate energy is transmitting its own special
expression of being or existence. The cakras, as a whole, act as an
antenna, receiving and sending these various vibrations. These vibrations
stimulate the nerves which activate the chemicals of a particular gland,
causing the mind to experience an emotion, feeling or urge as a result
(that
is, a propensity).
These various vibrations can be categorized into three qualities -
sentient,
mutative and static. Energy qualifies, molds or restricts our capacity to
know either positively or negatively. Sometimes the positive aspect of
energy dominates the negative; therefore, we call it positive or sentient.
When the negative aspect of energy dominates the positive, we call it
negative or static. There are times, however, when neither positive nor
negative dominates, but rather each is struggling to dominate. This
dynamic
situation is called mutative or neutral.
Each of the cakras is being activated by external and internal energies. If
that stimulation or vibration activates the two lower-most cakras, we say
that the stimulus is negative or static to the mind. If cakras located at
the heart, the vocal cord or the pituitary gland are activated, we say that
the vibration is positive or sentient. When the navel cakra (third) is
stimulated, we label it neutral or mutative.
Everything of this universe is vibrating under the influence of one of
these
three limitations. Music, people, nature, food and mind are each
transmitting one of these three expressions of energy. Our cakras are
being
stimulated by these external and internal vibrations day and night, whether
we are aware of it or not.
PERSONALITY
When a gland is stimulated again and again, it becomes overactive. Some
glands are very seldom stimulated. For example, in some people the pineal
gland has become calcified, hardened, which means it was not active at all.
The special chemicals made by glands which control particular emotional
tendencies become dominant in activated glands and dormant in unstimulated
ones.
The combinations of these dominant and dormant glands makes up our
character, our personality. So we can say that our personality or
individuality is the expression of the strengths and weaknesses of the
various glands located at the various cakras of our body. When the
negative
glands of our body dominate, our behaviour can be categorized as static.
Also, when the positive glands are dominant, then our behaviour is
sentient.
This applies to the neutral glands, as well, resulting in mutative
behaviour.
By understanding the scientific nature of our bodies, we can apply the
techniques of yoga to progressively strengthen, control and direct the
energies of our cakras for deeper mental and spiritual achievement for the
benefit of all.
FOOD
We develop the cakras by controlling the food we eat. The body is like a
refinery or processing plant. After eating, the body chemically refines
food for various uses. However, foods containing chlorophyll are
especially
important in the production of lymph, the chemical agent which causes the
formation of hormones. Lymph is the food of the nervous system, especially
the brain.
The glands use lymph to produce the various hormones which activate
particular emotions according to what we think. If we think courageous,
compassionate and benevolent thoughts, then the lymph will be converted
into
the hormones of the glands which control these emotions. However, if we
entertain fear, hatred, jealousy and doubt, then the glands that control
those emotions will grow stronger.
There are three categories of food - sentient (positive), mutative
(neutral), and static (negative). Positive food activates sentient glands
and hormones, negative food stimulates static behaviour, and neutral
promotes mutative emotions. Food stimulates glands, glands activate
emotions, emotions build personality. Therefore, we should be very careful
about the kind of food we eat.
If we do not take precaution in the food we eat, then static food will undo
all the effort we made in practicing the yoga postures to control and
activate the glands. Static food will activate the glands we wish to
control and will not produce lymph needed for the hormones we need to
develop the higher levels of mind. The relationship between food and yoga
postures or asanas should be understood very well.
THOUGHTS
Yoga postures called asanas, exercise and massage the glands to control the
overactive hormones and to activate the dormant hormones. Shyness,
depression, dogmatic thinking and fear can be overcome by performing yoga
postures prescribed by a properly qualified teacher. Asanas also stimulate
compassion, hope, sacrifice, rationality and determination. By applying and
releasing pressure on those inactive or underactive glands, the hormones
will work to help the individual to move more efficiently towards expansion
of mental outlook and the Supreme Goal of life.
Thoughts activate glands, glands produce hormones, hormones control
sentient, mutative and static emotions and mental tendencies and the
collective interaction between these psychic urges forms our unique
personality. It is very important to control thought. Thousands of years
ago yogi's declared, "As you think, so you become". Mind is the cause of
freedom and slavery.
Eating proper food and doing yoga postures is done to control the static
mind and activate the sentient, rational and intuitive mind. If the mind
is
engaged in negative, static and selfish thoughts, the glands and hormones
will only respond accordingly. Precise, controlled thinking and
remembering
applied to glands lead to positive, peaceful and joyful living.
