Special Jubilee Issue of Yoga Life September 2018

YOGA LIFE
September2018Vol.49No.09

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Vol. 49 September 2018 No.09
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
INTE RNATIONAL MONTHLY
Om Ganapathaye!
The official publication of Yoga Jivana Satsangha (International); Yoga Life Foundation; Vishwa Yoga Samaj
(Worldwide Yoga Congress); Sri Kambliswamy Madalayam and Ananda Ashram, Thattanchavady, Pondicherry - 605 009, India;
SPARC (The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Rishi Culture); ICYER (International Centre for Yoga Education and
Research); Published from City Office: Yoganjali Natyalayam, 25, II Cross, Iyyanar Nagar, Pondicherry-13; Office Correspondence
to ICYER: 16-A, Mettu Street, Chinnamudaliarchavady, Kottakuppam (Via. Pondicherry) - 605 104, Tamil Nadu, India. Note: Due to
doubling and tripling of postage costs, no issues of Yoga Life will be sent on the month the membership expires. To know
expiry date see the date in the address label on front envelope.
Phone: +91-0413-2622902, +91-0413-2241561. E-mail: yognat2001@yahoo.com, yognat@gmail.com; Website: www.icyer.com
Editor and Publisher : Smt. A.B. Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani Artist and Cartoonist: Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Printers : Shakthi Offset Printers, Pakkamudayanpet Main Road, Lawspet, Pondicherry - 605 008, S. INDIA.
YOGA LIFE SUBSCRIPTION RATE: India (Inland) – One Year: Rs.400/-; Three Years: Rs.1000/-
FORTY-NINE YEARS
IN THE PROPAGATION
OF CLASSICAL
RISHICULTURE ASHTANGA YOGA
The fiftieth year of Swamiji’s work in India
was in keeping with his magnificent presence!
An Atomic Bomb (Atmik Bomb) was detonated
and the explosions will be felt from here to
eternity! Or, so it seems! The “gigantic feast”
was ignited on August 5th
, but was a
culmination of five decades of work! Like a
brilliant fireworks display, the event lifted up
into the Akash – minds and hearts of
thousands – re-igniting their sense of wonder
Adbhuta! We exclaimed along with Parvathi
to her Lord and Master, “O Lord Siva”! What
is thy reality! “What is this wonder filled
universe!” Yes! What is this! How may we
enter it fully, beyond time and space, name
and description! Life is a Zen Koan, which
shocks the mind to stillness. Nothing remains
for us to do but “keep going” – or as Swamiji
exhorted us day and night – Din! Din! Din!
Do it now! Do it now! Do it now! Or as he
also constantly reminded us, “Doing is the
key to being” or another favorite technique of
his was “keeping everyone so busy, they did
not have time to think!” That is also a “Yoga
Chitta Vritti Nirodha” for us. No ego – dreams
please! Realize – become real to the here
and now. So with the big kick start on August
5th
, of our 50th
year of continuous work-play
– Lila the ball starts rolling again. After
making effort, the Ashram is “letting go of
effort” for a few weeks. Now the calendar is
marked with additional events in this land
mark year:
1. Commencing of 50th
Annual International
Yoga Teachers Training course on October
2nd
– 2018.
2. Annual Full Length Bharatanatyam Dance
Drama on October 21st
– 2018.
3. Pondicherry, Yoga Asana Competition
Championship November 17–18, 2018.
4. Annual Guru Pujas, for Swamiji and Sri
Kambaliswamy - December 2018 – January
2019.
5. Some significant new construction work at
Sri Kambaliswamy Madam….
It goes on and on and on…
Let the Drums roll! We march to the Guru’s
rhythm! (which is as fast as it can go in third
speed).
Editorial — Life Is A Juggling,
A Picture Show! ................................. 2
By Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani
Indian Culture Comes Alive Through A Truly
Spectacular Cultural Extravaganza! ................ 3
By Yogacharya Dr.Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani
Frankly Speaking .................................................... 15
By Yogamaharishi Dr.Swami Gitananda Giri
Guru Maharaj
Yama and Niyama ................................................... 22
Evolutionary Quirks,
Yama / Niyama and the Brain of Man
Santhosam or Patience:
The Best of Qualities ......................................... 26

Editorial
By Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani
YOGA LIFE VOL.49 NO.09, SEPTEMBER 2018 PONDICHERRY, INDIA 2
Life Is A Juggling, A Picture Show!
The lights are dimmed, the sound system turned off, the stage is empty! Did it ever
happen? Was it real? Where did it go, this juggling show… the constantly changing
mosaic of movements, colours and sounds, weaving a magic spell, a web of Maya
through which the soul could enter inner spaces! It was easy to get lost in this Leela
– this maze of sensory – emotional – mental patterns which pointed to the existence
of
Something else! Something greater!
Something brighter! Something more real!
....than the mundane moments! Yes! Collectively, hundreds of us Rasikas – viewers
– lovers of the sublime creative arts and spiritual concepts (perhaps we were in the
thousands) could not tear our eyes – ears – even nose – head, feet – away from that
magic rectangle and the things going on there from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm non-stop
on August 5th
, 2018. Magic! Yes that was magic! Old hurts were healed, old anxieties
eased, old rifts breached in that ethereal space-time – spectrum! Yes! There is a God
– He/She/It is everywhere! Even in you and me! That Truth becomes True, at least in
those moments, in that time and space. We ride on waves of the exuberance and joy
of hundreds of young children, their parents, grandparents… what a lift!
Fifty years is a long time from a human perspective. It is not even a blink of
an eye to the Cosmic Being! Our human life has only the meaning we give it, and this
“landmark”, this “milestone” gave perspective to the decades which have passed – a
thousand or more souls gathering on the crescent moon smile of shared remembrance
– yes – we are all in this together! We are humans in the “same boat” crossing the
tremulous ocean of Samskara. On the shore lies the promise of Moksha, freedom from
the bindings and turnings! We are lifted up … we are thrown down… still we go on
and on… spicing our consciousness with these thrilling festivals which are the
product-fruit of decades of work and dedication to manifestation of Sat–Chit–
Anandam.
The Grand Festival of Dance, Music and Yoga which marked our 50th Anniversary
Celebrations of Ananda Ashram and 25th Anniversary Celebrations of Yoganjali
Natyalayam on August 5th – 2018, gathered us in a collective exuberance where all
the “good things” of human life were abundantly and generously shared! August 5th
,
2018 in Puducherry, India – I hope you could feel the precious vibrations we poured
into the world process, vibrations which we pray, every single one of the 7.6 billion souls
on the planet felt and which infused each and everyone with hope, energy and skill
to work hard in this long evolutionary struggle to reach the higher realms of
consciousness.

