Souvenir of the CME on Sleep, Consciousness and Meditation.

Department of Physiology & CYTER, MGMCRI - Puducherry | 3
Chief Patron
Shri MK Rajagoplan
Chairman, Sri Balaji Educational and Charitable Public Trust
Prof. Rajaram Pagadala
Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
Prof. N Ananthakrishnan
Prof. KA Narayan
Dr. S Ravichandran
Organizing Secretary
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Prof. Arun Chandra Singh
Prof. K Henri Balraj
Dr. T Jeneth Berlin Raj
Prof. K Henri Balraj
Dr. Selvakumar
Dr. B Prem
Prof. KR Sethuraman
Patrons
Vice Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
Prof. S Krishnan
Prof. Nirmal Coumare
Prof. AR Srinivasan
Treasurer
Mr. S Vasanthan
Prof. Sudha Rao
Mrs. AN Uma
Dr. K Ramya
Mr. S Vasanthan
Dr. H Vishnupriya
Mrs. M.Latha
Advisory Panel
Organizing Chairman
Prof. Madanmohan
Core Team
Prof. Ramesh
Prof. K Jaiganesh
Mrs. Meena Ramanathan
Members
Dr. R Sobana
Dr. Richa Gupta
Mr. Uthiravelu
Mr. Danushapnadesh

4 | Department of Physiology & CYTER, MGMCRI - Puducherry
INDEX
CME on Sleep, consciousness and meditation: Neurophysiological correlates 2014
Page No
Messages 5
From the desk of the Organizing Chairman 14
From the desk of the Organizing Secretary 15
Programme schedule of CME 16
Prof. K R Sethuraman - Spiritual Factor in Healing 17
Prof. Madanmohan - Neurophysiological Basic of Conscious Behavior 20
Prof. Harsha N.Halahall - Neural Correlates of Consciousness 22
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani - Therapeutic Potential of Meditation 24
Prof. P.N.Ravindra - Neurophysiological Correlates of Sleep and Meditation 26
Dr. Ambarish V - Meditation and Immunomodulation 27
Yoga Chemmal Meena Ramanathan - Meditation : The Inner Yoga 29
Mayo Clinic Staff - Meditation : A Simple, Fast way to Reduce Stress 35
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani - Learning the Art of Relaxation 39
Prof. T.M.Srinivasan - Healing and Consciousness : From Relativity to Reality 51
Prof. T.M.Srinivasan - From Meditation to Dhyana 67
Cme-Cum-Workshop On Yoga & Lifestyle Disorders 2013 - A Brief Report 69
Photo Gallery 75

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
CME on “Sleep, consciousness and meditation: Neurophysiological correlates’” by the department of
Physiology and centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER) will be an eye opener not only to the
Medical fraternity but also to the common man.
The topic needs to be understood by us all to solve the mysteries about sleep.
I am sure the programme will be well appreciated by the participants. I wish the organizers, all success in
their efforts.
Shri M.K. Rajagopalan,
Chairman
SBECT

MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
I am extremely delighted to note that Department of Physiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College
and Research Institute and Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research (CYTER) is organizing a CME on
“Sleep, consciousness and Meditation Neurophysiological correlates’ on 27th November 2014.
State of consciousness are a subjective perceptual experience and therefore difficult to define. The topic
chosen namely Sleep, consciousness and meditation is complex and needs to be understood by us all.
I am sure the CME programme is going to be beneficial to all of us. At this juncture, I appreciate the
Department of Physiology and CYTER for taking up a challenging topic and wish them success in their academic
journey.
Prof PAGADALA RAJARAM.
Chancellor,
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
“New ideas in science are induced by new discoveries and at the present time it seems to me that the most potent
factor in promoting new discoveries has been the introduction of some new technique, some new tool, that could be used for
exploring natural phenomena.” - Lord Adrian, a biologist.
To an uninformed person, “Conscious Sleep” seems to be a funny oxymoron. However, “Yoga Nidra” or
“Yogic Sleep” is a state of deep relaxation in which one leaves the waking state, go past the dreaming state, and en-ter
into the deep sleep state, while remaining fully awake and alert. This state of awareness is extremely beneficial,
both for releasing stress, and for the joy of spiritual experiences.
Developments in electronics and bio-medical engineering since the ‘60s have made it possible for us to
document and study yogic sleep. These studies, first recorded at the Menninger Foundation in USA in 1971 pro-vided
scientific evidence of the existence of a fourth state of unified, transcendental consciousness, which lies at the
transition between sensory and sleep consciousness (wakefulness, dream-state and deep-sleep are the well-known
three states).
The importance of learning voluntary control of internal states can hardly be overstated. Such voluntary
control of bodily functions may have significant outcomes: the elimination of warts through hypnosis is now a
well-established fact and is possibly due to diminution of regional blood flow. Similarly, voluntary diminution of
blood flow supplying cancerous growth might be feasible. This would be a challenging area for research and might
lead to an understanding of some of the presently unknown factors responsible for spontaneous remission of ma-lignancies
in some individuals.
CYTER has been doing commendable work in teaching of yoga-therapy, in patient services and in re-search
in yoga therapy. Along with the department of Physiology, the group avidly conduct regular professional
updates in this field. The CME on Sleep, Consciousness and Mediation adds another feather on their cap. I wish
the CME, its participants and the resource persons a productive time of networking and sharing of knowledge in
this exciting field that is based on cutting-edge research in to yogic practices based on ancient wisdom.
Prof K.R. SETHURAMAN.
Vice-Chancellor,
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth.

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN ( PG )
It is gratifying to know that the department of Yoga therapy (CYTER) is organizing a CME on “Sleep,
consciousness and meditation: neurophysiological correlates”. This is one of the foremost priority areas for con-temporary
research. Research on Complimentary Medicine such as Yoga is an issue of highest priority for Gov-ernment
of India and any activity in this field would further the national goal.
I am sure that the deliberations of the CME would go a long way in disseminating knowledge of this field
which to a large extent has remained unexplored.
I wish the CME program all success.
Prof. N Ananthankrishnan
DEAN (Research and PG Studies )
MGMC&RI, Puducherry

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
I am extremely happy that the Department of Physiology and Center for Yoga Therapy, Education and
Research are organising a one day seminar on “Sleep, consciousness and meditation: Neurophysiological correlates’
I am sure that the proceedings will go a long way in creating awareness about the benefits of yoga based
on scientific evidence.
I wish the seminar success.
Thanking You,
Prof .S.Krishnan,
DEAN (Admn)
MGMC&RI, Puducherry

MESSAGE FROM VICE PRINCIPAL
Society is changing rapidly. These changes are affecting the health of people in many ways. A less un-derstood
problem is that of sleep and sleep disorders. Another area poorly understood by professionals is that of
consciousness. Health professionals need to be aware of the health issues in relation to sleep and consciousness.
They also need to broaden their armamentarium for treatment by looking at other systems of medicine such as
yoga and meditation, The CYTER has taken up this challenge to spread awareness among health professionals on
these important issues by organising a one day seminar. I congratulate them on the effort and wish them the very
best for success of the programme.
Prof K A Narayan
Vice Principal,
MGMCRI

MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT
Its pleasure and pride to witness CYTER grow in all length and breadth by exploring its strength to
contribute towards patient care, academics and research. “Sleep, consciousness and meditation: neurophysiological
correlates” is an innovative program tailored by CYTER towards research. I wish the CME a great success and
appreciate the team CYTER for their restless efforts in conducting this event.
Prof.NirmalCoumare.V
Medical Superintendent
MGMC&RI, Puducherry

MESSAGE FROM DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Across the globe the Yoga teams are doing incredible work bringing the health benefits of yoga, mindful-ness,
and meditation into our communities. People are learning how to de-stress, focus their minds, and develop
greater self-awareness. Educators, mental health professionals, parents, and yoga teachers are seeing the benefits of
social emotional learning, physical movement, and wellness programs taught at all ages. This Conference will unify
this work through an inspiring, collaborative, professional conference, which will propel our movement forward
and deepen our impact.
I am so excited to know the incredible work of our yoga consultants and for their time and dedication.
I must congratulate all of you for your dedicated work towards the society and health care.
Dr. S RAVICHANDRAN
DEPUTY DIRECTOR,
MGMCRI

