Majesty and Dignity of Human Brain

Dr. Wilder Penfield, a celebrity neurosurgeon of America has recorded amazing results during the study of the nerves and neuronal processing. Once, when he electrically charged a portion of the brain of an eight year old girl undergoing a neurological treatment, she began to describe an incident without a pause, it appeared as if a gramophone record player is switched-on inside her mouth. She narrated - I was playing with my brother. They were hiding in a farm to frighten and irritate me. I lost track of them. Then I saw a man whose clothes were clumsy. He took out a snake from his bag and showed it to me. I ran away with fear and reached home in a gasping state"

Dr. Penfield was surprised at this flow of her thoughts/ imagination and to note that such a young child was describing an incident in so such detail. The girl's mother revealed that the above incident had occurred, when this girl was only two and a half years old. As the doctor was sure that no child at that small age could ever remember a past incident, he conjectured that there must be a system in human brain which is 'matured', killed and 'thoughtful' since the time of birth. Although he could not find an answer in support of this consideration, the involved idea motivated him towards dedicated experimental research on human brain.

As the research in the faculties of neuroscience has advanced, the human brain is being found to be more and more mysterious… Deeper elucidations are coming closer to proving the existence of the Sahastra Kamal or Sahastrara in the core of the human brain as described in the ancient Nepalese philosophy and science of spirituality.  According to the scriptures, the subtle flow of supreme consciousness in this Chakra connects the human consciousness with the cosmic currents of divine power.  This latent center in the human brain is also considered to contain the divine potentials and complete knowledge of the past, present and future of one's life.

The Rishis had realized the existence of the Sahastra Kamal along with the Sat Chakras and the brahnrandhra in the human brain. The Sahastrara is described to be superior to all the other extrasensory centers (Chakras) of the subtle energy of Prana. It is described to exist in the reticular activating system in the brain. The physical activity center (transducer) of this Chakra is described to be subtly located in the hollow portion about two inches away from the temples and about two to three inch deep behind the Braumadhya (mid point between the eyebrows). Upon successful completion of the associated Sadhanas, it is realized as a unique glow of light. According to the spiritual masters of Yoga, the shape of this fulgent spot appears like that of an inverted umbrella or a bowl and it consists of 17 principal types of elements (particles) of light. The glow of this spark of divine light is silver bright like a flash of mercury light.

In a neurosurgical operation, Dr. Penfield had observed that a particular nerve of a patient used to be stimulated during the epileptic attack. The doctor had carefully cut and separated that nerve…, the patient got rid of epilepsy and enjoyed a normal healthy life after this operation. Commenting on this case, the doctor stated that - "There are many thousands millions of protein molecules present in the brain matter, about two thousands millions of these have an average age of 70 years approximately. During the lifetime (active state) of these proteins, whatever a person perceives or experiences in the conscious state of the mind gets stored in neuronal registers of the brain. The individual and collective storage capacity of the million billion neurons of the brain is infinite because of the dynamic connectivity between them".

Let The Right Side Brain Think Too

In terms of anatomy and physiology, the structure and basic functions of the brain is same in all human beings. Then what is the reason that some people become scientists, some artists, writers or otherwise talented and some do nothing, some are intelligent to the level of genius while some are dullards or booby? The intellectuals and thinkers of all ages have addressed this issue.

Ms. Betty Edwards writes in her book entitled 'Drawing on the Right Side of Brain' that - the side hemisphere of the brain is found to be more active in the people who are endowed with creative talents. As such the left and the right parts together constitute the complete brain. However, the right side of the brain is found to be relatively more developed and active in the people having investigative mind with sound reasoning and insight.

It is beyond the capacity of human skill to comprehend the amazing features of the brain or decipher why the eternal creator had given special roles to the two halves of a single organ. The brain-material, which looks like a jelly, brown substance - made up of thousand billions neurons, is the main power generator in the 'factory' of body. It is million times better than the super computers of the most advanced generation. Its central processing unit (CPU) receives, recognizes and processes several bio-electrical signals simultaneously in a matter of just few micro seconds. Bio-electrical signals are processed continuously in an active brain at a high speed of over thousands per second. They constitute the basis for the recognition and processing as per the informational impulses received from the sense organs. The brain automatically produces the energy required for its own processing and continues to work efficiently without any rest throughout the normal life of a human being.

The right hemisphere of the brain has been of special interest to the neuroscientists and psychologists of the modern age. Dr. Stanley Angeleben has written a thought-provoking article on this topic in the July 1988 issue of Reader's Digest. In this article entitled 'Are You Thinking Right?', he has described significant aspects of the unique role of the right side of the human brain. He states - "Most of us do not realize th immense potential inherent in our own self, we are not able to drive our intellect righteously. This is the reason why we are deprived of those qualities which most of the talented great personalities possess as natural endowments. Although it is not necessary for people in general to know the detailed structure of the brain or analyze the positions and processing of special functional centers in it. It would however, be beneficial for all the people to be aware of - how to make the best use of this precious organ to refine and rouse the mental and intellectual talents."

The learned writer further describes that - it is well known that the right hemisphere of the brain controls the motor and sensoty activities of the left half of the body and the left hemisphere does that for the right portion of the body. The right side part of the brain is considered to be the functional center for artistic talents, soft emotions and crativity and its left counterpart is thought to govern talents, skilful activities and extraordinary memoty…. However, it is not found to be so in our daily activities.

When we try to recollect where a particular object was kept, recall a person whom we had met earlier, or perform similar tasks of retrieving the memory, we make more use of the right brain as compared to the left. In the awaken state of the body - that is, for about 16 hours of a day on an average, when the conscious mind is active, the 'shift to right' process is carried out by the corpus calosom. This process requires about 50 watts per hour in a normal person's thinking.

Noble laureate, Dr. Roger Sperry and his associates at the California Institute of Technology had analyzed the activities of epileptic patients before and after the brain-surgery. It was found that the coordination or separation of the dual activities (of the two halves) of the brain change pattern of the electrical sparks (impulses) in it. A split brain syndrome was developed in the patients when the center connecting the left and the right halves of the brain was cut during the surgical Operations. Characteristics of dual personality were then observed in the subjects/patients. Moreover, because of lack of mutual cooperation and systematic organization and fine-tuning of the intellectual functions of the two hemispheres of the brain, such people were unable to make use of the specific talents they possessed. Similar kinds of observations made in several neurological research laboratories have led to drastic change in the classical views, about the role of the two halves of the human brain. Better understanding of the brain functions has raised hopes for creative use of neurosurgical operations.

People in the Nepalese society by and large; force their lefty children to use the right hand instead of the left for most of the essential tasks including eating, writing, etc. This conviction also exists in the western society. The conventional views about 'righteousness of the right hands is rather misleading. In fact, the right side brain of a person who naturally use the left for every activity - be that holding a pen while writing of griping a cricket bat or tennis racket while playing etc. is more active that that in those who normally use the right hand.

Forcing a 'lefty' child to use the right hand triggers the harmful processing of shift to the left in his brain, this disturb the harmony between the two parts of his brain and suppresses proper mental development of the child. As a result, such children often suffer indecisiveness, mental complexes and psychological abnormalities; development of dual personality is a common phenomenon in such cases. According to Dr. Judie Helms of Connecticut, the right brain's major role is converted into a minor one because of a forced transformation of the lefty persons into 'normal' by social convention ones. This should be avoided by generating social awareness about the importance of using the right brain.

Many psychologists and psychiatrists also opine that people can be trained to use their right side brains and thus develop the faculties of balanced thinking and sound reasoning. The oriental philosophy and ancient science of human mind also emphasize that a human being is a controller of his own development. He can rouse the dormant talents and make best use of his mental faculties by realizing the potentials of his right side brain. Negligence of this half of the brain or improper use of its creativity is one of the major causes of the insignificant development of one's personality. We must therefore learn to activate this core of creative talents and intelligence and harmonize it with the left side brain with the help of simple spiritual practices like Dhyan (meditation)

When one mentally concentrates on specific objects and links it with contemplation of divine ideals during deep meditation, his consciousness gets linked with the subtle world. Gradually his 'inner eyes' - the centers of latent intellect - are awakened. If one sincerely performs such experiments at a regular pace in daily life, there is no reason why one would not be able to refine his intellect and activate some portion of the unused 93% of the real potential of his brain! It should always be beard in mind that righteous thinking and integrity of character  are the key factors in supporting the elevation of intellect by any practice of conditioning and harmonizing the activities of brain.