BY YOGACHARYA DR. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI
Every year after the spectacular Annual Day of Yoganjali Natyalayam and
concurrent anniversary celebrations of Ananda Ashram, there is a general feeling that
“This year’s annual day was the best one ever!” I have wondered whether this
is a mere loss of objectivity due to the closeness of the recent event or whether it
is an actuality. This year however was for sure, the “Best Ever Celebrations” till
date!
The Reality of this Unreal Universe dictates that change is eternal, and that
it is the only constant. If so, we have only two options: either to grow and evolve
or to decay and die. If Yoga is conscious evolution, if it is the living of a life of
mindfulness, if it is the art and science of spiritual growth; then, our every activity
becomes one of positivity. Hence it is but in the scheme of the universal law (the
Dharma Rai), that with each passing year, we become better than we were the year
before. This same Cosmic Law tells us that each generation should surpass the
previous one in its humanity and that when we live in tune with Dharma, this is the
way life unfolds.
Swamiji and Ammaji have planted the seeds of Yoga and our beloved Indian
Culture very deeply in Pondicherry and their pioneering efforts have bourne fruit,
manifesting in a Conscious and Beautiful Goodness (Satyam Shivam Sundaram) that
did not exist before. The youth and children of Pondicherry are blessed to be born
in this Punya Bhumi. To be a part of Yoganjali Natyalayam is considered their
greatest blessing by so many of them. To understand the potential of each child and
enable them to actualise it in a loving and supportive environment is the prime
objective of YOGNAT whose motto is to make “The Ordinary Child, Extraordinary
and the Extraordinary Child, Great!”
INDIAN CULTURE COMES ALIVE THROUGH A TRULY
SPECTACULAR CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA!
A Report on the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of
Ananda Ashram in Pondicherry and the
Silver Jubilee of its Cultural Wing Yoganjali Natyalayam
on Sunday, 5th August 2018.
***********
By Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani

More than 12 hours of non-stop music, dance, chanting and Yogasanas by
more than 400 participants, a team of dedicated musicians, hundreds of alumni
members and a dozen support staffers, created a joyful and colourful experience of
the cultural vibrancy of Pondicherry. Ammaji, the Living Siddha of Pondicherry with
her benevolent, loving and eagle eyed direction enabled the whole event to be on
track throughout while Dr Ananda and his team kept the hectic pace going from
start to finish. The faculty members, student-teachers, staff members and students all
worked as a team along with the unstinting cooperation of our parents who
expressed their dedication to Bharatiya Samskrithi (Indian culture) through thought,
word and deed.
A special feature of the Jubilee Celebrations was the highly popular Holistic
Medical Camp at the festival site organised by Yogachemmal Dr R Balaji and
directed by Dr MR Vidhya, Chief Consultant Physician & Diabetologist Medical
Director MVR Medical Center & MVR Poly Clinic. This medical camp for the first
time in Pondicherry brought together the modern allopathic medical specialities of
general medicine, diabetology, orthopaedics and obstetrics & gynaecology with
AYUSH specialities of Siddha, Yoga & Naturopathy under one roof. Everyone
appreciated Dr MR Vidhya and her well trained and efficient team who ran a well
coordinated event benefiting many that day.
Consultations were offered by Dr M Malayalathan, Consultant Orthopaedic &
Spine Surgeon and
Dr. Shabnam Khan,
Consultant Gynaec,
Laparoscopic Surgeon
& Fertility Specialist.
Efficient and
affordable laboratory
services were offered
for a minimal cost by
the Lister Labs,
Pondicherry. The
AYUSH aspects were
covered by the team
from CYTER of Sri
Balaji Vidyapeeth,
Pondicherry AYUSH
Department and theTHE NATIONAL ENGLISH NEWSPAPER THE HINDU GAVE GOOD COVERAGE

Centre for Yogic
Sciences of
AVMC&RC. Dr B
Rajalakshmi Shaktivel
of Pondicherry AYUSH
Department offered
Siddha consultations
while Dr Vasundhara
covered the Yoga &
Naturopathy angle.
Yoga therapy was
given by Sri
Artchudane, Smt
Mariangela, Smt
Vithiyalakshmi, Sri
Dhanush and Selvi
Ghayatri. Counselling services were also provided for de-addiction by the team from
Mother Care Foundation.
The event started sharp at 10am with the lighting of the tradition lamp
(Kuththuvilakku) by Ammaji, eminent guests, alumni and faculty members with
Aarthi performed by Master Anandraj Bhavanani and accompanied by the resonating
chant of Mantras by Dr Ananda and Yogacharini Smt. Devasena Bhavanani. The
chanting of Ganeshapancharatnam and Ramashtakam was led by Selvi Dhivya
Priya Bhavanani with the children astounding the audience with their clear diction
and flawless rendition of these classics composed by Bhagavadpada Sri Adhi
Shankara.
Carnatic vocal selections from numerous composers in different languages
were then presented by music students under direction of Nada Yoga Shironmani
Smt. Jyothirmayi Shastri and her team of music teachers including Sri Veeramuni and
Smt Indumathy Bhanuchander. Selvi J Sankari on the violin and Selvan S Anirudh on
the mridungam gave admirable support.
In the pre-lunch session an invigorating panel discussion on “YOGNAT:
Enabling Self Transformation and Empowerment of the Individual” was
moderated by Dr Vanaja Vaithianathan, Founder Medical Director & Ophthalmic
Surgeon of Jothi Eye Care Centre with members of the YOGNAT family including
current students, parents and alumni sharing special life transforming experiences at
YOGNAT. This was a very lively session and many beautiful moments were shared
TEAM WORK BUILDS TRUST AND COOPERATION

by the members
who all
reiterated the
w o n d e r f u l
journey they
have had
t h r o u g h
YOGNAT thanks
to the
p i o n e e r i n g
efforts of Swamiji
and Ammaji. This
spirit of
transformation
a n d
empowerment of
womanhood was
also later
reflected in a
s p e c t a c u l a r
Group Yoga
Demonstration
by 25 ladies
representing the 25 years of YOGNAT. Each and every member of the audience was
deeply moved by the brilliant coordination and artistry of the demonstration that
showcased Yoga Shakti, or the Woman Power of Yoga! The demonstration was
conceptualized by Yogachemmal Lalitha Shanmugam and her direction of the
show was well appreciated.
The Banner Dance of YOGNAT is always a special attraction as it gives the
audience a chance to witness the amazing Yogasana skill of the children and the
magnificent teamwork that comes into play. This year, Ammaji divided the banner
dance into three sections of several teams and each section-team vied with the other
to do better than their best. It is always heartening to see such amazing abilities of
these young children and this type of healthy group activity enables them to grow
in so many ways. The excellent psychosocial development of our children over the
past many decades may be attributed to such golden opportunities that enable them
to learn and understand strengths and weaknesses of each member while building
up to their team’s best ever performance. The efforts of Yogachemmal E Gajendiran,
PUBLIC GAVE OVER-WHELMING RESPONSE TO EVENTS