MESSAGE FROM THE REGISTRAR
“Sleep disorder” have been assuming menacing proportions since the last decade. While modern medicine
is geared up fully to confront and manage this catastrophe, the adjuvant role of complementary and alternative
medicine cannot be undermined. Yoga therapy is one such alternate modality which is vibrant in our University.
It is a matter of great pride that the Department of Physiology and CYTER, MGMCRI have planned to organize
a CME cum Workshop on 27.11.2014.
CYTER under the able and eminent guidance of Prof. Madanmohan and Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
is sure to make rapid strides in patient care, academics and research. May success be associated with all the
endeavors of CYTER .
Prof. A.R. SRINIVASAN
(Registrar, SBV)

FROM THE DESK OF THE ORGANIZING CHAIRMAN
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this day-long CME on “Sleep, consciousness and meditation:
neurophysiological correlates” organized jointly by the Department of Physiology & Centre for Yoga Therapy,
Education and Research (CYTER), Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute. At the outset, I
wish to express my heart-felt gratitude to our hon’ble Chairman Shri MK Rajagoplan for his encouragement and
support for organizing this CME. I am grateful to our hon’ble Chancellor, Prof. Pagadala Rajaram for his inspiring
encouragement. Guidance and support of our respected Vice-chancellor, Prof. KR
Sethuraman made planning of the programme a smooth affair. Dean Research
and PG studies, Professor N Anathakrishnan has been a source of inspiration and
motivation. I am grateful for the support of Prof. S Krishnan, Dean and Prof. KA
Narayan, Vice-Principal for their support. Logistic support by the management of
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University is gratefully acknowledged. I am grateful for the
support extended by the Departments of Anatomy and Biochemistry. I thank my
colleagues from the Department of Physiology for their unconditional support. I am
sure that the academic programme will be enlightening and enjoyable experience
for you. I wish you all the best for the day-long CME.
Dr. MADANMOHAN
ORGANIZING CHAIRMAN
MGMCRI

FROM THE DESK OF THE ORGANIZING SECRETARY
Welcome to this CME on “Sleep, consciousness and meditation: neurophysiological correlates”
organized jointly by Department of Physiology and CYTER of MGMC&RI, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth
University.
Yoga is the art and science that deals with all aspects of consciousness and views the human incarnation
as an opportunity for conscious self effort towards the ultimate state of
universal liberation (Kaivalya). Yoga is both the state of higher consciousness
(Samadhi) as well as the perfect tool to help humankind evolve efficiently
out of its animal tendencies into human qualities and then, to obtain
transcendence into Divine realms of being.
Our Guru, Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri taught the
concept of Four-Fold Awareness. “One must”, he said, “first become aware of
the body. The Second Awareness is awareness of emotions, senses and energy.
The Third Awareness is awareness of mind. And the Fourth Awareness is of
awareness itself.”
Ammaji, Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, the living Siddha of Pondicherry says, “The
Three R’s of Yoga Education are Reason, Rationalization and Realization. Another way to see the 3 R’s
of Yoga is Repetition, Regularity and Rhythm. One must establish a Yogic life style based on these three
“R”’s and then one can obtain a state of realization, reason and rationality. This is true education – these
are the three 3 R’s – not the reading, writing and arithmetic taught in school. Unless you can use this
mind-cum-brain system reasonably, you will be unreasonable; unless you understand that there is some
reality, beyond animal emotions and sensation, you will be irrational. Realization is Athma Jnana. This is
the Yogic concept of realization.”
Dhyana, the seventh limb of Maharishi Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga is a state of meditative awareness
attained through the process of deep contemplation and concentration. It path of uniting with our
supreme nature has many applications in the field of healthcare as it brings about better neuro-effector
communication, enhancing optimum functioning of all organ-systems while increasing resistance against
stress.
This CME aims to give participants an overview of the neurophysiological correlates of sleep,
consciousness and mediation and will be beneficial for medical and paramedical professionals and
students as well as Yoga practitioners and enthusiasts. It has been carefully planned by our team while
keeping in mind the diverse needs of the delegates from medical, paramedical disciplines as well as Yoga
teachers and enthusiasts.
We wish that this endeavor of ours will provide you an insight into human consciousness that is
our birthright.
Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Deputy Director, CYTER, MGMC&RI

Department of Physiology & CYTER
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute
( Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry )
CME ON “SLEEP, CONSCIOUSNESS AND MEDITATION:
NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES”
Programme
Date: 27 Nov 2014 Venue: Ground Floor Lecture Hall, College Block
8.00 – 9.00 AM Registration
9.00 – 9.30 AM Pretest
9.30 – 10.30 AM Practice session on meditation.
Meena Ramanathan. MSc, PhD. Coordinator- cum - yoga therapist, CYTER
10.30 – 11.00 AM Inaugural function
11.00 – 11.30 AM High tea
11.30 – 12.15 PM Neural correlates of consciousness.
Harsha Halahalli. MD, PhD. Prof. of Physiology, K.S. Hegde Med. Academy
12.15 – 1.00 PM
Neurophysiological correlates of sleep and meditation.
Ravindra PN. MD, PhD. Professor of Physiology, Gadag Institute of Medical
Sciences, Gadag, Karnataka.
1.00 – 1.30 PM Lunch
1.30 – 2.30 PM Poster Session
2.30 – 3.00 PM
Neurophysiological basis of conscious behavior.
Madanmohan. MD, DSc. Professor & Head, Dept. of Physiology, MGMC &
RI
3.00 – 3.30 PM Therapeutic potential of meditation.
Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. MBBS, MD (AM) Deputy Director, CYTER,
3.30 – 3.45 PM High Tea
3.45 – 4.15 PM
Meditation and immunomodulation.
Ambarish V. MD, PhD. Assoc. Prof. of Physiology, M S Ramaiah Med. Col-lege
4.15 – 4.30 PM Post test
4.30 – 5.30 PM Open forum, feedback from participants & valedictory

Prof. KR Sethuraman, MD. Vice Chancellor Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Pondicherry.
Professor K.R. Sethuraman is currently Vice Chancellor of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth,
Pondicherry. He is a well known clinician and popular medical educationist who served
with distinction as Dean and Senior Professor of Faculty of Medicine and Deputy
VC – Academic and International Affairs in the AIMST University, Malaysia from 2006 to 2013. He retired as
Director-Professor (Internal) Medicine at JIPMER where he worked in various capacities from 1981 to 2006.
During this period he was the prime force behind the National Teacher Training Centre (NTTC) that he headed
as a Department of Medical Education & NTTC during 1996-2006. He was also lecturer in Cardiology at Sree
Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum from 1978 to 1981. He has been
consultant in Taskforce of JPT (MOHE) Panel on Medical Education in Malaysia, Training consultant for Training
of Trainers: World Bank aided Health Systems Project: Andhra Pradesh (APVVP), Karnataka State (KHSDP)
and Orissa State and Temporary advisor to WHO – HRH meet at Cape town, South Africa (2004), Psycho-social
Issues meet at Bangkok (2005) and First South Asian Conference on PG medical education, Colombo (2005). He
has authored more than 30 Pubmed Referenced papers, 40 invited papers, and 60 presentations in conferences/
workshops in India, South Africa, Srilanka & Thailand. He has authored nine books including “Beyond Rational
Therapy”, “Practical Echography”,” Medical Education: Principles & Practice”, “Implementing Innovations in
Clinical Skill Training” and the well known “Trick or Treat – a survival guide to healthcare”, ”Doctor-Patient
Communication and “Post Mortem”- a Book serialised as 65 Tamil articles in “Junior Vikatan”. His video /
computer-based educational units are very popular amongst clinicians and students as they include “Push, Promote
or Educate.” - a WHO aided video, “Doctor-Patient Dyads.” - a video on common communication problems,
“Patient Personality Types.” - a video on how to handle different patients, “Oral Examination” - part 4 of a video
on National Board Examination, “Album of Clinical Cases.” - a collection of interesting & unique cases and five
Computer based educational programmes

