Main steps
in Practical Training
The following are the main steps in practical training :
1. Yogic Physical Exercises : To give exercise to
all muscles, limbs, and other external organs.
2. Yogic Asanas : To give exercise to
deep-seated organs and control their activity.
3. Pranayam : Conscious control and
regulation of breath results in determination and increase of will-power;
control on the autonomic nervous system is reached.
4. Relaxation (with self-awareness) (Kayotsarga)
: To make the mind and body free from physical (muscular), mental
(nervous) and emotional tensions.
5. Preksha Dhyan : It is a process of awakening
one's own reasoning mind (viveka) and thereby control one's
passions and emotions. It is based on the principle of engaging one's mind
by concentrating on perception rather than on thought. The perception,
again, is that of internal phenomena of consciousness and not that of
external objects. It is a technique of seeing one's inner self. It
consists of : Regulation and ultimate control of (a) respiratory and other
physiological functions, (b) nervous system, (c) endocrine (ductless
glands) system and (d) subtle inherent vibrations which produce passions.
Practice of self-observation unravels the mysteries of the
unconscious mind and brings about catharsis. The technique balances and
harmonizes the endocrine system, which in turn controls the nervous
system. This results in equilibrium of the Neuro-Endocrine System.
On Physical Level : Preskha
helps each cell to revitalize itself; it facilitates digestion; it makes
respiration more efficient, it improves circulation and quality of blood.
On Mental Level : Preksha
becomes a methodology to train the mind to concentrate; it cleans and
relaxes the mind; it offers a way to treat serious psychosomatic illnesses
without drugs; it is an efficient exercise in self-discipline leading to
the end of addiction and other bad habits; it leads to what lies beyond
the conscious mind.
On Emotional Level : The active
functioning of reasoning mind controls reactions to environmental
conditions, situations and behaviour of others, harmonization of the
functioning of nervous and endocrine systems results in control and
ultimate eradication of fear, jealousy, anger, lust and sexual perversion.
On Spiritual Level : The firm
control of the reasoning mind, regulation and transformation of
blood-chemistry through proper blending of the neuro-endocrinal secretions
and production of dispassionate internal vibrations lead to attain
infinite compassion, equanimity, bliss and happiness.
(i) Perception of Breathing
Preksha-dhyan includes the
following exercises
(a) Complete scientific breathing through the proper
functioning of diaphragm; long, deep and rhythmic breathing with total
awareness; use of full vital capacity.
(b) Breathing through alternate nostrils (together with
holding of breath).
(ii)
Perception of Body
Concentration on each part of the body for perceiving the
subtle vibrations and sensations taking place even on the cellular level.
(iii) Internal Trip (through the spinal cord and brain)
(Antaryatra)
Perception of the Sushumna (spinal cord) and
the cerebral cortex.
(iv) Perception of Psychic Centres
The specific centres in the body where consciousness is
more active and which are interconnected with the endocrine glands and
nervous plexuses.
(v)
Perception of Psychic Colours
Visualization of selected Colours while concentrating the
mind on different psychic centres. Such practice is found to be
unbelievably effective to produce internal changes in subtle consciousness
levels.
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