Complete Meditative session

A complete meditative session should include these practices:

Deep relaxation: Completely relax every part of your body as also your mind. This puts you in a receptive state and helps you access your pranic energy.

Focusing: You focus your attention between your eyebrows — the centre of luminous spiritual energy, the area of peace inside you. Here, you let go the needless past and future worries and be wholly in the peace of the present moment. You train your mind to still its thoughts and learn what it is to be in sattvic calmness. Initially, you can silently repeat “I am peace” until you feel it spreading through you.

Diaphragmatic breathing: Push your abdominal muscles outward as you inhale and pull them inward as you exhale. This is considered to be the more natural form of breathing and, thus, staves off stress and tension and influences the prana to flow more smoothly and strongly.

Sound chanting: The sound can be ‘Om’. Rhythmic sound harmonises the prana. When the mind stops drifting and gets drawn into the sound, that mental concentration makes for a powerful inner sattvic energisation.

Visualisation: This is to attune the senses to your inner sattvic quality or inner divinity. Artists, writers, musicians are privileged to get this rapturous feeling of being deeply absorbed in divine beauty through their art. Visualisation meditation serves the same purpose and harmonises the mind and prana together.

Praying or chanting: So far, all the practices discussed above influence the mind, prana, senses. A prayer or chant repeated melodiously opens your heart and invokes the sattvic qualities of love, humility, expansiveness, wanting to give. Often, in your daily living, you may find you spontaneously want to give but the mind throws cold water on it raising questions of ‘sense’ or ‘rational’. Ultimately, these ‘justifications’ harden into beliefs and close the heart and your channel to sattvic living. Chanting, praying reopen the floodgates of giving and loving to transform your outlook.

Meditation does not just calm you, it also blunts that painful edge of being in a competitive environment. You do not regard another as a competitor who you must defeat; you affectionately regard his/her high standards as those you too can achieve. If you meditate for just 20 minutes daily, you will find a new keenness in your taste; your sense of humour too will be stronger where you laugh more, and more joyously; and your physical exercise sessions will feel like fun-and-games sessions. Oh yes, please do continue your cycling, walking or any form of exercise as also your sensible eating ways.

While it is important that you meditate daily, it is equally important that you carry this glorious, purified (sattvic-ised) feeling of peace and joy to all your activities. Work, speak, exercise, relate from this elevated state. In this New Year, may you experience the glow of meditative wellbeing; may you experience peace and bliss; may you be filled with grace.

How to concentrate

Tratak: Sit in padmasan pose,erect.Gaze at a picture of your deity for some time.Then close eyes and visualize the form of the image.Repeat several times.Think of a lotus flower blooming in the heart or of a candle lighted.

Focus at a point between the two eyebrows.
Invoke the name of the Lord and then stop and imagine that the same voice is coming out from the heart.
Think always positively;leave ;anger,jealousy and hate.
Ponder over the good things in life.Visit holy places,see holy men,study holy scriptures.
Eat only pure food,befriend good beings and perform duty with out a self motive.
When mind is relaxed,divine feelings arise in the heart.Mundane desires,allurement and attachments drive a person away from God.But when one develops love for God in the heart.It is filled with joy.Kind and gracious deeds and feelings for fellow beings take one nearer to the Lord.
It is advisable for fellow human beings to do prayer regularly.One should unflinching faith in Him.He should feel his presence within.One should detach himself from the pretty things of the world and look towards God to bless him.Soul-the part of the Almighty_is the only friend,guide and philosopher one should Give up Ego and should not think that he is the doer.
Exercises
Lie down flat on Bed,relax from feet to head.Inhale deeply and pronounce Om Om Om and then exhale while pronouncing the same mantra mentally.Think of the presence of God and consider him as your Father and mother.While inhaling concentrate on muladhara chakra and while exhaling feel that the vital force is flowing upwards through the spinal channel,thus revitalising the body.
Fix your mind at Muladhara and feel you are the earth element;then on Swadhishtaha chakra and think you are the water element;then meditate on manipura chakra and feel you are the fire element,on Anahate chakra and feel you are the air element,onVishudhi chakra and Feel you are the air element,on Vishudhi chakra and think you are ether and then on Ajna chakra.

How to concentrate

Tratak: Sit in padmasan pose,erect.Gaze at a picture of your deity for some time.Then close eyes and visualize the form of the image.Repeat several times.Think of a lotus flower blooming in the heart or of a candle lighted.

Focus at a point between the two eyebrows.
Invoke the name of the Lord and then stop and imagine that the same voice is coming out from the heart.
Think always positively;leave ;anger,jealousy and hate.
Ponder over the good things in life.

Visit holy places,see holy men,study holy scriptures.
Eat only pure food,befriend good beings and perform duty with out a self motive.
When mind is relaxed,divine feelings arise in the heart.Mundane desires,allurement and attachments drive a person away from God.But when one develops love for God in the heart.It is filled with joy.Kind and gracious deeds and feelings for fellow beings take one nearer to the Lord.
It is advisable for fellow human beings to do prayer regularly.One should unflinching faith in Him.He should feel his presence within.One should detach himself from the pretty things of the world and look towards God to bless him.Soul-the part of the Almighty_is the only friend,guide and philosopher one should Give up Ego and should not think that he is the doer.
Exercises
Lie down flat on Bed,relax from feet to head.Inhale deeply and pronounce Om Om Om and then exhale while pronouncing the same mantra mentally.Think of the presence of God and consider him as your Father and mother.While inhaling concentrate on muladhara chakra and while exhaling feel that the vital force is flowing upwards through the spinal channel,thus revitalising the body.
Fix your mind at Muladhara and feel you are the earth element;then on Swadhishtaha chakra and think you are the water element;then meditate on manipura chakra and feel you are the fire element,on Anahate chakra and feel you are the air element,onVishudhi chakra and Feel you are the air element,on Vishudhi chakra and think you are ether and then on Ajna chakra.

Chakra system

All the three nadis start from Muladhara and they join together at Ajna Chakra, the place between two eye brows.

Sushumna has many centers which are called chakras or wheels. Every chakra is formed by the union of several nadis . It si mystically represented as a lotus. Nadis that join in the chakras are represented by the petals. Every petal or nadi has a mystic vibration which is represented by a root letter or Bijakshara.

Each chakra has a seperate number of petals , a distinct colour, a distinct presiding deity, a distinct predomination tanmatra or subtle element, a distinct root letter representing the vibration of the center.

As the Kundalini passes throught the chakras, each center is flooded with energy and blooms, revealing the hidden powers that belong to every center.

There are seven most important chakras. Kundalini is a Divine Energy represented as goddess. Shiva, the Absolute, abides in Sahasrara. When the Shakti or Goddess is united with Shiva, the soul attains Supreme Freedom. Before one tries to arouse kundalini, he should practice selfless service of humanity and devotion to God. Asanas, pranayamas, bandhas and mudras and yogic kriyas should also be performed to purify nadis. Virtues like devotion for guru, humility for mankind control over senses should also be followed. One should meditate upon the chakras one by one. Many are the ways to awaken kundalini. Some do it through meditation, some through bhakti, some like jnanis do it through path of wisdom and some like Karma yogis through selfless service.