Yogacharini Devasena Bhavanani, Yogachemmal Dr. Balaji, Yogachemmal
Chandrasekar and the teaching team of Smt Sridevi Jayakumar, Smt Tamilselvi
Mohan, Smt M V Jayalakshmi, need a special mention as they led numerous practice
sessions in the proceeding weeks enabling the kids to do their best. The boys led
by Anandraj also gave a scintillating performance when their turn came to showcase
their amazing agility and gravity-defying abilities in front of the Chief Minister and
eminent Guests of Honour. A special feature this year was the addition of Basic
Bharat Natyam Adous (patterns of movements) into the Asana tableaus. Senior
dance students wove lovely dance sequences into the Asana tableau. Movements
Juxtaposing in stillness was a visual treat.
The dance performances were an amalgam of items drawn from the traditional
Bharatanatyam repertoire such as Kauthwam, Mallari, Keerthanam, Padam,
Thillana etc as well as many Bhakti-filled compositions and energetic folk dances.
The small ones made us all proud with their flawless and cute movements while the
seniors took the cake with their spellbinding professional standard performances.
There were compositions describing the stories of Lord Shiva, Krishna, Shakti,
Muruga and the great Tamil culture. All dance teachers had made efforts to present
their classes well while Ammaji deputed senior students to each class for hands-on
training in managing the young ones, thus adding value to the overall presentations.
The highlight of the dance section was the performance of Saint
Thiyagaraja’s timeless Pancharatnam “Jagathanandakaraka” by the seniors and
this 40 minute composition literally took everyone’s’ breath away in its spectacular
melodic, rhythmic and emotionally surcharged presentation. Such long, intricate items
elicit a trance-like, meditative state in both audience and performers. Senior student
Selvi I Krishnaveni as the student-teacher in charge of the dance performances did
an amazing job of coordinating all the groups and their practices. Her efforts bore
fruit in the excellent
teamwork and
formations presented
by all the dancers.
Smt. Devasena’s
lovely singing
complemented the
efforts of Dr Ananda
and the musical team
of KalaimamaniSHOWCASING SKILL AND WILL AND CREATING UNIQUE BEAUTY

YOGA LIFE VOL.49 NO.09, SEPTEMBER 2018 PONDICHERRY, INDIA 1 0
J a g a t h e e s a n ,
Talamamani Prasanna,
Selvi J Sankari and Sri
Janarthanan made sure
that no stone was left
unturned in making
the event a grand
musical success.
The excellent
performances of the
children must be
credited to the special
efforts of the dance
teachers led by Smt.
Devasena and
comprising of the dynamic team of Yogachemmal Smt Kanimozhi Sethiskumaran, Smt
R Sri Valli, Selvi P Bhuvaneswari, with inputs from Smt Lalitha Shanmugam. The
senior dancers were coordinated and guided by Selvi I Krishnaveni with the support
of the senior dance students trio of Selvi S Sowmiya (Devasena Shanmugam), Selvi
S Vidhyashankari and Selvi I Balasundari.
One of the highlights that was much anticipated was the screening of YOGNAT
& Me: A documentary short film by Selvi Krishnaveni Ilanthirayan, Sri Tathagata
Mitra, and team, tracing the journey and impact of YOGNAT through the past 25
years. The 25 minute film brought together myriad experiences and feelings
expressed by alumni, teachers and students of YOGNAT and truly captured the spirit
of YOGNAT leaving everyone wanting more!
The YOGNAT Annual Awards were bagged by those who had proved their
mettle over the year and Best Student Award 2018 was received by
Selvi K Swathi while Best Family Award 2018 went to Yogachemmal
G Dayanidy, Smt Reena and family (Deganand & Hasini). The Michael
Danckwerts Yoga Scholarship was bestowed upon I Mrinali Akshita and
P Saranya, the Shri Vijaya Bhaskar Music Scholarship Award to S Narchelvi and
R Akshaya and the latest addition to Annual Awards of Yognat, the Sally Stevens
Performing Arts Scholarship went to M Gomathi and P Kavya.
The CHIEF GUEST of the event was the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Puducherry
Thiru V NARAYANASAMY Avl. who released the 280 Paged Commemorative
Souvenir and appreciated the work of the Ananda Ashram.
ALL TAMIL PAPERS IN PONDICHERRY REGION REPORTED THE JUBILEE

The souvenir was compiled and edited by Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi
Bhavanani and Yogachemmal G Dayanidy, under the benevolent guidance of
Ammaji, Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani. Efforts towards this were supported
by the Jubilee Editorial Team comprising of Yogachemmal C Shanmugam,
Yogachemmal Lalitha Shanmugam, Yogachemmal Dr Meena Ramanathan,
Yogachemmal E Gajendiran, Yogachemmal Reena D Joseph, Yogachemmal
Dr R Balaji, Selvi I Krishnaveni, and Selvi I Balasundari.
Ammaji was felicitated on the occasion of her completing 75 years of Yogic
living in this incarnation, and everyone of the nearly 1000 member audience
present sang a birthday song in her honour with 75 resounding claps ringing through
the air of the packed auditorium. “She is truly a ling legend of Yoga and one of the
greatest Women of Yoga in modern times. We are indeed fortunate to live in the
same time frame as her in Pondicherry”, said Sri N Ardhanari, the eminent
Gandhian.
The Pondicherry Chief Minister Thiru V.Narayanasamy Avl. also gave away
the Shironmani Awards to eminent awardees and prizes to meritorious students.
Selvi Dhivya Priya Bhavanani was given the Appointment Certificate as Deputy
Director of YOGNAT and thus emulates her father who was appointed also as
Chairman of ICYER at the age of 15 years.
The Hon’ble MLA Orleanpet Thiru R Siva Avl. and the Puducherry Special
Representative in Delhi Thiru John Kumar Avl. felicitated the occasion. Yogini
Satyaprem Gibson from Australia represented the International Yoga Teachers
Association and the Australian Yoga Therapy Association and offered tributes on the
occasion. Muthamilmamani Kalaimamani Pulavar I Pattabiraman Avl., and
Sri N Ardhanari Avl., the senior guiding lights of YOGNAT blessed the YOGNAT
family on the momentous occasion.
During the
celebrations, Yoga
Jivana Satsangha’s
S H I R O N M A N I
AWARDS were
bestowed upon
eminent personalities
in gratitude for their
noble service for the
society. The title award EVEN THE SMALL CHILDREN WERE EAGER TO SHOW THEIR ABILITIES!