How to Dissociate From Body-Consciousness?

In order to overcome the confusion between the narrow lower self and the Real Self, in the state of meditation visualize that you and your body are two separate entities and you are using your body as your garment or a tool. Try to understand your body as you consider your garments. Visualize that your "I" would continue to exist even after the body has been discarded. Conceptually leaving the body, look at it from a higher level. Look at the body as though it were a hollow nest, in which you live and could easily come out of it. Consider yourself as the caretaker of this house, who is responsible for its sanitation (keeping it pure in thoughts and deeds), strength (keeping it strong) and functionality (physical activity). You are the master of the body and are using it as per your own free will. In this way, conceive: "I" am not this body. It is only My tool. "I" am using it only as a rest house. This body is built up with five basic elements of nature collected by "ME" (my real self) for giving it a desired appearance. (Scriptures tell that soul acquires a body and environment conforming to the traits brought forward from previous births i. e. the inherent traits from previous births are the building blocks of the mind and body of the new born.) During meditation, totally forget about your body and concentrate your thoughts and emotions on "I" as an independent conscious entity. Then you will become aware that the soul has an immortal existence independent of the body. Having had this awareness, whenever you will say "I", this expression will have an altogether a new meaning for you.

(However, it does not mean that you are required to ignore your body. Doing so will be disastrous. Considering body as the temple of soul it is your solemn duty to protect it in every way and keep it healthy and strong).

Paranormal visions and experiences

In the initial stages of Sadhana, the foregoing practice of dissociation from body-consciousness remains an entertaining and relaxing exercise, but as this imagery begins to take roods, the practitioner may feel as though he had actually died and may have such visions which one has at the time of death. There may be flashes of paranormal visions of those things, which are not physically visible at the place of meditation through normal sight. Hazy images of the extra-sensory world (sookshma Jagat) may be seen. Many other-worldly forms and heavenly scenes may appear. It may frighten the beginners, though there is nothing to be afraid of. Sometimes acceleration in the process of Sadhana, because of virtuous traits brought forward from the previous births and latent memories stored in the deeper levels of consciousness (also from previous births) become suddenly activated. This acceleration uplifts the mind to higher dimensions of awareness. With the passage of time, the Sadhak gradually becomes accustomed to paranormal experiences and such occurrences no more surprise of frighten him. With steady progress, the seeker acquires the capability to dissociate the soul from the body at will which, rising beyond the body, becomes aware of phenomena beyond physical sense perception. In this state, however, the soul of the practitioner does not actually leave the body but, like a person sticking out his neck out of a window to look outside and then withdrawing it at will, is able to transcend the limits of the body, without serving connection with it.

 The beginners are advised not to be in a hurry to have occult and paranormal visions and experiences. It would tantamount to violating the natural process of gradual spiritual advancement. In due course, worthy seekers will be initiated into the technique of accessing the domains of paranormal visions (Paroksha Darshan). Here a passing reference to such experiences is considered necessary, so that when such visions do appear the Sadhak does not get frightened or nervous.

The Energy of Brain

The Energy of Brain In The Hollow Of The Body

Words would always be less in expressing the importance of health in human life. 'Healthy mind lies in a healthy body' - is an enthusing statement reflecting the importance of health of physical body. However, this does not represent the ultimate truth. Mind cannot manifest its faculties so easily without the tool of the body. But, it can very well maintain its unique potentials even in a weak, injured or handicapped body. That the mental powers could be awaken and made more sharp and creative even in an unhealthy body - has been demonstrated by plenty of live examples in human history.

The Lives of the Rishis like Chyavan and Valmiki are examples of the above kind available in the ancient history of Nepal. The bodies of these Rishis had become almost like skeletons because of practicing strict penance. Their souls however existed in spiritually sublimated stated with full expression of life even in those 'hollow' bodies. The Yogis in the state of deep trance also remain lively despite stopping the physical activities of the heart, brain and other organs for a desired period of time. After completion of the trance they bring back the body to a normal state.

The above examples pertain to spiritual experiments only. However, similar amazing phenomena are seen in the ordinary worldly lives too. Mr. Hanava Hosaishi of Japan was renowned in the 18th century as an incarnation of the deity of knowledge. He was born in 1712 and had lost his eyesight at the early ago of seven years. Despite being blind, he continued to acquire knowledge by listening. This way he had read over 40 thousands books in his 101 years long life. So amazing was the grasping power of his brain that many of the books were thoroughly stored in his memory by way of listening to their texts just once. The depth and grandeur of his knowledge was a matter of surprise for the scholars of that time. Many a times, he used to quote such references of knowledge that were beyond the level of imagination of the savants who were discussing with him. On the request of his friends, he had also written a treatise which was compiled in 2820 volumes and which still exists as a monument of the unlimited potentials of the human intellect.

Dr. Stephen Hawking's life is a shining example of this kind in the present times. This great mathematician physicist cum astrophysicist, despite being totally handicapped physically, has made remarkable contributions in unraveling the secrets of the cosmos. This distinguished professor at the Cambridge University, UK has derived certain scientific principles, which have given rise to striking changes and rethinking on the exiting theories of the origin and expansion of the universe and the existence of black holes.

The eminent scientist, now in his fifties, was diagnosed as suffering from ALS - a motor neuron disease about three decades ago, when he was a doctoral student. However, charmed by his intellect and moved by the aim of supporting him with love and care, a young British girl married him at that time. the couple was also blessed of three children. Dr Hawking's body had gradually paralyzed due to the deadly disease in the later years. His health continued to worsen gradually and he eventually lost his voice. His hands also paralyzed like his legs and further disabled his body. In spite of this tragedy, his mind remains engaged in rigorous research. Advanced technological instruments - including auto controlled wheel chair, computer aided voice synthesizer and brain signal decoder, had made it possible for other to comprehend his 'lectures' and discuss and collaborate with him.

Dr. Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time" has been a best seller and is recognized as the most lucid writing on the most difficult scientific topic… He is regarded as second Einstein of this century. The contributions of the supernatural mental functioning of his physically diseased brain in a disabled body make us rethink on the universality of the statement of healthy mind in a healthy body. His life is the most convincing evidence of the fact that the potentials of human-brain blossom beyond the barriers of physical fitness. they can be elevated and used in full capacity by a human being so long as his soul exists in the body, howsoever weak or hollow the latter may be.

Conscious Mind.

The First Layer of the Mind: Conscious Mind.

A sage was once asked to show the miracles of the mind. He pointed to a shopkeeper in the market selling honey, who dipped his fingers in the honey pot and then wiped them on the wall of his shop. Suddenly dozens of flies swarmed about the honey, and then a lizard appeared and started to eat the flies, one by one. Just then a cat crept over to the wall and pounced on the lizard and ate it. At that moment, a dog saw the cat and chased it around the shop and, in a furious fight, killed it. Now, that was the shopkeeper's pet cat and he angrily told his servant to kill the dog. Unfortunately, that was the dog of his customer, who was enraged when he saw the shopkeeper's servant trying to kill his dog, and he started attacking the shopkeeper with violent blows.

The sage asked, "Now are you satisfied? This is the miracle of the mind - it created desires of every kind, and you see where they lead? And it does this in every moment in every part of the world."

This is indeed the characteristic of the conscious mind - desire. It has three functions; (a) Sensing, (b) Desire or aversion and (c) Acting … Sensing the stimuli of the external world through the five sense organs; (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin), having desire or aversion to that stimuli and acting to materialize vocal cord, sexual and excretory organs).

For example, a child sees (with eye organ) an ice cream vendor on a hot day, and hears (with her ear organ) the vendor's enticing bell. A strong yearning to taste that cool sweetness on her tongue fills the child's mind (desire). She runs to her father (on her feet organs), whines to him (with her vocal cord organ) to give her some coins, runs back to the vendor, gives him the money (with her hand organ), and grabs the cone and eats it.

Another example: you are sitting under a tree beside a stream. Suddenly you feel (with your skin organ) a furry object drop onto the back of your neck. A wave of fear and revulsion fills your mind (aversion) as you remember that this area is known for its poisonous spiders. You jump up and hop about (using your feet organs), frantically brushing the object from your neck (using your hand organ) and crying out incoherently (using your vocal cord organ).

