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જૈન ધર્મ અને અન્ય પરંપરાઓમાં યોગ - વિશેષાંક
The Brahma Purana mentions the capacity of sen- On a closer scrutiny, these emotions can also be tience towards the feelings, thoughts and emotions of seen as the categories of our potentials. To manifest other living beings that can be developed by meditat- these potentials, we need to see them as our objecing on the area corresponding to the Anahat Chakra. tives after which one of the others become the tech
This power can be a boon when used to under- niques to attain that objective. stand and help others through compassion. However,
Thus Spirituality can be our objective as also could the power can also be used to manipulate or over
be a technique to feel secure, feel powerful or may power others if reading others could mean getting to know their weaknesses or sensitivities. There is a high
be help us feel more confident. Similarly, the need to probability of developing an attachment towards these
awaken our Kundalini could be for the purpose of libpowers which are hence seen as an obstacle on the
eration or compassion, as much as it could be for the path of Yoga (read Liberation).
purpose of feeling powerful for all the various wrong No wonder then that the Shiv Samhita repeatedly
reasons. Thus we often find yogis showing off their mentions the necessity of this knowledge of Kundalini "powers' in an attempt to market themselves. to be guarded intensely and passed on only under the Was the intention here really spiritual or was it guidance of an adept Guru.
simply to impress the onlookers, or to attract customThe important question that the seeker of Kundalini
ers? Or is it as we see nowadays, a trap to lure innoYoga needs to ask oneself is; Why do I feel the need to
cent devotees and loot them of their belongings, or awaken my Kundalini?
victimise them for personal sexual gratifications unThe question looks simple, but needs an intense
der the garb of spiritual service? Swadhyay (self-study) to reach to the real answer. The concept of Integral Chakra Psychology can help us
This discussion may seem a bit harsh, but is necunderstand this better.
essary to make the seeker aware of the pitfalls. The A householder preoocupied with so many duties student of Yoga, as mentioned earlier needs to do a may feel the need for energy to carry on with their study regarding his/her purpose of awakening the household duties. For example, when a baby is born, Kundalini. Simultenously, unfortunately nowadays, the the mother's sleep deprived and feels the need for student also needs to do a study of the Guru before extra energy. Frustrations and tiredness make us feel submitting completely to him. the need to be over-energetic. However, we can sim
Lastly, it is important to remeber that nature ply follow some discipline and tap to the extra energy
ensures abundance of energy for everyone, but it is within us. We do not need to go to extreme lengths to
equally important that we stay connected with nature activate our Kundalini. Rather, activating this energy
and not go against it. using incorrect method causes more imbalance. The Brahma Purana mentions certain emotional
Vachaspati Mishra in his commentry to the Yoga aspects in association with each chakra as follows: Sutras mentions how it was possible for him to expeMuladhara Survival, Security
rience unlimited energy and sit for long hours in one Swadhishthana Comfort, Pleasure, Sensuality
posture, unaware of the wordly happenings, simply Manipura Control, Power, Authority
by remaining involved in his work. It is thus a myth Anahat Love, Compassion
that you have to sit in meditation for long to arouse Vishuddhi Self-Identity, Acceptance,
this energy. It is essential that we live life purposeEsteem, Expression
fully, focus on our breathing, and reduce the fluctuaTruths - Knowledge, Awareness,
tions of mind by meditation. Agnya Intuition
The attempt should not be to awaken the energy Brahmasahastra Higher Reality, Spirituality, but rather channelize it positively. Religiousness
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(ફેબ્રુઆરી - ૨૦૧૮
પ્રબુદ્ધ જીવન
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