of Acharya Ratna Shironmani was given to Prof Madanmohan, Director, Centre
for Yogic Sciences, AVMC & RC, Pondicherry and Prof TM Srinivasan, Honorary
Senior Professor, S-VYASA Yoga University, Bangalore in recognition of their selfless
service and visionary leadership for the cause of world society through the field of
science, Yoga and holistic health. Seva Ratna Shironmani awardees included Sri
C Dhandapani @ Raja Avl. of the Sri GC Dhandapani Electricals, Pondicherry; Sri
Navin N Daswani Ji, CEO of Super Audio Madras Pvt Ltd and Ms V Usha Avl.,
Senior Advocate of Puducherry in recognition of their notable service for the cause
of society through excellence in their chosen fields.
Karma Yoga Shironmani was awarded to Yogachemmal C. Shanmugam,
General Manager, Yoganjali Natyalayam; Yogachemmal E. Gajendiran Senior Yoga
Teacher, Yoganjali Natyalayam and Yogacharini Shobana Devi of Gitananda Yoga,
Czech Republic in recognition of their service for the cause of spirituality through
Gitananda Yoga. Kalaratna Shironmani was awarded to Sri Shanmugavel,
Proprietor, Photo Xpress in recognition of his notable service for the cause of society
through excellence in the field of photography, film making and artistic manifestation
of spirituality.
The Senior Boys, who are all now into their professional life and many leading
a family life, decided to come together after some years to perform an Alumni
Yogasana Demonstration Tableau. These spectacular athletic tableaus towards the
end of the event was surely a showstopper. Magnificent team work and coordination
as well as dynamic agility, strength and balance was showcased by the young men
who turned the wheels of time back to recreate the excellence they had consistently
displayed over the past two decades. Sri M Swarooparamanan and Sri
M Siddhathan, brothers who have been long time students at YOGNAT, also gave
a spectacular Acroyoga demonstration that blew everyone’s mind.
The event was felicitated by Thiru V Sivashanmugam Avl. the Former
Director Pondicherry Tourism Department who had been instrumental in the
conduct of the First International Yoga Festival in 1993 and also was the Chief Guest
for the inauguration of YOGNAT in March 1993. Kalaimamani SV Jagatheesan of
the Saradha Kala Mandir who has been associated with Ananda Ashram for more
than four decades was present and supported the event through his musical acumen.
Arrangements for the Jubilee Celebrations were coordinated by Yogachemmal
C Shanmugam and Yogachemmal Lalitha Shanmugam who managed the press,
publicity, reception, venue, hospitality and overall coordination of the day-long event.
Excellent makeup and costumes were taken care of by Yogachemmal Smt Kanimozhi

Sethiskumaran, Smt R Sri Valli, Selvi P Bhuvaneswari, Smt V Sarulatha with support
from Maniyan Tailors, Rajendiran Tailors, and Kalaimathi Costumes. The day long
events were carried forward by a dynamic team of volunteers comprising of
Yogachemmal R Chandrasekar, Sri Siva S, Sri Swarooparamanan, Sri Siddharthan,
Sri Sriram, Sri G Surendiran, Yogasadhaka Kiaan Gupta, Thiru S Sendil Coumar,
Thiru G Ramalingam, Selvi Yuvarani and others.
The Sound and Light Arrangements were courtesy of Dandapani Electricals and
Puducherry Municipality Staff; Photos by Thiru S Velu, Photo Express; Video by Thiru
G Sasi Kumar, NDS 24x7 and the Souvenir printing by Thiru J Selvakumar, Sarguru
Printographs.
A special mention must be made of the dedicated Yogacharini Shobana who
came all the way from the Czech Republic to help Ammaji during the celebrations
and brought with her loads of commemorative goodies in the form of memorabilia
for all participants. Hundreds of these lovely colourful gifts of badges, key chains, hair
clips and mirrors with the Jubilee Celebration image of Swamiji imprinted on
them were happily lapped up by both children and adults who heartily appreciated
these small, yet very significant gestures of true love for the Guru Parampara.
When you can do your work with love, passion and motivation producing
happiness not only for yourself but for others too – then you are truly blessed in your
life! We at YOGNAT are tremendously blessed by our Gurus, for, we are ever busy
doing stuff that we love and enjoy. This also gives us the chance to constantly evolve
ourselves on the path to liberation, the goal of human existence. “Work is worship”
said our illustrious Guru Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj and
he makes sure we are busy worshiping the Divine a lot for he keeps us ever busy
with newer plans every day.
We at YOGNAT are truly blessed to be Sishyas of such a visionary founder and
are constantly motivated towards excellence by our dynamic director and Guru,
Puduvai Shakti, Ammaji, Kalaimamani Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani.
E-copy of the Jubilee Commemorative Souvenir released on the occasion by
the Chief Minister of Puducherry Sri V Narayanasamy Ji is available for
download from SlideShare (Yogacharya Bhavanani) while the short film can
be viewed on the Yognat2001 YouTube channel......
THE LESS YOU WORRY ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK, THE LESS COMPLICATED
YOUR LIFE BECOMES – BUDDHA.

Comings and goings! Yogacharini Shobana made a flying visit to the Ashram from July 31st
to August
7th
to bring a huge load of momentos, she and her students from Czech Republic prepared so lovingly
for the 50th
/ 25th
Jubilee Celebration as well as to assist Amma. She departed the night of August 7th
just as the death of Thiru. Karunanidhi Avl., elder Scion of Dravidian politics and several times Chief
Minister of Tamilnadu left his body at the age of 93. It was a tense atmosphere that night and we debated
seriously whether to let her take the chance for the 120Km journey to the airport – but she had a safe
journey. God protects the good! Here is Shobana’s report – <Editor’s Note>
I reached home safely before midnight last night. Mahesh picked me up at
the airport in Vienna. Hopefully the taxi driver Santosh came back safely too. It
was very interesting as for the first time in twelve years traveling to Ananda Ashram
that night was a road just with few cars....our ride was so smooth and this taxi
driver was the best one till now. Very confident, silent and fully focused on driving
without using the phone etc. Kiaan was great support, he helped me to be packed
fast. With understanding he did everything what was necessary for fast departure.
As I reached the airport there were screens showing the present situations in the
streets of Tamil Nadu, especially there where the death body of Chief Minister
was, so crowded and wild. You Amma were so right and as it is said the ignorance
was bliss for me that night. Thank You very much for great time with you.
Wonderful experiences of grand event which was like experience of higher
realms of Lokhas coming like the blessings for all of us down here in Kali Yuga.
So much your work was there behind, to see all the perfect details as you think
on everything to avoid the miseries. Everything goes so smoothly, it was such a
blessing for us that descending of divine Lokha could occur (of all our memento),
I could see just a part of the hard work of You both which is so inspiring and
admirable. I am very grateful also to the Czech post office that could not
guarantee to me the delivery in the right time of the momentoes! That doubt gave
me the idea of coming to be present in person! What a surprise when I came
home yesterday and Mahesh gave to me 4 new letters coming from Ammaji by
the post office. You are so fast Ammaji beyond the time and space :). Thank You
very much for great time with you... — Shobana.
GRAND 50TH
JUBILEE CELEBRATION ON AUGUST 5TH
2018
Beautifully done! Thanks! A beautifully done program with love and care. We
both (my wife and me) enjoyed it in its entirety. You have dedicated your life for
this and it is a wonderful achievement. Our pranams to Ammji for her help and
support; so many people look up to her for the service she has done to the entire
Pondy society. Thanks and may all elders bless you and your family.
T M Srinivasan, Ph.D., Prof, Yoga & Physical Sciences,
S-VYASA Yoga University www.svyasa.edu.in