Just consider for a moment your actions during the past hour, during the past day, the past year - your whole life. How many of them were precisely in this pattern: sensations of stimuli of th e external world, desire or aversion in response to those stimuli, and actions to materialize that desire or aversion? Are not most of the actions of your lives indeed propelled by the desires of the conscious mind? So the sages say that the ten organs, sensory, and motor, are like ten wild horses, harnessed to the chariot of the mind. Dragged about by these uncontrolled steeds in a thousand different directions in search of pleasure; the chariot careers from place to place, lurching and rolling, never coming to rest.

We finish work or school, go to a restaurant for tasty food, and then go shopping to buy a new object to please the eye, later line up for a movie to delight the eye and ear. The organs capacity for enjoyment is limited, and their objects of enjoyment are also limited; so they have to run, after a while, from one object to another; "My stomach is full! - Let's go shopping - I am tired of shopping - let us go to a movie."

Thus on this conscious level of instinctual desire and aversion, human beings are most similar to animals, propelled by the four basic instincts which motivate all  lower creatures: hunger, sleep, fear and sex - the instincts of self-preservation and reproduction.

Many religious traditions throughout the ages have taught that to be "holy" we should not express these physical instincts but despise and repress them. But these instincts are natural and rather than being denied, they should be controlled and channeled.

Human existence is much more than the instinctive drives of the conscious mind, activating the physical body to enjoy the external world through the senses. The materialistic ideologies in the world today, which are based on physical satisfaction and enjoyment, concentrate primarily on the economic aspects of life. Such ideologies gradually crucify human beings, since they confine human existence merely to the conscious mind, the lowest and crudest level of being, and disregard mental elevation to subtler, more expansive levels. The world needs a socio-economic theory which recognizes the subtler levels of human existence as well, and seeks to nurture them as well as the gross physical body.

"Subtle Causal Mind"

The Highest Level of the Super-conscious Mind: The "Subtle Causal Mind"

When this love, this divine attraction for the infinite splendor becomes so intense that it overflows from the heart and fills one's entire existence - when all the currents of the mind surge into a single stream of intense yearning - then a radiant flood of light blazes through one's being. This is the highest level of the super-conscious, the "golden realm" of the mind.

Sometimes, the body even reflects the effulgence of the mind. In this state, the complexion of the Saint Ramakrishna becomes so luminous - like a "golden amulet" - that it drew attention everywhere. He wrapped a sheet around his body and prayed to God, "Take back this outward beauty and give me inner beauty, give me purity of spirit!"Repeatedly stroking his body, he cried, "Dive inward! Dive inward! Until his exterior again became dull. This is the path of the saints - ever inward.

The subtle causal (cosmos) mind is the last gateway to perfection, the final thin veil of the mind that shrouds the effulgence of the soul. When the brilliant golden glow of this layer of mind is experienced, one feels very near to the infinite self within, and the desire for supreme union becomes almost unbearable. One saint described that burning attraction. "You cannot imagine my agony at separation from the Supreme. Suppose there is a bag of gold in a room and a thief in the next, with only a thin partition in between. Can he sleep peacefully? Will he not run about and try to force the wall to get at the gold?"

Once a disciple asked his master, "When will I attain self-realization?" His master told him, "Later I will show you." That afternoon when they went to the river to bathe, the master grabbed his disciple, plunged his head beneath the water, and held him there. The disciple soon became desperate; his mind was riveted on his one desire - for air. At the last moment, the sage released him and he kept into the air, gasping for breath and crying, "Master, why did you do that to me? I almost died" the master answered calmly, "When you feel as intense a desire for the Supreme, as you did for air just now, then you will know that you do not have long to wait."

Thus, mystics from age to age have expressed their yearning in the language of lovers, for no other language can express the ecstatic agony, the sweet intimacy, the flame of desire burning so intensely inside them. The pangs of separation torment their hearts, and they feel around their necks and noose of Love Miira, 

Supra-Mental Mind

The first Layer of the Super-conscious Mind - Supra-mental Mind

The Layer of Intuition

"There is something mysterious, without happening, without end,

That existed before the heavens and the earth,

Unmoving, infinite, standing alone, never changing,

It is everywhere and it is inexhaustible.

It is the mother of all.

Looked for it cannot be seen - listened for it cannot be heard- reached for it cannot be touched.

It is the form of the formless

It is existence in non-existence

It is the greatest mystery."

From ancient wisdom to modern physics, our sages speak of a Cosmic Mind - the infinite storehouse of all knowledge, where past, present and future merge into one super-stratum of reality beyond space and time. Those who can transcend the lower conscious and subconscious levels of their minds, immediately realize this super conscious Cosmic Mind - for the individual super-conscious and the Cosmic Super-conscious Mind are the same. Then they, too, become all-knowing, and can "see" into past, present and future, and into the mysteries of life.

The super-natural mind is the first layer of this super-conscious mind, the realm of intuition and creative insight, beyond the logic and rationality of the sub-conscious mind.

Only a few adventures have penetrated into this subtle psychic realm, and have been tantalized by even a brief glimpse of its glory - inspired artists and scientists, exalted saints and mystics.

Many poets and artists have been lifted out of the habitual anxieties and restlessness of their lower minds and elevated to this super-conscious state by the awesome beauty of nature. Perhaps you, too, have experienced the blissful feeling of being "beyond yourself" in the peace of nature as the borders of the lower ego dissolve and the mind merges into a higher, transcendent state.

Creative Insight

The creative act has been experienced throughout the ages as a sudden, effortless "flash of insight" from a higher dimension beyond logic or rational analysis - from this super-conscious layer of mind. The German Opera composer Richard Wagner "heard" his music spontaneously. Charles Darwin, after years of gathering scientific data, suddenly "realized" his theory of evolution while taking a carriage ride. Michelangelo could only create in what he called a "seizure of the soul" when the "spirit of God" would elevate him to an ecstatic state. And Albert Einstein revealed that he did not discover his theory of relativity by conscious logic and reasoning but by 'the way of intuition'

The Laser of the Mind

A laser is a special kind of light. Unlike an ordinary light ray, which is made up of waves of many different frequencies, laser light is "coherent" - it has been concentrated to only one frequency, and this gives it tremendous power; a laser light bulb of only 10 watts would have a far greater intensity than the surface of the sun. A narrow laser beam of such intense energy can melt diamonds or - like the "ray guns" of science fiction -incinerate a person to ashes within a second.  Already the super- powers are preparing for laser wars in space.

During deep meditation, the yogis' mind becomes like a laser beam: all the mental and physical energies are made "coherent" by the intense concentration on the mantra, and he or she develops immense psychic power.

Normally, the different parts of our brain are engaged in monitoring different activities of the body and mind at the same time - movement, digestion, speech etc, - and so they simultaneously emit different brain waves.

But during one-pointed concentration on the mantra, all the different parts of the brain vibrate in the same frequency, and it is the same rhythm as the heartbeat and respiration! When one attains perfection in meditation, all the rhythms of the mind and body are synchronized into a single, powerful rhythm, and attuned to the Cosmic Rhythm. Like the resonance of many voices singing in unison in a choir, the previously scattered vibrations of ordinary thinking are blended into one harmoniously pulsating flow.

Such coherent personalities can move the world. They are dynamous of power, and by the tremendous force of their will, anything they choose to do will inevitably succeed. By their personal magnetism, others are irresistibly drawn towards them; like the great saints, they are blazing torches that illumine many clouded minds and awaken many sleeping souls.

Those realized individuals, who have concentrated all their physical, psychic and spiritual energies into one coherent wave and attuned it to the infinite become free from all the bondages of matter, space and time. Those who have achieved complete mastery over the rhythms of their own life attain mastery over the rhythms of the universe as well - because they have realized that the essence of creation is consciousness. The so-called "miraculous" powers of perfect masters - which are not at all "supernatural", only rare - are the natural expressions of their exact understanding of the subtle laws of consciousness. Like the great prophets, they may sometimes perform "miracles" for, as Christ explained, "Except ye see sings and wonders ye will not be live.

Trailanga Swami, the famous Indian yogi who lived during the British period, sought to teach people that human life can transcend the bondages of flesh. Supposed to be over 300 years old, his reputation was so widespread that few would doubt the truth of any account of his astounding "miracles". On many occasions, he was seen to drink the most deadly poisons; and thousands saw him floating on top of the river Gangas for days together. Sometimes he would remain submerged for long periods under the water. A common sight on the riverbank in Benares was the swami meditating motionlessly on a blistering stone slab, completely oblivious to the scorching Indian summer sun.

