From IIM Ahmedabad To Happiness

Author(s): Vijay K Jain
Publisher: Vikalp Printers

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FROM IIM-AHMEDABAD TO HAPPINESS
employing it to energize the nervous centres of the spinal column and brain which control the whole system. The lung capacity increases with practice but it also requires certain other aids. The food must be pure, wholesome and non-irritating, so that the body should acquire purity and elasticity and lightness. After a few months of practice, sufficient control is obtained to 'will' the prāna to any particular part of the body. This enables the yogi to get rid of many kinds of diseases from his system.
Pratyāhāra means 'gathering towards', that is, checking the outgoing energy of the mind, and freeing it from the thraldom of senses. The soul has to be completely detached from the requirements of the senses. Mind then becomes ready for concentration on one object or one idea.
Dharana means the holding of the mind on to a point, to the exclusion of all others; on one external object or one internal idea. For example, one can start with the fixing of the attention on the heart. It also signifies a special form of meditation. Repeated attempts will be required to be able to glue the attention on the chosen subject and to empty all other thoughts.
Dhyana means contemplation. When the mind is freed from the thraldom of senses, and does not wander outwards, it can be easily employed in the contemplation of the Atman.
Samadhi is the state in which the soul enjoys its own inherent, natural bliss; it is the super-conscious state. Samadhi is the realization of the ideal of the soul and in that state all taint of attachment for the outside world, together with its concomitants, pleasure and pain, is transcended. Soul is set free to feel its own glory and bliss.
The first five steps are only for preparation of the mind for the higher-order stages, for concentration. The last three steps constitute the application of concentration to achieve Selfconsciousness, the goal of existence.
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