Control of Mind - Part 6 ( Role of Yoga)

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Dear Bhagavatas:

Presented below is Part 6 on Control of Mind (Role of Yoga)

Dasoham

Anbil Ramaswamy

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Control of Mind - Part 6 (Role of Yoga)

 

Some tantric practitioners have pushed the Hatayoga to ridiculous extents so

that they lead to the use of drugs, dopes, speed, crack, angel dust,

tranquilizers, trips, psychedelic inhibitions, hallucinogens, marijuana,

hashish, peyote, mescaline, cocaine, LSD, and other chemical designer potions

in order to gain what they had missed due to improper yoga practices like

twisting themselves in the shape of human knots or other odd shapes with

disastrous results of bodily degeneration and mental alteration bordering on

insanity.

 

As a matter of fact, one could be quite hale and hearty indeed without all

these contortions that serve as no more than exhibitionist stunts. The only

thing that happens is that these tantrics develop a bloated idea of self

importance which in reality they do not possess.

 

This only shows how unevolved they are in spiritual terms which however calls

for an opposite kind of quality viz. Humility. Really evolved persons do not

indulge in these stupid acrobatics since they divert attention from what is

most important spiritually.

 

Such strenuous physical exercises are claimed to be `Rajayoga.' But Rajayoga

actually belongs to another category of a benignant kind whereas Hata yoga

especially the Tantra part of it bristles with those of a malignant kind. In

any case, these practices are neither necessary nor desirable nor are they

authorized by Sastras which describe in detail how Jeeva escapes through

about 72,000 Nadis of which 100 move upwards including 'Ida' and 'Pingala'

and how the Jeeva of a Prapanna (surrendered soul) avoids all these and rising

through the spinal column escapes through a special 101st Nadi known as

Sushumna, Murdhanya or Brahma Nadi on the top of the crown of the head at the

time of death with minimum effort ensuring maximum effect. All these Nadis are

invisible nerve fibers of energy channels of the subtle inner bodies (Sukshma

Sareera) of Jeevas.

 

But, one thing is certain. Practicing Yoga properly as prescribed in Yoga

Sastras bestows on the practitioner certain extraordinary powers called

`SIDDHIS'

"May be in modern concepts the word can be linked to the E.S.P (Extra-sensory-

perception), Para-normal-potential, Mystical power or plainly magical skill"

 

Though several Siddhis have been identified, the most important ones are eight

in number called Ashta Maha Siddhis. They are

 

i. Anima (Becoming Small) : Reducing one's size to the point of an atom (anu).

This is said to be achieved by meditating on the Lord as pervading the

Tanmatras - Sabda, Sparsa, Rupa, Rasa, and Gandha.

 

ii. Mahima (Becoming Big) : Expanding one's size to unimaginably giant

proportions. This is said to be achieved by meditating on the Lord as Mahat

tatva or Cosmic mind.

 

iii Laghima (Weightlessness) : Making oneself light in weight so as to float

in air without any support like a feather in the wind. This weightlessness is

said to be achieved by meditating on the Lord as inherent in atoms.

 

iv. Garima (Heaviness) : Making oneself incredibly weighty so that nobody can

move the Sadaka.

 

v. Praapti (Pervading) : Also known as 'Vyaapti`- penetrating through barriers

and obstacles. This is said to be achieved by meditating on the Lord in his

aspect of Satvika Ahankara.

 

vi. Prakamyam (Materializing) : To bring unseen objects within the view of

all. This is achieved by meditating on the Lord as the Sutradhari or

Controller.

 

vii Eesitvam (Lordship) : Having control over others. This is achieved by

meditating on the Lord as the Lord of Trigunas.

 

viii. Vasitvam (Subjugation) : Attracting others. This is achieved by

meditating on Lord as primal Lord "Adhi Purusha."

(To Continue)

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