CHIEFMINISTERTHIRUV.NARAYANASAMYAVL.RELEASESSOUVENIR
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AMMAFELICITATEDONHER75THBIRTHDAY

BY YOGAMAHARISHI DR. SWAMI GITANANDA GIRI GURU MAHARAJ
Q.: In one of our conversations you told me you were in your last human
body. How can you really be sure?
A.: I know my statement must be very strange to any person who feels that they are
passing through life in just a few spans of years and in one single physical body. Yoga
and science agree that the real nature of man plus his total components always
existed, exist now, and always shall exit. We are just simply changing from energy
to various body forms and back to energy again. When we are in bodies, we pass
through all physiological stages of life from the lowest in nature to the Yogi, the crown
on the wheel of evolution. Without boasting, I feel that I have gone through or am
being put through the experiences of many lifetimes in my present three-quarters
of a century in the same but continually changed physical body. There is a point
where one realizes that life experiences when the lesson is learned releases the life
force for different “energy duty” in the universe. In Yoga we teach evolution is
measured in cycles. That Hindu Science is called Yantra which can be consulted in
these matters. It would appear that my observation is also proven out by these
calculations. Otherwise, I am as certain that this is the last human experience for me,
as I am sure of anything else.
Q.: Rishi Patni Meenakshi Devi has advised that it will take some nine years
of study of various aspects of Yoga to complete the understanding of the Six
Month In-Resident Yoga Course which you give. I have wasted six years
searching for reality in Yoga and I would like not to waste more years. I am
not interested in special powers, but would like to develop more stamina,
kindness, love etc. Can you further enlighten me?
A.: Although I am the author of my Correspondence Course in Yoga I very often
find myself “learning from me” when I re-read my own books and Yoga
Correspondence Course lessons. Most of my students tell me that in review of the
first four basic courses, (Later combined into one Volume containing 52 Lessons) that
they discovered new material or that somehow the material had escaped them
originally and after they plunged into another phase of Yoga they understood it. I
think that you will find that you will be drawn to read other material or that material
By Yogamaharishi Dr. Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj
Frankly Speaking
This series of questions and answers were compiled over decades from 1970 to 1993. They have all been
printed in a hard cover book – Frankly Speaking and were published in Yoga Life – Editor’s note.

FRANKLY SPEAKING
will simply “drop into your hands” and “people will come your way” who will help
you in your ongoing study and evolution. These is no end of books now in the West
on Hinduism, its Singlisms etc… and Vedanta. Having an intellectual appreciation of
Vedanta is also valuable in your ongoing study of Yoga. Don’t be afraid to set “Yoga
goals” for yourself. Set short periods of time like six months to attain to a particular
personality development or the correction of a personality defect. Be intense and
committed to your Yoga Sadhana. Look back every once in a while and see the real
growth which you are making. Keep a diary and record “milestones” and
achievements along the path. If you see clearly where you have been, then it is
easier to figure out where you are now, and where you must go, A written record
of development is a must in a sincere Yoga Sadhana. When Meenakshi referred to
“nine years”, she meant nine years of work at least was necessary to master and
understand the techniques and ideas promulgated in this particular systematic
approach. Certain qualities of personality, such as openness of mind and heart,
peacefulness, satisfaction, control, stamina, health etc, develop quickly along the way,
as a natural day-by-day consequence of these practices. You should feel your
intelligence being stimulated and sharpened, and your sensitivity to all of life being
refined, in a day by day development. This is a slow, steady process of growth
sometimes as difficult to see as the growth of a tree.
Q.: My husband is an exchange school teacher and very intellectual. He does
only twenty minutes of Yoga every morning from Rachael Carr’s book Yoga for
All Ages. It gives him greater flexibility, but no suppleness. What techniques
would you advise an over-conscious and intellectual man to, number one,
relax him and number two, give him more energy?
A.: If one has only a short period of time each day for their physical Yoga, then I
recommend that they do the Hathats and Hathenas from my book Breath of Life
which is also contained in the early lessons of my Correspondence Course in Yoga.
I guarantee you that there are no movements linked with breath so dynamic as this
group of movements. Postures without deep breathing do not produce relaxation or
energy, just the opposite. Try becoming your husband’s teacher of this small group
of spectacular Yoga movements. You will find splendid results.
Q.: One of my pupils is an elderly lady of 70 years old who has had a
disability since eleven years of age. She suffers from migraine headaches. I
intend to take her as a private pupil. Can you help?
A.: By all means, do help anyone who is looking for that help. A private session
would be the best. Dharmika Asana, the Devotional Pose, and variations of same

are a sure way to get rid of migraine headaches. If you rub a thumb pressure point
in the centre of each hand for about 20 seconds in a clock-wise motion, then flop
both hands as through you were drying out a wet towel you will see the magic relief
of most headaches which are termed “pressure headaches”. Teach your patient
some deep relaxation techniques to relieve tension headaches. I am sure your
patient–student will gain tremendously from your mutual association.
Q.: I hope you will forgive my putting some embarrassing question to you.
Some people in England who love you and admire you think that you have
fallen from the Yogic path by your marriage to Rishi Pathi Meenakshi Devi and
the raising of Ananda as your successor. I have been told that the one’s
spiritual successor should be a disciple and not one’s own flesh.
A.: Meenakshi and I have faced this question ten thousand times over the past 15
years and many times pages of Yoga Life have been given over to our answer. First,
I do not find it embarrassing as we have a real “Yoga union” in our family. We are
not householders but Ashramites, and living in the style of our ancient Vedic Rishis,
who incidentally were all married and had families. The lineage of most great Yogis
was first carried on within the family itself. It was only in the time of the popularity
of Buddhism that Yogis took to the stricter Buddhist concept of celibacy. But, many
Yoga sects still do not follow the Buddhist and neo-Buddhist line. My two principle
Gurus, both Sannyassins, were married and had families. I am a Dharmaka
Sannyassin and not interested in setting up a household, but continue the tradition
of a Yogic spiritual family as in Vedic times. This is not only to remind you that Yoga
has always been principally for the householder. A Sanyassin taking to Yoga is
perhaps the anamoly. The highest Guru Yogeswar is Lord Shiva Himself with consort
Yogapatni Parvathi and their Yoga family of Lord Subramaniya and Lord Ganesha. Just
a month ago, the High Court of Madras upheld the will of a great South Indian
Siddha Yogi who made his son his successor. I would like to point out that the famous
Ragavendra Swamiji anointed a son as his successor. Indeed, I would like the Yoga
Union of Meenakshi and I to produce that “Yoga child” to take my place and
revolutionerize Yoga. We have had our detractors on this point. Sannyass is the
renunciation of the small for the large, the incomplete for the complete, the
individual for the universe! It is the acceptance of spirituality rather than
individuality. For those who love us, and respect us, who have had doubts on this
point, surely the past 15 years of our Yoga work radiates the discipline of Sannyass
which is not as physical as they have made it. Not many parents could proudly point
to a son who appears on the threshold of not only talking over my duties, but literally
succeeding me in this long classical line of Yoga. He may also become a Sannyass,

