(continued from previous issue)

A. Practices at Annamaya Kosa (The Physical layer)

(ii) Physical exercises and Movements - Sithilikarana Vyayama
Very simple physical movements to mobilise and activate the affected parts of the body are used. Some easy physical exercises are adopted to fulfil the needs of the particular ailments to (a) loosen the joints (b) stretch and relax the muscles, (c) improve the power, and (d) develop stamina.

(iii) Yogasanas - Postures
Yogasanas are physical postures often imitating the natural positions of the animals meant to make the mind tranquil. Through these postures, the physical revitalization and deep relaxation and mental calmness are achieved.

B. Pranamaya Kosa (The layer of Prana)
Prana is the basic life principle. Pranayama is a process for gaining control over Prana. The five manifestations of Prana and the corresponding most comprehensive definition of Pranayama in the human system are described in Prasnopanisat. Also the conventional Pranayama through regulation of breath is described therein.
Through the practice of proper breathing, Kriyas and Pranayama, we start operating on the Pranamaya Kosa. Suitable types of Pranayama and breathing help to remove the random agitations in Pranic flows in the Pranamaya Kosa. Thus, the ailments are handled at this Pranamaya Kosa level.

C. Practices at Manomaya Kosa (The mental layer)

i) Dharana and Dhyana
A direct operation on this level is made possible by the last three limbs of Astanga Yoga of Patanjali - Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. The culturing of mind is accomplished by focussing of the mind (Dharana) initially, followed by relaxed dwelling of the mind in a single thought (Dhyana) for longer and longer durations leading ultimately to superconsciousness (Samadhi). A progressive habituation allows the mind to remain relaxed during the period of meditation (Dhyana). The benefits of Transcendental Meditation, a simple standardised technique, are numerous, interesting and noteworthy. Its application to treat many psychosomatic ailments has become popular.

ii) Emotions' Culture
To handle and gain control over the basic cause for mental agitations, we use the Yoga techniques that control our emotions.
A devotional session containing Prayers, Chants, Bhajanas, Namavalis, Dhunas, Stotras etc., help to build a congenial atmosphere to evoke, recognise, attenuate and dissipate the emotions. Thus, control over emotions is obtained through the devotional session. The emotional imbalances and upsurges are eliminated by such control.

D. Vijnanamaya Kosa (The layer of wisdom)
A basic understanding is the key to operate from Vijnanamaya Kosa. Upanisads are the treasury of such knowledge which is the redeemer of all miseries and obsessions. It is the lack of that inner Jnana which is responsible for many wrong habits, agitations, etc. The Happiness Analysis - Ananda Mimamsa of the Taittiriya Upanisat handles the most fundamental problem relevent to all living creatures. The analysis systematically leads the reader to that substratum from which Prana and mind emerge - the Anandamaya Kosa.

It helps the person to change his attitude of greed and deep attachment to material possessions and enjoyments towards the realisation that happiness is within and ‘each one of us’ in our causal state is ‘Ananda’ embodied. As a result, man’s outlook in life changes. Knowledge burns the strong attachments, obsessions, likes and dislikes which are the basic reasons for the agitations of mind. The Sara type of Adhis can only be removed by this knowledge (Atma-Jnana or Self-realisation).

(to be continued in next issue)