YL April 2021

Om Ganapathaye ! FIFTY TWO YEARS IN THE PROPAGATION OF CLASSICAL RISHICULTURE ASHTANGA YOGA Every day is an opportunity to celebrate life. This month's INTERNATIONAL vibrant front cover illustrates our wonderful celebration of MONTHLY the Divine Feminine through the honoring of eminent Yogacharinis of the Gitananda Tradition with Yoga Shakti Vol.52 No. 04, APRIL 2021 Awards 2021. These marvelous ladies of Yoga are exemplary role models for anyone walking this path of CONTENTS Satyam-Shivam-Sundaram (truth, goodness and beauty). HONORING THE DIVINE FEMININE POWER - 02 The front inner cover highlights special moments from Maha Shivaratri celebrations held at Sri Kambaliswamy THE YOGA OF THE SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA - 05 Madam with the potent blessings of Ammaji, our Living Siddha of Pondicherry. This year's mega celebrations were MAITHREEM BHAJATHA: - 11 held in a hybrid mode with many joining in virtually for LOFTY IDEALS OF THE UN the chanting as well as the live streaming on the ICYER FaceBook page. The actual Pujas were well attended by MANIFESTING MY TRUE NATURE - 14 devotees who thronged the Samadhi Sthalam throughout THROUGH YANTRA the night. The Panchakshara Japa chanting at the Madam and then again at ICYER was a truly Shakti filled NEUROPLASTICITY, EPIGENETICS AND YOGA - 19 experience. Many online viewers got a ringside Darshan of the Shivalingam placed under the giant Shivashakti statue YOGIC LIFESTYLE AND IMMUNITY - 25 as Dr Ananda performed Puja supported by Anandraj and BREAKING DOWN TO BREAK THROUGH - 28 Dr Balaji. They also experienced the thrill of the Linga FATE OR FREE WILL? - 30 Yatra from the Samadhi premises to ICYER and the final immersion in the Bay of Bengal by Dr Ananda and close family. The back inner cover illustration by Yogacharini Padma of Canada is her loving birthday tribute to Dr Ananda for all his amazing offerings especially during the COVID Pandemic. He is joyfully portrayed as a SuperHero GAB, motivating everyone to use their “Power of choice”, the “Super Power” of “Being Human”. The back cover highlights the amazing e-books on Yantra and Satsanga999 that Padma has created to go along with Dr Ananda's online offerings. These e-books are highly recommended by the Mother Ashram as they truly support our Yoga Sadhana. Well done Padma! The official publication of Yoga Jivana Satsangha (International); Vishwa Yoga Samaj (Worldwide Yoga Congress); Sri Kambaliswamy Madam (Samadhi Site); SPARC (The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Rishi Culture); ICYER (International Centre for Yoga Education and Research) at Ananda Ashram, Tamil Nadu. Published from Ananda Ashram City Centre at Yoganjali Natyalayam, 25, II Cross, lyyanar Nagar, Pondicherry-605 013, India. Note: All subscribers will be sent e-copies of Yoga Life every month from January 2021 onwards and hence are requested to register their preferred e-mail at [email protected] to ensure uninterrupted receipt of the journal. Editor and Publisher : Ammaji Yogacharini Meenakshi Devi Bhavanani, Editor: (I/C) Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani. Phone: +91-0413-2241561. E-mail: [email protected]; Website: www.rishiculture.in Printers : Sarguru Printographs, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Subscription Rate: Indian Rs. 500/year; International 50 Euros/ year.

HONORING THE DIVINE FEMININE POWER Yogacharya Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI Ashram Acharya and Chairman ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry. Bharatiya Samskriti, the traditionality of Indian culture, places great emphasis on honoring the Universal Divine Feminine and hence states, \"Matru devo bhava...\", reiterating the prime importance of acknowledging the Divine Maternal Principle. The manifest universe, Prakriti is considered feminine, whereas the Purusha, the Pure Consciousness that lies behind everything, is considered masculine. The timeless culture of Sanathana Dharma also reminds us that even the almighty great Lord Shiva becomes a mere 'Shava', or corpse, when devoid of his Shakti. The Rishiculture Ashtanga Yoga Parampara of the Gitananda tradition has always honored the feminine Shakti. When our Paramguru Srila Sri Kambaliswamigal attained Mahasamadhi, the consecration of his Samadhi Sthalam was done through the efforts of the great Saint Subbhammal, who assisted the lineage holder and second Madathipathi Srila Sri Aambalavana Swamigal in establishing the foundations of what is today manifesting as the Sri Kambaliswamy Madam in Pondicherry. Ammaji, the 'Living Siddha of Pondicherry', has played a great and noble role in establishing and continuing this illustrious tradition, and her influence on the Modern Yoga World is to be acclaimed tremendously. As the grand Matriarch of this tradition, she has lovingly steered us all forwards and upwards on our evolutionary journey through her phenomenal Yoga Shakti. We are always looking at ways to honor the great women of our World Yoga Family and over the years have honored Yogacharini Cathy Davis of the UK, Yogacharini Lalitha Devi of the USA, and Yogacharini Tasha of Russia/Germany with Lifetime Achievement Awards. A few years ago, 25 eminent women of Pondicherry were also honored with the YOGNAT SHAKTI awards during the Annual Dance Drama organised by YoganjaliNatyalayam, the cultural wing of the Ananda Ashram. With all of this in mind, we felt it would be fitting to honor five of our own dynamic women of Yoga with the title award of 'YOGA SHAKTI 2021' on the occasion of the International Women's Day 2021. As the weekly online lessons of the 'Yoga: Step-by-Step' of Team 52 occur every Sunday, the session on 7th March was Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 02