Muladhara Chakra

Location : About 1" above the anus.
Element : Earth.
Root letter : Lam.
Presiding Deity : Ganesh
Gains from meditation : Hapiness, victory over earth element.

Swadhishthan Chakra


Location: Root of organ of generation

Element : water.

Root letter : Yam.

Deity :Brahma

Meditation : leads to victory over water elements, sense of control like passion, freedom from greed, hatred, etc, poetic skill.

Manipur Chakra


Location: Navel

Root letter : ram

Deity : Vishnu

Meditation leads to knowlege to body, stomach ailments cured.ation : Heart

Anahata Chakra

Location : Heart.

Root letter : Yam.

Deity : Rudra.

Meditation leads to ability to speak brillianlty, develop poetic skill, psychic powers.


Vishudhi Chakra

Location : Throat
Root letter : Ham

Deity : Sada Shiva .

Meditation leads to wisdom, absence of fear and grief, knowledge of present, past and future.

Ajna Chakra

Location : Betwee Eye brows.

Root letter : Om
Diety : Shiva

Meditation leads to control over all lower chakras; attainment of samadhi and destruction of karmas.

Sahasrar Chakra

Location : Crown of the head.

Root letter : Vindu or point.

Deity : Lord Shiva

Meditation leads to immortality through highest form of samadhi; freedom from birth and death. Supreme bliss.

Awakening the Kundalini

A man has enormous reservoir of energy within him. Kundalini Shakti is one such cosmic power that lies dormant in the Muladhara Chakra near anus. Yogis awaken this power by Kundalini yoga and take it to the crown of the head by piercing the chakras of the sushumna, one of the important nadis. The other two important nadis are Ida and Pingala. Both these subtle astral tubes correspond to left and right of the sympathetic chains. Ida flows through the left nostril and gives a cooling effect while pingala flows through the right nostril and emits warmth.
Yogis tell us that moon is the presiding deity of Ida and sun is the presiding Deity of Pingala. That is why sometimes the left nostril is flowing, sometimes the right and sometimes both. When left flows, it is the Ida nadi that is operating. At that time one should perform simple and peaceful works. But when the right nostril is flowing, it is Pingala that operates. Then one should do vigorous and hard works such as exercises, eating, bathing, etc. Also , one should sleep during that state , because Pingala digests the food quickly and bestows sound sleep.

But when both the nostrils flow, it is Sushumna nadi that is operating. That is the time for the practice of meditation, repetition of the Lord's name, prayer and enquiry.

Sushu8mna, the best of all nadis, arises from the basal plexus and passes through the spinal column, through the subtle channel of the spinal cord, up to the crown of the head. All Chakras or mystic centres are situated in it.

Shakti Chalini Mudra

How to do: For this sit Sidhasana or Padmasana. Place the palms on the ground. Balancing the body on the palms slowly raise the buttocks and strike them against the ground several times. Then perform Mula Bandha, the exercise to contract anus and drawing it upwards. Inhale through the left nostril. Join the Prana with Apana and let the combined force pass through the Sushumna. Perform Jalandhar Bandha and try to retain breath. While practicing retention, perform Ashwini Mudra. Then release the Jalandhar Bandha and exhale through the right nostril. The same may be repeated by reversing the nostrils.

Benefits: This bestows a radiant health and long life and awakens the Kundalini Shakti.
Tadana Kriya: Shakti Chalini Mudra is associated with Tadana kriya. One has to strike the Kanda with his foot while seated in Sidhasana.
Gains: This awakens the Kundalini Shakti

I think this mudra is helpful for you.Also, read my book "Complete Hand Mudras." It will give you more information about mudras read more

Ashwini Mudra

How to do: For this sit either in Sukhasan or in Vajrayana. You may practice this in the lying pose, keeping the legs folded in such a way that the heels touch the buttocks, contract the anus and release it. Repeat many times. Contraction and dilation of the anus remove constipation enables the yogi to master Apana Vayu and helps to unfold Muladhara Chakra or the basal plexus.

Kaki Mudra

How to do: Sit in Sidhasana, draw the tongue out in a tube-like shape and inhale through the tongue. Retain the breath. Draw the tongue in and perform Yoni mudra. Exhale through the left nostril. Again do the same and exhale through the right nostril. Do it several times.
Benefits: This Kaki mudra cools the body, removes excess of bile, purifies the blood and develops the mystic vision.

Shambhavi Mudra

How to do : The practitioner should sit in Padmasana or Sidhasana with eyes steady looking in the void and keeping the mind focused in the heart. One should practice not to wink before this. He has to forget the body and the surroundings and let the mind merge in silence.
Benefits : By dong Shambhavi mudra one has more and more peace come unto him.

Awakening the Kundalini

A man has enormous reservoir of energy within him. Kundalini Shakti is one such cosmic power that lies dormant in the Muladhara Chakra near anus. Yogis awaken this power by Kundalini yoga and take it to the crown of the head by piercing the chakras of the sushumna, one of the important nadis. The other two important nadis are Ida and Pingala. Both these subtle astral tubes correspond to left and right of the sympathetic chains. Ida flows through the left nostril and gives a cooling effect while pingala flows through the right nostril and emits warmth.
Yogis tell us that moon is the presiding deity of Ida and sun is the presiding Deity of Pingala. That is why sometimes the left nostril is flowing, sometimes the right and sometimes both. When left flows, it is the Ida nadi that is operating. At that time one should perform simple and peaceful works. But when the right nostril is flowing, it is Pingala that operates. Then one should do vigorous and hard works such as exercises, eating, bathing, etc. Also , one should sleep during that state , because Pingala digests the food quickly and bestows sound sleep.

But when both the nostrils flow, it is Sushumna nadi that is operating. That is the time for the practice of meditation, repetition of the Lord's name, prayer and enquiry.

Sushu8mna, the best of all nadis, arises from the basal plexus and passes through the spinal column, through the subtle channel of the spinal cord, up to the crown of the head. All Chakras or mystic centres are situated in it.

Unmani Mudra

This Unmani mudra can be practiced by only those who have reached a higher state in yoga.
How to do: In this one has to sit in Padmasana or Sidhasana with the eyes half open. Then he has to fix the mind on the space just a few inches from the eyes. Meditate upon the Self that is formless, nameless and Infinite, without any thought in mind and mind in calm meditation.
Benefits: This gives peace of mind and unfolds inner glories of the Spirit through Samadhi.

I think this mudra is helpful for you.Also, read my book "Complete Hand Mudras." It will give you more information about mudras read more

 

 

Concentration and focus are very important to learn or do any mental task. Mindfulness is a simple technique that will help you to reach high levels of concentration and focus. Mindfulness improves your brain power.It also helpful to restore your focus and concentration. Mindfulness help you to live in the present moment and learn new things.