People with similar thoughts like to be with each other. Peaceful places
attract people who want peace of mind. In this universe there are many
living beings, much smaller than our capacity to perceive, which are
attracted by our thoughts. They also want the company of our mind. This
"small life" moves throughout the universe desiring companionship according
to its positive, neutral or negative nature.
As we think, they are attracted by our thought. If we think positively,
then the positive are pulled by our thought. If we think negatively, then
the negative move nearer to us. Their positive or negative influence
affects the glands and hormones of the cakras, helping or hindering our
progressive development. It is the mind which is our best friend or our
greatest enemy. We should choose our thoughts carefully.
FOUR IMPORTANT ASPECTS
Therefore, we should consider these four aspects of yoga practice:
1. We should be very conscious of what we eat and how it affects our
glandular system and hormonal (chemical) balance.
2. Our physical exercise should also enhance the control of overactive
glands and the stimulation of dormant glands.
3. Our thoughts should be properly selected to lead us to oneness in heart,
mind and movement.
4. And our thoughts should attract only those living beings in the universe
which will help us in our effort to surrender to our Supreme Goal.
In this practice we should take a precise, direct and sincere path under
the
guidance of the Teacher called Guru in yogic philosophy or scriptures.
EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL BENEFITS OF YOGA EXERCISES (ASANAS)
Thousands of years ago, Yogis meditating deep in jungles carefully observed
the wild animals that shared their solitude. Through deep observation they
began to detect the techniques which Mother Nature installs in her less
evolved creatures to keep them healthy, agile and alert. They watched how
different animals instinctively cure themselves, how they relax and sleep,
how they awaken.
These ancient jungle saints experimented with various animal postures on
their own bodies. After much readjustment through constant experimentation
and deep intuition, they finally created the systematic series of physical
exercises known as asanas. Many of the thousands of asanas thus devised
are
named for the animals which inspired them: cobra, locust, lion, peacock,
frog, crow, fish, eagle, monkey, cock, rabbit, etc.
Asana literally means "posture comfortably held." During these smooth
motions the body remains in a state of relaxed efficiency. The deep
breathing which naturally accompanies these postures carries a great deal
of
oxygen to be absorbed in the bloodstream. During asanas energy is
accumulated rather than spent.
FIVE FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS AND CAKRAS
In Tantric science it is said that the human body is composed of five
fundamental factors: solid, liquid, luminous, aerial and ethereal. The
body
becomes upset when these different factors are unbalanced. These
fundamental factors are controlled by different nuclei or vibrational
centers, called cakras. Each cakra or centre controls a particular area
and
particular glands.
The Muladhara cakra (located near the base of the spinal column) controls
the solid factor of the body and is directly related to the excretory
function of the anus. This is the first cakra.
The next, second, higher (and more subtle) cakra is the Svadhisthana cakra
(located slightly higher along the spine) which controls the liquid factor
of the body and is related to the body's sexual function.
The third or Manipura cakra at the navel area controls the luminous factor
(energy, fire) and digestion.
The fourth cakra, the Anahata cakra (located in the centre of the chest),
controls the aerial factor and is related to the respiratory and
circulatory
functions of the body.
The fifth cakra, Vishuddha cakra (located in the throat) controls the
ethereal factor, the subtlest of the five elements, and is responsible for
speech. This cakra controls all those below it; thus it coordinates all
the
energies of the physical body.
The sixth or Ajina cakra (located in the centre of the brain) is sometimes
called the "seat of the mind". It controls mental functioning.
The seventh and highest cakra, the Sahasrara cakra, is located at the very
centre and top of the head, and is the seat of pure consciousness in the
individual.
The physical, mental and spiritual health of the individual depends on a
proper energy balance among these seven cakras and thus among all glands
(both subtle glands and the physical endocrine glands) they directly
control. Disease is related to a weakness, an imbalance in the energy flow
of one or more of the cakras.
MEDITATION AND ASANAS
For a person practicing meditation, the regular practice of asanas is
essential. Through meditation the mind, elevated to superconscious states,
becomes increasingly subtle. The body must also become increasingly subtle
to retain the parallelism or equilibrium between mind and body necessary
for
health. If the body's development lags behind the mind's expansion, this
parallelism between the mind and the body is disrupted, leading often to
sickness and difficulty in relating to the world. A complete course of
meditation requires a system of exercises or asanas to purify and refine
the
physical body and to direct its energies toward the total effort to attain
self-realisation and union with Universal Consciousness.