SPIRITUAL FACTOR IN HEALING
“It is undoubtedly time that the ‘powerful placebo’ be examined in all its myriad facets; otherwise medicine
will always have a limited perception of healing.” (Kaptchuk, 1998)
Healing in a holistic sense has faded from medical attention and is rarely discussed in modern
(“Western”) medicine especially in therapeutics. However, other disciplines like medical anthropology,
sociology, alternate systems of medicine, and medical philosophy have continued an active contemplation
of holistic healing. To heal is to achieve or acquire wholeness as a person. The wholeness of personhood
involves physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual aspects of human experience (Egnew, 2005).
It is perhaps difficult to quantify the relative importance of the various factors that contribute to healing.
It may vary depending on the kind of illness that is being studied. Of the various factors that contribute
to healing of illnesses in a community, only 20% could be ascribed to rational treatment using medicines
or surgery. The remaining 80% is divided among three faith-based factors (White, 1988).
i. Placebo effect (faith in drugs or procedural interventions)
ii. Hawthorne effect (faith in a health care system, a facility or a professional)
iii. Factor-X or “spiritual factor” (faith in oneself or in the supernatural)
The relative importance of these faith-based factors in holistic healing may be debatable. However,
there is no denying that these factors play an important part in the recovery from illnesses.
In 1984, the 37th World Health Assembly adopted a resolution which made the spiritual dimension an
integral part of the WHO Member States’ strategies for health. The definition of health has been revised
as follows: “Health is a dynamic state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being and
not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Khayat, 1998).
The definition of spirituality adopted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC,
1999) is broad and secular: “Spirituality is expressed in an individual’s search for the ultimate meaning
through participation in religion and/or belief in God, family, naturalism, rationalism, humanism, and the
arts. The concept of spirituality is found in all cultures and societies. All of these factors can influence how
patients and health care professionals perceive health and illness and how they interact with one another.”
The “World Health Organization-Quality of Life – Spirituality, Religion and Personal Beliefs Group”
(WHO-QOL SRPB) conducted a study in 18 countries (n = 5087) that showed that spirituality, religion,
and personal beliefs (SRPB) correlated highly with all of the WHO-QOL domains (p<0.01). Women
reported greater feelings of spiritual connection and faith than men. Those with less education reported
greater faith but were less hopeful. It is suggested that SRPB should be more routinely addressed in the
assessment of quality of life (WHO-QOL SRPB Group, 2006). The role of spirituality to explain why
people with epilepsy of comparable severity differ widely in quality of life (QOL) assessment was explored.
The results revealed a significant contribution of spirituality to QOL in epilepsy (Anna, et al., 2006).
A review by Rippentrop, et al, (2005) of spirituality in people with chronic pain concluded that:
yy many people with chronic pain use religious and spiritual beliefs and activities to cope with pain;
yy a relationship between religion/spirituality and various health outcomes has been documented;

yy there is a lack of research on potential mediators of the relation between religion/spirituality and
health in chronic-pain populations;
yy well-designed spiritual or religious behavioural interventions for patients with chronic pain are
sparse.
Even life span seems to be influenced by a traditional belief system: a landmark study reported in The
Lancet examined the deaths of 28,169 adult Chinese-Americans and 412,632 randomly selected matched
controls from other ethnic groups. Only the Chinese-Americans died significantly earlier, by 1.3 to 4.9
years, if they had a combination of disease and birth-year which the Chinese consider “ill-fated”. The
more orthodox the study group, the more years of life were lost. This seems to result at least partly from
psychosomatic processes driven by their traditional values and beliefs (Phillips, et al., 1993).
However, recent randomized trials and a meta-analysis on intercessory prayers have shown no consistent
results in favour of intercessory prayers (Aviles, et al., 2001; Benson, et al., 2005; Masters, et al., 2006).
In the clinical context, prayer should not be specifically prescribed or seen as a substitute for rational
medical treatment, but should be recognized as an important element in the way patients face chronic
illness, suffering, and loss.
Physicians need to address and be attentive to all suffering of their patients – physical, emotional, and
spiritual. Doing so is part of the delivery of compassionate care (Jantos & Kiat, 2007; Puchalski, 2001)
BARRIERS TO THE INTEGRATION OF MIND BODY MEDICINE
The following factors have been suggested by Astin, et al. (2005) as major barriers to the integration of mind body
principles and modern clinical practices
1. Lack of knowledge of scientific evidence regarding efficacy of mind body/psychosocial approaches;
2. Dehumanizing aspects of medical education and a lack of competence to utilize mind body approaches;
3. Dichotomy created between conditions that are perceived as purely biological in aetiology (the “organic
lesions”) and those that are psychological in nature, a tendency that may put blinders on the complex
interplay of bio psychosocial factors underlying many conditions;
4. Perceived lack of time to address psychosocial/mind body issues;
5. Lack of third party reimbursement for mind body issues in the medical encounter;
6. Concern that more serious, life threatening biological aspects of patients might be underemphasized if the
psychosocial domain is given too much weight or attention;
7. Perceived lack of interest on the part of patients to address psychosocial issues as they seem to prefer the
“quick fix” of symptom relief;
8. 8. Fear that some patients might feel stigmatized if physicians suggest that psychosocial/mind body factors
may be playing some causal role in their symptoms.

Prof MADANMOHAN
MBBS, MD (Physiology),
PG Diploma in Yoga, MSc Yoga, DSc (Yoga), FIAY
Prof. & Head, Department of Physiology & Director CYTER
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute
Dr. Madanmohan is Professor & Head, Department of Physiology at the
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute and Director CYTER.
He has teaching & research experience of more than 44 years and his fields of research are yoga, yoga
therapy, cardiovascular & respiratory physiology. He has delivered more than 50 invited talks on yoga
in conferences, academic forums and organizations and has numerous awards including Gold Medal &
Scroll of Honor, Annual Internal Oration (2009-10), JIPMER Scientific Society; Best Personalities of
India Award and Gold Medal, Friendship Forum of India and Honorary appointment to the Research
Board of Advisors (1999) of the American Biographical Institute. He was Founder-Programme Director
of ACYTER, JIPMER. He has 115 research papers (including original research work) in national and
international journals, more than 74 abstracts and 28 magazine articles. He has guided 34 PG’s(MD,
MS, MSc, and PhD) students in their thesis work and 15 medical students in their ICMR Research
Studentship. He has worked in 26 research projects as chief investigator / co-investigator.
He has personally given yoga training to medical students, school children, police personnel and general
public as well as yoga therapy to hospital patients. He has organized many workshops and CMEs in Yoga
and edited 7 proceedings of workshops / CMEs / symposia and 3 reports of research projects in yoga. He
has served as expert in selection committees of UPSC, JIPMER, University of Madras, NEIGRIHMS,
Shillong, Pondicherry Government Medical College and AIIMS. He has also been part time MCI
inspector (for UG & PG) for inspection of medical colleges and Member, Inspection Committee for
Medical Colleges, Pondicherry University. He was honoured by Yoga Jivana Satsangha (International)
with the Karma Yoga Shironmani in 2003 in recognition of his illustrious service for the integration of
yoga and modern medicine.

NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF CONSCIOUS BEHAVIOR
Abstract
The neuroendocrine mechanisms that regulate behavior of animals operate in humans also. Several parts
of the brain including limbic system and hypothalamus influence our behavior. Damage to amygdale (at
birth or accident) results in episodes of limbic rage. However, there is extensive development of cerebral
cortex (encephalization) in human brain. Prefrontal lobe is a large association area that has extensive
functional connections with other brain areas. Prefrontal cortex is responsible for discrimination and
judgment. Obviously, human behavior should be modulated by higher brain areas and higher morals and
not limited to limbic and animal behavior.
Many neuroscientists assert that since behavior is generated at lower synaptic level, it has nothing to
do with higher morals and the “desired behavior” is the concern of social science and not neuroscience.
However, it needs to be emphasized that humans have free will, hence responsibility. Our beliefs and
values do influence our choices and behavior. Encephalization of human brain is so high that our innate
behavior (including sexual behavior) is regulated in a complex, multi-tier mode.
Encephalization implies that our innate animal behavior is subject to physiological, psychological and
social modulation. Different parts of the brain are inter-related. Different aspects of our development
also are inter-related and each part develops best when no part is neglected. Practice of desirable behavior
needs constant repetition so that the transmission through relevant neural pathways is facilitated. As
demonstrated by Pavlov (classical conditioning) and Skinner (operant conditioning), learning involves
repetition. Hence, conscious desirable behavior should be practiced repeatedly so that it becomes an
automatic response.