HONORING THE DIVINE FEMININE POWER used as an opportunity to bestow the honors on these most amazing women of substance. All of them are highly experienced on the path of Yoga and I am privileged to lovingly consider them my 'Yoga Aunts'. Yogacharini Margo has been a part of my life right from my early childhood and I always affectionately refer to her as 'Mathaji Margo'. Her work in Australia for the cause of Yoga is phenomenal and she is a guiding light of the Gitananda Yoga Association 'Down Under'. Her dedication to the teachings of Swamiji is exemplary. Well into her eighties, she still surpasses all the young ones of our team by her tremendous energy, zest for living and dedication to the transmission of these unique teachings without dilution. Yogacharini Zenna is my 'Canadian Yoga Aunt' and has been part of my life since a very small age when she trained with Swamiji. She has been a beacon of Spiritual Light for so many and continues to guide a great number of seekers through her love, grace and wisdom. I am blessed by her love and get great insights by listening to her wisdom, truly from the highest source. So many members of Team 52 have been blessed in receiving her loving guidance through the 'Zoom Womb' and our online 'e-Gurukula'. Yogacharini Latha is my 'German/Finnish Yoga Aunt' and is the driving force behind the vibrant Gitananda Yoga Society in Berlin. She radiates the Shakti of Yoga through her life and is guiding so many seekers on the path. Every year she has returned to the Ashram to assist Ammaji in guiding the new batch of 'eaglets' and continues to surprise everyone with her amazing abilities that surpass even the young ones here. She has indeed been one of Ammaji's best and most loved students for sure. I consider Yogacharini Jnanasundari as my 'French Yoga Aunt' and she has been the most inquisitive student of Swamiji's teachings ever since she took up studies with him so many decades ago. Her ability to 'spin a tale' about Yogic concepts and relate them to life situations makes her one of the most amazing teachers adopting the teaching methodology of the Yoga Vashista itself. Her creative art- work brings to life the intrinsic connectivity between asanas and their energies as she helps students perceive the stages of asanas from 'pose to poise through posture'. Yogacharini Mugs has opened up an entire new Yoga family for me through the SOYA (South Okanagan Yoga Academy) family that has the most amazing Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 03

HONORING THE DIVINE FEMININE POWER teachers and students possible. She is indeed a personification of the Divine and her loving dedication to traditional Yoga shines through her every thought, word and deed. Her book 'Letters from the Yoga Masters', is one of the most amazing compilations of wise communications between illustrious Yoga Gurus of India; and her own master, Sri Harry (Hari) Dickman, was referred to by Swami Sivananda as “the Yogi of the West.” In honoring all of these five most amazing Women of Yoga, I felt deeply honored as they all shine such a bright light of Yoga into our lives. They all show us in flesh, blood and bones that it is indeed possible to live a Life of Yoga and age gracefully with love and wisdom shining forth, bright and clear. May they all be blessed and may we all be blessed through them. THE REAL SADHU He is the real sadhu, who can reveal The form of the Formless To the vision of these eyes. Who teaches the simple way of attaining Him, That is other than rites or ceremonies. Who does not make you close doors, And hold your breath, and renounce the world. Who makes you perceive the Supreme Spirit Wherever the mind attaches itself. Who teaches you to be still In the midst of all your activities. Ever immersed in bliss, Having no fear in his mind, He keeps the spirit of union In the midst of all enjoyments. - Sant Kabir Das Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 04

