Prescription of spirituality

Prescription of spirituality

Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up,

It knows it must run faster than the fastest of lion or it will be killed

Every morning a lion wakes up,

It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death

It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or gazelle

When the sun comes up you better start running.

This African ancient proverb gives an idea of an iota of nature of competition you are witnessing in this age of information. Such state of competition has cumulative effect on your being and on kind of relationship you share with people at domestic and professional fronts. You are in a battle field where there are no guarantees. You are responsible for your own choices you have made. Every choice you make has its pros and cons. There is nothing called as perfect choice and at large, perfect world. As the famous saying goes ‘If the world were so organized that everything had to be fair no living creature could survive for a day. The birds would be forbidden to eat worms and everyone’s self interest would have to be served.’ You are conditioned to look or vie for a perfect world around yourself and when it doesn’t appear around yourself after umpteen attempts than you become subject to depression, rage, frustration and anxiety and feel your mind is tired. In order to combat that fatigue you shift to instant ‘feel good’ things like cigarettes and liquor. And you also gather all feel good products like TV, Cars, music and even gym to combat stress. But its result is ephemeral. The key to attain everlasting happiness isn’t there outside. If you analyze the cause of overwhelming stress than you will play blame game shifting guns on people and situation.

Halt! Here and now!

Close your eyes with your spinal cord straight in meditative posture and brood upon this saying ‘without you do anything grass will grow, flowers will blossom and spring will come’. Closing eyes if first step to put an end to war inside and second step is to devise a control mechanism or technique in order to be pure in thoughts and action. Alike popular saying that many religions are path leading to one god i.e. ultimate truth. Likewise there many spiritual techniques when adopted and practiced help to cultivate peace within and in fewer cases realization of truth. If science as a rational approach fails, in most of cases people adopt spiritual approach to over come physical and mental diseases. Following are some techniques that will help you and will cultivate peace within to an extent that outside world chaos wouldn’t effect your mind.

Technique name: Art of living

About technique: The Sudarshan Kriya, a unique and powerful breathing technique, is the heart of Art of Living programmes. Nature is replete with various rhythms and cycles - day follows night, night follows day, seasons come and go, etc. Similarly, there are biological rhythms to our bodies, minds and emotions. When these rhythms are in sync, we feel a sense of harmony and well-being. When stress or illness throws them out of order, we experience discomfort and discontent and feel upset and unhappy

Process: The rhythmic breathing pattern of the Sudarshan Kriya harmonises the rhythms of the body and emotions and brings them in tune with the rhythms of nature. The breath connects the body and mind. Just as emotions affect our patterns of breathing, we can bring about changes in our mental and behavioural patterns by altering the rhythm of our breath. It flushes our anger, anxiety and worry; leaving the mind completely relaxed and energised.

Key results areas

The results of Sudarshan Kriya have been amazing and they have even surprised medical fraternity across the world. A doctor from Germany was suffering from metastatic cancer that had spread to her brain and liver when she came to attend her first Art of Living programme. She did the course lying down. Two courses later, the cancer had disappeared. Being a doctor, she was requested to explain this. She suggested that possibly, the Sudarshan Kriya and meditation cleared her cells off stresses, leaving the layer of consciousness (or energy) surrounding those cells; which in turn, penetrated deep into her DNA. Reduce levels of stress (reduce Cortisol - the "stress" hormone)

Reduce cholesterol Relieve anxiety and depression (mild, moderate and severe)

Increase anti oxidant protection, Enhance brain function (increased mental focus and faster recovery from stressful stimuli), Enhance health and well-being

(As told by Sri Sri Ravishankar)

Name of technique: Yoga

About Yoga: it is more close to lifestyle and helps mind and body to function in harmony with each other. Modern science cannot reach to an understanding of Yoga, like studies carried out for the last 80 years. These studies are not accepted to date. Since the paradigm has changed, and so are the instruments used in research. Physically, Yoga improves ones health and increases the capacities and many unusual physical phenomenons occur. Mentally, there is a greater concentration, capacity to blank the mind, and the control of the mind

Process: Yoga is not a therapy but a process of educating the total personality. An unsteady mind being a source of disease, the practice of Yoga influences the mind and helps in steadying the mind. It is a set of physical exercises when practiced it heals organs while processing (Kriyanvat) energy centers in body. You feel fresh whole day as you feel less under stressed because alike gym your organs have received exercise.