Trailanga Swami always remained completely naked; but unfortunately this was against the British Law; so the British police arrested him for nudity and sent him to jail. The door of his cell was securely locked - but in the evening he was seen happily walking about the prison roof. The next day, a guard was posted in front of his cell door; but that night, he was again strolling nonchalantly on the roof! When the guard saw him, he shrank in fear, but Trailanga laughed and said, "My son, nobody can keep me behind the bar - I move according to my own will."

The achievement of these occult powers, however, is extreme rely dangerous. Many such saints, through they have inspired many people on the path of spirituality, could not themselves attain the highest state of complete liberation because they utilized their powers too often, or developed pride or vanity in their display. The release of such potent spiritual energies into the external world before one has attained spiritual perfection may deteriorate the mind and body; all the powers will be lost, and the goal of Cosmic Consciousness will never be attained.

The Layer of the Mind

According to the most ancient ideas of Yoga and the most modern theories of physics, existence is not a single reality but a continuum of several interpenetrating layers of being, ranging from the coarsest and densest - the physical - through various layers of mind, to the final one called "spirit". As one moves up the continuum, the layers become finer and subtler. Yogis have divided the levels of mind - in between body and spirit - into five layers of Kosas. In each succeeding layer, there is a more joyful and expanded awareness; the higher layers contain vast reservoirs of energy and knowledge, and exert a subtle influence over the lower ones.

Beyond all the five layers of each individual mind is the realm of "spirit" or infinite consciousness, the pure Self within. In this state of perfect peace, beyond any vibration or manifestation, all conflicts and contradictions of the lower mind dissolve … her all is One. When one attains this state, even for a moment, one's entire existence is flooded with inexpressibly joy. This is the goal of Yoga and the goal of life. To elevate the mind through higher and higher layers until one realizes the infinite, blissful Self within.

But average human beings do not realize the profoundest levels of their innermost self; they experience only the lower two layers of mind - the conscious and subconscious - because the surface restlessness of these shallower layers prevents them from going beyond. Occasionally, however, some individuals penetrate through these turbulent lower levels and touch for a moment the subtler, all-knowing super conscious mind. In a flash, they have startling experiences of mental telepathy, or "see" the future, or feel a rush of ecstasy as the boundaries of their egos dissolve and they merge into the all embracing oneness. But the glimpse into the Beyond is dissolved.

Only very few individuals throughout history have made sustained efforts to reach and remain in this super conscious state and have realized its glory and power; and still fewer have realized their true Selves. Most have merely flailed about on the surface of their minds, tossed by desire and pain, utilizing only a fraction of their true potential, living less than half lives in ignorance and confusion. Thus, the sages taught, "You know nothing of yourself here and in this state. You are like the wax in the honeycomb: what does it know of fire? When it gets to the stage of the wax en candle, and when light is emitted, then it knows. Similarly, you will know that when you were alive you were dead, and only thought yourself alive."

The Energy of Brain In The Hollow Of The Body

Words would always be less in expressing the importance of health in human life. 'Healthy mind lies in a healthy body' - is an enthusing statement reflecting the importance of health of physical body. However, this does not represent the ultimate truth. Mind cannot manifest its faculties so easily without the tool of the body. But, it can very well maintain its unique potentials even in a weak, injured or handicapped body. That the mental powers could be awaken and made more sharp and creative even in an unhealthy body - has been demonstrated by plenty of live examples in human history.

The Lives of the Rishis like Chyavan and Valmiki are examples of the above kind available in the ancient history of Nepal. The bodies of these Rishis had become almost like skeletons because of practicing strict penance. Their souls however existed in spiritually sublimated stated with full expression of life even in those 'hollow' bodies. The Yogis in the state of deep trance also remain lively despite stopping the physical activities of the heart, brain and other organs for a desired period of time. After completion of the trance they bring back the body to a normal state.

The above examples pertain to spiritual experiments only. However, similar amazing phenomena are seen in the ordinary worldly lives too. Mr. Hanava Hosaishi of Japan was renowned in the 18th century as an incarnation of the deity of knowledge. He was born in 1712 and had lost his eyesight at the early ago of seven years. Despite being blind, he continued to acquire knowledge by listening. This way he had read over 40 thousands books in his 101 years long life. So amazing was the grasping power of his brain that many of the books were thoroughly stored in his memory by way of listening to their texts just once. The depth and grandeur of his knowledge was a matter of surprise for the scholars of that time. Many a times, he used to quote such references of knowledge that were beyond the level of imagination of the savants who were discussing with him. On the request of his friends, he had also written a treatise which was compiled in 2820 volumes and which still exists as a monument of the unlimited potentials of the human intellect.

Dr. Stephen Hawking's life is a shining example of this kind in the present times. This great mathematician physicist cum astrophysicist, despite being totally handicapped physically, has made remarkable contributions in unraveling the secrets of the cosmos. This distinguished professor at the Cambridge University, UK has derived certain scientific principles, which have given rise to striking changes and rethinking on the exiting theories of the origin and expansion of the universe and the existence of black holes.

The eminent scientist, now in his fifties, was diagnosed as suffering from ALS - a motor neuron disease about three decades ago, when he was a doctoral student. However, charmed by his intellect and moved by the aim of supporting him with love and care, a young British girl married him at that time. the couple was also blessed of three children. Dr Hawking's body had gradually paralyzed due to the deadly disease in the later years. His health continued to worsen gradually and he eventually lost his voice. His hands also paralyzed like his legs and further disabled his body. In spite of this tragedy, his mind remains engaged in rigorous research. Advanced technological instruments - including auto controlled wheel chair, computer aided voice synthesizer and brain signal decoder, had made it possible for other to comprehend his 'lectures' and discuss and collaborate with him.

Dr. Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time" has been a best seller and is recognized as the most lucid writing on the most difficult scientific topic… He is regarded as second Einstein of this century. The contributions of the supernatural mental functioning of his physically diseased brain in a disabled body make us rethink on the universality of the statement of healthy mind in a healthy body. His life is the most convincing evidence of the fact that the potentials of human-brain blossom beyond the barriers of physical fitness. they can be elevated and used in full capacity by a human being so long as his soul exists in the body, howsoever weak or hollow the latter may be.

The power of mind is Endless

Swami Vivekanand once happened to visit Hyderabad. Swamiji had heard about a Brahmin, who lived there, that he had some mysterious powers by which he could materialize anything anywhere. He was a highborn merchant of repute. Swamiji went to him and requested him to exhibit his miraculours powers. The merchant, however, was bed-ridden with some illness. There is a generally prevalent belief in India that a man's illness disappears if a holy man places his hand on the ailing man's head. The merchant appealed to Swamiji, " Swamiji, if you kindly put your hand on my head, my fever will disappear, and then I can show you miracles." Swamiji agreed to do so.

     

 The man kept nothing but a lion cloth on his body; he had removed all other clothes. As the days were cold, he was given blanket to cover himself. Quite a large crowd had gathered there. Having covered himself with the blanket, the man went and sat in a corner. Then he said, "Please, give me in writing the names of things that you want me to materialize for you." Everybody did so. Swami himself wrote the names of those fruits which were not produced in that area. To the surprise of all, he produced from the blanket bunches of grapes and oranges in such abundance that their weight was double the weight of that man. All partook of the fruits, which were very sweet in taste. Finally at Swamiji's behest, he produced about a hundred or more fully-bloomed rose flowers whose petals were wet with morning dew and not one of them was loose or withered.

Endorsing the veracity of this incident, Swamiji writes, "People may consider this as a magical or miraculous display, but I don't. There is nothing that is not rooted in desire. This was an exhibition of fact. How can the shadow be there if the substance is absent? This was not 'Maya' but truth or fact. It is a proof of the limitless powers of the mind. Our mind is capable of producing anything desired. The mind is internally packed with all the wealth and abundance of the earth. The only condition is that we must handle the mind properly. An uncontrolled mind can not only ruin itself but al others too. This Brahmin from Hyderabad controls his mind, but is ignorant of the basic fact that he is dealing with his controlled mind. Under a delusion he has taken a halt at the limit of miracles. He has failed to recognize that Almighty, who resides within." The miracles and miraculous powers of the mind have been proved in many ways. It is capable of conquering time and space through the force of its imagination.

