THE POWER OF OM (OUM); YOGA AND POWER OF OM; MEANING OF OM (OUM); DEFINITIOIN OF OM or OUM (YOGA); EFFECT OF OM ON HUMAN BODY; OUM AND HUMAN BODY; BENEFIT OF SAYING OM or OUM; OMKAR; OM; OUM, Om Namaha Shivaya; Yoga and Power of Om; TREATMENT OF VARIOUS DISEASE THROUGH OM

THE POWER OF OM (or OUM) :

What is Om (or Oum) ?

Om or Aum (also Auṃ, written universally as ॐ, in Devanāgari as ओ३म् or ओम् in Sanskrit known as praṇava प्रणव (lit. "to sound out loudly"), Omkara, or Auṃkāra (also as Aumkāra) ओंकार (lit. "Auṃ form/syllable"), is a sacred or mystical syllable in most Dharmic or religions, specifically Hinduism, Jainism and Mahayana Buddhism.

Om is pronounced as ओ३म् where ३ is Pluti, (indicating a length of three morae) (long or over-long nasalized close-mid back rounded vowel, [õːː]), like OOOM, दीर्घ O, though there are other enunciations adhered to in received traditions. It is placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts as a sacred incantation to be intoned at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or prior to any prayer or mantra. The Māndukya Upanishad is entirely devoted to the explanation of the syllable. The syllable consists of three phonemes, a Vaishvanara,^[1] u Hiranyagarbha and m Iswara, which symbolize the beginning, duration, and dissolution of the universe and the associated gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, respectively.^[2] The name Omkara is taken as a name of God in the Hindu revivalist Arya Samaj and can be translated as "I Am Existence"^{[citation needed]}.

SOME BENEFIT OF OM ON HUMAN BODY :

1. Om or Oum help us in various psychological disease like : Dipression, Stress, Hallucinations (warning : these are based on public talk so you need to try these exercise(s) under expert supervision).
2. It is seen that Om and Meditation will Relax our Body and Mind.
3. Practice of Om is Good for School / College children.
4. Om is good for Technical / Non Technical People, also good for concentration for mostly all people.
5. Very Good Effect on Heart Disease (Consult your Yoga Specialist before trying any Heart Based Exercise).
6. Om and Meditation is very good for Pragnent Women (Befor Childbirth and After Childbirth).
7. Om and Meditation is very good for Military and Para Military Staff as it will Relax our Mind and Body and w'll be abot to take Quick Decisions, as well as to avoide lazyness (Consult any Yoga speciality for Asana and Pranayamas too).
8. Om is good for Doctors and Surgeons as this will increase our concentration level while treating or operating a patient.
9. Om is very good for Pilots and Soldiers as it can increase our concentration level.

NOTE : Correct Pronunciation is very necessary for Better Effect.

- x - x - x - x -x-x-xX-Xx-x- x - x- x - x -

EFFECT OF YOGA THERAPY ON CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN - A RANDOMIZED CONTROL STUDY : (for complete article visit : http://www.svyasa.org/theses/PadminiTekur.asp)
Thesis  by : Dr PADMINI TEKUR
Under the Guidance of
Dr R NAGARATNA M.B., B.S. M.D., M.R.C.P.
Dr H R NAGENDRA M.E., Ph.D.

ABSTRACT : 
Background and need for the study: Previously, outpatient Yoga programs (in two of the earlier RCTs on yoga for Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP), 12 to 16 weeks of intervention) lasting several months have been found to reduce pain, analgesic requirement and disability, and improve spinal mobility in chronic low back pain (CLBP).

HEART DISEASE AND MEDITATION; HART AND MEDITATION; RESEARCH NOTES ON HEART DISEASE AND MEDITATION; HEART DISORDERS AND MEDITATION; MEDITATION FOR HEART PATIENTS; MEDITATION AND HEART PATIENTS; HEART PATIENTS; MEDITATION; EFFECT OF MEDITATION ON HEART; MEDITATION AND HEART ATTACK; (PERSONAL NOTES)

RELATION BETWEEN HEART AND MEDITATION

HEART DISEASE AND MEDITATION;

MEDITATION FOR HEART PATIENTS; MEDITATION AND HEART DISEASE; EFFECT OF MEDITATION ON HEART DISEASE; EFFECT OF MEDITATION ON HEART PATIENTS; MEDITATION FOR HEART; HEART AND MEDITATION; MEDITATION AND HEART; 

NOTE : It is STRONGLY ADVICABLE that - "TAKE PROPER GUIDANCE/ Method and/or CORRECT ADVICE from YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR / Naturopath before doing any exercise and/or meditation technique(s) - as some exercise and practice/s may be done under expert supervision.

Heart Diseases are more common in India as well as in Asian Countries, US Countries, UK, as well as / more commonly - all over the world.

Heart Disease or Cardiac Disease or Cardiopathy is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases affecting the Heart. As of 2007, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, accounting for 25.4% of the total deaths in the United States.
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STRESS AND STRAIN OF LIFE
Mental tension, Emotional disturbance, Stress and Strain of life, etc. are the number one risk factor for heart diseases. racing ambitions, hurry and worry of modern life directly affect man's cardiovastular system. Mind is like a jokky and heart is like a horse. If the Jokky whips, the horse races fast. Similarly, when mind is tense, the heart over-functions. Modern man tends to run with time and, in turn, pays a very heavy price int he form of heart disease.
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PSYCHO-PHYSOLOGICAL EXPLANATION
ALTHOUGH modern man no longer faces physical threat to survival yet he responds to the day-to-day psychological stress by fight or flight mechanism although it is not required.  Stress abnormally disturbs on's cardiovascular functioning. This effect can be understood through several mechanisms of heart control.
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HOW TO HANDLE STRESS ?