FRANKLY SPEAKING
even marry, as long as the woman he brings into that Yoga marriage is a Yogini, and
they build up an Ashram. (This was written in 1983 – Ed’s Note).
Q.: Sometimes, when I see myself clearly, with all my faults, I feel depressed.
What can I do at that time?
A.: When one enters the Yoga Life, one must above all make the attempt to see
oneself clearly. Indeed, this is one of the Niyamas called Swadhyaya, or Self Study.
No one is perfect or he would be a realized soul. To be human is to err, to
paraphrase a famous saying. We must learn to love even our faults, for they can also
teach us something. If we lovingly examine our own self with kindness and
compassion, rather than reacting violently and negatively to what we consider our
“flaws”, we will find even the study of our own weaknesses interesting for what they
reveal about ourselves and human nature in general. We must learn to “observe
ourselves” objectively, as though we were watching a cinema show, without
attachment, with dispassion. If we can observe ourselves without judging
ourselves, without identifying with ourselves, without justifying ourselves, we
will find our real nature unfolding before our very eyes. We cannot “solve” our
problems. But the practice of Yoga techniques will help us “dis-solve” the problems.
We never “correct” our flaws. Rather, we “out-grow” them. Life carries us around
our problems. We learn to become detached from our own “self image”. This image
ceases to be important. As the Real Self in us grows in light and power, the small
self withers and fades away. Then, negative narcissism disappears. There are many
Yoga techniques which are especially good for those persons who are prone to
depression. The practice of Mula Bandha, Ashwini Mudra, and all the Mudras are
just a few which are considered. The Bhujangini Mudra is considered amongst the
“psychic elevators” that is, techniques which tend to “lighten the emotions”. You
should practice Hang Sah Kriya regularly and do the Eka Dasi Pranayama quarterly
to “clean out” old festering traumas in the nervous system. Even if you don’t feel
cheerful, pretend! “Mocking is catching”, as my father used to say… if you pretend
something long enough, it will become real! Happiness produces more happiness.
Misery produces more misery. Greedy people become greedier. Somehow you must
break the chain reaction of depression. Yoga thinking, Yoga living, Yoga feeling, Yoga
practice, good thinking is the way to break the negative chain!
Q.: Although I do a Yoga practice each morning at 4 am. I go to my work at
6:30 am. I am unable to get in time for an evening practice of Asanas and also
prepare my evening meal etc. Otherwise, I cannot sleep until midnight or
later. Can you advise me about an evening practice or is the two hours I get
in the morning enough?

A.: You are indeed fortunate to be disciplined enough to get up at 4 am. Before you
leave for work at 6:30 am you put in time at your Yoga Sadhana. I understand your
perplexity about an evening programme, especially when you have to prepare your
own meals. I would therefore assume that you could get in time only after 9pm. The
early morning hours are the best time for Asanas, Kriyas, Pranayama, etc. so I would
like to suggest to you, except on the weekends when you may have time to work
in a second practice that you do a relaxation session of half an hour or a little more
sometime in the early evening, so as not to interrupt an early evening meal and early
going to bed. I don’t think that it is necessary to have a heavy Yoga session late in
the day. Yoga Asanas are for the early hours of the day and you are availing of that
time. In the evening re-read your Yoga lessons, study philosophical, religious and
other uplifting materials and quiet your mind so that you can have a deep healthful
sleep. Four hours sleep may not be enough. Others need eight hours of sleep. You
will have to judge that for yourself. Whenever you have the opportunity, take more
time, but do not force yourself so that you are missing meals, or going without sleep.
Such practices may be a Tapas when indicated, but otherwise, may not be conducive
to your general health.
Q.: How much sleep does a human need?
A.: This is a difficult question to answer because the need for sleep differs from
person to person and continent to continent as does the amount of food from
individual to individual. The purpose of sleep, still an enigma to science, is obviously
to rejuvenate and re-build tired and worn-out cells of the body. This happens only
at a particular level of body tonus induced by dreamless sleep. “tension–sleep” is the
order of the day and many people sleep fitfully, waking up in the morning no more
relaxed, sometimes even more tense than when they went to bed. Such sleep is of
little value. Generally speaking, a minimum of six hours sleep is necessary for
an adult with two to four more hours for a child or growing teenager. Along
with good diet, sleep, the conquest of anxiety, and the control of the sexual drive
are said to be the pre-requisites of a spiritual life in Yoga and Vedanta. It is perhaps
more important to consider how and where you sleep than how long you sleep. A
refreshing sleep in a comfortable environment with plenty of fresh air and no
horrible noise or disturbing sounds are extremely important. Preparing oneself for
sleep, a wash or a bath, clean bed clothing, pleasant surroundings are a prerequisite.
Some people go out of their way to play appropriate music, light incense, have
indirect lighting, read a pleasurable passage from some favorite literature or have a
short meditation before bedtime. Certainly all of these things are conducive to good
sleep. Deep, even breathing while lying in bed calms the mind.

FRANKLY SPEAKING
Q.: Can one get too much sleep? Sometimes, if I sleep more than my normal
allotted time, I feel more “loggy and tired” than if I had slept less.
A.: Many people oversleep, which is as problem making as overeating. It becomes
a habit that is hard to cure. Certain modern life styles allow for an extra hour or two
of sleep which would be better spent in awake, aware activity and especially in
various types of Yoga body relaxations and meditations, such as Aloma-Viloma, Anu-
Loma Viloma, Marmanasthanam Kriya, Kaya Kriys, Yoga Nidraa etc. Scientific
experiments on sleep deprivation have shown that subjects deprived of sleep for a
long period of time do not have to make up the time hour by hour, but after a
lengthy sleep awake refreshed with no need for replacing the time lost. There
appears to be little or no body damage by a lack of sleep over short period of time
but psychological stress does develop with people who believe sleep to be a
necessity. Inadequate breathers are always sleepy and a toxic system produces
tiredness that is often mistaken for “sleepiness” and a need for sleep. When this is
true, the system needs to be de-toxifiied. Sleep may, in fact, compound the
problems. When abnormally over tired, try sipping some cool, fresh water, in case
it is a matter of simple dehydration creating the fatigue and tiredness, and do some
Pranayama, especially Mukha Bhastrika, Nasarga Bhastrika and Nasarga Mukha
Bhastrika and bring up your blood oxygen level. Often a good shower or washing
of the hair will chase away fatigue as well. Twenty minutes of Savitri Pranayama, the
Rhythmic Breath, is equal to the anabolic or re-building, healing effect of eight hours
restful sleep. The technique of Yoga Nidraa could go a long way towards bringing
awareness of the negative psychological reasons for abnormal desire for sleep. Sleep
is nature’s wonder cure but it is also one of the major psychological escapes
for modern man.
Q.: After some of the more difficult, strenuous Asanas, Kriyas and Mudras, I
feel a muscular or body tiredness afterwards. My heart beat and breath rate
is also very fast. Would you explain this?
A.: Whenever doing some of the strenuous Yoga activity, you are disturbing toxic
water matter which is otherwise settled in various organs of the body and particularly
the musculature. In the case of body organs, this may be the sudden release
of lactic acid. This lactic acid causes the feeling of lassitude, tiredness, even
muscular soreness. To get rid of this state, the lactic acid must be converted into
lactose, a kind of blood sugar, and burned up. Hence the more rapid heartbeat and
rapid breath necessary for this work. One would actually aid this conversion if the
breath were deeper and controlled, such as in Nasarga Bhastrika. The special
technique I teach as Nasarga Mukha Bhastrika is of great value for those suffering