THE YOGA OF THE SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA Yogamaharishi Dr. SWAMI GITANANDA GIRI GURU MAHARAJ Founder, Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry. www.icyer.com Editor's Note: While teaching the online session for Team 52, Dr Ananda mentioned that Pujya Swamiji has given the best overview of the Yogic message of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita in lessons 11,12, and 13 of the Yoga: Step-by-Step course. Promptly Yogacharini Padma of Canada typed up the lessons and we are pleased to share them with all of you for your deep introspection. I would feel that I had not broadened your knowledge if I did not introduce you to some of the textbooks of Yoga, the greatest of all being Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the 'Song Celestial', the 'Cosmic Anthem'. The 'Gita', as it is most commonly termed, is a section of the Mahabharata, one of the classical epics of Hinduism. The story is a dialogue between Sri Krishna, who represents the super-conscious mind of each of us, and the hero Arjuna, who represents the consciousness of the human mind. The scene of this epic is on a battlefield, Kurukshetra. This battlefield is a plane of human existence and the war is between sanity and insanity. A battle ensues in which Krishna tells Arjuna that he cannot win by himself, that he must use super-conscious intelligence and power for his survival. The Gitais in eighteen chapters, each one entitled a specific Yoga. Its teachings are most practical, in that it says, “that which cannot be filled in day-to-day living should not rightly be called religion”. Life is to be practical, simple, uncluttered, efficient, rewarding and enlightening. Anything in one's life which tends to confuse, distort or derange, should be shunned as one's mental and mortal enemy. In this Cosmic Anthem, the Song Celestial, we have the Yogic version of the 'Book of Revelations'. Revealed here are three beautiful pictures of Sri Krishna (the Higher Mind). He is shown as the Supreme Guru or Teacher, the Master who gives us the ancient wisdom of the 'birthless and deathless Atman'. Here, we also find the picture of Krishna, the Supreme Guru, as the great lover of humanity, especially of women and children. The third view is of Krishna, the Supreme Consciousness, as the servant, the refuge and the healer of the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the poor. Here is a picture of the supreme friend. The whole story of the Gita is of the triumphant life which grows out of disciplining oneself as though a warrior preparing for battle, but under the guidance of the Supreme Mind. Some of the major Yogic lessons taught in the Gita are: Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 05

THE YOGA OF THE SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA Action: Act! Act! Act! Krishna teaches that 'the thinker is also the doer'. Krishna tells Arjuna that he is a warrior so he must “fight”. This means, we are thinkers, so we must “think”. We are actors, so we must “act”. Thinking and doing must be harmoniously blended together for an efficient life. Krishna tells Arjuna that Yoga is “skill in action”. Service: Learn first to serve yourself in the purest sense, then serve others, but without desiring a reward for service in return. You have a right to your livelihood, your salary and your wages, but always give more than is given to you. Shine like the sun, which shines upon all. Perform selfless action, which will engulf you in compassion and love. Fearlessness: “Fear not” are the first words of the Guru when he gives initiation. When you truly find your Guru, whether he be embodied as a physical teacher, or you find that “truest” Guru within, he will command you to be fearless. Anxiety, worry, cares and woe fall away. Even death is conquered. Right Views: The world is a sensory phenomenon, Maya. Maya does not mean an illusion produced by trickery, but rather a veil hiding the real and the permanent. Krishna tells Arjuna that his error is thinking in terms of “I” “Me” and “Mine-ness”. Krishna says, “All this (the universe) is mine (Maya). When you think it is yours, you are in error”. Self Realization: The Supreme Nature lies hidden behind phenomenal reality. The ego masks our realization of the Supreme Nature within us. When this ego is brought under control, the “Face of the Beloved shineth in the heart”. Realization of the Supreme within is achieved by “Right-Use-Ness” of life. Each chapter of the Gita is a Yoga, teaching some particular aspect of 'Divine Play' in the world of Maya or phenomenal existence. Krishna tells Arjuna that the message he brings him is one of imperishable Yoga, the way to unified existence which has been taught from the earliest times. The teachings exalt Dharma, doing one's duty and fulfilling obligations through Karma or right action. The Gita teaches that this is the panacea for moral and ethical decay. Living the teachings of the Gita overcomes unrighteousness and evil in our nature by re-establishing righteousness or right-use-ness. In Chapter I entitled 'Arjuna-Visada-Yoga' we find Arjuna contemplating a battle which he cannot win. He grieves, mourns, becomes bewildered of mind and Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 06