UNDERSTANDING the effect of stress on heart is one thing and doing something about stress is another. Conventional psychologists have suggested a number of stopgap measures to reduce stress, but non of them gets at the root cause of stress; they merely seek to ameliorate currently stressful circumstances. Some of these ideas have been to change jobs, to find more leisure, to find someone to talk about on's trouble to, to take up a hobby, to change on's life-style and so on. the more perceptive doctors counsel the making of deeper psychological changes; to be honest with oneself and others, to act with maturity and to make decisions firmly, to give up artificial crutches like alcohol and drugs and to increase on's personal strength.
All of those goals may be good, yet the question remains how does one get the inner strength even to make those changes? And how does one get the peace and clarity of mind to realize what steps are really necessary and possible to effect those changes? And how does one get the flexibility to life even in what may be considered "Stressful" circumstances since it is not always possible to change external conditions without feeling distressed by them?

THAT is where the efficacy of Raja Yoga in treatment comes in.  It is not based on changing anything external, but rather on's internal responses to external demands.  Thus, the treatment is useful to everyone in all circumstances.  Moreover, just a few days of practice is sufficient to achieve mental and physical relaxation which in turn is enough to allow one to focus perception towards understanding and curing the personality factors which enter into stress produc tion.  That understanding is increased further by application of the spiritual knowledge of which meditation is based.
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RELAXATION RESPONSE : The value of relaxation has also been documented medically, A neuropsychiatrist of California, Late Dr. David Fink, wrote thus in this connectin: "Relaxation stops the emotions that prod the interbrain and forebrain into misbehaviour. Skill as well as good health depend upon relaxation". This, relaxation is the first step towards good health.
EXTERNAL events themselves generally do not raise menntal tension. Rather, it is the repeated thinking over of an event "I can't believe th boss said that to me what nerve he actually said that" - the repetition going on both consciously and unconsciously, awake and asleep - which raise mental tension levels to dangerous heights.

THE control over the mind achieved through Raja Yoga practice makes us able to halt this repeated brooding over stressful events. We become able to easily re-charge our mental energies into positive and even blissful directions, and to intuit solutions to stress-causeing events which are life -enchancing for all concerned, rather than negative or distructive towards self or others.

TRANSFORMATION OF ATTITUDES

WE know that Under the same set of circumstances, one person, may become anxious while another can remain cheerful.  The difference has to do with attitude towards the event and more with on's general personality and understanding of life.  By gaining spiritual insight into the laws of human actions and interaction, our attitudes towards life-situations naturally tend to become tolerant, positive and creative. This gives us the means to retain stability and peace of mind even under adverse conditions.

IN the words of Dr. Fink (from his book, "Relief from Nervous Tension"): "Your attitudes are the higher-ups, the big shots in your mental life. They are the habits that sit in the driver's seat. When you can boss them you are in the control of your life. You become invulnerable and nothing can hurt you".

OR in words of the pioneer in stress research, Dr. Hans Seye: "Rather than relying on drugs and other techniques, I think there is a better way to handle stress. Attitude determines whether we perceive any experience as pleasant or unpleasant".

"I have found the fundamentals of Raja Yoga Meditation extermely beneficial for developing the positive attitudes. For example, if someone gets angry or criticizes a Raja Yogi, he thinks: 'We all are actors on the world drama, playing a definite role allotted to us. I should not worry about the activities of others. I must try to play the role given to me in the best manner.  When he behaves according to his nature, I also should behave according to my original nature of being a peaceful and loving soul.  I remain detached and peaceful because I am just an observer of various scenes of the world drama. Whatever percentage of truth lies in the criticism, I must accept and change myself.' If a near relatives dies, then, under stress, caused by bereavement he thinks; "This is an event, where the actor has just changed his costume (body) for playing another role. Indeed, the Soul is eternal, indestructible and immortal.  Thus the soul whom I love is not dead.  The soul still continues to play its role somewhere else.  I must not feel sad about the event. On the contrary, I should send good wishes and vibrations of peace".

IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE THINKING
if you expect failure and think about

NATUROPATHY AND YOGA, - A WAY OF LIFE, NATUROPATHY IS A WAY OF LIFE

WHAT IS NATUROPATHY, DEFINITION OF NATUROPATHY; 

ALL ABOUT NATUROPATHY;

NATUROPATHY

 "Naturopathy is a Way - of - Life"

According to the basic concept of Naturopathy or Nature cure-a drug-less therapy, (i.e. without modern system of medicine); healing comes from within the body itself. That is to say, there are self-curative forces which are inherent in the human body working towards healthy and healing. In fact, a Naturopathy simply provides required guidance, whereas self-control, diet control and exercises to be adopted by the patient play a major role in the healing process.

As said in Patanjli & General Yoga and Hath Yoga : योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः (अर्थात : मानसिक संवेगों पर काबू पाना ही योग है) : meaning: control over mind and thoughts is called 'YOG' or 'YOGA';

Accumulation of waste products in the body by eating wrong type of food, over-eating or poor digestion and assimilation, is considered one of the major causes of ill-health and various diseases. Nothing eliminates these waste products more effectively than fasting and enema. The human body is a sophisticated but tough machine, Most of the diseases can be treated and cured by cleansing the body through nature, eleminative and physiological processes.

Naturopathy believes that the germs which causes disease appear and flourish only where morbid matter has accumulated. Hence, a disease cannot attack unless there is already a soil in which the germs can thrive. When waste products in the body become very strong, the self curative forces (vitality) work at low pace and nature loses its fight, disease results in.