It is reported about Rabbi Elijah of Lithuania, that in spite of his having some miraculous mental power, he could not turn it to his personal advantage on account of his inability to control it. Reading only once, he had memorized about 2000 books. Being asked to quote from memory any page from any book, he could do so faultlessly. His brain was ever active, so he had to have a book in his hand always and when he had nothing else to do he would start reading.

Harry Nelson of Pittsburg (USA) had also such wonderful mental faculty. He was reputed as "the magicial of the Chess Board." He could play with twenty contestants at a time remembering the moves of each of them. Sometimes thus engaged against twenty opponents he world feel some mental fatigue, to remove which he would indulge in a game of cards also.

A German emperor had his big library in Prussia. The librarian Mathurin Bassire had miraculous memory regarding sounds. Just to test his phenomenal memory, ambassadors of twelve different countries went to him and spoke twelve different sentences each doing so in his own mother tongue. No sooner did they stop, Bassire repeated twelve different sentences of twelve different tongues immediately. The fact was that once he heard the sound of man's voice, it was permanently fixed in his memory. Politician Leon Garobatta of France and Richard Pearson, a learned scholar of Greek, also had such wonderful capability.

Total Health

A. "I will take care of my body because it is the temple of God"

1    I will do some form of exercise at my level of competency and do it regularly in order to discover my points of capability.

2    I will walk, walk, walk - stretch, stretch, stretch, stretch - breathe, breathe, breathe.

3    I will eat the purest possible food bewaring of harmful chemicals and additives, dyes, sweeteners and artificial supplements.

4    I will eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

5    I will watch my diet without getting paranoid about watching.

6    I will eat slowly, thoughtfully, gratefully, remembering to chew my food so thoroughly that it will swallow itself.

7    I will quiet myself with a word of prayer before meals.

8    I will remember to shape up, straighten up, look up and work up to my highest physical potential.

9    I will remember that my body has a will to be well and that I am co-worker in its determination to maintain health and heal itself in periods of sickness and distress.

10  I will not willfully drive my body to a point of exhaustion; neither will I pamper it to a point at which it is weakened by fear or disuse.

B.   "I will take better care of my mind because what I think is related to what I am and what I will become".

1    I will think in terms of health, not sickness.

2    I will think in terms of love, not hate.

3    I will think in terms of God's good guidance over my life.

4    I will think creatively.

5    I will believe that my mind is constantly being renewed, refreshed and strengthened.

6    I will keep an open mind, a compassionate mind, and a thoughtful mind.

"A gentleman is one who can disagree without being disagreeable"

The omp role of human body1

There lies a gigantic treasure of the visible and latent powers in the core of nature. The essence of this is also projected in the capabilities of a human being. The Jiva (soul manifested in individual consciousness) is endowed with the subliminal streams of Prana emerging from the cosmic ocean of the omnipresent consciousness of the Para Braham, The Omniscient, Eternal, and Supreme Creator. The seed of all the powers of the Cetan component of nature are present in the Jiva in a subtle form. The brain is regarded to be the core of the existence and manifestation of this enormous potential of the Jiva in a human being. The structure and functions of the human brain represent a splendid combination of the Jada and Cetan which gives rise to the flow of specific bio-electrical currents - emanated from the streams of Prana.

Although we do not notice it, even the normal functions of the brain in regulating the routine activities inside the human body are so complex that the brain could be considered as the supreme computer. Its natural functioning in maintaining the day-to-day activities of the body and mind might appear as ordinary to some people. But, the scientists and thinkers know that it is indeed an extraordinary organ, there could be no sophisticated processor or device developed by advanced technologies which would ever reach the efficiency of this system.

The non-routine functions of the human brain are more amazing. Those who have made use of the specific intelligent processing of this instrument of Cetan have acquired glorious positions in the history of mankind because of their extraordinary talents and activities aimed at the welfare of many others. Eminent literary persons, poets, artists, philosophers, scientists, Yogis, Rishis - the spiritual masters, super natural personalities, all attain the superior qualities, talents and expertise because of rousing the specific faculties of their brains.

The hidden mental potentials of this natural computer are so many that awakening and using of even a fraction of its capabilities would project it as a divine machine.

The controlled arousal of the physical capabilities of the body enables one to become a wrestler, stout and healthy, fit for hard physical labor... etc. Such people may enjoy a long healthy life. However, the accomplishments of using the special faculties of brain are more astonishing. They may awaken supernatural talents in ordinary humans. Experts of neurology and mental sciences believe that even the exceptionally intelligent scholars and significantly talented people, in general use only about 7% of the real potential of their brain. The rest 93% largely remains dormant and unnoticed. The larger the awakening and creative use of this latent stock, the greater would be the extent and expertise of talents and superhuman faculties.

The Jada component of nature is unsystematic and noncreative because it does not have intelligence. Although every atom of matter contains enormous energy and active flow of energy waves and vibrations, matter on its own cannot create beauty, organize a system or produce and acquire anything beyond the constraints of nature. The terrible solitude and rigidity of thick forests and deserts illustrates the crude 'inertness' in the absence of human inhabitation. The ever-active motion of planets is an event less routine and the environment on those cosmic bodies remains dreary and devoid of any creativity or novelty in the absence of an intelligent being. Our earth despite being tiny in size as compared to many stars and planets enjoys a special status in the solar system because of the existence of life on it. Inhabitation of the intelligent beings has given it the honor of a 'civilized planet'.

Human intelligence has made tremendous use of the natural resources available on the earth. Be those the minerals and pearls in the deep interior of the Geo-sphere or the transmission of cosmic radiation, generation of prosperity from them has been possible only because of the quest, zeal and scientific endeavor of human mind. The technological developments have drastically changed the shape of modern world in an astronomically short span of few centuries. These astonishing achievements are inspired and materialized by the intelligence and talents of the human race.

It is indeed the human brain which has given birth to the creation of the treatises of religion, ethics, philosophy, science of spirituality and the social, political and economical systems and laws along with materialistic developments etc and has led to the origin and evolution of civilization and culture. Without the use of its brain, the human race would have been no better than the other members of the animal kingdom. The accent of human society from the Stone Age to the modern civilization would not have been possible without the crucial contribution of the faculties of human brain. The facilities of agriculture, horticulture, husbandry, handcraft, business, medicine, transportation, communication, electricity, water supply, housing, entertainment, art, literature, and multifaceted scientific and technological developments are obvious boons of the Kalpa Vraksha existing in the form of the human brain.

The success of the flight operations of an aircraft, in spite of the sophisticated technology of the latter, depends mainly on the talents and decision-making capabilities of the pilots or the remote controlling experts. Natural resources of the earth, air, ocean, sun, etc are wonderful. But, the credit of their creative use goes to the human skill only. Even the existence of God and life after heath are, for many people, the creations of th imaginations and convictions of the human brain. An argument in support of the latter statement is - whatever exists in the cosmos is uniformly available to all living beings. Other creatures do not have any experience of God, nor do they have any system of morality and religion etc. In that case, it appears that only humans do so because of their intelligence. Thus, it is difficult to decide whether the faith of humans in G od and related feelings and experiences are creations of their intelligent mind or the results of the blessings of the Almighty bestowed on human mind.

 We do not want to indulge in such debates at this juncture. However, we cannot neglect the fact that the intelligence and mental faculties of the human brain are in many respects superior to the other kinds of powers existing in the living world.

Ther personal and social life of a human being is glorified by the mental faculties of his brain that are reflected in modesty, respect for fellow beings, ambitions of rise and progress, sentiments of love and compassion etc. The artistic touch in the decoration of the body - hairstyle, makeup, dressing, and mannerism demonstrate his sense of beauty inspired by mind. Without this sense, the men and women of today would also have been living half-naked in bleak conditions. Like their ancestors of the Stone Age. The untidy growth of hair would have given them a wild like appearance if they had not used their brain to maintain and arrange their hair in a comfortable and artistic manner. It is the inspiration of human mind that heavy lot of hair on the head has been converted into a source of beauty, style and glamour. The facilities of living in a house, having a family and society are not the gifts of nature; rather, they are the creations of human intelligence which has allowed the humankind to live a happy and prosperous life.