Prof. Harsha N Halahalli Professor, Department of Physiology
K.S. Hegde Medical Academy
Nitte University, Mangalore, Karnataka
E-mail: hnharsha@nitte.edu.in.
Professor Harsha N Halahalli is Professor, Department of Physiology, KS
Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University, Deralakatte, Mangalore. He has more than 11 years of teaching
experience and is a recognized post-graduate teacher.
He completed his M.B.B.S (1991- 1997) from Karnataka Medical College, Hubli followed by
M.D in Physiology (1999- 2001) from Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and
Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry. He went on to complete his MPhil in Neurophysiology (2002 – 2004)
from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) and then his PhD in
Neurophysiology also from NIMHANS (2008-12).
He has bagged numerous awards and prizes including the Society for Neuroscience Graduate Student
Travel Award - 44th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience at San Diego, CA, USA, 17th – 21st
November 2010; the RN Murthy Award - M.Phil Neurophysiology, 2004. NIMHANS and Vaithialingam
Venkatasubba Reddiar Gold Medal - MD Physiology, 2001, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry, India.
His research interests and experience are in the fields of Cognitive neuroscience, Neurobiology of
schizophrenia; Functional Magnetic Resonance (fMRI) experiment design, data acquisition and analysis;
MRI morphometry including whole brain voxelwise analysis and Human Electroencephalography (EEG)
and Event Related Potential (ERP) experiment design, data acquisition and analysis
He has numerous high impact publications in international journals such as Brain Structure and
Function, Neurodegenerative Diseases, The British Journal of Psychiatry , Schizophrenia research and
the Indian Psychiatric Society.
He was also a winner of the Penguin-BLOGPRINT Online Writing Contest in 2008 - a literary
contest held by Sulekha.com in partnership with Penguin Books India. “An Ageless Indus Tale - The
Making of the Dancing Girl” – a short story won a Cash Prize and was published in an anthology
published by Penguin Books, India.

NEURAL CORRELATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Abstract
As famously stated by David Chalmers, there is nothing that we know more intimately than conscious
experience, but there is nothing that is harder to explain. In this presentation, we will begin by identifying
some of the features of consciousness that will allow us to attempt a working definition of consciousness.
The highly private and subjective nature of consciousness poses special problems to its study. Several aspects
of consciousness which can be considered as being related to the functions of consciousness have been
easier to study within the neurobiology framework. However other aspects of consciousness which concern
the phenomenological experience or conscious experience have been harder to address in neurobiological
research. The identification of the neural correlates of consciousness (NCC) – the basic brain system(s)
whose activity correlates directly with the states of conscious experience is regarded as a starting point
to investigate the harder problems of the neurobiology of conscious experience. Broadly, neurobiological
research is aimed at identifying the neural correlates of “being” conscious, of the “background states” of
consciousness (such as awake / asleep) and the “contents” of consciousness. The effects of anesthetics
and neurological conditions of coma and persistent vegetative states have provided insights into the
NCC of being conscious. Neurophysiological techniques have helped in making substantial progress in
understanding the NCC of the background states of consciousness such as sleep and wakefulness. Newer
neuroimaging methods along with neurophysiological approaches are being used to investigate the NCC
of the contents of consciousness. Some of the evidence from such studies for the neural correlates of
consciousness will be presented and discussed.

Yogacharya Dr.ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
MBBS, ADY, DPC, DSM, PGDFH, PGDY, FIAY, MD (Alt.Med)
Deputy Director, CYTER, MGMCRI, SBVU, Pondicherry.
E-mail: yoga@mgmcri.ac.in Website: www.sbvu.ac.in/cyter.html
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani is Chairman of the International
Centre for Yoga Education and Research at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry, India
(www.icyer.com). He is also chairman of Yoganjali Natyalayam, the premier
institute of Yoga and Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam in Pondicherry (www.rishiculture.org). He is
son and successor of the internationally acclaimed Yoga team of Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda
Giri Guru Maharaj and Yogacharini Kalaimamani Ammaji, Smt Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani.
He is a Gold Medallist in Medical Studies (MBBS) with postgraduate diplomas in both Family Health
(PGDFH) as well as Yoga (PGDY) and the Advanced Diploma in Yoga under his illustrious parents in
1991-93. A Fellow of the Indian Academy of Yoga, he has authored 19 DVDs and 23 books on Yoga as
well as published more than a hundred papers, compilations and abstracts on Yoga and Yoga research in
National and International Journals.
He is a Classical Indian Vocalist, Percussionist, Music Composer and Choreographer of Indian Classical
Dance in addition to his duties as Deputy Director of the Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and
Research (CYTER), MGMCRI, Pondicherry.
In recent years he has travelled abroad 14 times and conducted invited talks, public events, workshops,
retreats and been major presenter at Yoga conferences in the UK, USA, Italy, Germany, Switzerland,
Australia and New Zealand. He is an Honorary International Advisor to the International Association of
Yoga Therapists (www.iayt.org), Australian Association of Yoga Therapists (www.yogatherapy.org.au) and
various Gitananda Yoga Associations all over the world (www.rishiculture.org ). He is a member of the
Board of Directors of the Council for Yoga Accreditation International (www.cyai.org) and a Consultant
Expert of the WHO Collaborative Centre for Traditional Medicine (Yoga) at MDNIY, New Delhi.

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF MEDITATION
Abstract
“Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet,” said Rudyard Kipling. This dichotomy
however seems to have been overcome in recent times, as many eastern healing traditions have slowly and
steadily percolated the health care system worldwide. This is especially true of mind–body therapies that
focus on the health promotive intrinsic connections that exist between the human brain, mind, body, and
individual behaviour. This includes techniques of meditation (mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation,
and others), qi gong, tai chi, and yoga.In the USA, reported use of deep breathing, meditation, and yoga
increased between 2002 and 2007 with 12.7% of adults using deep-breathing exercises, 9.4% practicing
meditation, and 6.1% taking up yoga.Pain related issues were the top usage statistics while more than
40% of adults with neuropsychiatric symptoms were drawn to the usage of various mind–body therapies.
Documented health promoting benefits of mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation include:
Improvement in cardio-respiratory efficiency, exercise tolerance, dexterity, strength, steadiness, stamina,
flexibility, endurance, and neuro-musculo-skeletal coordination, harmonious balance of autonomic
function,increase in alpha rhythm, inter-hemispheric coherence and homogeneity in the brain, improved
sleep quality and cognitive functions, alteration in brain blood flow and brain metabolism, and modulation
of neuro-endocrine axis.These eastern mind-body techniques seem to affect every cell bringing about better
neuro-effector communication, enhancing optimum functioning of all organ-systems while increasing
resistance against stress.
Scientific research in recent times has shown that the physiological, psychological and biochemical effects
of yoga and meditation are of an anti-stress nature. Streeter etal suggested that yoga-based practices
i) correct under activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and GABA systems in part through
stimulation of the vagus nerves, the main peripheral pathway of the parasympathetic nervous system,
and ii) reduce allostatic load. Other RCTs have suggested that these practices act on hypothalamic–
pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) axis to reduce cortisol levels, and reduce sympathetic tonewhile increasing
vagal activity.This suggest great therapeutic potential as an add-on adjunct to conventional therapies
in prevention, management and rehabilitation of psychosomatic conditions such as diabetes mellitus,
hypertension, bronchial asthma, musculoskeletal disorders, depression, anxiety, cancer and de-addiction
programmes and posttraumatic stress disorders.
Since lifestyle related diseases are alarmingly on the rise in our modern society, such a healthyyogic
lifestyle based on meditative awareness should be given a special place in preventing and managing these
conditions.

Prof P.N. RAVINDRA MD, PhD
Professor, Dept of Physiology
Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences
Gadag, Karnataka
Prof P.N. RAVINDRA is currently Professor in Prof. Dept. of
Physiology at the Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadag,Karnataka.
After obtaining his MD in Physiology from Karnatak Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli, Karnataka
he pursued PhD from National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore.
He has worked on evaluating the efficacy of mindfulness meditation on aging by assessing sleep,
humoral and autonomic profiles. APPI has bestowed on him Prakrit Mandir Award, a National Award
given for the best work in the area of Yoga. He has presented papers in various International and national
conferences and seminars and has publications in prestigious peer reviewed journals. He gives regular yoga
sessions for general public, students and also therapeutic yoga classes for patients.
NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF SLEEP AND MEDITATION
Abstract
Meditation as well as sleep bring about a positive regulatory effect on body and mind thereby influencing
various physiological functions and behavioral states. Even though, the common mechanism of inducing
sleep and meditation effect is efferent and sensory attenuation, meditation and sleep are exclusively
different phenomenon with commonalites and differences in their neurophysiological mechanisms.
Physiologically, both these states induces a state of hypometabolism, but it is a natural and spontaneous
phenomenon in sleep, whereas during meditation it is a cognitive skill. Behaviorally, both sleep and
meditation appear to be a passive like state, but physiologically they are highly dynamic. Interactions
of neuronal, humoral, autonomic and cognitive mechanisms at various levels result in these two states,
which in turn regulate these mechanism. Thus, both meditation and sleep are self regulatory phenomenon
with global effects. Even though both bring about a sense of rejuvenation, they are different, yet mutually
influence each other qualitatively. Therefore, by understanding the commonality and differences between
meditation and sleep, and the effect of meditation on sleep aids in better understanding of sleep function
as an autoregulatory, global phenomenon.