 

 

 

 

Shakti Chalini Mudra

How to do : For this sit Sidhasana or Padmasana. Place the palms on the ground. Balancing the body on the palms slowly raise the buttocks and strike them against the ground several times. Then perform Mula Bandha , the exercise to contract anus and drawing it upwards. Inhale through the left nostril. Join the Prana with Apana and let the combined force pass through the Sushumna. Perform Jalandhar Bandha and try to retain breath. While practicing retention, perform Ashwini Mudra . Then release the Jalandhar Bandha and exhale through the right nostril. The same may be repeated by reversing the nostrils.

Benefits : This bestows a radiant health and long life and awakens the Kundalini Shakti.

Tadana Kriya : Shakti Chalini Mudra is associated with Tadana kriya. One has to strike the Kanda with his foot while seated in Sidhasana.
Gains : This awakens the Kundalini Shakti

Shakti Chalini Mudra

How to do : For this sit Sidhasana or Padmasana. Place the palms on the ground. Balancing the body on the palms slowly raise the buttocks and strike them against the ground several times. Then perform Mula Bandha , the exercise to contract anus and drawing it upwards. Inhale through the left nostril. Join the Prana with Apana and let the combined force pass through the Sushumna. Perform Jalandhar Bandha and try to retain breath. While practicing retention, perform Ashwini Mudra . Then release the Jalandhar Bandha and exhale through the right nostril. The same may be repeated by reversing the nostrils.

Benefits : This bestows a radiant health and long life and awakens the Kundalini Shakti.

Tadana Kriya : Shakti Chalini Mudra is associated with Tadana kriya. One has to strike the Kanda with his foot while seated in Sidhasana.
Gains : This awakens the Kundalini Shakti

Matangini Mudra

How to do : Draw water through the nostrils but throw it out through the mouth. While throwing th ewater through the mouth, give the mouth a tube like shape and let the water gush forth forcible.
Benefits : Matangini mudra tones the optical nerves and the brain. It removes headache, prevents cold, adds lustre to the face and leads to peace of mind.

Ashwini Mudra

How to do : For this sit either in Sukhasan or in Vajrasan. You may practice this in thie lying pose, keeping th elegs folded in such a way that the heels touch the buttocks, contract the anus and release it. Repeat many times. Contraction and dilation of the anus removes constipation, enables the yogi to master Apana Vayu and helps to unfold Muladhara Chakra or the basal plexus.

Viparita Karani Mudra

This Viparita Karani word means Sanskrit inverted. One has to lie down relaxed. Gradually raise both the legs and the hips. Support the waist with hands more or less in Sarvanga Asan pose.
By this practice, the positions of the Sun and Moon are reversed. Hence, it is called Viparita Karani.

It is the opinion of yoga masters that the sun dwells in the navel and moon in Sahasrara. The nectar that flows from the moon is consumed by the fire at the navel. This leads to decay and death. But by the constant practice of this mudra the nectar of the moon is preserved.
Duration recommended is a few minutes to start with but can be gradually increased to two hours or more. After a few weeks, the face shines with spiritual lustre, wrinkles are removed, eyes become healthier, and digestion becomes keen.

I think this mudra is helpful for you.Also, read my book "Complete Hand Mudras." It will give you more information about mudras read more

Kaki Mudra

How to do : Sit in Sidhasana, draw the tongue out in a tube-like shape and inhale through the tongue. Retain the breath. Draw the tongue in and perform Yoni mudra . Exhale through the left nostril. Again do the same and exhale through the right nostril. Do it several times.
Benefits :This Kaki mudra cools the body, removes excess of bile, purifies the blood and develops the mystic vision.

Shambhavi Mudra

How to do : The practitioner should sit in Padmasana or Sidhasana with eyes steady looking in the void and keeping the mind focused in the heart. One should practice not to wink before this. He has to forget the body and the surroundings and let the mind merge in silence.
Benefits : By dong Shambhavi mudra one has more and more peace come unto him.

Unmani Mudra

This Unmani mudra can be practiced by only those who have reached a higher state in yoga.
How to do : In this one has to sit in Padmasana or Sidhasana with the eyes half open. Then he has to fix mind on the space just a few inches from the eyes. Meditate upon the Self that is formless, nameless and Infinite, without any thought in mind and mind in calm meditation.
Benefits : This gives peace of mind and unfolds inner glories of the Spirit through Samadhi.

Viparita Karani Mudra

This Viparita Karani word means Sanskrit inverted. One has to lie down relaxed. Gradually raise both the legs and the hips. Support the waist with hands more or less in Sarvanga Asan pose.
By tis practice, the positons of the Sun and Moon are reversed. Hence it is called Viparita Karani.

It is the opinion of yoga masters that sun dwells in the navel and moon in Sahasrara. The nectar that flows from the moon is consumed by the fire at the navel. This leads to decay and death. But by the constant practice of this mudra the nectar of the moon is perserved.

Duration recommended is a few minutes to start with but can be gradually increased to two hours or more. After a few weeks the face shines with spiritual lustre, wrinkles are removed, eyes become healthier, and digestion becomes keen.

Viparita Karani Mudra

This Viparita Karani word means Sanskrit inverted. One has to lie down relaxed. Gradually raise both the legs and the hips. Support the waist with hands more or less in Sarvanga Asan pose.
By tis practice, the positons of the Sun and Moon are reversed. Hence it is called Viparita Karani.

It is the opinion of yoga masters that sun dwells in the navel and moon in Sahasrara. The nectar that flows from the moon is consumed by the fire at the navel. This leads to decay and death. But by the constant practice of this mudra the nectar of the moon is perserved.

Duration recommended is a few minutes to start with but can be gradually increased to two hours or more. After a few weeks the face shines with spiritual lustre, wrinkles are removed, eyes become healthier, and digestion becomes keen.

Maha Vedha Mudra

In Maha Vedha, press the Kanda with the left heel. Perform Mula Bandha. Place the right foot on the left thigh. Then perform Jalandhar Bandha by pressing the chin against the chest. Place both palms on the ground and then balancing the body on the hands raise the buttocks with the left heel pressing against the Kanda, then bring it down on the ground(gently). Perform inhalation of breath at the beginning of the practice and after few times of striking, exhale.
This exercise is a great purifier of the body and the mind. It also awakens Kundalini Shakti and leads to the attainment of Samadhi.

I think this mudra is helpful for you.Also, read my book "Complete Hand Mudras." It will give you more information about mudras read more

Maha Mudra

How to do: One has to first perform Mula bandha and press the Kanda(space between anus and the generative organ) by the right heel.Keep the left leg straight. Bend down and hold the big toe of the left foot with both hands. Bring the head down until it touches the knee. This position is also known as Janu-Shira-Asan. In Maha mudra, Janu Shira Asana is associated with the Bandhas, and pranayama. Inhale and while retaining the breath performJalandhar Bandha Bandha . Then Exhale while performing Uddiyan Bandha (taking the navel forcibly towards the back). Perform the pranayama as long as you can.
The same can be repeated by keeping the right leg straight and by pressing the Kanda with the left heel.