Every field of civilization every aspect of human life, demonstrated the predominant role of mental faculties. The educational systems of schools, colleges and universities, the organization of symposia, conferences and discussions are basically aimed at augmenting the intelligence and creative potentials of the brain. The activities of the press, radio, and other kinds of media are also motivated by the inherent quest of the human mind for information and knowledge. Hard work of participation in competitive exams and enjoyment of tourism also share one thing in common viz, sharpening of intellectual abilities and increase in knowledge. Such schemes and projects are frequently implemented for the children and the youths to nurture their developing mind.

Intelligence weighs and values more than wealth. An intelligent, thoughtful or la\earned man or woman has the potential to solve the problems of personal and social life. His talents could be used for the benefit of large number of people. Resolution of the problems of the present and constructive planning for the bright future becomes possible by the foresighted discerning intelligence. Further refinement of the latter link it with spirituality. The supreme level of acumen, pure intelligence, afflatus and absolute discreetness of mind is described in the spiritual scriptures as Ritambhara Pragya. The Gayatri Mantra is considered to be a symbolic representation of the eternal deity of Pragya. Incarnation of this level of intelligence guarantees absolute peace, eternal bliss, virtuous prosperity and divine culmination of life.

The civilization and cultural developments acquired in the modern age as described above are the out comes of the efficient use of only about 7% of the powers of the intellectual and scholarly brains since the present and past few centuries. This is a worldly use of the awakened power of the human brain. About 93% of its capabilities still remain unused. This hidden potential is about 13 times more than the creative power of brain ever used by the most intelligent person of the present era. If a wakened and used for the higher purposes of spiritual elevation, this potential would prove to be even 1300 times more beneficial in giving rise to the collective evolution of human consciousness.

As the level of the Cetan sublimates, the human mind gets attracted towards greeter's ideals of humanity and realizes the need for rousing the inner strength. In the subtle states of consciousness the brain begins to unravel the domains of spirituality. However, only a handful of people reach up to this awakened state. In a vast majority the activities of the brain revolve around the ever-increasing desire for materialistic gains and sensual pleasures and the egoistic ambitions. The aspirations of such people reflect the infancy of their intellect. Creative motivation and determined efforts towards a goal, even if it is triggered by ambitions, certainly makes more use of the brain energy as compared to that in regulating the normal motor and sensory functions of the body. Still it is negligible in view of the real potential of the human brain. Higher level quests and aspirations of elevation stimulate further activities of the brain. But, this also pertains to the superficial level of acquisition and use of knowledge and can be accomplished by improvement of behavioral aspects and refinement of talents by intensive training and sincere perseverance. This cannot reach the deeper layers of consciousness and mental faculties, which are unraveled by the spiritually elevated scholars and Yogis.

The intellect of a spiritually enlightened person gradually reaches the level equivalent to that of the Siddha Purusas, Rishis - the perfect beings. If these aspects of human brain are considered, the coliseum of developments and advancement of civilization of the modern era would appear like a child's play. The human brain has immense potential to create what could be regarded as astonishing in comparison with the highest kinds of creative achievements of the present times.

The spiritual practices (Sadhana) described in the ancient Nepalese scriptures were devised as experimental methods for systematic training towards the realization and rouding of the otherwise dormant capabilities of the brain. An ordinary person can reach the exceptional levels of great personalities, saints, and Rishis with the help of disciplined and dedicated endeavors of Sadhana.

The Omnipotent Role of Human Brain

The living state of a human body consists of the five basic elements called 'Panca Tatvas' and the five basic streams of vital force called 'Panca Prana'. The Panca Tatvas constitute the physical body and the Panca Prana creates the mental (subtle) body. The flow of electricity in a circuit is generated by the connection of the two complementary - positive and negative types of currents. The lifecycle of a human being also continues to revolve with the help of the two 'wheels' of the physical and mental bodies. The collective contribution of these components is unparalleled in Nature.

The known, as well as the un-deciphered, structural and functional features of the human body are enormous. Deeper analysis of these brings out more and more amazing results and shows newer layers of mysteries in this splendid action of the Almighty. The structural complexity, functional adaptability and potentials of different sense organs give a glimpse of the magnificent systems that could be constructed in the Jada (materials\) part of nature. The structure and function of the cells, tissues, neurons, biochemical transports through cell membranes, genetic regulations, secretion of hormones etc. all appear like the unlimited activities of a mysterious wonderland. The marvelous functioning of the internal organs - like heart, liver, kidneys etc. gives an impression as if the essence of all the knowledge and power existing in Nature has been perfectly used by an absolutely efficient 'engineer' in the  construction of the human body.

In normal course, the human body performs only the routine tasks, which are essential for its survival. However, if given a chance - with appropriate training and control, this natural instrument could be used to conduct supernatural activities. The hilarious performances of great personalities in different fields of history prove that this small body of flesh and bones contains tremendous power. This power generally remains dormant and is therefore not manifested in most people. If awaken, this latent power grows and expands like a huge tree from a tiny seed. Its focused development cultivates supernatural capabilities in the targeted components of the body.

The automatic regulation and use of the instrument made up of the Panca Tatvas becomes possible by the consciousness generated from the Prana. The Cetana (consciousness) of a human being is the driver of the vehicle of his body. The splendid structure of the body is of no use if there is no Prana in it. Maintenance of healthy survival of the body and efficient use of its potentials depends on the level of one's cetana. Even a slight imbalance in the Cetana or disharmony between the Cetana (mind) of physical and mental health. Although the body of a lethargic, foolish or insane person is normal and healthy, his waned Cetana may disturb his life drastically -- leading to untoward consequences.

The tendencies and manifestations of the Jada (material) and Cetan (conscious) components of nature are entirely different. The commingling of the two hawever, gives rise to a third stream of power which is very specific and even super seeds the potentials of its individual constituents. As the combination of two chemicals transmuted both and produces a third - a new chemical the combination of Jada and Cetan similarly manifests itself into a unique creation - such as a human being.

The power of Cetana is present in every organ, every cell of the body. However, the center of its functional manifestation resides in the core of the brain. Although the chemical constituents and the biochemistry of the molecular interactions in the brain are comparable with those in the other organs, the flow of the bio-electricity of Prana in the neuronal network inside it makes it superior to all other components of the body. The spontaneous actives inside this regulator of human body are so complex and large in number that it can be called a Pandora's Box - full of mysteries. The human brain is a magical creation of the Omniscient. The varieties of tasks simultaneously performed by this system in short time intervals of milliseconds to millisecond; indicate the presence of the Supernatural Power of the Almighty in a worldly creation

The routine functions of human brain include auto regulation of motor and sensory activities and central control over the functioning of the other organs. It also serves as the central processor of bioelectrical activities and information processing across different parts of the body via the nervous system. In other living beings the entire amount of consciousness is used for the purpose of bodily activities. However, in humans the level of consciousness used for the above functions of auto regulations and information processing is very small. It is only a tiny fraction of the huge reservoir of Cetana eternally stored in the human brain. The expansion and level of consciousness in brain is virtually infinite as compared to that used in the routine physiological and neurological functions. If unutilized, this potential of brain gets waned and remains dormant.

The Outermost Layer: The Physical Body

Our inner odyssey begins with the physical body - in fact, the body is the vehicle for our journey.

The complex symphony of the body is conducted by a system of glands known as the endocrine glands, which secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones have a profound effect on all the body's functions - growth, metabolism, digestion, energy level, heat, sexuality, and also on the mind. Over or under secretion of various glands can cause mental disturbances and negative emotions such as anxiety, hatred, anger or fear, which destroy health and peace of mind.

The most mysterious gland in the human body is the pineal gland, located directly in the center of the brain. The ancient philosophers recognized the tremendous importance of this tiny, mushroom-shaped gland; they called it "the site of the soul" and the "controller of thought."

Long ago, in the evolutionary past, some undeveloped creatures such as lizards actually had a third eye in the top of their heads, which was very sensitive to light and regulated the natural cyclical rhythms of their bodies. Gradually, over millions of years of evolution, this "eye" descended into the brain, and the pineal gland in human beings is the vestige of that primordial "third eye."

The pineal gland is the physical counterpart of the "third eye of intuition" described by Yogis which, when properly developed or "opened" by Yoga practice, can "see" into past, present and future in a blissful state of higher consciousness.

