The Power of Numbers In the Evolution of Human Consciousness

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The Power of Numbers In the Evolution of Human Consciousness -

Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani Director ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India. Numbers are not merely arbitrary symbols invented by the mind of ma n to bring order into the diverse objects of the world. Numbers are archetypal; they exude their own power, energy and influence. They are the outward manifestation of deep, mystical patterns, which are the underlying order of the Universe. Numbers are not simply measures of quantity, but also reflections of inherent qualities. The Hindu mystics, known to the modern world as Yogis, meditated deeply on the mysterious power of numbers and from these meditations, the science of Yantra was born. This great science systematically analyzes the manifest world of number, name and form and explores the relationship, amongst them. Numbers have the inherent power not only to reflect inner cosmic patterns, but also are a means of harnessing primordial forces and energies. These principles of Yantra may be applied in a practical sense in one’s spiritual Sadhana

as well as in one’s mundane pursuits in daily life. This Yantric knowledge is deeply embedded in Hindu cultural patterns, even at the village level. For example, common villagers know that any effective governing body must be composed of five numbers. Hence, traditional village leadership was called “Panchayat” or “a governing body composed of five members.” In certain ceremonies, a particular number of participants are required, or a certain number of materials. When chanting Mantras, particular numbers such as 108 are held more powerful than others – Rudraksha beads used for counting Mantras are always strung in groups of 54 or 108 in number. The different power inherent in “odd” and “even” numbers is also well recognized and many so – called “superstitions” surround “odd” and “even” timings of the day, or days of the month. One could say that traditional Hindu life was very much ordered by the realization of the power, which various numbers possessed. Numbers also serve as a means of structuring memory and storing facts. All Yogic and spiritual lore is “made orderly” through this device of enumeration. But, this enumeration is not at all arbitrary. The “number” of “facts” or “concepts” associated under a central principle will always have an inherent “real relationship” to the essence of the concept. For example, the number “four” is associated with “stability” in Yantra. Any object, such as a table, acquires its stability by possessing “four legs”. Like that, the division of an ideal human life into “four phases” – Brahmachari (studentship); Grahasta (householder); Vanaprastha (withdrawal from worldly life) and Sanyasa, (total renunciation of the material world) gives the quality of “stability” to a well-ordered society. Thus, the “number” of elements or

characteristics in each “pattern” reflects the inherent quality of that pattern. Our days are divided numerically into seconds, minutes, and hours. Our years are divided into months. Our heart beats a certain number of times each minute, (usually assigned 70 – 72 beats per minute). Our breath moves in and out about 16 times per minute. Our body functions are governed by numbers and their regular repetition and rhythm. Disease and disorders are diagnosed when these “numbers” become erratic. The life spans of various creatures are measured in numerical units and human history is analyzed in “periods’ of time”. The power of numbers as

an ordering device of the mind, which enables human consciousness to “make sense” of the seemingly haphazard flow of events is obvious. Business is based on calculations. Governments rise and fall on the power of the numbers of people they can garner in their support. Large numbers of anything produce a great power, either for good or for bad. Witness the power of Nazi Germany or the hordes of Genghis Khan. Numbers even govern human destiny. Numbers are a measurement of vibrations, of occurrences, of objects. Indeed, numbers are the essence of life. In India a philosophical system evolved which explained the Universe with numbers. It was called Samkya and was propagated by the Rishi Kapila. The Greeks also realized the mystical value and content of numbers. “Numbers are at the root and the

base of all things”, said Cornelius Agrippa. The great philosopher – mystic Pythagoras said, “All lies veiled in numbers.” The Jewish thinkers understood these concepts and the Kabala taught, “The Universe is built on numbers”. The great European thinker Leibniz wrote, “Numbers are the Universal language.” Balzao postulated, “Number is an Entity, and at the same time, a Breath emanating from God. The Breath, alone which could organise the physical Cosmos, where naught obtains the form but through Deity, which is an effect of number.” It is no coincidence that many famous European philosophers like Rene Descartes were basically mathematicians. It is said that anyone who wished to study philosophy with Pythagoras, had first to study mathematics to discipline his mind. Shri Ram Gopal Mujumdhar, Yogamaharishi Swami Kanakananda, who was the Guru of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj, taught the Science of Yantra to Swami Gitananda. Noting that all Universal forms can be broken down to a limited number of shapes, he said, “God geometrises, man observes.” Carl Gustav Jung, the great Austrian psycho – analyst, realized the mystic quality of numbers and postulated that they were a primordial archetypal power, which was self-existent in the human racial sub-consciousness. It is thus very significant that Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, chief disciple and successor of the lineage of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj, has brought out this beautiful book YOGA: 1 to 10, showing

the relationship between various Yogic and Yantric concepts and the “numbers” associated with these various principles. Dr. Ananda has skillfully outlined the very basic associations between numbers and their inherent qualities and powers in the first section of his book, dealing with the Yantric cycles of time and the Dharma Marga or birth path. Thereafter, using each number as a base, he shows how various Yogic ideas and theories are expressed with numbers in harmony with their essential meaning. Using drawings and diagrams to illustrate the ideas, the author thus skillfully presents, deep esoteric information in a form easily digested even by the neophyte. May the Guru’s wisdom flow into our bodies, hearts and minds as a continuous stream of light, enlightening all of mankind and all beings,

fortunate enough to manifest on this lovely earth planet. YOGA: 1 TO 10: by Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani Cost to all foreign countries (postage and handling inclusive): $25. Cost in India (postage and handling inclusive): Rs 400 Discount will be offered on large orders To make payment send Bank Draft or International Money Order in name of MEENAKSHI DEVI BHAVANANI by registered post to Director, INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR YOGA EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, 16-A, Mettu Street, Chinnamudaliarchavady, Kottakuppam, Tamil Nadu (Via Pondicherry) – 605 104. The alternative method is to send signed TRAVELERS CHEQUES for the amount to us ---------

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yogacharya Dr.Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

Chairman : Yoganjali Natyalayam and ICYER

25,2nd Cross,Iyyanar Nagar, Pondicherry-605 013

Tel: 0413 - 2622902 / 0413 -2241561

Website: www.icyer.com

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