Part 3 on Control of Mind

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Dear Bhagavatas:

Presented below is Part 3 on Control of Mind

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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MARKANDEYA PURANA XXXVI-15 defines a `Matra' as the time required for winking

of the eyelids or for uttering a syllable.

 

BRIHAD YOGI YAGNAVALKYA SMRITHI VII-12 also defines `Matra' as the time

required for making a sound thrice by the middle finger and thumb or for

moving the hand once around the knee and the thigh and 64 Matras as equal to

48 seconds. also defines `Matra' as the time required for making a sound

thrice by the middle finger and thumb or for moving the hand once around the

knee and the thigh and 64 Matras as equal to 48 seconds.

 

YOGASUTRA II-49 portrays the yogic breathing as the cessation of the movement

of Svasa (inhalation) and Prasvasa (exhalation). In resting condition our

respiration (both inhalation and exhalation) takes place 15 times per minute.

 

YOGAKUNDALI UPANISHAD I-19,20 also describes Prana as the vital air which acts

as a ' bio- motor' that flows in the body. The individual Prana is in constant

touch with the perennial supply of the Universal life -- force.

 

SVATMARAMA'S HATAYOGA PRADIPIKA (LIGHT ON HATA YOGA) II 72-73 proceeds to

describe `Ayama' as Kumbaka both `Sahita' ( with) and `Kevala'. ( without)

 

YOGA YAGNA VALKYA IV-2 speaks of yogic breath in terms of unification of

`Prana' and `Apana'.

 

VISHNU PURANA (6.7 - 40) categorically states that yogic breathing is a

technique which brings under control all that is connected with `Prana.'

 

MARKANDEYA PURANA XXXVI-12 describes Pranayama as the technique of making the

Prana and Apana silent.

 

Whereas the `Asanas' are not being followed strictly except by the students of

Yoga classes or those undergoing yoga therapy, the Pranayama forms an integral

part of the daily rituals of the `twice -- born,' three times a day at

sunrise, at noon and at sunset. The Pranayama to become efficacious has to be

performed with the pronouncement of the Pranayama Mantra in whispering

decibles audible only to the practitioner.

 

GORAKSHA PADDATI I.93 says that even Brahma takes recourse to the practice of

Pranayama as a result of his fear of death.

 

DARSHANOPANISHAD V II-12 strictly lays down that Pranayama should be

continued That we can achieve with breath control what we cannot without it

can be evidenced from a simple day to day experience. throughout one's

lifetime. Together, these two ensure equilibrium of the body functions. While

living, the mind keeps the Prana within the body; at death, both mind and

Prana leave the body together.

 

In Christianity they advocate closing of the eyes perhaps for fear of external

distractions. Hinduism advises that the eyes be half open and focussed on the

tip of the nose while concentrating on the Mantra so that both internal

imaginings and external disturbances could be held at bay.

(To Continue)

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