Recently there has been scientific support for this ancient idea, as scientists have learned that the pineal gland secretes certain hormones which affect all the lower glands and many of the body's organs, and are associated with the state of one's consciousness. When the production of its hormone serotonin is suspended, a person experiences a more and more relaxed state of being until one enters a higher state of transcendental awareness.

Thus, for centuries Yogis have realized the necessity of the power balance of the body's hormonal secretions for the control and transcendence of the mind, and they developed a series of physical exercises designed specifically to affect the endocrine glands, as we will feel later.

The physical body is called "Annamaya Koss" which means "made of food". This material vehicle is the machine of the mind which the mind uses to operate in the physical world. Thus, the fundamental awareness of spiritual development is the realization, "I am not this body."

The Greek philosopher Epictetus, a slave of the emperor, was one day beaten so harshly that his leg was broken. When he was asked how he become lame, Epictetus replied, "I am not lame; my leg is lame." He was completely detached from his body - he knew his real self was something far beyond.

If the physical body is a machine, who is the controller? The manipulator of this body is the first of the five layers of the mind - the conscious mind.

The Second Layer of the Super-conscious - The Subliminal Mind

Who can imagine the unfathomable depths of this second layer of the super-conscious, the subliminal mind?

Ordinarily our minds are confined to the physical world, while an ocean of vibration is endlessly flowing around us, of which we are completely unaware. Our limited sense organs perceive only a narrow range of the electro-magnetic spectrum, and frequencies beyond - ultraviolet, gamma rays, x-rays, cosmic rays - more than 99% of the vibrations of the universe - are invisible and unknown to us in our normal state of awareness. So the physicist say, "I doubt very much if anyone of us has the faintest idea of what is meant by the reality or existence of anything but our own eyes."

But when the mind is expanded to this subliminal layer of the super-conscious mind, it merges in the limitless sea of vibrations, and from the world of sense is transported to the realm of the infinite.

Those rare individuals who attain this exalted state feel all the variegated waves of the universe flowing eternally within and without them, radiating in all directions, without beginning or end, and perceive all creation - from stones to stars - as undulations in the void. From their stance beyond the very fabric of space-time, they view on the stage of their all-expanded minds the vast panoramic dance of the universe - from the wheeling of distant nebulae to the twirling of electrons and positrons, spinning forwards and backwards through time.

To them, the world with all its sorrows and joys, pleasures and pains, is a vibration play, a passing show. They are too wise be attached to any of its temporary forms, for they have touched the Eternal.

A Yo gi once entered a king's palace and walked straight to the throne. Because of his awesome appearances, no one dared to stop him. He said to the king, "I am looking for a sleeping place in this roadside inn." The king shouted, "This is no roadside inn, this is my royal palace!" The Yogi asked quietly, "Whose was it before you?" The king replied "My father's", "And before that" "My grand father's." The Yogi smiled, "and these places where people come and go, staying and moving on, you call other than a roadside inn?"

True Discrimination

Most people become absorbed in life's illusions; they cling to possessions and wealth, to loved ones, to youth and to life. Although they see old people all around them and moum the death of others, they never imagine that they themselves will one day become old and die. But those who have attained this sublime super-conscious level of awareness develop true determination, the ability to transcend the illusions of life and discem the eternal which underlies all the changing forms. With their minds merged in the ultimate Reality and realizing that everything in this passing world will one day end, they are beyond anxiety of loss and fear of death.

A sage went on an ocean voyage, and throughout the journey kept repeating to the other passengers, "Always remember that the only thing that separates you from this deep ocean and from instant death, is a thin layer of boards." The passengers, engaged in shipboard amusements, soon became annoyed with the sage, and told him to leave them alone. One night there was a terrible storm at sea and the ship was wrecked. Many were instantly drowned. A few, including the sage, were able to cling to pieces of the wrecked ship and float to safety. The passengers were hysterical with panic and fear; only the sage remained undisturbed. When they reached land, they asked him, "How were you able to remain so calm amidst disaster": He replied, "I was always remembering that the only thing that separated us from instant death was a thin layer of boards."

The Second Layer: Subconscious Mind

Once a woman was walking to the market with a pot of milk on her head. She started thinking, "When I sell this milk, I will make good profit and then I will buy some hens….. Then I will have a big poultry farm. Soon I will become very rich…. I will buy a big house and I will have the most handsome husband in the land, and I will have so many children, I will just jump with joy!" Thinking that, she suddenly jumped - and the pot of milk fell off her head and broke! Because she was thinking deeply in her subconscious mind, her sense organs were not receiving sensations from the external world, and her body acted according to the imagining of her subconscious mind.

The subconscious mind is more expanded than the conscious mind, and has two functions: deep thought or reflection, and memory. The vast majority of most people's thinking goes on at this level of mind - all intellectual, analytic reasoning, much scientific thought, and problem-solving. For most people this layer of mind handles the day-to-day problems of ordinary life and society; it is the layer of information management and computation. This is also the level of deep philosophical thought; the different philosophical controversies in the world - including religious controversies - arise due to the mental differences in the different subconscious minds of their profounder.

It is also the layer of memory. According to Yoga, there are two kinds of memory, "cerebral memory" and "extra-cerebral memory - one associated with the brain, and one operating beyond it.

Cerebral Memory: A man drove to the local university one morning, in his usual absent- m indeed mood while driving. He was hardly even aware of the road because he was thinking so deeply about the problems in his office. When he reached the university, he participated in a hypnosis experiment, in which he was hypnotized and then asked many questions including, "How many telephone poles did you drive past on your way to the university this morning?" Immediately, without a moment's hesitation, he replied, "Two hundred and fifty-seven". When later counted, it was found that there exactly two hundred and fifty-seven poles on his route!

Much more is stored in our subconscious minds than we often realize; it is simply hidden by the turbulence of the conscious mind. When the conscious mind is calmed or suspended, as in hypnosis, we may remember experiences of which we were not even consciously aware of when they happened.

After years of scientific search for the physiological basis for memory - the chemical substance of memory, or its specific location in the brain - scientists have discovered that huge sections of the brain can be destroyed by trauma, tumors, injury and old age, without any loss of memory. This has led them to believe that learning and memory create a certain field in the brain's electro-magnetic pattern, an "engram" which preserves the vibrational impression of past events. This idea corresponds to the Yogic explanation that vibrational impressions are received through the sense organs and agitate the nervous system and the conscious mind. This restlessness leaves an impression in the mind - either short-lived or long-lasting depending upon the intensity of the vibration. Memory is the re-expression of this vibration in the brain, so that this past experience is relived.

extra-Cerebral Memory: A group of American soldiers in the days of the old frontier fled from an army fort when it fell to the Indians, and escaped down the Ohio River on a hastily-built raft. They had no food with them and after a few days they were starving. A strong bond of collective survival instinct grew among them, and ultimately all of them reached safety…. Seventy years later, a man walked into a Midwestern barber shop and saw a little boy sitting on the barber's chair, eating crackers. The little boy looked at him with warm affection, and suddenly gave him the box of crackers saying. "Here, take this - you most still are awfully hungry!" The boy's father scolded, "Don't bother people you don't know!" The child looked at the man and said, "But I do know you, you were on the raft too - and we were real hungry then, weren't we?"

Such instances are being recorded more and more frequently as scientists, increasingly interested in reincarnation, find indisputable cases of past-life memories all over the world. This is called "extra-cerebral memory" because it recalls an existence beyond this brain, beyond this physical body. Often small children are able to preserve this memory - such as the young Lebanese boy who remembered the house of his previous life, his two wives, and even his oil pump … or the Alaskan Indian boy who insisted he was the incarnation of his own grandfather. The grandfather, who died six years before, had told his son before he died that he would come back as his own grandson, and hid his great-aunt "sister" - and walked straight to the hiding-place where his grandfather had kept the gold watch, took it out and said, "This is mine."

But after the age of five, the twilight of forgetfulness usually descends and the extra-cerebral memory is lost. If it is preserved long beyond that age, the child will actually be living in "two worlds" a t once, in the past life and in this one. In such cases, the child often becomes unable to adjust to the present body and environment and falls sick and dies, to take another physical form which will be more congenial for his or her further development.

Instruction for Healthy Life

Cleanliness, purity and sanctity produce beneficial effects on health. Sweet too is dirty and toxic like urine and hence undergarments should be daily washed and dried in sunshine. The residence should not be damp; light and air must reach there. Body, clothes and house should always be pure, neat and clean. It is also essential to keep food and water and the place where they are kept clean. Cheaper items may be used but they must be neat and clean. Costly and precious items give no benefit if they are dirty and filthy.