Now let us alalyze how Naturopathy works. :
It starts at the root and treats the disease with cold water treatments like hip bath, mud pack, stomach pack, enema and gastro-hepatic pack (mostly cold treatments on the abdomen).  The parasites or amoebae cannot thrive in the cold, whereas heat is conducive to their survival.  Hence, they start dying or running out slowly but steadily.  Even the cysts are destroyed or damaged.  Thus the breeding and growth of the parasites are restricted.  With the help of the above treatments, fasting and enema, the entire army of parasites is drained out through the rectum in a period of 15 to 20 days, if taken continuously.  Thereafter, the patient is gradually brought to normal diet.  At the same time one must learn Yoga and continue exercises or/and brisk walk every morning after which one will never have this problem again.

The main problem is to remove the morbid matter, stuck in the cells of the liver, inside the abdomen, intestines etc. and to clean the system and get rid of various diseases generated by this morbid matter which gets accumulated due to bad and irregular eating habits over many years. No other method except Naturopathy, not even surgery, can remove this hard-stuck morbid matter which is like pitch or gum, what to speak of medicines! But Naturopathy can and the way it works can better be explained by an example. Take an envelope with a stamp strongly pasted on it.  Can you remove it simply by pulling it? NO, you will have to soften the glue with water, rub it cautiously for some time and only then will the stamp slowly come out. Naturopathy works the same way and hip bath, mud pack, enema, fasting, exercise, yoga etc. play the same role as water in cleansing the system which is not possible by any other medicl process.

In the order of healing sciences, Naturopathy stands first, but unfortunately,it is practiced last after hopelessly trying all other medical sciences.  It is beyond doubt that nature cure is a sure cure for a majority of the diseases and though inexpensive it is very effective. In other words, it is a drug-less healing which is unique because it has no side-effects. For most of the diseases, headache, asthma blood pressure, gastric, locomotive and liver disorders, - some regular exercise and simple treatment which can be taken even at home are effective.  Nature Cure or Naturopathy is curative, preventive and also educative - more likely we can say "NATUROPATHY IS A WAY OF LIEFE". and ( :-) Yoga is Brother of Naturopathy ;-)

WARNING : If you are new in this field - then - Please take medical / Naturopath advice before taking any of the treatment.

SOME TREATMENTS IN NATURO-PATHY

The following simple treatment(s) are given for various sufferings :

1. ABDOMINAL COLD COMPRESS : (COLD TOWEL PACK) - Dip a towel in cold water, remove excess water, place the towel on the abdomen, covering it with another dry towel, reverse the towel after 10 min. - so that the top portion touches the abdomen and leave it there for another 10 min.; if necessary repeat the process.
   Note: (if feeling some confusion or abnormality - consult a good Naturopath);
   Effects: It increases the blood circulation to the abdominal organs, activates metabolic functions, reduces inflammation and calms the nervous system, It produces a feeling of comfort and relieves pain and congestion in digestive, reproductive and urinary organs.
   ;
2. ABDOMINAL PACK : Take 2 cotton cloths of 2-2  1/2 meters long & 1/2 meter wide, a Blanket or flannel 1x1/2 meter.
   Duration is : 1 Hour
   Procedure : Dip cotton cloth in cold water, remove excess water, Wrap the cloth around the abdomen from lower part of the ribs to the groin. Over this, wrap the dry cloth and finally the flannel so that the pack fits snugly.
   Uses : useful in gastritis, hyper-acidity, indigestion, poor blood circulation to the liver, jaundice, constipation & other complaints related to abdominal organs.
   (Note : It is better to consult with a experienced Naturopath - it is recommended).
   ;
3. FOMENTATION : Take a Hot Water bag or cotton cloth, wrung in hot water, a cold compress, and a Dry Cloth.
   Water Temperature : 42 - 45 Degree Celsius.
   Duration : 5 - 7 Minutes.
   Procedure : When the hot water bag is used, it is advisable to cover the area of application wit a cotton cloth wrung in cold water. Fomentation is then applied over it After the application is over, a cloth dipped in cold water should be placed on the area of application for 1 - 2 minutes. After removing the wet cloth, the area should be covered with a dry cloth for at least 30 to 40 minutes.  If the symptoms recur, application should be renewed.
   Uses : For relieving acute pain in any part of the body, especial in the abdomen, it is an invaluable treatment.  In arthritic pains, this may be repeated twice or thrice in a day for better result. or in cases like bronchitis, asthma, respiratory problems, pleurisy, fomentation to the upper back gives immediate relief.
   (Note: in any complication - consult with a good Naturopath).
   ;
4. COLD HIP BATH : Take a hip bath tub with any Naturopath or Yoga Material/s shop, a moderately coarse cloth (the size of a handkerchief).
   Water Temp.: Cold 18 - 24 Degree Celsius.
   Duration : 15 minutes or as indicated by naturopath.
   Procedure : Fill the tub enough to cover the hips, generally four to six gallons or as per the body of patient. If the patient feels chill or if the climate is very cold, a hot foot bath should be given along with the cold hip bath.
   i) The patient should gently rub the abdomen around the navel in clockwise direction with the coarse wet cloth.
   ii) Continued during the entire period of the bath.
   iii) legs, feet, upper part of the body should be thoroughly dry and should not get wet during and after the bath.
   iv) Wear shoes before entering the bath.
   v) after the cold hip bath - the patient should undertake moderate exercise like brisk walking, yogasanas, suryanamaskaar aasaana, suksham vyaam, etc.
   Note if the patient is very weak - then he/she should lie down in bed covering with a blanket.
   Uses : A cold hip bath is a routine treatment for almost all diseases. The treatment is meant to relieve constipation, indigestion, obesity, sexual power, some bowling related problems, obesity and to help the eliminative organs function properly.
   ;
5. STEAM INHALATION : Take an equipment for facial sauna (normally available to all chemist shops); if not available - take boiling water in a vessel till - steam is generated.
   