THE YOGA OF THE SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA loses his strength and courage. It is from this dejection of Arjuna that the title arises. But the moral is that we must first recognize our predicament and must realize we cannot win this battle for sanity alone. We must contemplate a higher Yoga than enjoining the battle. This higher Yoga is the union with our Higher Nature. 'Sankhya Yoga' is the title of Chapter II. Sankhya means “to enumerate” and is one of our many Sanskrit words for science. This science is the knowledge necessary to distinguish between the temporal, transient actions of the body, and the eternal, causal, states of the Supreme Nature of the Atman. Sankhya is considered an independent school of philosophy in India, but the Gita relates its scientific nature to Yoga. Yoga draws heavily on Sankhya for its practical, scientific concepts. The principles of right action, 'Karma Yoga', are enunciated in Chapter III. Actions are of two types: those that are binding, and those that are Nishkama- Karma, meaning actions without desire for reward, and therefore, which release us from our bondage. We are born for action, but we must learn selfless action. It is the Supreme who is the real doer. In false acts we distort eternal goodness into selfish acts. Karma Yoga is the renunciation of the fruits of action, rather than the action itself. Chapter IV is entitled 'Jnana Yoga' and elucidates the principles of spiritual wisdom. Knowledge is not wisdom. At best, knowledge is “about” things. This is termed Vidhya. Most things we think we know are Aparavidhya, false knowledge, or misconceptions. Paramvidhya, higher knowledge, is called Jnana. The principles of renunciation or 'Sanyasa Yoga' are taught in Chapter V. Sanyasa is pure renunciation. A Sannyasin is one who is purified in the fire of transcendental knowledge. He is freed from ego acts, having realized the supremacy of the Atman. He is a knower of Brahman, enjoying Self-Realization and eternal bliss. The true Sannyasin is not a Swami, as such, but one who is freed from the pair of opposites of love and hate, affection and disaffection, fame and disclaim, pain and pleasure. The principles of meditation are taught in Chapter VI on 'Dhyana Yoga'. Dhyana or meditation comes when the senses are mastered, and the mind is unperturbed. Dhyana, or meditation, is the field of the disciplined mind freed from all desires. Tranquility, steadfastness, devotion -- these are the attributes that lead to Supreme happiness. Deep meditation is immersion in the Supreme Godhead. The ultimate meditation is to flow into Samadhi or Cosmic Conscious states beyond the Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 07

THE YOGA OF THE SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA mind. Mind is a vehicle for the Supreme, as well as a hindrance to that same goal if uncontrolled. Chapter VII is entitled 'Vijnana Yoga', the 'Principle of Transcendental Mind'. Jnana is wisdom. Its transcendental state is Vijnana. Here Krishna reveals the various attributes of the Supreme Nature, the Atman. Krishna describes four types of seekers after the Supreme: the man in despair, the seeker after knowledge, the seeker of material wealth and gain, and the man who aspires to transcendental wisdom. 'Taraka-Brahma Yoga' is the title of Chapter VIII. It contains the 'Principles of Devotional Service to the Absolute, the Para-Brahman'. Here Krishna defines the use of the Pranava AUM. Instruction in the control of the senses and the offering of the mind as a higher sacrifice is extolled as the way to Oneness with the Supreme. 'The Principle that Constitutes the Supreme Seeker' or 'Raha-Guhya Yoga' is the subject of Chapter IX. Krishna tells Arjuna that there is a climax to all religions, but it is hidden as a great secret. Here the mysteries of meditation as a way to unite with the Supreme Nature are extolled. Meditation is described as “fixing the mind on the Supreme with devotion and discipline.” In Chapter X, 'Vibhuti Yoga' is expounded. The 'Principles of the Divine Manifestation and its Extensions'' are revealed by Sri Krishna. Krishna says that all emanates from Him -- the Seven Ancient Sages, the Fourteen Law- Givers, and all of the 'Root Races' of the human line. He enumerates His incarnations, yet says He remains All-Pervading. 'Vishwa-Rupa Darshan Yoga', the 'View of the Universal Supreme Form' is the title of Chapter XI. Arjuna requests to see the Vishwa-Rupa or the Supreme Form of Lord Krishna. He is terrified at what he is allowed to see and asks Krishna to return to his more familiar form. Although terrified, Arjuna rejoices in the Darshana or spiritual glimpse he has been allowed. Chapter XII is entitled 'Bhakti Yoga', the 'Yoga of Devotion'. Sri Krishna relates the principles of real spiritual devotion. The Bhakta or devotee is one without hate, friendly and compassionate to all, harmonized, calm, humble and indifferent to the calamities of the world. Reaching the final six chapters of the teachings of the SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA, we enter into the deepest of spiritual concepts. Here, the Yogi must be a Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 08