Key Result Area: In the management of disease, Yoga helps in generating greater Sattva (calmness) bringing about Prajna (consciousness) as opposed to Prajna – Apradha (error of intellect). With the right approach and a balanced state of mind, it is easier to set up healthier routines and right habits. Yoga is not a therapy but a healthy way of life.

Instead of looking at Yoga for temporary cures one needs to approach it as a lifestyle to enjoy a continuous state of well being.

(As told by Swami Jayadeva)

Name of technique: Vipassana

About Vipassana: Vipassana is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion.

The scientific laws that operate one's thoughts, feelings, judgments and sensations become clear. Through direct experience, the nature of how one grows or regresses, how one produces suffering or frees oneself from suffering is understood. Life becomes characterized by increased awareness, non-delusion, self-control and peace.

Process: Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was rediscovered by Gautam Buddha more than 2500 years ago and was taught by him as a universal remedy for universal ills, this non-sectarian technique aims for the total eradication of mental impurities and the resultant highest happiness of full liberation. Healing, not merely the curing of diseases, but the essential healing of human suffering, is its purpose.

Key result areas: Healing, not merely the curing of diseases, but the essential healing of human suffering, is its purpose. As this is the aim a statistical/empirical observation would not be relevant. The psychological component of any disease can be better handled by a person who undergoes a course. Healing, not merely the curing of diseases, but the essential healing of human suffering, is its purpose. As this is the aim a statistical/empirical observation would not be relevant. The psychological component of any disease can be better handled by a person who undergoes a course. It deals hypertension, headaches and even migraine very well. Dr. S.N.Goenka who begin this movement was himself suffering from Migraine at a very young age and got chance to learn this technique from some monks in Burma.

(As told by Dr.S.N. Goenka)

Name of technique: Dynamic meditation

About: The basic preparation is sound body and sound mind. It is a vigorous activity so the participant has to be able to withstand the strain. This is why it is always good to check with your personal physician whether it is ok to do this strong meditation. At the mental level I would say, "a yeah sayer" is needed. The will you do it is highly essential.

If where you meditate prevents you from making a noise, you can do this silent alternative: Rather than throwing out the sounds let the catharsis in the second stage take place entirely through bodily movements. In the third stage, the sound “Hoo” can be hammered silently inside.

Process: Osho Dynamic Meditation lasts one hour and is in five stages. It can be done alone, and will be even more powerful if it is done with others. It is an individual experience so you should remain oblivious of others around you and keep your eyes closed throughout, preferably using a blindfold. It is best to have an empty stomach and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

First stage 10 minutes: Breathe chaotically through the nose, concentrating always on exhalation. The body will take care of the inhalation. The breath should move deeply into the lungs. Be as fast as you can in your breathing, making sure the breathing stays deep. Do this as fast and as hard as you possibly can – and then a little harder, until you literally become the breathing. Use your natural body movements to help you to build up your energy. Feel it building up, but don’t let go during the first stage.

Second Stage 10 minutes: Explode! Express everything that needs to be thrown out. Go totally mad. Scream, shout, cry, jump, shake, dance, sing, laugh; throw yourself around. Hold nothing back; keep your whole body moving. A little acting often helps to get you started. Never allow your mind to interfere with what is happening. Be total, be whole hearted.

Third Stage 10 minutes: With raised arms, jump up and down shouting the mantra, “Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!” as deeply as possible. Each time you land, on the flats of your feet, let the sound hammer deep into the sex center. Give all you have; exhaust yourself totally.

Fourth Stage 15 minutes: Stop! Freeze wherever you are, in whatever position you find yourself. Don’t arrange the body in any way. A cough, a movement – anything will dissipate the energy flow and the effort will be lost. Be a witness to everything that is happening to you.

Fifth Stage 15 minutes: Celebrate through dance, expressing your gratitude towards the whole. Carry your happiness with you throughout the day.

Key Result areas: The body gets more oxygen so the cells are electrified. There are about 6000 holes in the lungs which are clogged because we don't breathe deeply. But with chaotic, deep and fast breathing the holes open and get more oxygen. Thus purifying the blood and pumping more blood in the vessels.

Chaotic breathing breaks the patterns of thinking and feeling and so in the second stage catharsis helps unearth the repressed emotions so that the toxins accumulated in the body are released. It is kind of deep cleansing of the emotional and physical system. The nervous system gets purged, blocks are removed and the body becomes supple and energetic. The muscles get stronger due to vigorous exercise and as the stress is thrown out, the mind becomes qualm and silent.