   NOTE : Be careful of burning and protect your eyes.
   Duration : 5 - 8 Minutes.
   Procedure : Switch on the equipment, when steam is generated - sit on the stool in front of the equipment, bend over it, inhale the steam through nose and mouth accordingly, (by covering the head with a Turkish Towel), Care should be taken not to inhale too much steam as it destroys the sensitivity of the noseand irritates the eyes, Wash the face gently with cold water and dry.
   Uses: it is useful in treating cough, cold, diphtheria, tonsillitis and sinusitis.  In acute inflamation of the pharynx, larynx and in cases where the eustachian tube is blocked due to cold, steam inhalation gives immediate relief.
   ;
   
6. ENEMA : Enema is an injection of fluid into the rectum.  This is slso known as rectal irrigation.
   Materials Required : Enema can (enema pipe, cane, tube - will be available at all naturopathy store or hospitals in your area).
   Water Temperature : Only Lukewarm Water (suitable to body or as per body temprature);
   Procedure : patient should lies down on his right, extending his right leg and folding the left leg at a rght angle. The enema nozzle which is smeared with oil or vaseline is introduced into the rectum. Slowly the can is raised to a height of 3 ft from the patient and water is allowed to enter the rectum.  If the patient feels pain during this process, the height of the cn should be reduced and during the process, the height of the can should be reduced and the flow of water stopped for a while.  The pain will then subside, The enema can is again raised to 3 ft. Generally two to four pints of water is injected into the rectum. Great care should be taken to avoid entry of air into the bowels as this may cuse severe colic pain.  When there is pain due to gases, while giving enema, a gentle massage over the colon region will relieve the same.  Large quantities of water should not be injeced as this may sometimes cause damage by distending the colon.  The water has to be retained for a least five to ten minutes.  The patient should take a short walk while retaining the water and then go to the toilet where he should slowly expel the water along with accumulated morbid matter.  The patient should not hasten to release all the water at once.
   Uses : warm water enema is helpful in cleansing the rectum of the accumulated faecal matter.  This is the safety system known to the medical world for cleansing the bowls.  This also improves the peristaltic movements of the bowls and thereby relieves constipation, Cold enema at 18 deg. C is helpful in inflammatory conditions, specially dysentery, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids and in fever.
   ;
7. MUD PACK (Local Application) :Mud procured for treatment propose should be black cotton soil with greasiness and free from pollution. (it is suitable to take the soil below 2 - 4 feet of the ground level, or where the road digging is going on);
   Note : Only take neat and clean (natural) mud for this purpose.
   Method : it is applied by keeping soaked mud in a thin, wet muslin cloth and making it into a thin flat brick depending on the size of the patent abdomen.  The size of mud pack is generally 10"x6"x1" for adults.
   Duration : is approximately 20 - 40 Minutes depending upon the health of the patient as well as weather;
   Uses : relive in Indigestion, remove toxins from body / abdomen, to control acidity, stimulates peristalsis, if put on head - relive hdadache and various other disease - for better result consult any naturopath.
   ;
8. OIL MASSAGE (also dry massage - i.e. without Oil) : always remember to do massage from other body parts towards heart.
   Uses : it improve blood circulation, improve circulatory system, relax, nourishment various body parts.
10. 
    
    FOR NATUROPATHY AND YOGA CONSULTANCY CONTACT :
    for Delhi, NCR, Noida, (India) people - Contact : Dr. Sonu Kumar - Naturopath, IFNHY, NDDY, (Mob: 09250950118 - Noida Sector 12 - only Saturday - Sunday - with appointment only)

According to Wikipedia : Naturopathy, or Naturopathic Medicine, is a form of alternative medicine based on a belief in vitalism, which posits that a special energy called vital energy or vital force guides bodily processes such as metabolism, reproduction, growth, and adaptation. Naturopathic philosophy favors a holistic approach, and, like conventional medicine seeks to find the least invasive measures necessary for symptom improvement or resolution, thus encouraging minimal use of surgery and unnecessary drugs. According to the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, "Naturopathic medicine is defined by principles rather than by methods or modalities. Above all, it honors the body’s innate wisdom to heal." According to the American Cancer Society, "Available scientific evidence does not support claims that naturopathic medicine can cure cancer or any other disease, since virtually no studies on naturopathy as a whole have been published."

The term "naturopathy" is derived from Greek and Latin, and literally translates as "nature disease". Modern naturopathy grew out of the Natural Cure movement of Europe. The term was coined in 1895 by John Scheel and popularized by Benedict Lust, the "father of U.S. naturopathy". Beginning in the 1970s, there was a revival of interest in the United States and Canada in conjunction with the holistic health movement.

Naturopathic practitioners are split into two groups, traditional naturopaths and naturopathic physicians.Naturopathic physicians employ the principles of naturopathy within the context of conventional medical practices. Naturopathy comprises many different treatment modalities of varying degrees of acceptance by the conventional medical community; these treatments range from standard evidence-based treatments, to homeopathy and other practices sometimes characterized as pseudoscience.

Naturopathy is practiced in many countries, primarily the United States and Canada, and is subject to different standards of regulation and levels of acceptance. The scope of practice varies widely between jurisdictions, and naturopaths in unregulated jurisdictions may use the Naturopathic Doctor designation or other titles regardless of level of education.

The philosophical and methodological underpinnings of naturopathy are sometimes in conflict with the paradigm of evidence-based medicine (EBM).Many naturopaths have opposed vaccination based in part on the early philosophies that shaped the profession.

What is Meditation ? Definition of Meditation ? About Meditation; Meditation to Know Myself; Meditation in Clinical Practices

What is Meditation ?

Meditation is the process of getting to know myself completely, both who I am 'inside' and how I react to what is 'outside'. Above all, meditation is enjoying myself in the litral sense of those words. Through meditation, I discover a very different 'me' from perhaps the stressed or troubled person, who may seem superficially to be 'me'.  I realise that my true nature, the real me, is actually very positive, I begin to discover an ocean of peace right here on my own doorstep.