The gaze should stay between the eyebrows(bhru-Madhya Drishti). Meditate upon the Ajna Chakra.

duration :This mudra can be done as long as one can.
Maha mudra should be followed by Maha Bandha and Maha Vedha.

Benefits: This exercise enables the combined forces of Prana and Apana to pass through Sushumna, which awakens the Kundalini. This cures Hemorrhoids or piles, gastritis, constipation, consumption and various morbid conditions of the body thereby augmenting digestion and toning up the nervous system.
I think this mudra is helpful for you.Also, read my book "Complete Hand Mudras." It will give you more information about mudras read more

Yoga Mudra

The perfect way of practising yoga mudra is to be in the lotus first. But it is not easy and everyone cannot do it initially.
How to do: sit in Padmasana-the right foot placed on the left thigh with the sole facing up and the left foot on the right thigh. Keep both the knees well on the ground, the body bent forward without raising the hips form the seat and the forehead back, holding the left wrist in the right hand. Inhale through both the nostrils and perform Jalandhar Bandha (pressing the chin against the chest0. Hold the heels with your hands.

Slowly bend down until the head touches the ground. Then release the Jalandhar Bandha(chin-lock) and exhale. One may bend down without the chin-lock slowly exhaling the breath. Hold the breath, and inhale.
The duration may be about 10 seconds to a minute.
Benefits : This mudra improves memory, gets rid of excess fat(loose weight mudra), awakens Kundalini Shakti and tones the nervous system.

Yoga Mudra

The perfect way of practising yoga mudra is to be in the lotus first. But it is not easy and everyone cannot do it initially.
How to do: sit in Padmasana-the right foot placed on the left thigh with the sole facing up and the left foot on the right thigh. Keep both the knees well on the ground, the body bent forward without raising the hips form the seat and the forehead back, holding the left wrist in the right hand. Inhale through both the nostrils and perform Jalandhar Bandha (pressing the chin against the chest0. Hold the heels with your hands.

Slowly bend down until the head touches the ground. Then release the Jalandhar Bandha(chin-lock) and exhale. One may bend down without the chin-lock slowly exhaling the breath. Hold the breath, and inhale.
The duration may be about 10 seconds to a minute.
Benefits : This mudra improves memory, gets rid of excess fat(loose weight mudra), awakens Kundalini Shakti and tones the nervous system.

Mudras for enlightenment

We had so far seen mudras for health and curing disease in my previous posts but there so many mudras beyond for health to enlightenment mudras. The meaning of mudras is a seal. It is called so because it seals the mind with the soul. Exercises falling under mudra are associated with retention of breath. In fact, bandhas and mudras go together. Mudras control the vital forces(pranas) and thereby the mind to awaken the hidden mystic powers.

Once the potentialities of the spirit are unfolded before the performer, he can conquer all diseases and move towards God-realization.
Mudras helps the strive to awaken Kundalini to check the distractions of the mind and to sublimate vital energy into Ojas Shakti or spiritual energy. With the support of this Shakti, he can explore the mysteries.
Once the yogi attains spiritual energy, his personality blooms; he can attract men, his will power becomes high and his mind balanced.
But to draw maximum benefits of Bandhas and Mudras one must purify heart by selfless service of humanity and by developing virtues such as non-violence, truthfulness, purity. etc. Mere performance on any yoga exercises will not lead to the attainment of powers.There are so many mudras that are in vogue and practiced, we had seen so far around 26 mudras for health and personality.
I think this mudra is helpful for you.Also, read my book "Complete Hand Mudras." It will give you more information about mudras read more

Maha Vedha Mudra

In Maha Vedha, press the Kanda with the left heel. Perform Mula Bandha . Place the riht foot on the left thigh. Then perform Jalandhar Bandha by pressing the chin against the chest. Place both palms on the ground and then balancing the body on the hands raise the buttocks with the left heel pressing against the Kanda, then bring it down on the ground(gently). Perform inhalation of breath in the beginning of the practice and after few times of striking, exhale.
This exercise is a great purifier of the body and the mind. It also awakens Kundalini Shakti and leads to the attainment of Samdhi.

Maha Vedha Mudra

In Maha Vedha, press the Kanda with the left heel. Perform Mula Bandha . Place the riht foot on the left thigh. Then perform Jalandhar Bandha by pressing the chin against the chest. Place both palms on the ground and then balancing the body on the hands raise the buttocks with the left heel pressing against the Kanda, then bring it down on the ground(gently). Perform inhalation of breath in the beginning of the practice and after few times of striking, exhale.
This exercise is a great purifier of the body and the mind. It also awakens Kundalini Shakti and leads to the attainment of Samdhi.

Maha Mudra

How to do: One has to first perform Mula bandha and press the Kanda(space between anus and the generative organ) by the right heel.Keep the left leg straight. Bend down and hold the big toe of the left foot with both hands. Bring the head down until it touches the knee. This position is also known as Janu-Shira-Asan. In Maha mudra, Janu Shira Asana is associated with the Bandhas, and pranayama. Inhale and while retaining the breath performJalandhar Bandha Bandha . Then Exhale while performing Uddiyan Bandha (taking the navel forcibly towards the back). Perform the pranayama as long as you can.
The same can be repeated by keeping the right leg straight and by pressing the Kanda with the left heel.

The gaze should stay between the eyebrows(bhru-Madhya Drishti). Meditate upon the Ajna Chakra.

duration :This mudra can be done as long as one can.
Maha mudra should be followed by Maha Bandha and Maha Vedha.

Benefits: This exercise enables the combined forces of Prana and Apana to pass through Sushumna, which awakens the Kundalini. This cures Hemorrhoids or piles, gastritis, constipation, consumption and various morbid conditions of the body thereby augmenting digestion and toning up the nervous system.
Recent Posts

Maha Mudra

How to do: One has to first perform Mula bandha and press the Kanda(space between anus and the generative organ) by the right heel.Keep the left leg straight. Bend down and hold the big toe of the left foot with both hands. Bring the head down until it touches the knee. This position is also known as Janu-Shira-Asan. In Maha mudra, Janu Shira Asana is associated with the Bandhas, and pranayama. Inhale and while retaining the breath performJalandhar Bandha Bandha . Then Exhale while performing Uddiyan Bandha (taking the navel forcibly towards the back). Perform the pranayama as long as you can.
The same can be repeated by keeping the right leg straight and by pressing the Kanda with the left heel.

The gaze should stay between the eyebrows(bhru-Madhya Drishti). Meditate upon the Ajna Chakra.

duration :This mudra can be done as long as one can.
Maha mudra should be followed by Maha Bandha and Maha Vedha.

Benefits: This exercise enables the combined forces of Prana and Apana to pass through Sushumna, which awakens the Kundalini. This cures Hemorrhoids or piles, gastritis, constipation, consumption and various morbid conditions of the body thereby augmenting digestion and toning up the nervous system.
Recent Posts

Mudras for enlightenment

We had so far seen mudras for health and curing disease in my previous posts but there so many mudras beyond for health to enlightenment mudras. Literally the meaning of mudras is a seal. It is called so because it seals the mind with the soul. Exercises falling under mudra are associated with retention of breath. Infact bandhas and mudras go together. Mudras control the vital forces(pranas) and thereby the mind in order to awaken the hidden mystic powers.