THE YOGA OF THE SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA Jnani, a wise man, to understand all of the subtleties and the higher ramifications of the Gita teachings. Chapter XIII is the 'Prakrit-Purusha-Viveka Yoga' the 'Yoga of the Distinctions Between Matter and Spirit'. Krishna describes the Mayaik qualities of matter which He describes as a 'field', and Himself, as the 'sower of the field'. He compares knowledge and the knower to the field and the sower. If one controls the three qualities of Tamas, Rajas and Sattva in one's nature, he can raise the mind by higher discrimination or Viveka. 'Guna-Traya-Vibhaga Yoga' is the 'Yoga to Know the Distinction Between the Three Qualities of the Maya Manifesting as Gunas or Human Qualities.' The three qualities of man are described as Tamasik: slothful, lazy and devolving; Rajasik: passionate, active, intense and involving; and Sattvik: pure, refined and serene -- the evolutionary nature of man. Krishna teaches that the Yogi still must attain the Nirgunik state, beyond the frailties of human qualities. Chapter XV is 'Purushottama Yoga', the 'Yoga of Attaining the Supreme Absolute'. Sri Krishna teaches that non-attachment is the way to survive in the world. He does not teach to leave the world, but rather to leave the hold that the world has upon us. Chapter XVI, the 'Daivasura-Sampad-Vibhaga Yoga'” is the 'Distinction Between Godly and Ungodly Qualities.' In this Yoga, Sri Krishna enumerates the high qualities that make up the real Yogi. Fearlessness, purity of heart, firm- mindedness, self-knowledge, truthfulness, compassion, gentleness -- all represent the high mind, the godly. The demoniacal are referred to as those of small understanding, of violent deeds, having insatiable desires, full of pride and arrogance and possessed of hypocrisy, hoarding wealth and seeking sexual gratification. Chapter XVII is entitled 'Sraddha-Traya-Vibhaga Yoga' the 'Yoga of the Three-Fold Divisions of Faith.' Krishna teaches that even one's belief can be Tamasik, Rajasik and Sattvik. The Tamasik are caught up in superstition and fear. The Rajasik seek after powers that will aid them in their schemes. The Sattvik give their faith over to the highest of the Gods. Still, there is the Nirgunik state, which is Adyatmik, where the Yogi knows the self to be one with the Self. 'Moksha Yoga' in Chapter XVIII is the 'Yoga of the Final Freedom'. This emancipation is freedom from oneself, when sanity returns to the human mind Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 09

THE YOGA OF THE SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GITA formerly cluttered by “me” and “mineness”. Moksha or Mukhti is the great emancipation from all of the encumbrances of the Ego-Self. The Yogi continues to live in the Jivana Mukhta state, as the freed soul. This state is also called the Sahaja Samadhi, the natural state of being in Cosmic Consciousness. When the Yogi wishes to leave the body, he evokes the will to enter the Supreme State called Maha Samadhi. For millennia Srimad Bhagavad Gita has had its appeal in India but it has been principally through the Yogi that its real message has been preserved and taught. In recent times this 'Scripture Universal' has been in demand by Western readers and spiritual seekers. Rich in appeal to men and women of all races, its Yoga message is truly unique. Can a man or woman live a life according to the teachings of the Gita? The answer is a joyous “YES!” The Yogi MUST! In this world of turmoil and strife, temptations and passions, sickness and disease, only Yoga has the answer. Doubts are dispelled, and as Arjuna says to Sir Krishna, “My delusions are destroyed. My eyes are opened. I have regained my sanity. I stand steadfast. I will, I can, I do!” Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership by Kent Keith 1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. 2. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. 3. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. 4. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. 5. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. 6. The biggest men with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men with the smallest minds. Think big anyway. 7. People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway. 8. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. 9. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway. 10. Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 10

MAITHREEM BHAJATHA: LOFTY IDEALS OF THE UN Naatyaachaarya Sri V P DHANANJAYAN, Padma Bhushan Awardee, Founder, Bharatakalanjali, Chennai. The famous Maithreem Bhajatha chant is a beautiful composition by PoojyasriKanchiMahaswamiChandrasekharendra Saraswathi in Samskritam based on the United Nations Charter and was rendered by Bharat Ratna M S Subbalakshmi at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in the year 1966. It is an everlasting chant which should be included into the curriculum of educational institutions of the member countries of the UN. maitrīṃbhajataakhilahṛjjetrīmātmavadevaparānapipaśyata | yuddhaṃtyajataspardhāṃtyajatatyajatapareṣuakramamākramaṇam || jananīpṛthivīkāmadughā(ā)stejanakodevaḥsakaladayāluḥ | dāmyatadattadayadhvaṃjanatāḥśreyobhūyātsakalajanānām || It highlights important humane qualities such as: 1. Cultivate friendship which will conquer all hearts. 2. Look upon others as thyself. 3. Renounce war, forebear competition. 4. Give up aggression on others which is wrong. 5. Mother Earth yields all that we require. 6. We have the Lord, our Father, compassionate to all. 7. Oh, people of the world! Restrain yourself, give and be kind to all. 8. May all people be happy and prosperous. We wish the member countries of the UN explicitly to follow this charter to bring peace and prosperity to the entire world. Aarsha Samskriti promulgated and inculcated the human value system embedded in the Vedic tradition. The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, often said that Bhaaratam lives in our villages even though he had his higher education (Barrister) in England. The English language has united us in many ways but distanced us from the basic value system embedded in our meaningful traditions, customs, rituals, practices Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 11

