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To cleanse the psyche from the dirt of animal impulses, carnal desires, and such
other pernicious bad habits it is essential to know the sources of uncleanliness
and its modus operandi. Once we know this, the process of cleansing becomes easy
and efficient. We can discuss the process applying the ancient methodology of
Yoga as well as that of modern science.
Our glandular system consists
of two types of glands-- exocrine and endocrine, the latter being ductless. Their
products (called hormones) flow directly into the bloodstream and are distributed
by it. The complex of endocrine system includes pineal, pituitary, thyroids, para-thyroids,
thymus, adrenals, gonads and pancreatic islets. They participate in every bodily
function and have profound influence upon the mental states, and tendencies, attitudes,
emotions and behavioural patterns of every individual. The quality of our existence
necessitates that there must be some built in mechanism through which our subtle
spiritual self can exercise its authority and control the grosser elements of
the physical body. This mechanism must translate the code of intangible and imperceptible
forces of the psyche into a form of crude power which can function through the
nerves and muscles of the body. Such a mechanism is located in the endocrine glands.
They are the inter-communicating transformers between the psychical and the physical
cells. The known methods of intercommunication are electrical impulses of the
nerve action and the chemical reaction of the hormones and neuro-hormones. The
endocrines are therefore aptly named psychic centres.
So far we had
believed that the brain was the source of energy and the place from which the
psychic forces acted. But now we know that it is only a repository of memories.
The endocrine system is the seat of the impulses and emotions of an individual.
Endocrine and the nervous systems are two very important systems of our body.
Function of both these systems is to integrate the organism. Close collaboration
between the two systems governs mental states, behaviour and habits. The functional
interlocking between both qualify them to be regarded as constituting a single
integrated system called neuro-endocrine system. It is this system which comprises
the subconscious mind and profoundly influences psychological behaviour and tendencies
of the conscious mind. It is, therefore, obvious that to cleanse the psyche by
removing psychological distortions such as cruelty, retaliation, fear, etc. from
our habits, we have to find means of transforming the nature of the chemical messengers
i.e. the hormones. The above-mentioned psychological distortions originate in
the adrenals, while the sex-impulses are produced in the gonads.
We
can put the same facts in the language of Chaitanya-kendras-psychic centres.
The following table shows the relation between the endocrines and the Chaitanya-kendras
Endocrines
Chaitanya-kendras
pineal Jyoti-kendra Pituitary Darsana-kendra
Thyroids Visuddhi-kendra
Thymus Ananda-kendra
Adrenals Taijasa-kendra
Gonads
Svasthya- kendra and Sakti-kendra
Constant
triggering and overaction of the lower endocrines viz. adrenals and gonads result
in pernicious bad habits affecting our physical and mental health.
Development
of the upper endocrines alone can modify the synthesization of the endocrine output,
and weaken the intensities of the primal drives, thus making them controllable.
Constant and regular practice of Chaitanya-kendra preksa results in establishing
firm control of the reasoning mind over all actions. The cumulative effect of
developing the reasoning mind, and weakening the forces of the primal drives would
ultimately bring about the desirable transformation in mental behaviour and habits.
Svasa preksa, Sarira Preksa and Chaitanya kendra preksa are
tools for developing the power of reasoning mind. Once the authority of the fully-developed
reasoning mind is established, it would prevent the recurrence of the old injurious
habits.
On the eternal spiritual level, we shall be able to gain self-mastery
and attain infinite compassion, bliss and happiness. |