Double Consciousness
In Nirvikalpa Samadhi, the Yogi’s consciousness merges with the absolute consciousness. There is no bodily fixation. In his ordinary waking consciousness, even in the midst of worldly duties, he is in communion with the supreme consciousness. He has double-consciousness.
The crow has one eye-ball, but two sockets. It turns the eye-balls, now to one socket and afterwards to the other socket. Even so, the Yogi has double-consciousness.
Wise Guidance For Sure Success
The practice of Yoga should be gradual and step by step. Extremes are to be avoided. No sudden and violent methods should be employed. Common-sense is an essential part of Yoga. Boldness is also equally essential.
Fickle-mindedness will not do on the path of Yoga. Vacillation and oscillation will retard progress and result in stagnation.
Reflect gradually and choose a method; choose a method and stick to it and persevere in it continuously. This Nishtha is necessary.
A man who digs a well should not dig a foot here, a foot there, a few feet in another place and then a fourth. If he does this, he will not find water even after digging in fifty places. Once a spot is chosen, he must dig on and on in the same place and lo, he will reach the water. Even so in Yoga, one teacher, one path, one method, one master, one idea and one-pointed faith and devotion—all the above make up the secret of success in spiritual life.
Practice Of Yoga Asanas
1. The practice of Yoga Asanas helps to prevent disease and maintain a high standard of health, vigour and vitality. It cures many diseases.
2. It is conducive to higher intellectual and spiritual attainment and provides a co-ordinated system of health for all people.
3. There are as many Asanas as there are living creatures.
4. Siddha, Padma, Svastika, Sukha—are the four chief meditation-postures.
5. Sirshasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Paschimottanasana—confer wonderful health and cure many diseases.
6. The practice of Asanas is always accompanied by Pranayama and Japa of Mantra.
7. Moderation in diet and observance of Brahmacharya are necessary for realising the maximum benefits of the practice of Asanas. A Yogi should always avoid fear, anger, laziness, too much sleep or walking, and too much food or fasting.
8. Regularity in the practice of Asanas is of paramount importance.
9. Lakhs of people have derived real benefit from the practice of Yoga Asanas.
10. Even in Europe and America, many have taken to the practice of Yoga Asanas.
11. Several Schools of Yoga in the West and India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, Denmark, Holland, show a record to prove the therapeutic value of the Asanas.
12. I have written several books on Yoga Asanas: 1. Yoga Asanas, 2. Hatha Yoga, 3. Yogic Home Exercises, 4. Radiant Health Through Yoga, 5. Practical Guide to Students of Yoga; and a number of other books like 1. Easy Steps to Yoga, 2. Yoga in Daily Life, 3. Practical Lessons in Yoga, etc., contain lessons in Yoga Asanas and Pranayama.
13. This system costs nothing. It is inexpensive. It is simple. It is specially suited for the people of the whole world at large.
14. Even women can practise it with great advantage to themselves. Irrespective of age, all can join in the practice of Yoga Asanas.
15. The benefit of Yoga Asanas should be made available to every family in the whole world. Doctors’ bills can be saved.
16. Ethical culture, practice of divine virtues, a rigorous discipline of the mind, spiritual culture and meditation are also very necessary for attaining integral perfection. Asanas and Pranayamas are only a part of Yoga.