MAITHREEM BHAJATHA: LOFTY IDEALS OF THE UN prevalent in a common cultural lineage that runs in the veins of people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Many such traditions and practices are cast aside as superstitions. The modern education failed to make our young generation after Independence understand the values and their scientific effects prescribed and proven by the great scientists and visionaries known as Rishis or great sages who gave us the Vedas, Puraanas and Ithihaasas that are full of everlasting knowledge and wisdom. The latest in this kind of scripture was left behind by Satguru Sankaraachaarya Chandrasekhara Swami Ji Kaanchi Paramaachaarya in his “Daivathinkural”. Reading of this scripture will expel all kinds of notions that modern education has infused in the minds of the growing generation of Bhaaratam. Like Thiruvalluvar's “Thirukkural', 'Daivathinkural' has answers to every question on customs, rituals and meaningful practices. Though Gowthama Buddha shunned Vedic rituals, he failed to go deep into the Rishis' justifications for them. The UN charter closely follows Gautama Buddha's eightfold paths. We should at this point understand that Buddha did not found a religion, and his tenets implicitly followed the Sanatana Dharma, a non-religious universal theory of coexistence of love and non--violence. Later his disciples and followers only created the so-called religion Buddhism. In these times of pandemic and panic, people are suddenly awakening to the practice of rituals and prayers. Faith suddenly helps us to tide over pandemic panic. The sacred secrets of customs and traditions are shrouded by mystery to the youngsters. Some of the present generation may be casually familiar of the concept and practice, such as Aalayamani (temple bells), lighting the lamps at home, temples, churches and other places of worship, blowing conch, performing Yaagaas, Yagnas, Homam or sacrificial fire, etc. All these rituals have great significance and natural and scientific effect on the environment. Scientifically tested results are seldom made known to people by value-based education or by the media. In today's scenario, the media is interested only in sensational news and fake political and other irrelevant matters that bring revenue to them. For their commercial success media is kindling the base instinct of the human mind that gives momentary sensation or pleasure out of negativism and fails in its basic responsibility and duty of giving the right kind of education, enlightenment and spiritual entertainment. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 12

MAITHREEM BHAJATHA: LOFTY IDEALS OF THE UN Octogenarians like myself have childhood memories of listening to conversations between scholarly elders in the village or bedtime stories on the hidden significance of temple rituals, poojas, marriage mantras and so on. I can still remember them, but I am unable to pass them on to my urban grandchildren. Unfortunately, they have no time, burdened as they are with the pressures of a school curriculum clubbed with the modern gadgets which keep them occupied throughout. Now the pandemic lockdown has deepened the isolation with online classes. Fortunately for me, being a Naatyaachaarya, I could create occasions to pass on these sacred secrets to my students through Naatya practice while explaining the in-depth meaning of old literary songs inherited as Naatya repertoires. So, my attempt here is to request all modern educational schools, colleges and universities to give importance to value-based education to lead the younger generation into spirituality to instill good character and conduct. ONLINE COURSES WITH DR ANANDA Yogacharya Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani has been offering many online sessions during the COVID19 Pandemic and has successfully concluded the following online courses with hundreds of enthusiastic participants from all over the globe joining the \"Zoom Womb\" and \"Rishiculture E-Gurukula.\" Dr Ananda's recent online courses : 1. Yogadarshanam (16 hours) 2. Yantra Navangam (18 hours) 3. Adhikara Yoga (12 hours) 4. Mantra Yoga Sadhana (28 hours) 5. Yogic Psychic Neurology (24 hours) 6. Satsanga 999 (18 hours) The 52 week Yoga: Step-by-Step course is being offered online from 2nd October 2020 and has online guided sessions with Dr Ananda and the International Associate Teachers of the Gitananda Tradition every Sunday. Please contact [email protected] to register in upcoming sessions and/or to purchase complete set of recordings of these earlier Zoom sessions. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 13