from joint pains, rheumatism or arthritis systems. One should also consider a
cleansing diet with plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, augmented by plenty of fresh
vegetables and fruit juices and accompanied by flushing the system with fresh, clean
drinking water. Take it easy on the flexion and stretching postures of Yoga, being sure
to ventilate with Pranayama before and after such stretches. The early morning is the
time for this style of Yoga practice. Though more difficult to stretch in the early
morning, it has more benefit body wise than doing practices late in the day.
Much stiffness among Yoga enthusiasts is caused by doing Asanas late in the
day.
No one should ever forget the three most important words in the English
language: I AM SORRY!
When these words are uttered with sincerity, at least “part payment” is made
of one’s Karmic debt which accumulates from one’s mistakes. When an error is
admitted into consciousness, one can make a sincere resolve not to make the same
mistake again.
It was heartening to see in this world of victims and excuse – mongers, that
a leading “Mover and Shaker” of the global community, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO,
Facebook, took responsibility for massive data leaks from his organization. He
made this flat statement which radiated with Yogic truth.
“It was my mistake, and I am sorry. I started Facebook, I run it, and
I’m responsible for what happens here.”
This was Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony to the US Congress
when a Congressional inquiry was being made,
How many so-called Yogis in the world today have the courage to “Face Up”
to their own mis-doings?
FACE-UP - is the motto behind all true evolutionary advances. “I am
wrong! I take responsibility for my-own mistakes I will cultivate the will and
skill to change! I am sorry!
If we can do this, we can be promoted as the CEO of our own
Corporation-cum-Incarnation! FACE UP!
THREE IMPORTANT WORDS
RIVERS NEVER GO REVERSE. SO TRY TO LIVE LIKE A RIVER. FORGET PAST AND
FOCUS ON FUTURE.
GOD HELPS ONLY PEOPLE WHO WORK HARD.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK. – A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM

YAMA AND NIYAMA – EVOLUTIONARY QUIRKS, YAMA/NIYAMA AND THE BRAIN OF MAN
Interestingly enough a modern psychologist-philosopher, Ken Keyes in his book
Road Map To Lifelong Happiness has come to similar conclusions using different
terms and taking another route.
Ken Keyes argues that in the long course of evolution, the “old brain” and the
“new brain” developed over vastly different periods of time. Thus, he postulates,
there is an essential “lack of communication” between the “old”
(reptilian-mammalian) brain and the “new” (conscious neo-cortex) parts of the
brain. This is because the “old brain” developed over the course of 60 to 375 million
years and hence is “powerful”, well-set in its ways. Its habitual responses to
environmental survival challenges are strong and automatic: “kill or be killed.”
Whereas the new brain is the “new boy on the block.” This lack of communication
between the two brains has produced what Ken Keyes calls the “five quirks” which
he postulates cause most of the problems one faces in life.
Ken Keyes analyses these quirks as follows:
1. The “Object Quirk”: The animal brain sees objects only in a very vague, hazy, general
sense and not in a specific sense. It views objects and classifies them as to how they
may fulfill its needs or in what way they may threaten its safety. Thus, it confuses
different people and things. It sees everything generally as friend or foe, provider of
food or as a sexual possibility. It does not need to see any object with specified
characteristics. For example, it does not choose a mate on personal charm or elevated
character but simply as a means to gratify sex drives. Other objects – other creatures
– are important only as means to satisfy basic needs.
2. The “Time Quirk”: Keyes says the “old brain” has no time sense. It does not perceive
past or future. It lives only in the present moment. It “eats or is eaten”. There is no
sense of tomorrow or yesterday. Everything is immediate, now and urgent. Every
experience is in “the Eternal Now.”
3. The “Unsafe Stranger Quirk”: The “old brain” views all strangers with suspicion. The
“unknown stranger” is a possible threat to survival or a competitor for resources. Any
creature “different” from oneself and one’s species is a potential threat.
4. The “Unchanging Entity Quirk”: To the “old brain” incapable of perceiving subtleties,
everything remains the same – a tree is always a tree. It does not perceive the various
Yama And Niyama
EVOLUTIONARY QUIRKS,
YAMA / NIYAMA AND THE BRAIN OF MAN
.......Continuation from the August 2018 Yoga Life issue.

changes, which all things pass through. It sees all things as “unchanging”. The
perception of the subtleties of change are not necessary for survival.
5. The “Adaptable Memory Quirk”: The animal does not need memory. The only memory
necessary is what enables it to survive. Hence, what it remembers can be “adjusted”
to whatever best helps it to survive. There is no objective truth. The only “truth” to
the animal brain is “survival of the fittest.”
What Keyes is trying to point out is that the way in which animals and reptiles
perceive the world is a much dimmer, less precise, less clear, survival-oriented
perception totally geared to survival, less than that available to the conscious mind.
The “old Brain” is fuelled by emotional responses. The basic motivating emotion is
fear. The other important drives- sex, survival instinct, herd mentality, dominance,
power struggles, nurturing and being nurtured – are all tied to the organism’s basic
need to survive at all costs and its fear of death or extinction.
For example the “Object Quirk” manifests in human experiences when a
person in the past was abused by a red-haired woman and hence in future, always
has a dislike for red-haired women. The “old brain” cannot see the possibility that
all red-haired women will not abuse it.
The “Time Quirk” manifests itself in human behavior in this manner: when
one experiences unhappiness, one feels one is “always unhappy”. This may cause
one to perceive another person as “always angry”, even through the person may
only be angry at that moment. Witness how many husband-wife or parent-child
quarrels begin with the words: “you always do this…”
The “Unsafe Stranger Quirk” is evidenced in the suspicion that people feel
when a foreigner enters their circle, or someone of a different religion or different
race or a different culture, etc. comes into their social circle. There is an instinctual
fear, even though that person may be perfectly harmless.
The “Unchanging Entity Quirk” manifests when people cannot see that those
around them are constantly changing, that they are not what they were yesterday.
A thief may have reformed himself, but others may always perceive him as a thief.
The husband may have overcome his bad habit, but the wife cannot see him anew.
The “Adjustable Memory Quirk” occurs when people deliberately or
unconsciously “re-arrange” their memories to support or justify their emotions or
desires. For example a couple who wish to divorce may “adjust their memories” to
“remember only the “bad times” or the “bad characteristics” of their partners.