(As told by Ma Sadhana)

Technique name: Sahaj Yoga

About: Sahaja (= spontaneous) Yoga (= union with the Self) takes our awareness beyond relative thinking and into the realm of reality which can be perceived in a tangible manner on our central nervous system. The result of this experience, also called Self-Realization, Second Birth, Baptism, Satori etc., is that our spiritual evolution happens without effort, just like a seed which transforms itself spontaneously into a great tree.

Process: You can receive your Self Realization (connection with your Self) while sitting in front of your computer. The only condition is your sincere desire to have it.

During the experience you will keep your left hand with the palm upwards on your lap and place the right palm on various parts of the body on your left side, while keeping your eyes closed for the entire duration. This way you will be free of distractions and able to keep your attention inside. Taking off your shoes might also help since the Mother Earth sucks all negativity through our feet.

Process: Teacher helps you to awaken your kundalini and after following ritual related to rhythmic movement of hand meditation begins. After the end of the meditation, see if you are feeling relaxed and if your thoughts have slowed down or gradually disappeared. This is the first stage of meditation - thoughtless awareness - where you are fully alert but without any thoughts, in a state of pure and peaceful consciousness. Now see if you can feel a sensation of a gentle cool breeze in your palms and above your head. It might be warm in the beginning which is a sign that your Kundalini energy is purifying your chakras, but it will eventually cool down. You can verify it by placing your left palm 6-12 inches above your head, then trying with the right palm. If you are unable to feel it, you have probably not forgiven everyone. Say again from your heart, "Mother, I forgive everyone" a few times and check again if you feel the cool breeze above your head. This is the beginning of a fantastic journey into your own spiritual existence. It is a door opened to a new dimension of your awareness, which you can open and explore. I f sustained through regular meditation, you will be able to feel your subtle centers (chakras) as well as the chakras of others on your fingertips, and correct them using your spiritual energy (Kundalini).

Key result areas: It is our subtle system which co-ordinates all the work done by the organs and the cells in our body. When one of our subtle centers is blocked, physical dysfunctions appear in the organs it controls. It is then that most illnesses appear. Traditional medicine tries to cure the symptoms. Sahaj meditation allows us to attack the causes directly, by rebalancing our subtle system and by cleaning our centers. Thus, even so-called incurable illnesses can be cured in a spontaneous manner by the purifying work of the energy of the Kundalini.

When we enter a state of meditation, we enter a realm of silence; the thoughts which assail us fade away, and the reality of the present is revealed to us in all its intensity. Our senses send us a direct image of the world which is not altered by our mind or our conditionings. The mind even becomes the enlightened servant of our illuminated spirit.

(As per site of Sahaj yoga)

Name of technique: Reiki

About: Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results.

Process: as a Channel of Reiki , one should be absolutely sure and convinced if he/she wants to become a channel for this particular person, channel must also be sure of the kind of exchange he/she wants as an exchange for the Reiki session. As a Channel it is the prime responsibility to satisfy all the queries of the person who is going to receive Reiki, before the Reiki session begins.

For the receiver, it is important to feel connected ,so that he/she can trust the channel fully,

Receiver must be fully convinced to make the exchange asked for. The doubts and questions should be answered before the session begins.

In Reiki Practice , we actually just become channels of the universal life force energy and surrender our goals to it, from where this intelligent energy takes over and creates just the right environment for healing. It is difficult to express before hand ,as how much time it would take or which way it is going to provide the healing, because , the channel is not using his or her intelligence or energy, channel is merely becoming instrumental for the receiver to receive this energy.

The Universal Energy is cosmic in nature , there fore needs a medium to work upon

Key result areas: patients with Lung and Kidney failures, on ventilators came back home with in 10-12 days. We also have mental depression cases taking months to come out of their phases. It is very difficult to explain this, but as I said earlier this energy is an intelligent , unbiased , positive universal energy and takes its own action and provides the right environment for the receiver to heal and grow.

(As told by Urvashi Puri)

by nature, in most of cases, man adopts path after a lot of suffering. Be it physical disease or mental sufferings of myriad forms. At last, when rational science medicine fails to understand and cure problem people turn their wheels to spiritual path and many come out of it because a disease is nothing but a state of mind.