MANIFESTING MY TRUE NATURE THROUGH YANTRA Yogacharini NIRAIMATHI, Senior Mentor, Gitananda Yoga, Australia. Editor's Note: Yogacharini Niraimathi has been a faithful member of the Gitananda Yoga Family Down Under and one of the stars who has enabled so many of her students to shine the light of Yoga through their own lives. She initially trained at the Ananda Ashram with Ammaji and Yogacharini Renukaji and has kept the flag of Yoga flying high over the past four decades. Here she expresses in her exquisite manner how the recent teachings of Dr Ananda in his Yantra Navangam “brought to life” intrinsic universal connections that exist in this cosmos. We truly become the “best we that we can be” by understanding ourselves, through the art and science of Yantra. “Just do it”. This has been the Mantra for me right from the very first seconds we have been in 2021. Rebranding and launching my business at the same time as finding a publishing house for my recently completed memoir is just a small taste of the hive of activity going on in my life right now. It's new, but also old, and somehow more of me is ready to start afresh. It was prompted by a pandemic as we all stopped in our tracks and re-evaluated. It felt time for the new as I was swayed by a Universal shift. It was obvious that a rebirth was underway and in the midst of it all came the invitation to join the YSS group as a mentor. The timing felt perfect as I tentatively emerged from lockdowns and following that thread I was led to the Yantra course. I had touched on Yantra before and knew the basics but studying the nine-session course with Dr Anandaji was to meet this wonderful art in a whole new way. To say that Dr Ananda is a good teacher is to understate everything about him. Dr Anandaji is a Divine Teacher. He has the capacity to step aside and allow the teaching to come through him, touching us all directly with its force. His ability to weave the love and care of his nature through the sessions has had a profound impact on me. It is allowing me to feel more comfortable in the face of my Yoga family, exactly as I am. This is something that has been a slow boil as my early years at the Ashram were under the structured diligence of Renukaji. It was a time of upright spines, alert vigilance and serious undertakings. I was aiming for my best but somehow believed that what I am was not well placed within the tradition. It meant that I kept to myself, worried about being rejected and travelled along the side-lines of a lineage that I have always respected and loved. I lived with the idea that I was not the right fit. Dr Anandaji is speaking to those parts of me that I have kept separate from my Yoga life. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 14

MANIFESTING MY TRUE NATURE THROUGH YANTRA So here I am. In the study of Yantra, my heart began rejoicing. It was one thing to know my birth path number but another thing entirely to be part of these teachings as they were brought to life by Anandaji, literally to life, jumping off the paper and around the room, dancing before my eyes and tapping me on the shoulder. It was not just the glory of embracing a deeper understanding of the quality and nature of numbers and how they are playing out in this life but also the place where the blend between my 'Yoga self' and my 'other self' met. Of course, there is no split in these things, Yoga runs through my core and always has. A psychologist introduced me to Raj Yoga at the tender age of 14 when medics could not explain the strange phenomena in my life, and I was labelled 'stressed'. They figured it all must have been in my head. I wasn't stressed. I was empty, looking for a place that met the understanding and realities that I instinctively knew, a way to explain my knowing. I was lucky enough to have a deeply spiritual psychologist. He got it. And so very early, I was led to the barefoot experiences of incense, chanting, mantra and meditation. It was a deep relief to feel this belonging in the silence of the flower filled halls and it made sense of the practices I had done intuitively as a child. It was a place where I could be with people and not speak, not even know a name and yet feel profound connection and peace. The only other place I had ever felt that was cemeteries in their majestic quietness. It was the cemetery that made sense of the world for me before I found a Yoga home. In the grandeur of old headstones and faded flowers I could rest and regroup, away from the turbulence of others, feeling my way to that inner silence that knows and speaks. It also allowed me to feel normal about my connection to the world of spirit. I didn't find any reflection of that in the world, and it made me feel different. Alone. The strangeness of the world I inhabited grew as I did. Visitations by balls of white glowing light and witnessing objects moving on their own revealed very early on what a magical world we truly live in. It was never scary because I had a sense of what was around me, I lived in wonder, but importantly, I lived in trust. Yet, I did not find a place for these things in the world. At the start, Yoga was home for these experiences as it grasps the psychic reality. It was a relief to find a place, a reference point, something to help me make sense beyond my own interpretation. At some point though, I encountered the ever-present 'no' that surrounded many of my Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 15