Once the potentialities of the spirit are unfolded before the performer, he can conquer all diseases and move towards God-realization.
Mudras helps the striver to awaken Kundalini to check the distractions of the mind and to sublimate vital energy into Ojas Shakti or spiritual energy. With the help of this Shakti he can exp;ore the mysteries.
Once th yogi attains spiritual energy, his personality blooms; he is able to attract men, his will power becomes strong and his mind balanced.
But in order to draw maximum benifits of Bandhas and mudras one must purify heart by selfless service of humanity and by developing virtues such as non-violence, truthfulness, purity. etc. Mere performance on any yoga exercises will not lead to the attainment of powers.

There are so many nudras that are in vogue and practiced, we had seen so far around 26 mudras for health and personality .
Here are some important mudras for enlightenment.

Mudras for enlightenment

We had so far seen mudras for health and curing disease in my previous posts but there so many mudras beyond for health to enlightenment mudras. Literally the meaning of mudras is a seal. It is called so because it seals the mind with the soul. Exercises falling under mudra are associated with retention of breath. Infact bandhas and mudras go together. Mudras control the vital forces(pranas) and thereby the mind in order to awaken the hidden mystic powers.

Once the potentialities of the spirit are unfolded before the performer, he can conquer all diseases and move towards God-realization.
Mudras helps the striver to awaken Kundalini to check the distractions of the mind and to sublimate vital energy into Ojas Shakti or spiritual energy. With the help of this Shakti he can exp;ore the mysteries.
Once th yogi attains spiritual energy, his personality blooms; he is able to attract men, his will power becomes strong and his mind balanced.
But in order to draw maximum benifits of Bandhas and mudras one must purify heart by selfless service of humanity and by developing virtues such as non-violence, truthfulness, purity. etc. Mere performance on any yoga exercises will not lead to the attainment of powers.

There are so many nudras that are in vogue and practiced, we had seen so far around 26 mudras for health and personality .
Here are some important mudras for enlightenment.

Maha Bandha

This Maha Bandha exercise helps the yogi to awaken his Kundalini power.
How to do : With left heel pressed firmly against the space between the anus and the generative organ sit on the floor and perform Jalandhara Bandha.
Hold breath and also perform Uddiyana Bandha. Focus all attention on the passage of Sushumna and visualize that Kundalini is moving up.

Bandha Traya

By doing Traya bandha exercise one gets the advantages of all the bandhas.

How to do : One has to sit either in Padmasana or Siddhasana pose. He should exhale through the mouth thus emptying the lungs. Then navel is drawn inwards until abdomen joins the spine. Along with this, he has to do Mula Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha as well. Hands should be placed on knees. Now inhale air and release all the locks.

Jalandhar Bandha

By Jalandhar Bandha exercise a yogi conserves the nectar which, the mystics say, flows from Sahasrara- crown of the head and consumed by Manipura Chakra fire. The conservation leads to long life, sound health and mystic powers. This exercise also opens the mouth of sushumna for awakening the kundalini shakti. Blood circulation is increased and throat troubles go.

How to do :Sit down on the floor either in Padmasan or Sukhasan pose. Hold the spine, neck and head erect in one line. Look to the front at the level of eyes. Palms should be placed on knees. Inhale slowly, hold the breath and bend the head downwards so that the chin touches the chest. Now raise both the shoulders a little upwards. Keep spine, head and neck straight. Stay in that position for 4 to 8 seconds. This exercise can be repeated four times in a day.

Disorders of the head, shoulders and cervical regions are removed. More useful for those who suffer from sinus and breathing trouble.

Uddiyan Bandha

This Sanskrit word Uddiyan means flying up as in this exercise prana flies up through the Sushumna - the channel in the spinal column, the passage through which Kundalini Shakti flows.

How to do: Stand with legs at a distance from each other. Bend forward a little and exhale air from the mouth. Draw the navel towards the back. The abdomen is drawn into the thoracic cavity.
Gains: Muscles of stomach, abdomen, and hips get stronger by this exercise, there by removing stomach troubles like gastro intestine. Excess fat also goes from the body. The exercise helps in preserving sex-energy for its sublimation into spiritual energy. Control of Samana Vayu gives a lustre to the body.
This exercise can be practised while sitting.

The Abdominal Lift(Uddiyana Bandha)

This is considered one of the very essential yoga exercise and is practiced not only for its physical values but also for the way it influences our psychic development.

Health benefits of uddayiana bandha (abdominal uplift)

This asana massages the heart, making it a stronger, more effective pump.Your circulation will improve, and you will have less chance of having a heart attack.

It relieves constipation, gas, indigestion and liver troubles.

It tones up the nerves in the solar plexus region.

It reduces abdominal fat and strengthens the abdominal muscles.

It helps the correct functioning of the adrenal glands and sex glands.

It develops spiritual force.

Maha Bandha

This Maha bandha exercise helps the yogi to awaken his kundalini power.
How to do : With left heel pressed firmly against the space between the anus and the generative organ sit on the floor and perform Jalandhara bandha.
Hold breath and also perform Uddiyana bandha. Focus all attention on the passage of Sushumna and visualize that Kundalini is moving up.

Mula Bandha

Mula Bandha involves contraction of the anus. It enables one to conserve vital or sex energy and to convert it into spiritual energy.
How to do: Sit in Sidhi asana. In it, the heel is placed firmly against Kanda or Yoni, the space between the anus and the organ of generation. Space is the centre of vital force.

Two fingers above the anus are located Muladhara Chakra. This centre is dominated by the energy force Apana, which carries out the functions of exertion. Prana, on the other hand, carries out respiratory functions. Prana draws energy and conserves it. Apan draws the energy out to exp0el the waste material from the body. Any disharmony in their functions results in early old age and death.
It should be noted that mind and prana are inter-lined. If the mind is engaged in hatred, passion or greed, the Apana becomes active, and the sense does not perform normally, and energy goes waste.
This exercise can be practiced even while sitting, standing, walking, lying or working. But it should not be performed if one suffers from constipation.

Bandha Traya

By doing Traya bandha exercise one gets the advantages of all the bandhas.

How to do : One has to sit either in Padmasana or Siddhasana pose. He should exhale through the mouth thus emptying the lungs. Then navel is drawn inwards until abdomen joins the spine. Along with this, he has to do Mula Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha as well. Hands should be placed on knees. Now inhale air and release all the locks.

Jalandhar Bandha

By Jalandhar Bandha exercise a yogi conserves the nectar which, the mystics say, flows from Sahasrara- crown of the head and consumed by Manipura Chakra fire. The conservation leads to long life, sound health and mystic powers. This exercise also opens the mouth of sushumna for awakening the kundalini shakti. Blood circulation is increased and throat troubles go.

