Mind , yoga , science and spiritual practices for success and happiness

 

Body mind relationship is a intensely debated topic. same way the spirit in us and it's relation with universal soul. Different beliefs are there around. There  are widely accepted  three  different interpretations of Vedas and Upanishads by great Gurus ( Advaitha from Shankara, Dvaita from Madhwacharya and Visistadvaita by Ramanujacharya) . The intellectual debates apart, let us look from practical usefulness point of you.

It is said “ Healthy Mind in a healthy Body” A healthy body is necessary for having a healthy mind. Means mind is dependent on body. On the other side there is true that mind controls the body and mind has the capacity to cure any ailments through the power of belief and autosuggestion. Thus, clearly there is close relationship between body and mind. How do we use this knowledge for our betterment?

Modern science acknowledges the power of subconscious mind. It has been proved through various studies that by controlling the mind you can completely control your body.  Scriptures proclaim  “ Mana Eva Karananam Bandah Mokshanaam “  meaning, your bondage or liberation is solely dependent on your mind.

Our ancient Puranas , Yoga and Ayurveda have recognized the mutual dependency of mind and body and different methods of using one to correct the issues , problems in the other. If you are  feeling low , depressed , the solution is use the body to do some exercise, breathing techniques and mind gets back in form. If you are physically tired , sick , by auto suggestion to mind on health and vitality and happiness , body can be cured of the weakness/illness.

Astanga Yoga of Patanjali brings both body and mind to reach highest level of peace and harmony or Samadhi state.  Yama , NIyama , Aasana, pranayama, prathyahara, dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi uses mind control, food control, physical exercises , breathing techniques, meditation. Yoga is referred to as “ Chitta Vritti Nirodha” , resisting all activities of mind, stilling the mind, concentration,Meditation.

Our Puranas and Upanishads mention that our mind is part of the universal mind and bonded in the body. However it has the connection with the universal mind and capable of interacting, transmitting, receiving wisdom, knowledge by connecting on the same wave length. We hear frequently people referring to two friends as their wave length matches. Experiments have shown that while story telling sessions the wavelength of the people matches. Mind is capable of sending signals outside in the universe and other minds thinking on the same matter will get connected and absorbs the knowledge in the other persons thought emission. It is like radio station.

This is where the ancient Indian philosophy of Man and God comes in. The universal mind is the God. We are part of that and temporarily bonded in this body. Probably to make things clear there is intellect and spirit which are again part of this whole. Spirit also called as Atma controls intellect. Intellect controls the mind and mind controls the body. Finally the power to this human computer is spirit which is part of universal spirit or God as per advaita school of thought. Because of the Vasanas ( poorva Karma results ) this spirit keeps on rolling through bodies till it completely gets detached from these Vasanas and joins the God. For this Indian sages have prescribed various ways called by different Yogas. Karma yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga all finally takes care of relieving atman from all attachments of Vasana or Karma.

The veil  of Agnana ( Ignorance) or karma Vasanas( result of our pass deeds stored in our mind is bringing Body consciousness in human beings  and forget the reality that we are the pure soul , Brahman.  When this realization remains in mind for long, we are freed of all worries and fear and will lead a happy, successful life.

Getting up at Brahmi Muhurat of 4 AM , Surya Namaskarams ( Sun Salutation) , Pranayama , Chanting of any Mantra of your liking, helping a few people are a few recommended actions for invoking  eternal blessing/ connecting to the universal mind.