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Part 3 on Control of Mind

From the Bhakti List Archives

Ramanbil • October 2, 1998 


Dear Bhagavatas:
Presented below is Part 3 on Control of Mind
Dasoham
Anbil Ramaswamy
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MARKANDEYA PURANA XXXVI-15 defines a `Matra' as the time required for winking
of the eyelids or for uttering a syllable. 

BRIHAD YOGI YAGNAVALKYA SMRITHI VII-12 also defines `Matra' as the time
required for making a sound thrice by the middle finger and thumb or for
moving the hand once around the knee and the thigh and 64 Matras as equal to
48 seconds. also defines `Matra' as the time required for making a sound
thrice by the middle finger and thumb or for moving the hand once around the
knee and the thigh and 64 Matras as equal to 48 seconds.

YOGASUTRA II-49 portrays the yogic breathing as the cessation of the movement
of Svasa (inhalation) and Prasvasa (exhalation). In resting condition our
respiration (both inhalation and exhalation) takes place 15 times per minute.

YOGAKUNDALI UPANISHAD I-19,20 also describes Prana as the vital air which acts
as a ' bio- motor' that flows in the body. The individual Prana is in constant
touch with the perennial supply of the Universal life -- force.

SVATMARAMA'S HATAYOGA PRADIPIKA (LIGHT ON HATA YOGA) II 72-73 proceeds to
describe `Ayama' as Kumbaka  both `Sahita' ( with) and `Kevala'.  ( without)

YOGA YAGNA VALKYA IV-2 speaks of yogic breath in terms of unification of
`Prana' and `Apana'. 

VISHNU PURANA (6.7 - 40) categorically states that yogic breathing is a
technique which brings under control all that is connected with `Prana.'

MARKANDEYA PURANA XXXVI-12 describes Pranayama as the technique of making the
Prana and Apana silent.

Whereas the `Asanas' are not being followed strictly except by the students of
Yoga classes or those undergoing yoga therapy, the Pranayama forms an integral
part of the daily rituals of the `twice -- born,' three times a day at
sunrise, at noon and at sunset. The Pranayama to become efficacious has to be
performed with the pronouncement of the Pranayama Mantra in whispering
decibles audible only to the practitioner.

GORAKSHA PADDATI I.93 says that even Brahma takes recourse to the practice of
Pranayama as a result of his fear of death.

DARSHANOPANISHAD V II-12  strictly lays down that Pranayama should be
continued That we can achieve with breath control what we cannot without it
can be evidenced from a simple day to day experience. throughout one's
lifetime. Together, these two ensure equilibrium of the body functions. While
living, the mind keeps the Prana within the body; at death, both mind and
Prana leave the body together.

In Christianity they advocate closing of the eyes perhaps for fear of external
distractions. Hinduism advises that the eyes be half open and focussed on the
tip of the nose while concentrating on the Mantra so that both internal
imaginings and external disturbances could be held at bay.
(To Continue)
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