Journal of Gyansagar Science Foundation 2013 04 01

Author(s): Sanjeev Sogani, Vimal Jain
Publisher: Gyansagar Science Foundation

Page 62

Dr. Sudhir, Volume 1 Issue 1 April 2013
techniques, but are equally rewarding.
Health related Effects of meditation
All our mistakes or Dosha or bad karma happen duringour unaware state.In Jain technical language it is called pramad. If one is aware moment to moment, one will be very cautious. Hence mistake or pramad (unawareness) does not occur. So karmic dosha of thoughts, speech or deed are minimized. Lord Mahavir used to frequently say to his chief disciple Gautam" Please do not remain unaware even for a fraction of second. "Always be aware and watch your thoughts, words and actions so closely that nothing goes wrong anywhere.
1. During meditation oxygen consumption is reduced
by 16%, even greater than the reduction of 12% that
occurs during in sleep. 2. Diurnal fluctuation in secretion of stress hormone is
much controlled, in favour of peace and harmony. 3. Neural structures that are intimately related to
the control of the autonomic nervous system are activated, more of parasympathetic drive.
If one understands the basics of meditation, one can really design one's own tailor made system, suitable to one. Initially one should learn one standard method, follow it for few years, then after mastering it, at some stage one can modify.
Because of several good effects on health, including control of several diseases, many doctors, psychotherapists and other health professional are increasingly adding meditation techniques to their practice of mainstream, as prescription. They consider meditation a key element of an integrated health program.
Most of these oriental techniques have come from teachings of Lord Shiva, Patanjali, Buddha, Adinath, Mahavir, amongst several others.
No one method is better than others really. All methods are great and equally beneficial. Comparison is dangerous and has no meaning. One has to choose the method that suits to one. One should remember that all methods teach to remain in present tense, this particular moment. Choice less, effortless, non judgmental awareness. This brings happiness and joy. As nicely described in Vipashyana Method, actually speaking, meditation is an operation of mind, by the mind. The tools of mind are calm and quiet mind, Awake and attentive mind, an equanimous mind. When this state is practiced several times over weeks and months and years, one achieves what is called mindfulness practice. Here meditator remains in a state of constant awareness in whatever hel she does. Eating meditation, sitting meditation, working meditation, walking meditation. To achieve this, 3 rules are famous in esoteric circles.
Here are certain diseases, where there is a documented effect of meditation in alleviating them or reducing their severity in varying proportion. You will find several studies of the positive effects of meditation in these diseases in medical literature on internet or journals. 1. Arthritis 2. Allergies 3. Asthma 4. Hypertension 5. Coronary artery disease 6. Irritable bowel disease 7. Heart burn 8. Constipation 9. Tension, Headaches and Migraines 10. PMS and menstrual discomfort 11. Menopausal problems 12. Pain in the back, hips and knees. Fibromyalgia 13. Depression and anxiety 14. Substance abuse 15. Skin disorders, eg. Psoriasis 16. Chronic fatigue syndrome 17. Stroke 18. Over weight with Obesity 19. Sleep disorder 20. Terminal cancer related pain and other problems In general, many psychosomatic and lifestyle disorders can be totally or partially eliminated with practice of meditation over a sufficient period. Stress can be very nicely tackled with learning art of meditation.
1. Whenever the body is, mind should also be there
without any exception. All activities of body are with
full mind at every moment. 2. Develop wakeful plain observorship: Non
judgemental. One learns to detach body from mind. 3. Ultimately know the soul with one's own soul. For the
beginners, it may be worth observing total silence (No speech and no movement of body), as pilot exercise. Total isolation from all distraction is useful. Pranayam is helpful as warming up before each meditation session, though its not a prerequisite. A beginner may find it easy to do chanting (sound) meditation. Later focusing on object may be considered, with open eyes initially, followed by closed eyes. Focus on breathing and thought are harder meditation
It is estimated that people who meditated over a period of five years had over 50% reduction in doctor visits and hospital admissions.
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