There is a lovely Indian story about a quen who had lost her valuable pearl nacklace. In great distress, she looked everywhere for it and, just when she was about to give up all hope of ever finding it, she stopped and realised it was right there around her own neck ! (kasturi kundli base mrug dhunde ban-mahee - कस्तूरी कुंडली बसे मृग ढूंढे बन-माही);

The word 'meditation' is used to describe a number of different uses of the mind, from contemplation and concentration to devotion and chanting. The word itself is probably derived from the same root as the Latin word 'mederi', meaning 'to heal'.

Meditation can certainly be looked on as a healing proces, both emotionally and mentally, and to a certain extent, physically too. The simplest definition of meditation is: the right use of the mind or positive thinking. It is not to deny thoughts, but to use them correctly. Most forms of meditation employ two main practices: concenration exercise, often using an object such as a flower or a candle, and the repetition of a mantra. A mantra is a sacred phras, word or sound which is repeated constantly, either loudly, silently or in thoughts only. It translates literally as 'man' = mind and 'tra' = to free.

According to Wikepedia :

Meditation refers to any of a family of practices in which the practitioner trains his or her mind or self-induces a mode of consciousness in order to realize some benefit.

Meditation is generally an internally-invoked, personal practice, which an individual can do by themselves. Prayer beads or other ritual objects may be used during meditation. Meditation may involve invoking or cultivating a feeling or internal state, such as compassion, or attending to a specific focal point. The term can refer to the state itself, as well as to practices or techniques employed to cultivate the state.

There are dozens or more specific styles of meditation practice; the word meditation may carry different meanings in different contexts. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity as a component of numerous religious traditions.

A 2007 study by the U.S. government found that nearly 9.4% of U.S. adults (over 20 million) had practiced meditation within the past 12 months, up from 7.6% (more than 15 million people) in 2002.

Since the 1960s, meditation has been the focus of increasing scientific research of uneven rigor and quality.  In over 1,000 published research studies, various methods of meditation have been linked to changes in metabolism, blood pressure, brain activation, and other bodily processes. Meditation has been used in clinical settings as a method of stress and pain reduction.

MEDITATION PRACTICE : 

1. Sit in a confortable place, free of noise and suitable for Spiritual Health Conditions, you can either sit on a cushion on the floor cross-leged or, if this is uncomfortable, sit on a chair, choos a quite place away from noise or visual distraction.
2. If available with you - then you may use Gentle background music, for relaxing.
3. Position with the back straight. 
4. Either Concentrate on Oooouuuuummmmm or Do as follows :

THOUGHTS FOR MEDITATION 

Let me imagine the nothing exists outside this room.... I feel completely insulated from the outside world and free to explore my inner world.... I turn all my attention inward, concentrating my thought energy on the centre of the forehead... I feel a sense of detachment from my physical body and the physical surroundings... I become aware of the stillness around me and within me ... A feeling of natural peacefulness begins to steal over me.... Waves of peace gently wash over me, removing any restlessness and tension from my mind... I concentrate on this feeling of deep peace.... just peace .... I am peace.... Peace is my true state of being... My mind bcomes very calm and clear..... I feel easy and content... having returned to my natural consciousness of peace... I sit for a while, enjoying this feeling of calmness and serenity .....

Plan to practice repeating these or similar thoughts to yourself for about ten minutes at least two times a day. The best time is in the morning - after a wash or shower, before you begin yor day's activities. Another good time is in the evening, when your day's activities are over. During the day, while performing any activities, keep reminding yourself: 'Peace is my true nature'. As you keep practicing this meditation, such positive and peaceful thoughts will arise in the mind more and more easily, and peace of mind will become increasingly natural.
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MORE LIGHT ON MEDITATION : (BUDDHIST FACTS ABOUT MEDITATION): New and Ancient Research on Meditation : Different Type of Latest Meditation Techniques: Latest Research On Meditation:

Techniques, Benefits & Beginner’s How-to Silence the mind:

Meditation is an approach to training the mind, similar to the way that fitness is an approach to training the body.

But many meditation techniques exist. So how do you learn how to meditate?

“In Buddhist tradition, the word ‘meditation’ is equivalent to a word like ‘sports’ in the U.S. It’s a family of activity, not a single thing,” University of Wisconsin neuroscience lab director Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D., told The New York Times. And different meditative practices require different mental skills.

It’s extremely difficult for a beginner to sit for hours and think of nothing or have an “empty mind.” But in general, the easiest way to begin meditating is by focusing on the breath — an example of one of the most common approaches to meditation: concentration.

Concentration Meditation:

A concentrative meditation technique involves focusing on a single point. This could entail watching the breath,

repeating a single word or mantra, staring at a candle flame, listening to a repetitive gong or counting beads on a rosary. Since focusing the mind is challenging, a beginner might meditate for only a few minutes and then work up to longer durations.

In this form of meditation, you simply refocus your awareness on the chosen object of attention each time you notice your mind wandering. Rather than pursuing random thoughts, you simply let them go. Through this process, your ability to concentrate improves.

Mindfulness Meditation:

Mindfulness meditation technique encourages the practitioner to observe wandering thoughts as they drift through the mind. The intention is not to get involved with the thoughts or to judge them, but simply to be aware of each mental note as it arises.

Through mindfulness meditation, you can see how your thoughts and feelings tend to move in particular patterns. Over time, you can become more aware of the human tendency to quickly judge experience as “good” or “bad” (“pleasant” or “unpleasant”). With practice, an inner balance develops.

In some schools of meditation, students practice a combination of concentration and mindfulness. Many disciplines call for stillness — to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the teacher.

Other Meditation Techniques:

There are various other meditation techniques. For example, a daily meditation practice among Buddhist monks focuses directly on the cultivation of compassion. This involves envisioning negative events and recasting them in a positive light by transforming them through compassion. There are also moving meditations techniques, such as tai chi, chi kung and walking meditation.