How to do :Sit down on the floor either in Padmasan or Sukhasan pose. Hold the spine, neck and head erect in one line. Look to the front at the level of eyes. Palms should be placed on knees. Inhale slowly, hold the breath and bend the head downwards so that the chin touches the chest. Now raise both the shoulders a little upwards. Keep spine, head and neck straight. Stay in that position for 4 to 8 seconds. This exercise can be repeated four times in a day.

Disorders of the head, shoulders and cervical regions are removed. More useful for those who suffer from sinus and breathing trouble.

Uddiyan Bandha

This Sanskrit word Uddiyan means flying up as in this exercise prana flies up through the Sushumna - the channel in the spinal column, the passage through which Kundalini Shakti flows.

How to do : Stand with legs at a distance from each other. Bend forward a little and exhale air from the mouth . Draw the navel towards the back. The abdomen is drawn into the thoracic cavity.
Gains : Muscles of stomach, abdomen and hips get stronger by this exercise, there by removing stomach troubles like gastro intestine. Excess fat also goes from the body. The exercise helps in preserving sex-energy for its sublimation into spiritual energy. Control of Samana Vaju gives a lustre to the body.
This exercise can be practised while sitting.

Mula Bandha

Mula Bandha involves contraction of the anus. It enables one to conserve vital or sex energy and to convert it into spiritual energy.
How to do : Sit in Sidhi asana. In it the heel is placed firmly against Kanda or Yoni, the space between the anus and the organ of generation. The space is the centre of vital force.

Two fingers above the anus is located Muladhara Chakra. This centre is dominated by the energy force Apana, which carries out the functions of excertion. Prana, on the other hand, carries out respiratory functions. Prtana draws energy and conserves it. Apan draws the energy out to exp0el the waste material from the body. Any disharmony in their functions results in early old age and death.
It should be noted that mind and prana are inter-lined. If the mind is engaged in hatred, passion or greed, the Apana becomes active and the sense do not perform normally and energy goes waste.
This exercise can be practiced even while sitting, standing, walking, lying or working. But it should not be performed if one suffers from constipation.

 

Important Bandhas in Yoga

The sanskrit meaning of bandha is lock or bind. In this, prana is made to locate in a particular part of the body. These exercises control the powers and energy of the body and mind .
They enable the practitioner to achieve control over the prana for arousing Kunadline. The bandhas bestow health, long life and vitality and mental peace, besides curing many ailments. Main Bandhas are

1. Mula Bandha,

2.Uddiyana Bandha

3..Jalandhar Bandha and

4. Maha Bandha

The Fearless Man

Contacts of the senses with their objects bring cold and heatm pleasure and pain; they come and go and are transient. Endure them.

The wise man who si not distrubed or agitated by these, who is unmoved by pleasure and pain, he alone is fitted for immortality.

Any being who is not subject to the impressions of senses will never experience fear. It is these impressions which are responsible for the feelings of happiness and misery. Someone has said that the muscles of a man who is angry become thirteen times as tense as when he is normal , and of a man who is laughing nine times as tense. That is, one spends more energy when one is angry and one whose energy thus wasted cannot attain to immortality. The cultivation of this state requires practice. We can even say of a person who has attained to it that he is God.

We feel afraid only so long as we take the rope to be a serpent. Like wise, if we know the natural stages of growth of the body, we shall not grieve over death.

Beware of Split Mind

Schizophrenia, a term meaning "split mind," also known as dementia praecox, is a very severe form of mental illness. Most often it strikes in the earlier years of life. The actual cause of this is not known.

Schizophrenic patients are always a little odd in their reactions. Where the reasonable person may feel like weeping, the schizophrenic either giggles or shows no outward expression. On the other hand, he may cry when others laugh. He fluctuates from one extreme to another. One moment he may be full of affecton, the next he is all anger and resentment. His behaviour is completely unpredictable. He may babble on about nothing, then suddenly withdraw from the world and speak to no one for weeks at a time.Such are peculiarities of this disease.

There are four main types of Schizophrenia. They are not sharply divided but tend to blend into one another. Simple schizophrenia usually but tend into one another. Simple schizophrenia usually begins during late adolescence. These patients appear careless and apathetic and may lapse into juvenile deliquency or prostitution. Most "beatniks" probably belong to this group. The patient has an odd appearance, and his actions are peculiar. He has a silly smile on his face, lives in a world to himself, and tends to withdraw from normal associations with others.

The hebephrenic patient is even odder. His illness begins at an early age and is characterized by fits of silly laughing. He often assumes a peculiar facial expression and insists on wearing the strangest combinations of colours. All his ideas are weird and absurd, and he soon loses touch with the real world around him. Such patients should be treated in a proper psychiatric institution.

Catatonic schizophrenia is another form of this disease. It comes on later in life, usually in the middle thirties, and may follow some intense emotional experience or disappointemnt. The patient assumes a negative attitude and may refuse to carry out the normal activities of life, such as bathing, eating and talking. He suffers from delusions and hallucinations, hears "voices," and sees people who are not present. At times he will offer no resistance, but if placed in a particular position will remain there for long periods of tiem. Strange as it may seem, under proper treatment the outlook for this condition is often better than for the other types of schizophrenia.

Paranoid schizophrenia is the most dangerous form of this disease. Here the patient has a well functioning intellect. He sees and hears all that is going on around him, but unfortunately, he has a persecution complex and suffers from delusions and strong feelings of jealousy. He is very suspicious of others around him. Much of the time he may appear quite normal. But at any moment his smouldering resentments may come to the surface, and he will not hesitate to injure anyone if he thinks that person " has it in for him." He may even commot murder.

All too often relatives and friends of the paranoid-schizophrenic patient fail to recognize the danger until it is too late. Because they are anxious to give him the benifit of the doubt, the refuse to see the peculiarities in his mental make -up. He is very tricky and watches every move. He has a remarkable memory for names, datesm and events. He makes use of all these in an attempt to "get even" with the world, and especially with anyone whom he believes to be his enemy.

There medicines that doctors prescribe to relieve from this types of diseases. Even the drugs can not cure the disease. So yoga, meditation and mudras for this kind of personalities will help a lot if we find the symptoms earlier otherwise it is the too dangerous situation.

Beware of Split Mind

Schizophrenia, a term meaning "split mind," also known as dementia pracox, is a very serious form of mental illness. Most often it strikes in the earlier years of life. The true cause of this is not known .

Schizophrenic patients are always a little odd in their reactions. Where the normal person may feel like weeping, the schizophrenic either giggles or shows no outward expression. On the other hand, he may cry when others laugh. He fluctuates from one extreme to another. One moment he may be full of affecton, the next he is all anger and resentment. His behaviour is completely unpredictable. He may babble on about nothing, then suddenly withdraw from world and speak to no one for weeks at a time.Such are peculiarities of this disease.

There are four main types of Schizophrenia. They are not sharply divided but tend to blend into one another. Simple schizophrenia usually but tend into one another. Simple schizophrenia usually begins during late adolescence. These patients appear careless and apathetic and may lapse into juvenile deliquency or prostitution. Most "beatniks" probably belong to this group. The patient has an odd appearance and his actions are peculiar. He has a silly smile on his face, lives in a world to himself, and tends to withdraw from normal associations with others.

