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of the body. By focusing the inner gaze at the eyebrow centre, which represents the top of the spinal cord, the central nervous system is switched on, influencing the core structures around the hypothalamic-limbic system. Alpha waves are generated in the optic system at the back of the head by closing the eyes. By crossing them in a meditative attitude, shambhavi mudra, these waves spread from the back of the head to the frontal lobes, producing a profound meditative or relaxed state very quickly. Following the principles of reflexology, it may be inferred that the strong pressure on the palms helps relieve stress and tension, improve blood supply, tone up the nerves and balance the vital energy necessary for mastering meditation
techniques. Note: Generally, simhasana is associated with the roaring lion
posture but the Upanishads give that posture as a variation of simhasana (see simhagarjana, the roaring lion, in the chapter Vajrasana Group of Asanas). In this meditation asana the lion is sitting quietly, waiting for something to happen. This is the mental attitude the mind has to adopt in order to enter deep meditative states.
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