Asanas are thus a vital part of a complete system of practices for
physical,
mental and spiritual development. They are an integral part of the set of
spiritual practices of Ananda Marga called the 16 Points. When asanas are
practiced without cosmic ideation or other spiritual practices such as
meditation, it is called Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga is merely a
psycho-physical
practice. The practice of Hatha Yoga alone, without a proper effort to
discipline the mind by moral principles and meditation, may ultimately lead
to mental and spiritual degeneration, and so is not recommended.
Asanas affect every aspect of the human physique. They balance the
glandular secretions or hormones, relax and tone up the muscles and the
nervous system, stimulate blood circulation, stretch stiff ligaments and
tendons, limber joints, massage the internal organs, and help calm and
concentrate the mind.
ASANAS AND GLANDS
The complex symphony of the body is conducted by a system of glands known
as
the "endocrine glands". These glands are often called "ductless glands"
because they send their secretions directly into the blood or lymph,
instead
of using secretory ducts. The chemical substances secreted by these glands
are called hormones. They are chemical messages which act at a distance
from their source. Hormones have a profound effect on all the body's
functions, like growth, digestion, energy level, heat, sexual development
and function, water and fluid retention, etc.
The twisting and bending positions of the asanas, held for a specific
period
of time, place continued and specific pressure on the various endocrine
glands of the body. This stimulates these glands and regulates their
secretions. In the shoulderstand, for example, the contraction of the neck
muscles combined with the pressure of the chin on the chest squeezes blood
out of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. In the fish pose, which
immediately follows the shoulderstand, these glands are stretched and
flooded with blood. The combination of these two poses effectively
massages
and stimulates these two glands, thus greatly improving their function.
GLANDS AND EMOTIONS
Hormonal secretions are also closely related to emotional expression. In an
experiment conducted by Dr. Lennart Sevi of Stockholm, volunteers urinated
into specimen jars, then gathered to watch a movie. The movie was a
routine
travelogue, and produced little emotional response in the audience. Urine
samples collected after the showing of the film showed no important change
in chemical content. The next day the volunteers viewed a horror film,
later a comedy, later a war tragedy. The analysis of urine samples taken
after these films disclosed marked alterations in the audience's production
of hormones. The emotions evoked by those films - fear, joy, sorrow - were
accompanied by distinct glandular changes.
The physical expression of emotions is determined by secretions from the
various glands. Heavy doses of thyroxin, the hormone secreted by the
thyroid gland, for example, make a perfectly normal man nervous and
irritable.
Yogic physiology has described the 50 main propensities (vrttis) of the
human mind, which control the secretions of 50 glands and sub-glands
clustered around the body's energy centers or cakras. These expressions
are
both internal and external, giving 100.
Intense emotions such as fear, sorrow, hatred, jealousy and envy create
vibrational shockwaves which can affect the entire nervous system. For
example, the shock created by the sudden news of the death of a loved one
may increase the blood pressure and place a tremendous strain on the heart.
Nervous disorders and a heart attack may result. In extreme sorrow or
fear,
and even as a result of a shock of extreme happiness, even death may occur.
The subtle pressure of the asana postures on the various glands, combined
with deep relaxation, tends to restore the balanced activity of the
endocrine and other glands and to harmonise the emotions. Glandular
defects
may be cured by asanas, and mental composure attained.
THE BENEFITS OF ASANAS (YOGA POSTURES)
Yoga asanas ('asana' literally means posture in which it is pleasurable to
remain) have been developed steadily over thousands of years as an aid to
good physical and mental health, well-being and self-realization. Many of
the postures are named after animals which the yogis imitated in order to
gain their strengths. Yoga postures have a number of unique features which
set them apart from other forms of exercise:
1. They stretch and relax nerves, muscles and joints, creating a
pleasant feeling of relaxation, increasing flexibility and promoting the
free flow of energy through the body.
2. They require a minimum expenditure of physical energy and thus
do
not create mental dullness.
3. They nourish and tone specific and often neglected organs and
glands by directing the flow of blood, lymph and mental concentration to
that area. The hormones secreted by the endocrine glands control our
physical, mental and emotional states. By balancing these hormonal
secretions, yoga asanas promote optimal physical and emotional conditions.