The hebephrenic patient is even more odd. His illness generally begins at an early age and is characterized by fits of silly laughing. He often assumes a peculiar facial expression, and insists on wearing the starngest combinations of colours. All his ideas are weird and absurd, and he soon loses touch with the real world around him. Such patients should be treated in a proper psychiatric institution.

Catatonic schizophrenia is another form of this disease. It comes on later in life, usually in the middle thirties, and may follow some intense emotional experience or disappointemnt. The patient assumes a negative attitude and may refuse to carry out the normal activities of life, such as bathing , eating and talking. He suffers from delusions and hallucinations, hears "voices," and sees people who are not present. At times he will offer no resistance, but if placed in a certain position will remain there for long periods of tiem. Strange as it may seem, under proper treatment the outlook for this condition is often better than for the other types of schizophrenia.

Paranoid schizophrenia is the most dangerous form of this disease. Here the patient has a well functioning intellect. He sees and hears all that is going on around him, but unfortunately he has a persecution complex and suffers from delusions and strong feelings of jealousy. He is very suspicious of others around him. Much of the time he may appear quite normal. But at any moment his smouldering resentments may come to the surface, and he will not hesitate to injure any one if he thinks that person " has it in for him." He may even commot murder.

All too often relatives and friends of the paranoid-schizophrenic patient fail to recognize the danger until it is too late. Because they are anxious to give him the benifit of the doubt, the refuse to see the peculiarities in his mental make -up. He is very tricky and watches every move. He has a remarkable memory for names, datesm and events. He makes use of all these in an attempt to "get even" with the world, and especially with anyone whom he believes to be his enemy.

There medicines that doctors prescribe to relieve from this types of diseases. Even the medicines can not cure the disease. So yoga, meditation and mudras for this kind of personalities will help a lot if we find the symptoms earlier other wise it is too dangerous situation.

Obstacle

"You are the biggest obstacle for you"

"All action is entirely done by the gunas of prakriti.man,deluded by the sense of 'I' thinks 'I' an the doer"

The man who is sunk in ignorance believes in his pride the his actions are his,where as the are prompted by his nature,by sattva,rajas and tamas.(Any one who says that he bats his eye-lids is either a fool or suffering from a disease of the eye.He does not wink his eyed really,he harms them.)But he who acts ;as if he were a mere witness of his actions will win admiration for everything he does.
The work done by a person without much ability but also without attachment of his ego will produce better results than that done by another who is attached to his ego.Take the example of a state ruled by a king and his minister.The latter works within the framework of the administrative set-up.In just the same way,we are pilgrims in this world and obey the laws of the world.If we lay claim to what we are prompted by our nature to do,we sow confusion in the minds of ignorant .We should realize what we are no more than servants bound to carry out an other's orders,and should voluntarily act as if we were slaves.Mira described herself as being a slender thread,because she submitted to her nature.She used the phrase"slender thread" because she has submitted herself to God's will so completely that there was no question of her resisting.He who eats simple to give the body its hire will not think to pleasing his plate.Anyone who lives in accordance with his law will forget hos ego completely,surrender to Brahma everything he does.

"Just over come the feeling of 'I' you can feel the world of Blis."

Motive of love

"True love has no motives".

Love is a great feeling of ultimate pleasure. Love reflects in care. Love is care and consideration. First of all we have to love ourselves without loving our self(athman) we can't love any creature .If some one is loving any other creature more than himself that is not a true love, it is only an objective love. It's not real at any time it may vanish. Love is care, take care of yourself and then love takes care of all the creature. That is the only thing one can do and remaining will follows itself.

"Duty is seldom sweet. It is only when love greases it wheels that it runs smoothly; it is continuous fricition otherwise".

Duty is the only a activity we have in these world you are recognised or remembered by your duty and how well you performed it. Take care(love ) of it . Love and care is same but appears to be different in life and even english dictionary. Love is hidden in Care. If love something we take care of it. Love is the cause and care is the effect .
"If we take care of some one even your enemy he will definitely change that is the power of love".
The reason behind the pleasure of love
In every activity we do expect something in return or result of our work. But in love its a magic its the result in itself. When we are loving we are giving the care and we are experience the result in the same time. We are geting the result in no time.Love is not expecting some thing in return i.e the reason behind the pleasure of love.




When we are caring something we are only caring it or proctecting it in return we are not expecting anything we just care or protect it and we are doing and geting the result in same time What a fantastic feeling of enjoying the result.

" Love appears as alliance, but begins in deep solitude".

Love appears as relationship but begins in deep solitude. The source of love is not in relating, the source of love is in meditating. When you are absolutely happy in your aloneness, when you don’t need the other at all, when the other is not a need, then you are capable of love. If the other is your need you can only exploit, manipulate, dominate, but you cannot love. You create a bondage around the person you think you love. But love cannot create a prison, love gives freedom. But that is possible only if you have known a totally different quality of love: not of need but of sharing.

Exercises for mind.

The first consideration is to give the mind its necessary exercises. We all know that by lack of exercise our muscles and nerves degenerate and deteriorate; whereas, by regular exercise they can be developed to an almost infinite degree and amount of strength and efficiency. It has been demonstrated by many athletes and men of unusual physical strength, that by proper exercise the power of the muscles and other physical faculties can be developed to any degree of proficiency. The story is told about a farmer who used to carry a little pet calf across a narrow stream. This he did every day until the calf gradually grew up,but the farmer continued to carry it without being conscious of its physical development.. His attention being drawn towards this fact, he realized that it was a bull which he was carrying so easily. Although this might be only a story, it undoubtedly illustrates how by gradual exercise, one can develop the power of one's muscles to an unbelievable degree of proficiency
It is not hard to demonstrate the fact, that by means of exercise we can develop the strength of our physical body to an inconceivable extent. The same is true regarding the development of our mental faculties. But through lack of exercise our spiritual and mental powers have pitifully degenerated. Consequently we have lost control over our mind; we have lost our memory; we have lost the power of discrimination, foresight and many other subtle manifestations of mental power. Since these faculties have been exercised and cultured by many to an amazing degree of proficiency, it proves that anyone can do so by regular scientific exercise.
There are people who have cultured their power of concentration to such an extent that they can read any book, page by page, at a single glance. The psychology behind this is not very difficult to understand. We know that when a child learns to read he does so, letter by letter. He must spell each word before he comprehends its meaning. As he grows up, he can read word by word; when he advances further he can even read a whole sentence at a glance. Developing the same faculty still more, a whole thought or a paragraph can be read at a glance. By developing the focus of the mind a whole page can read just as easily as a sentence or 0paragraph
Very often certain problems present themselves to us in our lives. Because we do not know how to bring the mind, to a state of peace, pose and tranquillity, we do not arrive at any definite and constructive decision. But a concentrated mind can probe with ease into any deep problem, finding the most wonderful solution which would be impossible for a disturbed mind even to apprehend.
Many other illustrations could be given in order to show the benefits which a fully developed and concentrated mind can bring even to ordinary daily life. The culture and attainment of a very healthy condition of the mind is absolutely necessary for every person, no matter what he or she wants to achieve in life.
A mind uncultured and uneducated in meditation and concentration fails to understand clearly the benefits or disadvantages of certain surroundings; whereas a meditative mind can at once accommodate and make the best use of any environment in which it is placed. If a need for change should arise, such a mind knows unmistakably the practical, mental and spiritual processes necessary for making it.