Benefit/s of Meditation:

If relaxation is not the goal of meditation, it is often one result of it. Back in the 1970s, Herbert Benson, MD, a researcher at Harvard University Medical School, coined the term the relaxation response after conducting research on people who practiced transcendental meditation. The relaxation response, in Benson’s words, is “an opposite, involuntary response that causes a reduction in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.”

Since then, studies on the relaxation response have documented the following short-term benefits to the nervous system:

1. Lower Blood Pressure, Improved Blood Circulation, Lower Heart Rate, 
2. Less Perspiration, Slower Respiratory Rate, Less Anxiety, Lower Blood Cortisol Levels.
3. More Feelings of Well-being, Less Stress, Deeper Relaxation

Contemporary researchers are now exploring whether consistent meditation practice yields long-term benefits, and noting positive effects on brain and immune function among meditators. Yet it is worth repeating that the purpose of meditation is not to achieve benefits. To put it as an Eastern philosopher might say, the goal of meditation is no goal. It is simply to be present.

In Buddhist philosophy, the ultimate benefit of meditation is liberation of the mind from attachment to things it cannot control, such as external circumstances or strong internal emotions. The liberated, or “enlightened,” practitioner no longer needlessly follows desires or clings to experiences, but instead maintains a calmness of mind and sense of inner balance.

How to meditate: Simple meditation for Beginners:

This meditation exercise is an excellent introduction to meditation techniques.

1. Sit or lie comfortably. You may even want to invest in a meditation chair.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Make no effort to control the breath; simply breathe naturally.
4. Focus your attention on the breath and on how the body moves with each inhalation and exhalation. Notice the movement of your body as you breathe. Observe your chest, shoulders, rib cage and belly. Make no effort to control your breath; simply focus your attention. If your mind wanders, simply return your focus back to your breath. Maintain this meditation practice for 2–3 minutes to start, and then try it for longer periods.

WHY MEDITATION ? WHAT IS THE NEED OF MEDITATION ? WHY DO WE NEED MEDITAION ?, EFFECT OF MEDITATION, MEDITATION IN DAILY LIFE, MEDITATION AS A MEDICINE, MEDITATION FOR MIND & SOCIETY, MEDITATION FOR SOCIAL LIFE, MEDITATION FOR SELF CONFIDENCE

WHAT IS THE USE OF MEDITATION ? or WHY WE NEED MEDITATION ?

People want a variety of things from meditation. some come for peace, others for control, some for power and some for silence, but of all the reasons, the ones which are most often expresed are peace or peace of mind. At first sight there doesn't seem to be much difference between the two but, on closer inspection, we find that they are asking for different things. Peace is simply an experience, whereas peace of mind is a way of life.

While I go about my daily life, I need to be in control of myself to the extent that I can have whatever experience I choose when I choose. To experience constant peace of mind, I need something more than just a meditation technique. After all, in the middle of a dispute with the bus conductor or taxi driver etc - over the change, I can't just sit myself down and spend five minutes deliving into the deep recesses of the self to regain the temporarily-lost inner peace! It is the experience of peace, previously gained through meditation, which I need to be able to use later on in my practical life, expecially at times when it is not easy to be peaceful.  If I can't use my meditation to bring benefit into my daily life, is it really of any use to me ?

Therefore, the emphasis in this meditation course will be a double one:

FIRSTLY : to teach a simple, effective method of meditation called Raja Yoga, and to discuss and experience with ideas on how to depend the experiences gained;

SECONDLY : to look at the reasons behind stress and tension in our life so that, through understanding,

we can begin to change the root cause, using the poer gained through meditation, and also, to discuss how I can translate peaceful feelings into peaceful actions, so that peace becomes peace of mind.

Sleeping Styles, Sleeping with Feet Facing South, How to Sleep, Where to Put our Head When Sleeping

Introduction to Sleeping with Feet Facing South

In this article series about saattvik living pertaining to various aspects of how to sleep well, we are looking at various parameters of how to sleep well. In this article we will study the effect of sleeping with our feet facing the South direction. This study into how to sleep well is entirely from the spiritual perspective. It will help us take an educated decision about how to sleep well from the perspective of the direction of our feet when we sleep.

1.1 Spiritual research into how to sleep well – effect of sleeping with our feet facing the South

The effect of sleeping with our feet facing the South from the perspective of how to sleep well was investigated at a spiritual level by seekers of SSRF having advanced sixth sense or extrasensory perception (ESP). The divine knowledge that they received was verified by His Holiness Dr. Athavale.

2. Spiritual effect of sleeping with feet facing South

2.1 Increase in activity of the downward and tiryak frequencies

There are various frequencies inherently present in the atmosphere. Their presence and flow is predominant in certain directions. When our body is aligned with the direction of their flow we enter their field and are influenced more than when we are not in their field. Among these frequencies are 2 distressing or negative types of frequencies. One is the downward flowing frequencies that go towards the region of Hell (Paataal) and the other is a type of frequencies known as the tiryak frequencies. Tiryak literally means skewed. As these frequencies are skewed, they cause distress. Both these frequencies move in the southern direction. Hence this direction is charged with these frequencies.

When we sleep with our feet facing the South direction, our body is most exposed to the activity of the downward frequencies as well as tiryak frequencies. This increases the activity of the subtle basic raja-tama particles inside as well as outside the body. This increased activity of the subtle basic raja-tama component aids the activity of the ghosts (demons, devils, negative energies, etc.). Thus we are most at risk of being affected or possessed by ghosts.

2.2 Increased flow of vibrations from the region of Death (Yamaloka) and region of Hell (Paataal)

The South direction is associated with the region of Death (Yamaloka), the subtle basic raja-tama frequencies and distress. When we sleep with our feet facing the South direction the vibrations from the Yamaloka (region of Death) and Paataal (region of Hell) join together.

