Yoga Shiksha and Chikitsa Kendra

Vedic ‘Rishies’-seers in their search of ultimate ‘Truth’ (reality) of this universe, faced such questions as how this universe came to existence? And who created it? They realised that there are two eternal elements-‘Chetan’ (Chit), though inactive- doing nothing by himself but enlightens Prakruti. He infuses ‘Chetana’-consciousness and stimulates the second element ‘Prakruti’ to action. This second element Prakruti is inert in nature but starts moving like an iron metallic piece in the vicinity of a magnet. Both these basic elements play their part in the creation of this universe. They, independently, are non-manifest. Prakruti is composed of three gunas –Satva, Rajas and Tamas. When they are in equilibrium, the Prakruti remains non-manifest but when inspired by ‘Chetan’, they become active (their equilibrium is disturbed) - creation starts and this Universe comes into existence, which is unstable i.e. ever changing in form. ‘Prakruti’ in essence is not real though appears to be real. Due to this Prakruti only, this objective universe appears real. As a matter of fact, it derives all its powers from ‘Chetan’. In ‘Chetan’ only, it creates infinite forms and figures by its illusionary powers. It is ‘Jada’-static by nature and potent with complete (full) knowledge of this universe.

Yoga is one of six distinct and main Vedic philosophies. Kapil’s Sankhya philosophy describes twenty four tatwas (components) of this ‘Prakruti’ and a twenty fifth Tatwa - ‘Chit-Tatwa’ i.e. pure Chetan Tatwa( i.e. Kevala - ‘One’-Only One) Nirpeksh - unconcerned and Sakshi- conscious witness with no attributes of Gunanas, but when covered by illusionary and divisive powers of Prakruti called Avidya (Ajyana) i.e. ignorance (ignorance of self),which is five fold-Avidya, asmita ,raga, dwesha & abhinivesh of Yoga, it attains false sense of ‘Ego’ of being a doer of all actions- karmas- and also an enjoyer of the fruits of those Karmas and thus suffers with three types of Taap- Adhibhoutie, Adhidaivic and Adhyatmic due to this illusion. In Sankhya, no elaborate systematic practical Sadhana for self realisation has been given except that of Tatwa- Abhyasa through Nirvishaya- Dhyana or non-objective meditation. Yoga is the practical way to attain the objective of Sankhya.

In words of Patanjali, there are four states of mind- Kshipta, Vikshipta, Ekagra (concentrated) and Samahita (mental state of “Yogi”, who has attained Samprajyanta Samadhi i.e. mind completely absorbed in an object of concentration/ meditation). A fifth state of mind mentioned is Asamprajyanta Samadhi, when the mind is completely absorbed in ‘self’. Yoga is a practical & scientific system to achieve step by step from a common man’s Vikshipta mind to that state of mind where nothing remains unknown and no power is beyond his reach i.e. Asamprajyat- Samadhi.

Philosophically, Yoga and Sankhya of Kapila Muni are similar. They both accept 24 tatwas of inert- Jada- Prakruti and one Chetan Tatwa. Jeeva is also Chetan tatva attached to Prakruti due to ‘Avidya’-ignorance of self, hence remains under bondage of Prakruti. In this state of consciousness Chetana (chaitanya) is called –Jeeva, the individual soul. Ishwara-chetan Tatwa–Purush- Vishesha of Patanjali-Yoga, a 26th Tatwa-so-to-say, is not bound by ignorance. He is Sakshi Purush, free of any bondage of karmas-deeds and their fruits and so free of the cycle of berth and death also. He is the all time Guru- Teacher. He helps all seekers of self-realisation. Thus according to Patanjali even Drista- Purusha-Jeeva ( Jeeva Tatwa) by abhyas and Vairagyna can get ‘Vivek-Jyana i.e. discriminative knowledge of Chetan Tatwa & Prakruti, and thus can also be a free soul as Ishwara. He can realise Kaivalya. Kevala state of Chetana, that being the supreme and the only Chetana.

Hatha Yoga is a particular system of Yoga as described by Yogi Swatmarama, compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika in 15th century in India. Hatha Yoga differs substantially from the Raja Yoga of Patanjali in that it focuses on shatkarma for the purification of the physical body as leading to the purification of the mind (ha), and prana, or vital energy (tha). Compared to the seated asana, or sitting meditation posture, of Patanjali's Raja yoga, it marks the development of asanas into the full body 'postures' now in popular usage. Hatha Yoga in its many modern variations is the style that many people associate with the word "Yoga" today. Hatha- Yoga also aims at ‘Samadhi’ for achieving Moksha by purification of physical body through shat- karma and pranic-body and mind-stuff by activating ‘Pranic’ force- Pran- Shakti through various types of Pranayama. When activated, this ‘Shakti’ ascends through ‘Sushumna-Nadi’-Spinal Cord i.e. main spinal nerve. It, then, activates all the chakras-plexes in the spinal-cord step by step and reaches to the top-‘Sahasrar’ Chakra-‘Sahasra-dal-Kamal’ where it rests. Once activated and starts ascending, this ‘Shakti’ takes charge of the Sadhaka-the seeker and the Sadhana. The sadhaka has only to continue his sadhana regularly, systematically and arduously under the expert guidance of his Guru.