Exercises for mind.

The first consideration is to give the mind its necessary exercises. We all know that by lack of exercise our muscles and nerves degenerate and deteriorate; whereas, by regular exercise they can be developed to an almost infinite degree and amount of strength and efficiency. It has been demonstrated by many athletes and men of unusual physical strength, that by proper exercise the power of the muscles and other physical faculties can be developed to any degree of proficiency. The story is told about a farmer who used to carry a little pet calf across a narrow stream. This he did every day until the calf gradually grew up,but the farmer continued to carry it without being conscious of its physical development.. His attention being drawn towards this fact, he realized that it was a bull which he was carrying so easily. Although this might be only a story, it undoubtedly illustrates how by gradual exercise, one can develop the power of one's muscles to an unbelievable degree of proficiency
It is not hard to demonstrate the fact, that by means of exercise we can develop the strength of our physical body to an inconceivable extent. The same is true regarding the development of our mental faculties. But through lack of exercise our spiritual and mental powers have pitifully degenerated. Consequently we have lost control over our mind; we have lost our memory; we have lost the power of discrimination, foresight and many other subtle manifestations of mental power. Since these faculties have been exercised and cultured by many to an amazing degree of proficiency, it proves that anyone can do so by regular scientific exercise.
There are people who have cultured their power of concentration to such an extent that they can read any book, page by page, at a single glance. The psychology behind this is not very difficult to understand. We know that when a child learns to read he does so, letter by letter. He must spell each word before he comprehends its meaning. As he grows up, he can read word by word; when he advances further he can even read a whole sentence at a glance. Developing the same faculty still more, a whole thought or a paragraph can be read at a glance. By developing the focus of the mind a whole page can read just as easily as a sentence or 0paragraph
Very often certain problems present themselves to us in our lives. Because we do not know how to bring the mind, to a state of peace, pose and tranquillity, we do not arrive at any definite and constructive decision. But a concentrated mind can probe with ease into any deep problem, finding the most wonderful solution which would be impossible for a disturbed mind even to apprehend.
Many other illustrations could be given in order to show the benefits which a fully developed and concentrated mind can bring even to ordinary daily life. The culture and attainment of a very healthy condition of the mind is absolutely necessary for every person, no matter what he or she wants to achieve in life.
A mind uncultured and uneducated in meditation and concentration fails to understand clearly the benefits or disadvantages of certain surroundings; whereas a meditative mind can at once accommodate and make the best use of any environment in which it is placed. If a need for change should arise, such a mind knows unmistakably the practical, mental and spiritual processes necessary for making it.

Stress Depression

Persons with nervous problems are either neurotic or psychotic.These two groups are fairly well-defined .Actually they have little in common,expect in the case of the deeply depressed person in which case the distinctions are not so clear.


Individuals suffering from the more pronounced types of mental disorder are sometimes said to insane,but the term insanity is a legal one,not a medical term.An insane person is one who cannot distinguish right from wrong or assume responsibility for his own actions.In the case of a psychotic person the whole personality is involved,and he is completely out of touch with the real world around.Not so the neurotic person often require 

hospitalisation,neurotic persons rarely do,unless they have some additional physical problem.
Another distinction between these two major groups is that the psychotic person is usually brought to the doctor by his friends,while the neurotic comes of his own accord.He knows he is sick,and he usually wants help.Most often he is suffering from a nervous depression.
Reactive depression.This is a simple depression or sadness which is usually brought on by some catastrophe or unhappy event,such as losing one's home or business in a fire,or perhaps by the death of some loved one in the family.When something like this happened most pass through a few days or weeks of sadness ans then try to carry on as best they can.The grief lasts a long time,and he may be so disturbed as to be unable to do his normal work.
Why is he now so deeply depressed?A careful survey of his early childhood will probably show some real problems.And while such a person may have appeared to be perfectly normal all his life,there may have been times when he felt his whole world was more or less falling apart.In spite of this he was able to get along somehow,but he always felt somewhat weakened and deprived of the normal satisfaction of life.The recent catastrophe,such as losing his business,may have been more than he could take-the last straw.
Psychotherapy or mind treatment or Yoga(pranayama,mudra,brahmavidya) is advisable in all cases of reactive depression.It is most important for the person to gain an insight into why he is so depressed.This will help to prevent further episodes.If he becomes so severely depressed as to contemplate suicide,he would be given serious treatments which is available.
Delayed grief reaction.
When some loved one dies,it is perfectly natural to weep.Failure to grieve may indicate some personality disturbance what should be corrected.These peculiar mixed or ambivalent feeling are often a sign that all is not well.A normal amount of grief is nature's way of releasing tensions.Abnormal reactions should be discussed with someone who understands the mechanisms of the human mind,so that a more normal response will develop.This may help to avert a complete mental breakdown in future.
Attempted suicide.
Some people threaten to commit suicide mainly to see how the family will react.They ;may never actually carry this out,but such threats should always be taken seriously,for they indicate a troubled mind.Also the time may come when they may become depressed enough to carry it out.Remember,the person who never smiles is always depressed.Strangely,the greatest risk is when he appears to take a turn for the better.This may be the moment when he planed to end his life.
Manic depressive or moody people
Some people are unusually bright and witty.They are often "the life of the party," make friends quickly,and are perfectly at ease.They seem to have boundless energy and are often highly successful in business.But these breezy,happy-go-lucky people often show marked changes of moos.After a period of tense excitement and brilliant success,they may descend into deep despondency and gloom.This is what doctors call a manic-depressive psychosis,a peculiar mental disorder that has been recognized for thousands of years.
Not all manic-depressive persons go to extremes.Some are more easily depressed,others are often elated.Some swing to both extremes.One day they are on top of the world,able to do anything they turn their hand to.The next time you see them they are in the depths of despair,unable to do anything at all.These are the"crazy people"who often get things done in the world.
During the manic or excitable stage they are overactive and ceaselessly on the move.They seem to require much less sleep than other people.They think more rapidly than the ordinary person,but their ideas often lack balance and direction.As these feelings of excitement build up,they finally reach the euphoric talkative stage and may carry on with clowning performances that may easily be mistaken for signs of happiness.
Such action are never normal.They indicate a severe illness,which unless checked,will lead on to an exhausting state of delirium.Following this the person may descend into a severely depressed state,pacing the floor,wringing his hands,and blaming himself for all the problems of life.He is deeply suicidal and should be watch every minute.A manic-depressive may go through these peculiar cycles once or twice in his life,or perhaps more frequently,often riding the crest of the wave and then dropping down into the deepest gloom.During the active phase he may create marvellous workes of art or he may become a great success in business,only to lose everything during depression.