Due to this we attract the subtle basic raja-tama frequencies or ghosts. Due to the combined effect of the above when we sleep with our feet facing the South, we can suffer distress in the form of difficulty in falling asleep, nightmares, feeling scared in sleep or waking up in fear.

3. In summary

Thus from the perspective of how to sleep well, it is important to take into account the direction of our bed when planning the layout of the house. Even when we are camping outside or in hotels or in someone else’s house it is best to take care that we do not sleep with our feet facing the South.

In the following articles in this series in how to sleep well, we will consider the effect of sleeping with our feet facing the other directions.
 

MEDITATION AS MEDICINE (Part-3), How Does Meditation Help a Doctor ?

HOW DOES THE MEDITATION HELP A DOCTOR.

The greatest responsibility on the medical profesionals is to restore and maintain health of the society.  Health is birthright of everybody.  It is treasure which neither science nor wealth can buy and to gain it most people would readily agree to give up everything.

Health is not merely a precious possession but a resource in which the whole community has a stake.  Although health is defined as state of complete physical, mental, social as well as spiritual well-being, and not merely absence of disese or infirmity, yet the modern system of health-care looks after just the physical health alone.

If we stuldy teh attributes of health, we can see by even casual self-analysis that most of us are ot healthy.  The practice of Raja Yoga is the strongest foundation for building the stage of one's mental and social health as well as a distinct advantage in maintaining the well-being of on's body.

The practice of Raja Yoga Meditation provides a medical practitioner with an excellent auxiliary means in
(1) Diagnosis
(2) Treatment and
(3) Satisfaction of patients. Besides, it also helps him to keep his own personal and social life peaceful, harmonious and happy.

MEDITATION - IN DIAGNOSIS
Just a few minutes of Raja Yoga practice makes our mind peaceful and calm.  In this state of tranquality, our power of decision improves immensely.  Many Raja Yogi doctors have professed to have been benefited by this practice in improving the faculty of taking correct and quick decision.  It also enables us to put our thought - process in a desired direction rapidly. Unwanted and unnacessary thought does not hinder the deep thinking.
This enhances the ability to do differential diagnosis quickly without any mistake.

IN TREATMENT
Raja Yoga Meditation is a good adjunct to most of the modern therapueutic methods.  IT restores the normal sleeping patterns which are effected in many a psychological and psychosomatic disease and disorder.  Combination of Raja Yoga Meditation with other therapeutic methods greately enhances the rate of progress with many patients.

Raja Yoga Meditation changes the individual's internal physiological response to environmental circumstances, thereby allowing a more adaptive behavioural response to life- pressures.  It provides physiological and psychological rest, necessary for the body to replace chemical resources, depleted by fight or fight responses, excessive fear, angrer and chronic distress. Thus, when Raja Yoga Meditation is added to traditional approaches in the treatment of psychological and psychosomatric disease-be they behavioural, psychoanalytical or psychopharmacological~ patients improve at a rate much faster than usual.
In a number of incidents it is observed that diseases like diabetes and hypertension have been stabilized or treated much more quickly by regular practice or Raja Yoga Meditation.
A 55 years old female, principl of a school had moderate to serve type of essential hypertension for about 10 years and which could not be controlled by a number of antihypertensive drugs.  Within a few days of practising Meditation, The Blood Pressure could be controlled by these drugs and after a eyar of Raja Yoga practice for about 45-60 minutes/day, her blood pressure could be stabilized at 150/90 - 155 /95 without any pharmacological treatment.
Similarly, a 48 yar Veternary doctor developed maturity onset diabetes which was not controlled by insulin for years but within a few days of practising Raja Yoga Meditaiton, his diabetes came into control with 1/2 tablet of oral antidiabetecs/ day.
Raja Yoga Medittation is very effective to overcome smoking, alcohol consumption and Drug abuse.  Raja Yoga offers even a beginner the experience of supersensory pleasure.  Through the self-reinforcing nature of Raja Yoga, a patient's mind will be pulled increasingly towards the activity and very naturally his cognitive patterns will begin to alter. Hi will simultaneously experience a very subtle but significant increase in his level of will power so that at least he will be able to reduce the dosage that his addiction requires.  This in turn created self- confidence which, in course of time, inspires him to shed the old and unwanted habit entirely.
In recent years, there has been growing recognition that "Prevention is far better and Cheaper Than Cure".  Medical scientists and health organization are focusing much of their researc effort on this goal of preventing the occurence of disease as far as possible. The practice of Raja Yoga by itself can prevent many diseases which are psychologically caused or precipitated.  Raja Yoga not only strengthnes the mind but exercises it to a level or great flexibility.  This means the power of mind to resist disease is increased enormously, for there is no weakness lurking in the subcouscious any more to invite disease into the body and also in increases the will to get well.
Though the practice of Raja Yoga conclusively prevents many illnesses occuring primarily as a result or psychological stress, nevertheless a yogi is not totally immune to diseases, primrily resulting from congenital, mechinical or environmental factors.
But the signuficat observation to be made her is that though a certain amount of sickness may be unavoidable in the present circumstances of polluted environment, a Raja Yogi learns to overcome the suffering which would otherwise accompany the illness.  In other words, though the physical vehicle ~ the body - may be malfunctioning, the soul within can continue to enjoy unbroken tranquality or mind.

IN SATISFYING PATIENTS

• Raja Yoga enables a doctor to acquire
  Hand that never hurts,
  Tongue that never cuts
  Mind that never bursts,

These qualities help him to satisfy patients and satisfaction of patients is needed for the successful medical practice.
IN DOCTOR'S FAMILY LIFE : (Not only for DOCTORS - but for every one)
As the life of a doctor / individual is very busy, he/ she has to bear with hunger, tiredness, lack of sleep, stress, etc. He has to deal with patients of different Temperament.  Therefore he/she can give very little time for his/ her family members and so, some times, his family relations are disturbed.  Raja Yoga practice enables a doctor to develop the powers to tolerate and face various situations.  This helps him to adapt, accommodate and adjust in different situations.  Thus his family life also becomes peaceful, happy and harmonious.