4. They enable the practitioner to divert the flow of energy to
higher centers in the body, giving control over desires and subtlety of
awareness.
5. Through use of the breath they purify the blood and promote
calmness, concentration and depth of perception.
6. Through use of balance and motionlessness they promote mental
steadiness and calm.
7. Through strengthening and cleaning the organs of elimination
they
make the body free of toxins and the mind clear.
8. Through use of concentration they promote mental stability and
perception.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE OF ASANAS
1. Practice on an empty stomach (ideally wait 3 hours after meals
before practicing).
2. Do not eat or drink immediately after practice (ideally wait
half
an hour).
3. Wear supportive underwear and loose fitting clothes (at home,
minimal clothing is preferable if it is not cold).
4. Practice on a blanket or mat (not on bare ground).
5. Practice in a smoke and odour-free space.
6. Practice in a quiet, private space with fresh air but not
drafty.
7. Practice while the breath is flowing through the left nostril or
both nostrils but not while through the right nostril (except for the 3
basic asanas which can be practiced any time - yoga pose, half tortoise
pose, cobra pose).
8. Have a half-bath (freshen the limbs, eyes, face and neck with
water) or cool shower before asanas.
9. Avoid contact with water for 10 minutes after completing Asanas.
10. Women are recommended to refrain from practice during pregnancy
and menstruation.
11. Warm up before starting asanas, stay within your limits, avoid
bouncing in stretches and finish with self-massage and 2 - 10 minutes
Shavasana (corpse posture).
12. Do not immediately enter a noisy environment after practicing
Asanas. Ideally go for a short walk alone.
THREE BASIC YOGA POSTURES (ASANAS)
Yogasana (Yoga Pose)
Sit in cross-legged sitting position on a blanket on the floor. Put your
hands behind you and grip the left wrist with your right hand. Draw in a
deep breath (inhale) and slowly let your torso drop down to bring your
forehead and nose in contact with the floor. Exhale as you lower your head
in this way. Keep your head on the floor for about eight seconds, expelling
or holding your breath. Then rise up slowly, breathing in as you reach
your
initial position, and then exhale.
Practice this round eight times.
Ardhakurmakasana (Half-Tortoise Pose)
Get down on your knees and sit down on your heels. While inhaling, extend
your hands upward so that your arms touch your ears and join your palms
together. Then while exhaling gradually bow down forward and touch the
floor
with your forehead and nose. Stay in this pose while holding your breath
for
8 seconds. Rise slowly while inhaling back to your sitting position with
hands and arms pointing upward - arms touching your ears with palms joined
together. Strive to keep your arms straight and your buttocks on the heels
all the time. Then lower your arms to your side while exhaling.
Practice this round eight times.
Bhujaungasana (Cobra Pose)
Lie down on your stomach and chest and put your forehead on the floor.
Slide
your arms and hands, palms down to either side of your shoulders. Tuck the
elbows to your sides and keep your feet together. While inhaling, raise
your
chest off the floor, supporting the weight on the palms, roll your head and
neck back and up and look toward the ceiling. Do in this way as if someone
is pulling you back to make your torso go up, and thus raise your head,
neck, and chest (in this order), as if attempting to look behind you at
your
feet. Remember, breathe in as you rise. Hold your breath and that position
for eight seconds. Reverse the whole procedure while going down - i.e.
lower your chest, neck, and head as you breathe out and exhale as you
slowly
come down to your original position.
Practice this round eight times.
Self massage
Once having finished the asanas, then it is time to relax. But first,
thoroughly massage your face, scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, body,
legs, knees and feet. Start with your face and end with your feet. Pay
particular attention to joints. Do not use massage (or any other) oils.
Gradually your body will begin to secrete its own oils and make your skin
healthier and thus better looking.
Shavasana (Corpse pose)
Lie down on your back, spread your legs and hands a comfortable distance
from your body and turn your palms facing upward. Imagine yourself
completely relaxed, free of tension - as if your life force has left your
body making it a corpse. (Or if you are uncomfortable with the image of
death, imagine that you are lying on a little white fluffy cloud with sun
gently caressing you with its loving warmth and taking all tension and
worry
away from you.) Clear your mind of thoughts. Take long deep breaths and be
in a perfectly relaxed condition.
Duration: 2 to 10 minutes.
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