Dr. AMBARISH. V
Associate Professor, Department of Physiology
MS Ramaiah Medical College
Bangalore, Karnataka
Email: ambarishv@rediffmail.com
Dr. Ambarish. V is an Associate Professor of Physiology in the M. S. Ramaiah Medical College,
Bangalore. He has completed his MBBS and MD in Physiology and currently completing his PhD.
He is currently Editor of the International Medical Journal: “Journal of Advanced Clinical and
Research Insights.” He is also an examiner for PG/MD and UG/MBBS Physiology Exams and reviewer
of MD Physiology thesis under The Kerala University of Health Sciences. He is on the list of Marquis
Who’s Who for the year 2015. He has published many articles in indexed national and international
journals as first author.
His awards include Best-Oral-Paper-Award for the paper: ‘Changes in Plasma Glucose Levels and
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) With Graded and Regular Exercise: Does This Have an Impact on
Patients of Diabetes Mellitus?’ Presented at the 33rd Conference of The Research Society for The Study
of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) held at Bangalore from 23rd to 25th Sept. 2005; First Prize in Poster
Category for the paper: ‘Modulation of Plasma Pro-Inflammatory Interleukins By Graded Physical
Activity. Can This Have an Impact on Pediatric Age Group?’ Presented at the 45th National Conference
of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (PEDICON) held at Bhubaneshwar, Orissa from 17th to 20th Jan. 2008;
The Samaja-Rathna Award conferred by Seva Bharathi and Aggarwal Samaj for heading the Tsunami-
Medical-Relief-Operations in Nagapattinam and provinces of Pondicherry.
He was also nominated for the ‘Young Scientist Medal’ of Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
for the year 2009 and Felicitated by M. S. Ramaiah Medical College on eve of Doctor’s day in 2008 for
contribution to research.
He is active in social service and lead a team of doctors from MSRMCH to Tsunami affected areas
in Tamil Nadu for Medical Relief Operations under NGO Seva Bharathi in 2005 and also took part in
Flood Relief Operations undertaken by MSRMCH in Gulbarga area in the same year. He has been part
of several medical camps in the countryside of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh States for
the benefit of rural poor and lead a team of doctors in weeklong medical camps in villages surrounding
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, with assistance from NGO Arun Jyothi in Dec 2003 and under Vivekananda
Kendra, to areas bordering Pakistan, during the Gujarat Earth Quake in February 2001.

MEDITATION AND IMMUNOMODULATION
Abstract
Introduction: Meditation promotes mind and body relaxation, builds internal energy/life force (prana),
develops compassion, love, patience, generosity, forgiveness and enables us to enjoy an indestructible
sense of well-being while engaging in daily activity “Meditation” is derived from the Latin verb meditari,
meaning “to think, contemplate, devise, and ponder”. Wilson translates the most famous Vedic mantra
‘Gayatri’ thus: “We meditate on that desirable light of the divine Savitri, who influences our pious rites”.
Several studies have demonstrated that meditation eases many health issues, such as high blood pressure,
depression, and anxiety.
Recently scientists the world over have been looking into how different types of meditation practices
bring about changes in the immune system, both at cellular level and at molecular level. Here we discuss
the outcomes of a few interesting studies addressing the effect of meditation on immunomodulation.
Immune Changes at Cellular level: Daily practice of pranic meditation for as short as 10 weeks
up-regulates the function and metabolism of phagocytes (Fernandes et al. J Altern Complement Med.
2012;18:761-8). Presence of depressive symptoms in older adults decreases the VZV-responder
cell frequency (VZV-RCF), an immunological marker of shingles risk. Practice of meditation resulted
in improvements in health functioning and immunity to VZV in older adults (Irwin et al. Evid Based
Complement Alternat Med. 2004 ; 1: 223–232). Practice of Qigong meditation lowers numbers of total
leukocytes and eosinophils, number and percentage of monocytes, as well as complement C3 concentration
(Manzaneque et al. Med Sci Monit. 2004 ;10 :CR264-70). Natural killer cell activity and number increased
significantly in the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) meditation group infected with the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The control group with same infection did not show any change
(Robinson et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2003 ; 9 : 683-94).
Immune changes at molecular level: Four weeks (20 minutes per day) practice of a type of meditation
called Integrative Body Mind Training (IBMT) increased the salivary immunoglobulin A levels
significantly in the meditatiors indicating a change in the basal immune system and larger acute effects
as duration of meditation increases (Fan et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 ;16 :151-5). Thaddeus et
al demonstrated that the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine was reduced after bouts of meditation
(Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2010 ; 35 : 310–315).
Breast cancer patients in the meditation group re-established their natural killer cell activity (NKCA)
and cytokine production levels. In contrast, breast cancer patients in the non-meditation group exhibited
continued reductions in NKCA and IFN gamma production with increased IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10
production. (Linda-Witek et al. Brain Behav Immun. 2008 ; 22: 969–981).

Yoga Chemmal Meena Ramanathan
B.sc., M.A., C.Y.T., D.N.Y.S., P.G.D.Y., M.sc. (Yoga) P.hd (in progress).
Yogachemmal Mrs. Meena Ramanathan, is Coordinator-cum-Yoga Therapist
of CYTER, the Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research at MGMCRI
(Mahatma Gandhi Medical college & Research Institute). She has completed numerous undergraduate
and post graduate degrees and diplomas in Yoga, science and English and is currently completing her
PhD in Yoga at Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University.
A student of the Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga Paramparya, she has been trained under the expert
guidance of Kalaimamani Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani and Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani.
She has been an integral part of that tradition for over a decade. Mrs. Meena Ramanathan has admirably
trained thousands of students under the auspices of Pondicherry University as Coordinator Yoga courses
in the Community College, as well as faculty of Annamalai University, Manonmaniyam University, MGR
University and Yoganjali Natyalayam. She is coordinator of Outreach Programs of Yoganjali Natyalayam
and is a guest faculty at ACYTER, JIPMER. For the past 5 years, she has been giving practical Yoga
training to staff and students of Pondicherry University.
Mrs. Meena Ramanathan has authored and co-authored a dozen books, and, half a dozen papers
on Yoga in English and Tamil, in various journals. Her books on Thirukkural and Yoga, Applied Yoga,
GherandaSamhita and Primer of Yoga Theory are best sellers. She has received many awards such as Yoga
Rathna, Yoga SevaMaamani, Yoga Chemmal, Bangalore Sundaram Award, Yoga Jyothi, Chellammal
Award, AnnaiSivakami Award and Mahan AravindarAnmigaSudar Award. She has been doing yeomen
service for the past decade for the cause of senior citizens and special children of Pondicherry.