Yoga has both its preventive and therapeutic cures over ailing mind and body. Yoga helps solving all the problems associated with the body, like:

• increases flexibility in muscles and various muscular joints,
• spinal stiffness and weakness,
• recovers back aches, disc- slip and cervical sodalities,
• stimulates glands and endocrinal system,
• thickening of walls of blood vessels, blockade by cholesterol and blood clots
• proper blood circulation,
• recovers breathing disorder from contraction of parts of respiratory system,
• boosts immune response,
• decreases cholesterol, diabetes,
• maintains blood pressure level,
• increases the stamina and immune power,
• maintains a balance and grace all over and gives strength to all body parts,
• develops over-all personality and self confidence,
• develops harmonious aptitude towards society, eco-system and environment, & over all it brings real happiness in one’s own life and life around.

Doctors around the world have echoed that Hatha yoga can relieve a number of potential life threatening diseases like arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, AIDS, diabetes, asthma, obesity etc.

Yoga bends over all human beings of all ages with positive and happy effect.

• For children yoga is fun which enhances better memory, better concentration level, physical fitness and discipline of mind.
• For teenagers, yoga helps them to restore their youthful energies and chanalise into constructive work.
• It creates a positive vibe around the youngster thereby preventing any negative influence and helps him to regain his inner strength.
• In old age, yoga plays a vital role in recovering from severe ailments and any muscular complications. It helps aged person to lead a normal happy stress free life.
• During pregnancy till a certain period (early months) under able guidance, yoga helps a mother during pregnancy to cope up with the stress and fatigue thereby resuming her energies and happiness. Yoga also promotes good health to the child in her womb.
• Yoga is helpful in modern living as it counteracts numerous problems of modern existence.
• Daily performance of Asanas, Yoga –Kriyaas and Pranayama will uplift physical condition of a person and regular meditation increases his power of concentration and unfolds other latent spiritual powers.
• Yoga as a philosophy of life and also a practical life system helps a person in every sphere of life and at every stage. It draws one out of any suffering, sorrow, depression and showers happiness, contentment and bliss.

While your body remains in tune with your selves (physical, mental, spiritual) you start to establish a harmonious relationship with your inner self, thereby gaining a complete knowledge of one-self. This is what Yoga aims at – Complete ‘self-development’ and total ‘self-realisation’. Thus the mind is purified to be immersed in complete self-knowledge, which results in perfect and virtuous living that every person craves for.

In the light of above narrations about Yoga and its useful ness for humanity, we aim at:

• To train people of all age groups in different aspects-simple techniques of Yoga useful for maintaining sound physical & mental health and develop immune power against common modern diseases and to inspire them to imbibe human values in their daily life,
• To help people to come out of their physical sufferings, which are either due to ill health or physical weaknesses or diseases?,
• To help people to come out of their psychic problems and in maintenance of their mental health,
• To help aspirants in their spiritual pursuits for self- realisation.

In the tradition of Yogeshwar Ramlal, Mukakhraj and Devi Dayalji, our faith is that the “Supreme Self” is the Only ‘Truth’ of this Creation and non-creation one (manifested and non-manifested reality). He is called Parbrahman-Paresh-Param-Shiva and is Shantateet, Nish-shabda-Nish-spanda potent and one with Para & Apara Shakti i.e. non-distinct in this state. All the creation- Sad & Asad are present in him in this Shant-state. He creates this entire universe from within and in himself only. So he is the creator and the creation also. In reality, there is ‘abheda’. Truth (Reality) is non-distinct. Because of his will-Leela the creation and destruction goes on every moment in this world of illusion because this whole objective world is ever changing its forms and is not static, however, it is also not quite unreal because the real content is Brahman- Himself who, because of His will, is manifesting himself in this world. Every thing is possible for him even which may appear illogical to our mind. Why he does so?, the answer is for his Leela- a play of his manifestation to himself and for himself or who else is there to see his ‘Leela’ of creation.

For achieving our above mentioned aims and objects, we take help of different yogic –practices under Hath Yoga such as asanas, yoga-kriyas for purification and strengthening of body. We take help of various techniques of Pranayama for purification and revitalizing vital organs of body and various glands helping better circulation of blood in all vital parts and body as a whole. Vital pranic energy is thus infused reaching all the nerves of the nervous system, senses and every vital organ. For mental health of Sadhakas and also for treating psychic ailment and weakness, we take help of Yogic-Mudras, Mantra-Yoga, Laya Yoga & Bhakti Yoga, being various parts of Yogic meditation (contemplation). Karma-Yoga (Nishkam Seva) is the core of teachings of Yogeshwar ‘Ramlal mahaprabhu’ which not only purifies the Sadhaka but also equally helpful for our society. It leaves a very positive and inspirational effect on our society and environment.

We believe that the causes of all ailments are, as mentioned in Ayurveda and in general due to imbalance in the three ‘Dosha’s’ i.e. Vat, Pitta and Kafa, which is first caused by climatic, seasonal and weather changes in the nature out side and their reaction inside our bodies and also caused by unhealthy food habits and life style. Firstly, it could be balanced by understanding the nature and its effects on our bodies & side by side with the knowledge of suitable adjustments necessary in food and behavior to counter these ill effects. If necessary, we take help of local herbs and seasonal vegetables & fruits. Aurvedic herbal and other classical formations (combinations) are also taken help of as and when necessary. It has been experienced that modern medicines do help to sub-side the symptoms of diseases, but rarely have any cure, that too without any side effect.

Taking advantage of the modern science, we take help of pathological investigations, X-Rays and Ultra Sound photos, etc. and testing / investigative systems for diagnosis of ailments. However, as far as our patients are concerned, they come to us generally with their medical test reports on their first visit itself. We do suggest to take the help of kind ‘Nature’ –her basic five elements-clay (Earth), water, air, agni (Sun-light), and open sky (akash). God, the all-mighty (called Sad-Guru in Yoga), the best healer & always passionate to help every one who-so-ever calls on him, is our best and first source of all cures and treatment given to our patients.