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Jaina Acāra : Siddhanta aura Svarūpa
279
Kayotsargas should be undergone strictly. Its number may increase, but should never decrease. Its main purpose is subsidence of pride, anger, deceit and greed. It is also to ward off in auspicious obstructions and ominous hindrances. While going on a journey if there be some bad omen, Kayotsarga of eight inhalations and exhalations is prescribed. Also the silent utterance of the Namaskāra Mahamantra. Should there be some obstruction for the second time, 16 Käyotsarga and two times namaskāra should be gone through. In case there be hindralice for the third time, 32 Kāyotsargas with four incantations should be gone through. In case something untoward happens for the fourth time, the resolve to go out should be given up in order to avert some impending calamity. It is meant for both physical and mental relaxation. Since the mind has to be centred on breath, it may conveniently be measured or counted correspondingly. Its purpose is to be in close proximity with the soul. The effect is to maintain mental balance, intellectual development and physical well-being. Bhadrabahu has stated many effects as follows :
(1) One becomes slothful because of the onslaught of phlegril and the like. It does away with physical dulness.
(2) Because of concentration, intellectual dulness is removed.
(3) It gives strength to suffer pleasure and pain with an equable mind.
(4) It gives the much-needed opportunity to concentrate without the least distraction of mind.
(5) It habituates one with ease to auspicious concentration. Physical tension causes many deformities such as :
(1) The decrease of sugar in muscles (2) Lactic acid increases in them. (3) Because of the increase of this acid the body gets heated. (4) The nervous system gets tired (5) The quantity of oxygen in blood decreases.
Kayotsarga helps as follows:-- (1) Acid is once again turned into sugar (2) The quantity of lactic acid becomes much less (3) The consequent decrease in the heat of the body (4) The nervous system is rejuvenated (5) The increase of oxygen in blood.
Health is the proper balance between body and mind in the absence of which tension intensifies.
To begin with relax your body. Take an easy posture. Keep your neck and spinal chord straight; it should neither bend nor become tense. Now take long breaths. Make them as long as possible but do it with ease and never with attendant pain. If you do it about ten times, it will be yours
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