Man’s close relations with the animal and reptilian kingdom have found their
way even into common expressions. Reptiles are cold blooded. They do not
experience emotions. This is why few people like to have reptiles as pets. Reptiles
sense threats from predators and act – fighting or fleeing. They sense a possible prey
to dine upon, and attack. But they do not feel fear. They do not nurture their
young. They re-act only on the level of the survival instinct according to the
characteristic responses of their particular species. They do not possess individuality,
but rather, exist in a generality. This is why it is often said of a person who has done
something particularly cruel, he/she is “cold blooded” or the murder was committed
in “cold blood”, or he/she is “a snake in the grass”. The reptilian complex –
associated with the brain stem, has its own efficiency. It regulates respiration: it digests
food, it makes the heart beat, and it enables us to react swiftly to real or imagined
threats. But it does not feel fear.
The mammalian brain, younger by several hundred million years to the
reptilian, has well developed emotions. Fear, love, hatred, jealousy, rage are part of
its workings. Desires motivate behavior of mammalian: desire to nurture or be
nurtured; desire for sex, desire for power, desire for domination or submission,
desire to protect one’s own territory. The herd instinct with all its emotional power
plays are very much mammalian instincts. “Faithful as a dog”, “brave as a lion”
(lion-hearted), “cunning as a fox”, “strong as an elephant” are common expressions
of the character traits of various animals. The fierce protective maternal instinct
guards its young, rage crupts when another encroaches on its territory. Love of
animals is well known, as is the male’s jealousy of anyone who dares to encroach
his sexual domain. Animals die in battles over territorial dominance. These are all
emotions and desires which rage in the animal brain. At that level of evolution, all
these drives are necessary to keep the genetic flow moving from one generation of
the organism to the next. Survival tactics: nature’s way of ensuring that “life goes on”
by providing an autonomic motivating power.
Animals are prisoners of their genes. They are incarnated into a conditioned,
stimulus/response programming and they have no choice, but to follow their instincts.
Man, the new being, the first “conscious organism” has the power of choice.
He or she may now act and choose, rather than react. The human has the power
to think, to recall past situations and compare them to the present reality. Man has
the power of reason which frees him from the instinctive responses to challenge
which is the mode of behavior of the reptilian and mammalian kingdom. But the
power of the unconscious emotions and instincts rising from the “old brain” in a kind

of “evolutionary lag” sometimes overpowers the “rational brain” and causes “the
new being” to react in an “irrational manner.” Man as a social, conscious being has
lifted himself from the jungle environment with its moment to moment dangers and
constant life and death challenges. He no longer faces threat to his very survival on
a constant basis. His life is relatively secure on the physical level (barring wars and
other unusual circumstance). Yet, his “old brain” is hard wired to react as though
every threat (physical or psychological) is a life and death matter. Hence even
psychological challenges or innocuous frictions trigger off “old brain” extreme
responses especially on the emotional level.
Many old desires and instincts still exists in a subtle level – sexual rivalry, power
struggles, territorial conflicts – the only difference being that the “animal in us” now
wears a coat and tie and stands on two legs.
These concepts may be elaborated. At present it is enough to simply point out
that often in human relationship and in other situation, the old animal and reptilian
autonomic responses and reactions cloud the “human” or conscious perception. The
“old brain” reacts out of conditioning. It is heavily “loaded” with emotions which
are part of the mammalian complex, and hence “unconscious.” The “new brain” has
the power “to act” after considering the reality of the present situation, and using
discrimination, rationality and deliberation to choose consciously its actions in any
given circumstances.
(To be continued.....)
GET OUT OF YOUR BOX AND LIVE!

SANTHOSAM OR PATIENCE: THE BEST OF QUALITIES
Patience: the ability to wait until the Divine gives us what we need!
Waiting is also meditating.
This “Mantra” was given me several decades ago in New Delhi, when I stood
with an eminent Sanyasin outside our guest house waiting for an errant driver who
was very late to take us to an important meeting with the Minister of Health.
The quality of patience is extolled in our scriptures over and over. It is called
Santhosam in Patanjali’s Code Of Conduct and is vital for spiritual advancement. It
is the second Niyama, or restraint. In this sense it implies the patience to be content
with what is.
Pride comes from education, riches and one’s family. Of these three sources
of pride, it is pride in one’s family connections that is the most difficult to get rid
of. This is seen in the case of Devayani, the daughter of Asura Guru Sukracharya
and her companion Sharmishtha, the daughter of Asura king Vrishaparva. Once
after the teenage girls had finished frolicking and bathing in the river, Sharmishtha
by mistake put on Devayani’s clothes, Devayani insulted her and called Sharmishtha
a mere serving girl. Sharmishtha then boasted about her royal lineage.
When Sukracharya learned what had happened, he counseled his daughter
Devayani on the need for patience. His speech to her is excellent guidance for all
on the evolutionary path to higher consciousness. He said “You should not have
insulted Sharmishtha”. Only a person who has some kind of complex will have
discriminatory thoughts about fellow human beings. All this talk of master and
servant, educated and uneducated, is wrong. A person who has contentment will
never say the kind of things you said to Sharmishtha. You must be content with what
you have. A person, who makes comparisons of what he has with what others have,
begins to feel discontentment, and that leads to anger. Patience is a great virtue.
If others gossip about you, tell tales about you, or abuse you, you must remain
calm. If you remain calm, then you are like a charioteer who is in total control of
the horses. Shed your anger just as a serpent sheds its skin. A man who never gets
angry is superior to a man who performs Yagas. Anger results in many losses.
If a man loses his temper, then his wife, children and friends will keep away from
him. He loses the results of Yagas, of the Daana he has given, and the fruits of
penance. He can never be a sage. Therefore, when elders find youngsters
quarrelling, it is their duty to put an end to the fight.”
SANTHOSAM OR PATIENCE: THE BEST OF QUALITIES

HOUSEWIVESANDPROFESSIONALLADIESCREATEPRETTYPICTURESWITHASANATABLEAUS
KEEPINGTHESHOW ALOFTWITHRAGAANDTALA INTRODUCINGTHEARTISTS
ISTHISLEVITATIONOR
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LITTLEHASINIISADELIGHTFORALLEYES
REACHFORTHESTARS!
HELLOEVERYONE!HEREWECOME!
CREATINGABEAUTYWHICHDIDNOTHITHER-TO-FOREEXIST!
GIRLSINASANAFORMATION AUDIENCEENTHRALLED!
COLOUR-FORM-SOUND-SIGHT:WORSHIPPINGTHELORDWITHTHESE!

Special Jubilee Issue of Yoga Life September 2018

Special Jubilee Issue of Yoga Life September 2018

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Special Jubilee Issue of Yoga Life September 2018