MEDITATION AS MEDICINE (Part-2), Meditation in Clinical Practice, Effects of Meditation, Meditation as Treatment, What is Meditation,

INTRODUCTION

People today are very much aware of their Physical as well as Psychological Health. First of all i want to tell you that There is no medicine greater then faith, in other words we can say - "Vishvas he sabse badi dava hai" if you are taking a medicine with full faith and beliefe (i am not asking about not allopathic / pharmaceuticals), it act vary fast.

Various means have been suggested as keys to improving one's well-being, but the fact of psychological stability is still too often downplayed, either because its importance is not fully recognized or because no way of strengthening that stability has been known.

Numerous scientific investigations have undoubtedly proved that psychological stress can have disastrous effect on the physical health. In diseases like hypertension, diabetes, peptic ulcers and bronchial Asthma, psychological stress is one of the factors for causing or complicating the disease process and also disturbs the recovery with pharmacological treatment.  Neverthe-less, the knowledge of harmful effect alone does not help us much to lead a life free of worries, stress and tension.  More significantly, there is evidence that a simple means exists which relieves stress and re-establishes mental harmony when practised regularly, and is thus a vital adjunct to any programme for maintaining and promoting health.  That means is known popularly as Raja Yoga Meditation.

PSYCHO PHYSIOLOGY OF RAJA YOGA

In 1791, Galvani was the first person to declare that nerves contain some intrinsic form of electricity.  Since then there has been a great interest in measuring the electrical activity of the brain.  Hans Berger made the first recording of electroencephalogram (EEG) in 1925.  EEG is the measurement of rhythms of electrical activity originating in the brain. 

Biofeedback means sending back of biological information to the person whose body is producing the information.  This study, research and application have blossomed only in the 30 years.

TYPES OF BRAIN WAVES

There are Four Types of Brain waves : which we produce in different states of alertness :

Alpha Waves : (it is 8-13 per second): Moderately fast, High in Voltage, recorded when an individual is awake, eyes closed and is in relaxed nonattentive state.

Beta Waves : (More than 13 per second): Comparatively faster, low voltage waves recorded when an individual is awake, eyes open, and is in an active or attentive state.

Theta Waves : (4-7 per second): Slow, Low voltage waves, predominant during drowsiness.

Delta Waves : (0-3 per Second): Slowest waves, high voltage- recorded in deep sleep.

Many investigation are conducted on individuals practising the different methods of yoga in order to assess their usefulness.  One of the most recent studies involved a series of psychophysiological experiment, made in San Francisco, California (U.S.A.) at Langley Porter Psychiatric Institution.

These included Zen, Tibetan, Tantric and Raja Yoga Meditation, taught by Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.

Most of the Meditators showed Alpha or Theta waves when hey meditated. These waves are replaced by non-coherent Beta Waves when they stopped meditating.

The results were remarkably different in the individuals, practising Raja Yoga Meditation. It was Delta Waves usually not longer than 50 micro volts, even while awake and solving problems. Normally, Delta Waves are not produced except by a person in the deepest state of sleep.

By subtracting eye movements from the graph, it was determined that the wave-pattern was not produced due to movements of the eyes.  OTher double checks were also made.  No sign of brain abnormality was present either.

In simple terms, through Raja Yoga, one learns how to detach the mind from its physical engagements with the sense-organs through the brain and nervous system.  In this detached state, the body and brain are able to relax completely, while his consciousness is centered in his soul, not in his brain, continues to function at peak levels.  The difference between conscious apparatus of a Raj Yogi and that of ordinary people is that due to the high level of detachement, his cortex is no longer being 'driven' by sensory input and conditioned physical thought-response patterns.  His mind, in a state of liberation from physical attachement, allows the cortex to remainin its inherent Delta rhythm.

The above conclusion is supported by other experimental evidence as well.  For example, when the brans of animals are cut (with the animals alive and conscios) so the cortex is isolated from the central region of the brain, Delta waves are produced.  A Raj Yogi simply cuts the connection intellectually through re-rerouting his mental energy rather than through a physical operation.

The system of Raj Yoga Meditation has now been so well analysed and clarified by Yogic researches at the Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University the beginners today can easily learn effective technique to produce Delta or Theta Waves, mixed with Alpha, and also many other physiological and biochemical benefits even after only week of practice.  The subjective correlatives of such a brain-wave production are serenity, self-confidence and supersensous joy.

MEDITATION AS MEDICINE (PART 1), The Power of Meditation, Meditation Therapy, Meditation in Daily LIfe, How to to Meditation

MEDITATION IN MODERN TREATMENT SYSTEM, MEDITATION AS A MEDICINE

In this Article (our aim is to spread the loving effects of meditation) as under :

• The Power of Meditation.
• Relation Between Yoga and Meditation.
• Meditation as Medicine.
• Psycho Physiology of Raja Yoga and Relation to Meditation.
• Different type of Brain Waves during Meditation.
• Meditation in Clinical Treatment.
• Meditation for Psychological Disorders.
• Study of Respiratory Rate during Meditation.
• How Does it Help a Doctor ?

Meditation refers to any of a family of practices in which the practitioner trains his or her mind or self-induces a mode of consciousness in order to realize some benefit.

A few Clinical Studies on Meditation :

A preliminary study was conducted on 25 Raja Yogis, including both males and females, practising meditation regularly, in October 1984, by the Medical Wing of Raja Yoga Education and Research Foundation to observe the effect of meditation to the vital parameters.  This showed an overall decrease in the mean values of heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rate as shown in the Below Figure (Fugure 1)

Figure (1)