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Spiritual endeavours for sublime transformation of personality (Vyaktitva Vikaasa Hetu Uccha Stariya Sadhanayen): Vangamaya Vol-20

Specific ascetic endeavors (sadhanas) pertaining to the knowledge, realization and culmination of spirituality are described in the ancient Indian scriptures in terms of philosophical as well as scientific aspects. Philosophies of spiritual sadhanas identifies the demarcation between animals and humans to remind and guide the human beings of the rare opportunity available to them in this life. Even divine powers would aspire to attain to human form which is considered as the best creation of thee.
The fundamental knowledge part, philosophy or spirituality deals with the principles and ideologies of refinement of life and adoption of moral ideals. It elucidates the necessity of self-restrain and elevation of intellect in the righteous direction and enlightens the mind with perspicuous guidance on what and how to think and cultivate the high ideals of humanity in present life.
The science of spirituality deals with the vast domain of yoga sadhanas which involve vigorous training and disciplined activities at the level of physical body and mind with creative linkage of corresponding sentiments and inner faith and excel human life towards the highest realms of spiritual success. The gamut of experiments of this science was described by Maharshi Patanjali, a great spiritual scientist of yore, as the ashtanga yoga consisting of eight branches of yoga namely, yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. Gurudev Shriram Sharma Acharya has presented the difficult science of ashtanga yoga in a lucid style so that everybody could understand and attempt practicing some of these sadhanas in day-to-day life as per his or her suitability and spiritual level. The present volume is a compilation of his deliberations on the elementary and successively higher level sadhanas of this field of yoga.
The basics of yama, niyama, asanas with detailed guidance and examples on their practice have been presented in the earlier volume – entitled “Sadhana Paddhatiyon Ka Gyana Vigyana” – of the Vangmaya series. The present volume is the next on this subject. Here, different types and methods of practising asanas, bandha, mudra, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana and dhyana are presented along with important aspects in scientific light.
The higher level topics of samadhi (trance) and siddhi (attainment of spiritual success) are also discussed. Emphasis is laid on overall refinement of personality and elevation of divine virtues in the inner self by the yoga sadhanas. Sincere adoption of the prescribed disciplines and adept practice of these sadhanas gradually endows the sadhaka (devotee) with successively greater potentials and lead to the ultimate realization of beatitudeous blissfulness in the same life.
Asanas are designed to fine-tune the sadhaka’s body. They serve the dual purpose of physical exercise and conditioning the internal components of the body which are associated with the extrasensory power centers (chakras) of the endocrine system and specific bundles and knots (nadee gucchaka and granthis) of the nerves. Asanas also help focusing the agile mental tendencies and thus condition the mind for greater concentration. Sukhasana, Vajrasana, Sulabhasana, Padmasana, Siddhasana etc are practised in sitting postures.
Some asanas, practised by Soorya Namaskara and Pragya yoga and the asanas like Ardhamatsyendrasan, Pashcimottanasan, Bhujangasan, Mayoorasan, Sarvangasan, Chakrasana, Trikonasana, etc, stretch and create pressure on different organs and affect the spinal column and nerve-muscle network and are recommended for specific effects on the intra-body processes. Shavasana is performed after all other asanas as it offers soothing relaxation to the body and pacifies all stresses.
Different types of mudras and bandhas (physical postures and control activities) are associated with some asanas to excite specific energy centers or regions within the body which otherwise remain dormant. Of the 84 original asanas the author has focused only on those which can be performed by most people without any difficulty or risk and induce positive effects on the gross (physical), subtle (mental) and astral (spiritual) bodies of the sadhaka.
Pranayam, as the name suggests, is an exercise of enhancing and harmonizing the flow of prana (vital energy) within the body. Discussions on deeper aspects of pranayam is given in the context of pranmaya kosha in the volume number 13 of this series. The present volume elucidates the elementary aspects and on the positive effects of pranayam in dhyana yoga. The author recommends some pranayamas such as – pranakarshana, loma-vilom, soorya-vedhan, nadee shodhan, etc, in modified form so that even the beginners could easily practise and benefit from these yogic exercises.
Pratyahara implies requital of evil tendencies. It deals with continuous watch and struggle in the domains of mind to prevent untoward thoughts and check out immoral instincts. Purity and strength of the inner self and strong will power are key factors for success in this endeavor. Dharana corresponds to refinement of conviction and faith and linking them with the deeper layers of serene sentiments. Belief in the eternal power and absolute justice of Thou and sincere devotion and respect for His presence in every living being, every thing…. lay the foundation for the progress of dharana followed by dhyana (meditation).
Dhyana is some kind of spiritual bath in the ocean of divinely pure thoughts by way of – meditation on serene and edifying objects or conceptualization of piet sentiments. Objects like rising sun, idol or picture of a God or divine character, bright flame of a candle or lamp, ocean, glowing mountain, etc are usually recommended in the initial practices of meditation. Dhyana can also be performed through subtle perceptions or realization of the deeper domains of the inner self. The nada bindu yoga falls in the latter category of dhyana.
Controlling the agility of mind and concentrating it on the focused idea or object is the most arduous phase of the above sadhana. It calls for immense patience and unperturbed faith in oneself. Practices of self-restrain and orientation towards adoption of ascetic tendencies are found to be most supportive in training of mind for this purpose. japa (rhythmic enunciation of mantras in specific order) and dhyana are considered mutually complementary. This combination is an integral part of many sadhanas of spiritual refinement. Purity of the inner self and serenity of character are essential for success of these endeavors.
Samadhi (trance) is the successful state of deep meditation in which the existence of conscious mind is completely unified with its absolute origin – the soul. Pt. Shriram Sharma’s sagacity and spiritual attainments of the highest kind have made his descriptions of the difficult facets – including those pertaining to the subtle and transcendental realizations more authentic, clear, logical and realistic.
Bioelectrical, physiological, psychological and other scientific aspects of the sadhanas of ashtanga yoga are presented in this volume as effectively as those associated with the subtler domains of spirituality. There is also a mention of the research projects on scientific study of the effects of these sadhanas undertaken by Brahmavarchas – research wing of Shantikunj, an institution established by the author at Hardwar in India. It is hoped that this volume would wane out all apprehensions and misconceptions and myths about yoga sadhanas and educe self-confidence in the readers to realize their own potentials and dignity as human beings and come forward to refine and elevate their personalities accordingly. Aspirants of demonstrative practical guidance and training are welcome to the sadhana camps of Shantikunj, Hardwar.