MEDITATION: THE INNER YOGA
Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani &Yoga Chemmal Meena Ramanathan
Introduction
Maharishi Patanjali is the codifier of the Yoga Darshana, the yogic view of life. Meditation is
preceded by dharana, or one-pointed concentration that helps us to flow into meditation. Patanjali defines
dharana or concentration as desha bandhah chittasya dharana, meaning that concentration is the process
of binding the consciousness to a point, place, region or object. This implies a duality between the seer and
the seen. He further defines dhyana, or meditation, as tatra pratyaya ekatanata dhyanam, meaning thereby
that meditation is a state in which there is a steady and continuous flow of attention and concentration
on a point, place, region or object. There ceases to be a duality between the seer and the seen. The final
step in the three, free-flowing higher states of consciousness is samadhi or union with the divine nature
in the ultimate, universal unification.
The one-pointedness of concentration, of dharana raises the yogi into the higher stages of the
ideating mind, where buddhi, or intellect, is available as an instrument of the Cosmic Mind. When free–
flowing concentration is achieved, it is known as dhyana, or meditation. Meditation is not “thinking,”
as so many today mistake it to be. Meditation is a transcendental state, where if there is awareness, it is
awareness of awareness itself, a state beyond the mind.
Meditation is the fruit of long and arduous effort. The mind is so trained in its focus that it naturally
flows into the object of contemplation. A deep, vibrant quietness is the characteristic of meditation,
which infuses one’s entire lifestyle with calmness and control. Meditation becomes a quality of mind that
manifests in all aspects of our daily life. The mind develops the capacity to delve into every experience,
thought, emotion and situation that arises, and this focused awareness produces yogic skill in living.
Mudras for Meditation
Various hastha mudras, or hand gestures, are used to enhance the concentration and deepen the
experience of meditation. At the end of your meditation, when ready, slowly release each of these mudras
and bring your hands back to the thighs.
Jnana Mudra: This “Gesture of Wisdom” is performed by joining the thumb and forefinger together
in a perfect circle. The other three fingers are outstretched in a rigid fashion. Jnana Mudra is placed over
the knees and held with the palm facing upwards. This mudra helps focus the restless mind and enables
us to attain a state of jnana, or discriminatory wisdom. It is an excellent mudra for meditation and
contemplation and can be used at times of study and introspection.
Chin Mudra: This gesture of consciousness helps us to go within and attain a state of elevated
consciousness. From a straight-back sitting position such as Vajrasana, bring both hands up to the chest
level with palms facing forward. Join the tips of your thumbs and index fingers to form a perfect circle.
Keep the other three fingers straight and with their sides joined together in parallel. Place the Chin
Mudra on your thighs with the palm facing down. Contemplate the mudra as it stimulates the mind into
higher states of consciousness.

Namaskar Mudra: Sit in any meditative posture. Bring both your hands up to your chest and join
your palms together. Keep your elbows in a lifted position. This mudra is commonly used in many eastern
cultures as a gesture of greeting and peace as it helps us to recognize that the Divine manifests through
all beings.
Anjali Mudra: Sit in any meditative posture. To perform this gesture of salutation, slowly lift both
arms up from the side of your body. At the peak of the stretch bring both your palms together with your
arms high over your head. Hold the mudra with sensitivity and awareness. Contemplate the subtle energies
of the six higher chakras that are located in the higher region of the subtle body.
Kailash Mudra: Sit in any meditative posture. Slowly lift both your hands and perform the Anjali
Mudra. Gently bring the Anjali Mudra down to your head so that your wrists are touching the top of
your head. Make sure that your elbows are kept in line with your shoulders. This mudra forms a beautiful
triangular frame for your face. Try to visualize Mount Kailash in its wonderful snow-coated splendor.
This mudra helps energize the sahasrara chakra, the crown center of psychic energy and is a useful mudra
for contemplation.
Bhairava Mudra: Sit in any meditative posture. Bring your left hand onto your lap with the palm
facing up and then place the right hand on it with the right palm facing upwards also. Sit quietly and
contemplate the mudra. The right hand represents the masculine energy of Shiva and in this mudra that
energy is kept dominant.
Bhairavi Mudra: Sit in any meditative posture. Bring your right hand onto your lap with its palm
facing up and then place your left hand on it with the left palm facing upwards too. Sit quietly and
contemplate the mudra. The left hand represents the feminine energy, and this mudra indicates the
dominance of our creative and artistic energy of Shakti over the masculine energy of Shiva.
Yoga Mudra: Sit in any meditative posture. Entwine the fingers of both hands with the fingers of the
right over the left. The right thumb should be at the top of the piled up heap of fingers. Place the Yoga
Mudra on your lap in a relaxed manner and enjoy the calm arising within yourself. Perform deep breathing
and become aware of how this mudra brings about a steady and harmonious balance between the right
and left flows of energy in your subtle body.
Bhumi Sparsha Mudra: Sit in any meditative posture and perform the Jnana Mudra. Place the hands
over the knees and then extend the fingers forward until the tips are touching the ground. This earth
witnessing or earth touching gesture is a gesture of reverence for our planet, the earth that sustains our
race. Ancient yogis were true environmentalists and through the development of reverence for nature,
they upheld the highest ethical principles of conservation.
Mahabhinishkramana Mudra: From a sitting position, bring your left hand close to your navel with
the palm facing upwards. Make your right hand into a clenched fist with your thumb directed straight
upwards and place your right hand on the upturned left palm in front of your navel. This hand gesture
represents the symbol of Lord Shiva, the Lord of evolutionary change. This mudra’s name means, the
“mighty gesture of renunciation.” After you have held the mudra for a comfortable period of time, relax
your hands back to your thighs and sit quietly to absorb the higher energies of evolutionary change and
renunciation that will start to flow through your system.

Trataka: Yogic gazes
Concentration upon a sin¬gle point or object for a prolonged period helps to shut out the outer world
and also produces a state of alert awareness. With prolonged practice of one-pointed, concentrative gaze,
all irrelevant sensory feedback can be eliminated from consciousness, leading to the experience of a state
of meditation. Various types of concentrative points may be chosen for the practice of yogic gaze. Here
are a few of them:
Jyoti Trataka: The term jyoti means a “luminous light,” and so this trataka is the concentrated gaze at
the tip of the flame of a lamp kept in front and at eye level 3 to 4 feet away. Sit in any of the meditative
postures and gaze steadily at the tip of the flame without blinking the eyes. Don’t allow any distracting
thoughts to enter your mind, and if they do, then clean them out at once. Try to maintain the gaze and
control the blinking of the eyes as much as possible. Do not strain the eyes. Repeat the practice at least 3
to 9 times at each sitting to obtain maximum benefit. To relieve any tension that may have accumulated
in your eyes, rub your palms together to generate healthy, warm, pranic energy. Place your cupped palms
over the respective eye blocking out any external light and relax for some time.
Bhrumadhya Drishti Trataka: Bhrumadhya Bindu refers to the midpoint between the eyebrows and is
one of the most important concentration points in Yoga. Perform Siddhasana and do a few rounds of deep
breathing. Open your eyes wide and gaze upward. Focus your gaze on the Bhrumadhya Bindu. Concentrate
on this point without blinking your eyes as long as possible and then relax your gaze. Close your eyes and
hold this point inwardly for 15 to 20 seconds. To relieve any tension that may have accumulated in your
eyes, rub your palms together to generate healthy, warm, pranic energy. Place your cupped palms over the
respective eye blocking out any external light and relax for some time. Repeat the practice 3 times at each
sitting until a sense of inner concentration is achieved.
Nasagra Drishti Trataka: In this practice, we gaze open-eyed upon the tip of the nose, an important
concentration point used in the inner practices of Yoga. Sit in Padmasana and do a few rounds of deep
breathing. Open your eyes wide and focus your gaze upon the tip of your nose. Your left eye must catch
the tip of the nose with the same balance and lack of tension as does your right eye. If there is tension,
close your eyes and imagine that you are still gazing at the tip of your nose. Hold this concentration for
15 to 20 seconds and then open your eyes to see if the tip of your nose is actually still in the drishti of
your eyes. Repeat 3 to 9 times at each session until a sense of relaxation is achieved. One should gradually
increase this practice without putting too much strain on the eyes. To relieve any tension practice the eye
cupping technique previously outlined.
If a headache develops, stop the practice session and rest your eyes with palming. It is advisable to
washout your eyes with lukewarm saline solution after the practice if any tension is still felt in the eyes.
Anthara Dharana
Anthara Dharana refers to the various techniques of inner concentration that can be done from
Dharmika Asana (the devotional asana, or Child’s Pose):
Kshitijan Kriya: Kshiti means “horizon” in Sanskrit, but the horizon used for this inner concentration
is the inner-mind horizon. After performing the Dharmika Asana, mentally think of the point where
your head is touch¬ing the floor. Directly inside the head be¬tween the hemispheric folds of the brain is
a nerve center called Bindu Nadi. Withdraw your concentration into this Bindu and imagine that you are