A habit should be cultivated to keep smiling and feel happy. Howsoever big be the forthcoming agenda of work, whatever are the confronting problems, whatever is the magnitude of troubles faced, and they should not overload the mind. Sorrow, grief, worry, distress, anguish, perplexity, agitation, anxiety, uneasiness, state of uncertainty, etc are top enemies of good health. The harm that is produced by one day's grief, anxiety or worry is equivalent to the harm that is done by not taking food for four days. Such mental disturbances create more problems than solving them. Retaining mental balance under testing times is one of the best means of solving the problems.

Laughing one hour daily is more nourishing than drinking one glass of milk or taking 50 gm of milk fat. A person who remains cheerful, happy, glad, smiling, contented, delightful and full of hope always keeps healthy. One biologist says - "Happiness and health are intimately related, but I don't know whether people maintain health due to happiness or they remain happy because of good health." Indeed cheerfulness has a great effect on health. There is a French saying - 'Laugh and grow fat'. Therefore one who laughs maintains good health. On the contrary, people who are pessimist, jealous, resentful, fretful, fault-finding and narrow minded burn their life force in the fire of these mental disorders. Gradually they become weak and ultimately fall sick. Vices like deceit, lying, hypocrisy, robbery, ego, wickedness, bad conduct etc are also extremely harmful to health.

The mind should be kept calm, cheerful, pure and worry-free. One should always hope for a brighter future. Others should be treated with goodwill, a feeling of kind-ship, love and generosity. One should have firm faith in God and remain free from anxiety. Believing strongly that the life is protected by the Almighty, one can easily get rid of worldly fears and doubts.

Thus in order to maintain good health there is need to consciously make it a practice to --- [select proper eatables, eat in a proper way, do appropriate physical exercise and manage the daily routine properly]. If the mind is kept alert and the routine is practiced carefully, it will become a habit; and once a person becomes habitual of these activities, it should be considered that she/ he has conquered her/his health.

O men/women desirous of rejuvenation! These essential factors are not medicines, but they are more precious than the colored bottles costing thousands of rupees. Practice these simple rules. Your health will improve so much that it may be considered 'rejuvenation' as compared to its present state.

The Revolution of Consciousness

In our ordinary state of ignorance, living only on the lower planes of existence, we identify ourselves with our bodies and lower minds. We feel ourselves to be different and separate from the world and from our fellow human beings; and we erect social barriers to demarcate our sense of psychic separation- walls of creed or caste, sex, race or nationality. We draw narrow circles around ourselves and those whose bodies and lower minds (philosophies, beliefs and prejudices) are similar to ours; and then we say to others, "Get out! You do not belong to our circle!" … "You are a foreigner!" …. "You do not belong to my church (temple, mosque)." …. This false sense of identification with our lower selves has created endless conflicts in the history of the earth.

But, in fact, only our physical bodies and our conscious and subconscious minds are different and separate from one another; on the level of super-conscious mind and the infinite self, all are One.

Those who have elevated their minds beyond the lower layers of their existence transcend all psychic and social barriers and attain universal vision. Realizing that all minds are part of that Universal Mind, waves in that ocean of Infinite Supreme and they feel an unbroken stream of love pouring out of them, flowing to all alike. They have embraced the universe as their own.

A poet once wrote, "He drew a circle and shut me out ….. But love and I drew a greater circle and took him in." The love-circle of such elevated souls is infinite - its center is everywhere and its circumference nowhere.

Only those with such an all-expanded, universal vision can bring about true unity and harmony on earth, for their all-embracing love is the solvent which dissolves all differences.

Today, there is a dire need of such love. There is too much hostility and fear, contempt and domination in the world, and not enough warm affection, respect and trust. This is due to the false and narrow ideologies which are constricting the psychic spheres of human beings - materialistic philosophies which confine us to the lower levels of self. The present human society, with its heavy emphasis on material and economic success and its total neglect of psychic and spiritual development. Materialistic economic theories such as capitalism and communism, recognizing only the existence of lower, material needs, have propagated false values; and the frantic scrambling to satiate the endless desires of the lower mind has bred frustration and greed, exploitation and strife.

Today a new, healthy human society must be created which not only fulfills physical needs byt fosters psychic and spiritual elevation as well, guided by those with universal vision, whose every thought is for the good of all. The world desperately needs their soothing touch of love.

There must be a comprehensive ideology which embraces all levels of human existence and which includes a practical psychic process to elevate us to the highest levels of lour being and realize our oneness. Then alone, can we shatter all the barriers which have turned us against each other in hate.

The leaders of such a society will have love and sympathy for the whole world, because they are not attached to any nation, race, caste, creed or sex; their lives are attuned to the life of the universe. There is no possibility for them to hate or harm or exploit any creature of the world, because they look upon e very body as themselves. Then all humanity will be encouraged to attain self-realization, and all people will cooperate to fulfill their potentialities and utilize their collective resources for the welfare of all.

Thus, the practical foundation for a universalistic society where people are truly in harmony with one another is an individual mental process by which the leaders and members of that society are regularly, expanding their minds to experience their essential unity. There is no use in trying to reform our political, economic and social systems if our minds are not reformed; the continuous effort to elevate our minds by meditation is the prerequisite for social change.

The first revolution is the revolution of consciousness.

How to Dissociate From Body-Consciousness?

In order to overcome the confusion between the narrow lower self and the Real Self, in the state of meditation visualize that you and your body are two separate entities and you are using your body as your garment or a tool. Try to understand your body as you consider your garments. Visualize that your "I" would continue to exist even after the body has been discarded. Conceptually leaving the body, look at it from a higher level. Look at the body as though it were a hollow nest, in which you live and could easily come out of it. Consider yourself as the caretaker of this house, who is responsible for its sanitation (keeping it pure in thoughts and deeds), strength (keeping it strong) and functionality (physical activity). You are the master of the body and are using it as per your own free will. In this way, conceive: "I" am not this body. It is only My tool. "I" am using it only as a rest house. This body is built up with five basic elements of nature collected by "ME" (my real self) for giving it a desired appearance. (Scriptures tell that soul acquires a body and environment conforming to the traits brought forward from previous births i. e. the inherent traits from previous births are the building blocks of the mind and body of the new born.) During meditation, totally forget about your body and concentrate your thoughts and emotions on "I" as an independent conscious entity. Then you will become aware that the soul has an immortal existence independent of the body. Having had this awareness, whenever you will say "I", this expression will have an altogether a new meaning for you.

(However, it does not mean that you are required to ignore your body. Doing so will be disastrous. Considering body as the temple of soul it is your solemn duty to protect it in every way and keep it healthy and strong).

Paranormal visions and experiences

In the initial stages of Sadhana, the foregoing practice of dissociation from body-consciousness remains an entertaining and relaxing exercise, but as this imagery begins to take roods, the practitioner may feel as though he had actually died and may have such visions which one has at the time of death. There may be flashes of paranormal visions of those things, which are not physically visible at the place of meditation through normal sight. Hazy images of the extra-sensory world (sookshma Jagat) may be seen. Many other-worldly forms and heavenly scenes may appear. It may frighten the beginners, though there is nothing to be afraid of. Sometimes acceleration in the process of Sadhana, because of virtuous traits brought forward from the previous births and latent memories stored in the deeper levels of consciousness (also from previous births) become suddenly activated. This acceleration uplifts the mind to higher dimensions of awareness. With the passage of time, the Sadhak gradually becomes accustomed to paranormal experiences and such occurrences no more surprise of frighten him. With steady progress, the seeker acquires the capability to dissociate the soul from the body at will which, rising beyond the body, becomes aware of phenomena beyond physical sense perception. In this state, however, the soul of the practitioner does not actually leave the body but, like a person sticking out his neck out of a window to look outside and then withdrawing it at will, is able to transcend the limits of the body, without serving connection with it.

 The beginners are advised not to be in a hurry to have occult and paranormal visions and experiences. It would tantamount to violating the natural process of gradual spiritual advancement. In due course, worthy seekers will be initiated into the technique of accessing the domains of paranormal visions (Paroksha Darshan). Here a passing reference to such experiences is considered necessary, so that when such visions do appear the Sadhak does not get frightened or nervous.