looking into the Eastern sky, just be¬fore dawn. Your inner screen or mental hori¬zon is one of velvety,
warm darkness. Then, imagine a full sun rise, with all its colors. Relax in this pleasant inner view, letting
the experience flood through your entire nervous system.
Eka Varna Kriya: This practice elicits inner light experiences. Concentrate at the same Bindu point,
thinking only about your favorite color. Choose the color that you like best from the entire color spectrum.
Imagine that you are completely engulfed in this liquid color, as though you have fallen into an ocean of
colored liquid. Sometimes a swirling sensa¬tion of color will develop, and you will be literally sucked into
a point of light in which you may also experience some inner sounds. Do not let these sounds interrupt
your concentration, but become completely lost in the color and sound. This is very healing to the body
and the mind.
Jyotir Darshana: This is the blessing of a view of the inner light. Begin by concentration in Bindu
Nadi, at that point where the head touches the floor in Dharmika Asana. Imagine you are sitting out of
doors in bright sunlight or watching a bright sunrise. Concentrate fully on this idea. If you do so, a pinhole
of light will appear from within the mind’s eye, the third eye, the Ajna Chakra. Hold this light gently in
your inner gaze. Do not concentrate too hard, or it will go away. Learn to gaze passively, without a desire
to grasp, possess or hold what your mind experiences. Keep the concentration until the light fades or you
feel sufficiently relaxed to discontinue the practice.
Pranava Dhyana
This practice is a one pointed concentration on the form and nada, or sound, of the sacred Pranava
AUM, known as the mantra of all mantras. This can be done from any of the sitting postures but make
sure that your back is erect. It is best to do this after performing a few rounds of conscious deep breathing
so that the mind is in a calm state. Pranava Dhyana harmonizes the body, emotions and mind. In this
practice emphasis is first placed on making the sounds AAA, UUU and MMM separately and then in
combination.
This is followed by the performance of the practice mentally without the audible sound. Sit in Vajrasana
and place the Chin Mudra on your thighs. Breathe in deeply into your lower chest area 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe
out with the sound, Aaaaa, Breathe in 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe out with the sound, Aaaaa. Breathe in 2-3-4-
5-6. Breathe out with the sound, Aaaaa. Now concentrate on the sound, Aaaaa mentally and perform the
same practice 3 times without the audible sound.
Curl your fingers inward to form the Chin Mudra and place it on your thighs. Breathe deeply into your
mid chest region 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe out with the sound Ooooo. Breathe in 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe out with
the sound, Ooooo. Breathe in 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe out with the sound, Ooooo. Now concentrate on the
sound, Ooooo, mentally and perform the same practice 3 times without the audible sound. Perform the
Adhi Mudra by clenching your fists with your thumbs in the center and place the mudra on your thighs.
Breathe deeply into your upper chest and clavicle regions 2-3-4-5-6. Now, exhale with the sound,
Mmmm. Breathe in 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe out with the sound, Mmmm. Breathe in 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe
out with the sound, Mmmm. Now concentrate on the sound mentally and perform the same practice 3
times without the audible sound.

To perform the 4th part of the practice that unites the 3 earlier parts, perform Adhi Mudra and then
place it with the knuckles of both hands touching in front of the navel. This is now known as the Brahma
Mudra. Take a deep breath into the low, mid and upper chest regions. Now let the breath out with the
sounds of Aaaaa—Ooo—Mmmm. Breathe in 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe out Aaaaa—Ooo—Mmmm. Breathe
in 2-3-4-5-6. Breathe out Aaaaa—Ooo—Mmmm. Now concentrate on the sound Aaaaa—Ooooo—
Mmmm and perform the same practice 3 times without the audible sound.
A practice of 3 to 9 rounds of the Pranava Dharana, when done daily, helps to relax the body-mind-emotion
complex and provides complete healing through the production of healing vibrations at all levels
of our existence. This is the cornerstone of yogic breath therapy and can produce health and wellbeing for
all. When the concentrative aspect of the practice is taken to its peak, a state of meditation, or Pranava
Dhyana, can ensue.
Chakra Meditation
This meditative sitting is best done facing North or East. The practice of a few rounds of deep and
conscious breathing in Savasana prior to this meditative sitting can serve to enhance its effect dramatically.
Kneel in Vajrasana, or any sitting posture in which you are absolutely certain that the spine is yogically
erect so that the energy can move upward in an effortless and smooth manner.
Do some pranayama focusing on the chakras. As you come up through the chakras, starting from
the base of the spine and through to beyond the top of the head, try to become aware of each of these
centers. With practice and inner growth these centers will start to become conscious centers filling with
light, sound and color.
When the breath is completely filled in and you are in the Sahasrara Chakra, beyond the top of the
head, hold your breath in a Prana Kumbhaka, a held-in breath, for a lengthy period of time. Slowly let the
breath out and keep your concentration in that Thousand-Petal Lotus Chakra. Let the breath take on any
form that it wishes and simply hold the idea that you are sitting in the midst of a beautiful thousand-petal
pink lotus. Hold that idea as long as you can, repeating the visualization over and over until there occurs
a pleasing sensation of being suspended.

MEDITATION: A SIMPLE, FAST WAY TO REDUCE STRESS
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Meditation can wipe away the day’s stress, bringing with it inner peace. See how
you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most.
If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation.
Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace. Anyone can practice
meditation. It’s simple and inexpensive, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. And you can practice
meditation wherever you are — whether you’re out for a walk, riding the bus, waiting at the doctor’s office
or even in the middle of a difficult business meeting.
Understanding meditation
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Meditation originally was meant to help deepen
understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is commonly used for
relaxation and stress reduction.
Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation produces a deep
state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the
stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result
in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.
Benefits of meditation
Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being
and your overall health. And these benefits don’t end when your meditation session ends. Meditation
can help carry you more calmly through your day and may improve certain medical conditions.
Meditation and emotional well-being
When you meditate, you clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes
to your stress.
The emotional benefits of meditation can include:
yy Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
yy Building skills to manage your stress
yy Increasing self-awareness
yy Focusing on the present
yy Reducing negative emotions
Meditation and illness
Meditation might also be useful if you have a medical condition, especially one that may be worsened
by stress.

While a growing body of scientific research supports the health benefits of meditation, some researchers
believe it’s not yet possible to draw conclusions about the possible benefits of meditation.
With that in mind, some research suggests that meditation may help people manage symptoms of
conditions such as:
yy Anxiety disorders
yy Asthma
yy Cancer
yy Depression
yy Heart disease
yy High blood pressure
yy Pain
yy Sleep problems
Be sure to talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of using meditation if you have any
of these conditions or other health problems. In some cases, meditation can worsen symptoms associated
with certain mental and physical health conditions.
Meditation isn’t a replacement for traditional medical treatment. But it may be a useful addition to
your other treatment.
Types of meditation
Meditation is an umbrella term for the many ways to a relaxed state of being. There are many types
of meditation and relaxation techniques that have meditation components. All share the same goal of
achieving inner peace.
Ways to meditate can include:
yy Guided meditation. Sometimes called guided imagery or visualization, with this method of
meditation you form mental images of places or situations you find relaxing.
yy Mantra meditation. In this type of meditation, you silently repeat a calming word, thought or phrase
to prevent distracting thoughts.
yy Mindfulness meditation. This type of meditation is based on being mindful, or having an increased
awareness and acceptance of living in the present moment. In mindfulness meditation, you broaden
your conscious awareness. You focus on what you experience during meditation, such as the flow
of your breath. You can observe your thoughts and emotions, but let them pass without judgment.
yy Qi gong. This practice generally combines meditation, relaxation, physical movement and breathing
exercises to restore and maintain balance. Qi gong (CHEE-gung) is part of traditional Chinese
medicine.
yy Tai chi. This is a form of gentle Chinese martial arts. In tai chi (TIE-CHEE), you perform a self-paced
series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner while practicing deep breathing.
yy Transcendental meditation. Transcendental meditation is a simple, natural technique. In
transcendental meditation, you silently repeat a personally assigned mantra, such as a word, sound
or phrase, in a specific way. This form of meditation allows your body to settle into a state of
profound rest and relaxation and your mind to achieve a state of inner peace, without needing to
use concentration or effort.
yy Yoga. You perform a series of postures and controlled breathing exercises to promote a more flexible
body and a calm mind. As you move through poses that require balance and concentration, you’re

encouraged to focus less on your busy day and more on the moment.
yy Elements of meditation
yy Different types of meditation may include different features to help you meditate. These may vary
depending on whose guidance you follow or who’s teaching a class. Some of the most common
features in meditation include:
yy Focused attention. Focusing your attention is generally one of the most important elements of
meditation. Focusing your attention is what helps free your mind from the many distractions that
cause stress and worry. You can focus your attention on such things as a specific object, an image,
a mantra, or even your breathing.
yy Relaxed breathing. This technique involves deep, even-paced breathing using the diaphragm muscle
to expand your lungs. The purpose is to slow your breathing, take in more oxygen, and reduce the
use of shoulder, neck and upper chest muscles while breathing so that you breathe more efficiently.
yy A quiet setting. If you’re a beginner, practicing meditation may be easier if you’re in a quiet spot with
few distractions, including no television, radios or cellphones. As you get more skilled at meditation,
you may be able to do it anywhere, especially in high-stress situations where you benefit the most
from meditation, such as a traffic jam, a stressful work meeting or a long line at the grocery store.
yy A comfortable position. You can practice meditation whether you’re sitting, lying down, walking,
or in other positions or activities. Just try to be comfortable so that you can get the most out of
your meditation.
Everyday ways to practice meditation
Don’t let the thought of meditating the “right” way add to your stress. If you choose to, you can attend
special meditation centers or group classes led by trained instructors. But you can also practice meditation
easily on your own. And you can make meditation as formal or informal as you like, however it suits your
lifestyle and situation. Some people build meditation into their daily routine. For example, they may start
and end each day with an hour of meditation. But all you really need is a few minutes of quality time for
meditation.
Here are some ways you can practice meditation on your own, whenever you choose:
yy Breathe deeply. This technique is good for beginners because breathing is a natural function. Focus
all attention on your breathing. Concentrate on feeling and listening as you inhale and exhale
through your nostrils. Breathe deeply and slowly. When your attention wanders, gently return your
focus to your breathing.
yy Scan your body. When using this technique, focus attention on different parts of your body. Become
aware of your body’s various sensations, whether that’s pain, tension, warmth or relaxation. Combine
body scanning with breathing exercises and imagine breathing heat or relaxation into and out of
different parts of your body.
yy Repeat a mantra. You can create your own mantra, whether it’s religious or secular. Examples of
religious mantras include the Jesus Prayer in the Christian tradition, the holy name of God in
Judaism, or the om mantra of Hinduism, Buddhism and other Eastern religions.
yy Walk and meditate. Combining a walk with meditation is an efficient and healthy way to relax. You
can use this technique anywhere you’re walking, such as in a tranquil forest, on a city sidewalk or
at the mall. When you use this method, slow down the pace of walking so that you can focus on
each movement of your legs or feet. Don’t focus on a particular destination. Concentrate on your
legs and feet, repeating action words in your mind such as lifting, moving and placing as you lift
each foot; move your leg forward and place your foot on the ground.
yy Engage in prayer. Prayer is the best known and most widely practiced example of meditation.

Spoken and written prayers are found in most faith traditions. You can pray using your own words
or read prayers written by others. Check the self-help section of your local bookstore for examples.
Talk with your rabbi, priest, pastor or other spiritual leader about possible resources.
yy Read and reflect. Many people report that they benefit from reading poems or sacred texts, and
taking a few moments to quietly reflect on their meaning. You can also listen to sacred music,
spoken words or any music you find relaxing or inspiring. You may want to write your reflections
in a journal or discuss them with a friend or spiritual leader.
yy Focus your love and gratitude. In this type of meditation, you focus your attention on a sacred object
or being, weaving feelings of love, compassion and gratitude into your thoughts. You can also close
your eyes and use your imagination or gaze at representations of the object.
Building your meditation skills
Don’t judge your meditation skills, which may only increase your stress. Meditation takes practice. Keep
in mind, for instance, that it’s common for your mind to wander during meditation, no matter how long
you’ve been practicing meditation. If you’re meditating to calm your mind and your attention wanders,
slowly return to the object, sensation or movement you’re focusing on. Experiment, and you’ll likely find
out what types of meditation work best for you and what you enjoy doing. Adapt meditation to your
needs at the moment. Remember, there’s no right way or wrong way to meditate. What matters is that
meditation helps you reduce your stress and feel better overall.

CME-CUM-WORKSHOP ON YOGA & LIFESTYLE DISORDERS 2013
A Brief Report
A CME-cum-Workshop on “Yoga & Lifestyle Disorders” was held at MGMC&RI, Pondicherry on 22 November
2013. This event was organized by Department of Physiology and Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER),
MGMC&RI, Pondicherry. More than 250 medical and paramedical professionals and students as well as Yoga practitioners
and enthusiasts took part in the one day CME that gave participants an overview of the role Yoga can play in lifestyle disorders
by inculcating a healthy lifestyle. In his lead talk on “Healing & Yoga in Integrative Therapy”, Prof K.R. Sethuraman, Vice-
Chancellor, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth mentioned that yoga therapy uses the ancient principles of yoga to enhance health and
wellness at all levels of a person: physical, emotional, and spiritual. It is based on a holistic approach to an individual, because
in order to acquire true health, all aspects of a person must be addressed in toto. He suggested that Yoga therapy is a good
choice for people with specific health concerns, who want to acquire tools specific to their condition to improve wellness. He
also said that when done correctly, yoga is rewarding and intrinsically motivating. It can be used by those who wish to slow
aging and improve their health and those who desire to develop a fulfilling personal yoga practice. He stressed on the need for
integration of the traditional healing methods with modern medicine and said that Yoga therapy often enhances the benefits
gained from modern medical treatments, while also reducing unwanted side-effects.
The organizing chairman Prof Madanmohan who is head, department of Physiology and Director CYTER at MGMCRI
said, “Lifestyle is the way people live and this has immense influence on the status of health or disease. Since one’s lifestyle
is developed early in life, it is advisable to cultivate healthy lifestyle in early childhood.” He also explained the improvement
of physiological functions through regular practice of Yoga. The eminent Yoga expert, Yogacharya S. Sridharan of the
Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandriam, Chennai said “Yoga has a well laid out path of discipline structured to address all the
dimensions of the human system, i.e. annamaya (body), prANamaya (breath), manomaya (mind), vigyanamaya (ego/intellect)
and anandamaya (emotion). He explained the “Panca kAla ParAyanam”, which literally means “the activities to be filled with in
the five parts of the day”. Here a day is divided into 5 parts and the activities are assigned to each part such as Abhigamanam,
UpAdAnam, Ijya, SvAdhyaya and Yoga. Dr. Latha Satish, a well known psychologist and Yoga expert gave a talk on Yoga as
the original mind body medicine and said that the origin and roots of the mind-body link, its interactions and implication
for medicine can be traced to the Indian cultural heritage ie Veda-s and particularly the philosophy and practice of yoga as
elucidated by Maharishi Patanjali. She explained that the mind which is characterized by the three gunas, can be agitated and
consequences of this can be felt at body, breath, thought level. A panel discussion on Yoga & psychosomatic disorders was held
in the afternoon session and this was chaired by Dr. Eshwaran, H.O.D Dept. of Psychiatry MGMCRI who also elaborated
the clinical spectrum of somatoform disorders. The panelists in the session were, Yogacharini Cathy Davis of the UK, Dr.
Latha Satish, Yogacharya S Sridharan and Dr. Madanmohan. Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani and Mrs. Meena Ramanathan
conducted forenoon and afternoon interactive sessions on Yoga practices for healthy living. This included simple warm ups
(jathis and surya namaskar), breath body movement coordination practices (kriyas), static stretching postures (asana), breathing
techniques (pranayama), relaxation and chanting.
Modern medical advancements provide the rationale for the integration of various traditional healing techniques including
Yoga to promote healing, health, and longevity. It is imperative that advances in medicine include the wholistic approach of
Yoga to face the current challenges in health care. Under the dynamic leadership of the Chancellor Shri M.K. Rajagopalan,
authorities of SBVU had set up CYTER in 2010 and many activities have been going on since then. A scientifically sound
Yoga therapy programme is imparted through the Yoga Therapy OPD that is functioning from 9 am to 1pm from Monday-
Friday. Consultations are offered by Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Deputy Director (Yoga) and Mrs Meena Ramanathan,
Coordinator and Yoga Therapist and qualified Yoga instructors are imparting the schedules. Individualized and group Yoga
therapy sessions are being conducted for various medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal and
psychiatric disorders with excellent feedback from participants. More than 3000 patients have benefited from Yoga Therapy
consultations and sessions since 2010. Numerous pilot studies have been completed and major research studies are being
planned under guidance of Dr. Madanmohan, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, MGMC & RI. The Phase-II
of CYTER was inaugurated during the CME and a new logo for the centre was unveiled.

CME-cum-Workshop on
“ YOGA AND LIFESTYLE DISORDERS ”
22nd November, 2013
PG.DIPLOMA IN YOGA THERAPY
Souvenir Compiled, Edited and Designed by
Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Mrs. Meena Ramanathan and Mrs. Uma A.N.

Souvenir of the CME on Sleep, Consciousness and Meditation.

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