MANIFESTING MY TRUE NATURE THROUGH YANTRA experiences. Even my beloved Yoga presented as a bit of a wall. This wasn't helpful to a young woman trying to find her place in an unusual world. So, I kept them apart, feeling as though I carried some dirty secret because I can sense and communicate with those that we cannot see. And it is not just spirit. It is the enormous psychic spider that sits over my workspace, happy to be realized. It is the way I can enter different times and memories by entering into sensations in my body. It was the lion with its styled mane sitting outside my bedroom door at the Ashram. It is the way I can 'see' where someone is processing trauma in the abdomen or the blue light that sits by near his or her left shoulder. It is the 'downloads' of information I get about trees/ humans/ the person sitting in front of me/ the Earth/ (add a list of subjects here) or the patches of purple that I often see in the space between things. All of these things kept me hiding, until I realised that they are what I am. They are part of the fabric of this incarnation and to keep myself apart from it was like cutting off my right arm. But like my right arm, it was not possible to keep myself apart because it is part of the functioning mechanism of this body and being. It always helped when other people witnessed these things with me, and brought it into a shared experience, which for a brief moment paused the ever-present aloneness that I felt. In time, it became necessary to get an education in these matters. When one has strange events going on at all hours of the day and night, one needs to find a way to manage. So, I studied spiritualism and trained as a medium, took great interest in the psychic sciences and tuned my inner eye and ears to what lay within. All of these things enabled me to move into a state of authority, to take charge. It also connected me with people who lived in the same world. Eventually, I came to accept myself and the experience of 'me'. It took many years, but these phenomenal observations became a pathway, which in turn became a career. Now I help others to navigate the strangeness, but I've never advertised, I was still in hiding. Enter Yantra, just as I am feeling ready to integrate all that I am into an even larger public domain. Discovering more depth in the knowledge that I am on a 2 Birth Path helped me understand why it has been important to integrate myself ever so slowly into the world of other people. It affirmed the statement that I have always stuck by 'I am a Jnana Yogi', before knowing that this was the most appropriate journey for a 2. It Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 16

MANIFESTING MY TRUE NATURE THROUGH YANTRA made sense of a calm considered nature that likes to keep things fair and even, using diplomacy and connection as a pathway through life. It has shone a clearer awareness on the traits of procrastination, or more relevant, the tendencies to tail off before things are complete. It has given me tools to combat the challenges and lean on the strengths. The Yantra teachings have given me a clearer picture of myself and others and the dance between those two points. Learning that I am in a 1 minor has made great sense of my forthrightness, the need to just get on with things and not have to wait for others. It began very soon after I turned 27 when I gave up working for other people, frustrated by the inefficiencies of paper-work and people who could not see the vision as I did. It shows how I was able to step out from under the slow, tamasic bureaucracy and find a more dynamic way forward, creating my own pathway and making it up as I went. The 1 minor shows me where I can push and also just as importantly, where it needs to consider the 2. The interaction between them both can be harmonious, and it makes the journey clearer and easier. Finding myself in a 1 year was not surprising. It is pushing itself through in all manner of ways, keeping me up at night and flooding me with an energy that I have not had for many years. It gives me the confidence that what I am doing has strength and vitality and it will be easier to know the road ahead will have the different qualitative expression of each number. It will keep me mindful of what the best course of action might be. All of the numbers are teaching me a great deal about myself as well as those around me. The Yantric cycles want to jump into my 1-1 sessions with clients to work out the dynamic of troubled relationships. Numbers are speaking to me, showing me what they mean and how they exist as a quality. Yantra is showing me that what has come naturally to me is part of the Yogic tradition and for that I am deeply grateful, because I feel that I have also finally found the place where my experiences and abilities are being touched upon. It is not just working Yantra out in a forward direction that has been so helpful. It is the historical application of Yantra in my life that shows me how aligned I have been. My method of listening for what, where and how I need to go has been aligned with the Yantric cycle all of this time. Without knowing, I have very purposefully lived the Yantric path, by giving priority to the inner prompts and movement. My last '4' year was filled with grief as we decided to move back from our deeply Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 17

MANIFESTING MY TRUE NATURE THROUGH YANTRA nourishing time in the UK, to the world of Australia (a place that I have always felt at odds with). A time steeped in minute detail as we packed our lives up and moved across the world again. My last 1 year was the movement into the acceptance of the 'work' that I really do, the first small steps to bringing my private self into a public domain. My last 9 year had me winding up the business that I was running after a successful 8 year but a strong sense that I needed to bring more of what I have to offer to the table. All of this time I have been following the Yantric cycles intuitively, by listening to the invisible pushes and pulls within and around me. And as Dr Ananda so emphatically states, “Be who you are”. This more than anything has been the invitation to finally share with you all that I am. Of course, this is not all that I am. My experiences have taken me into planes or realities that are not able to be spoken or expressed in our Earthly language. A chasm was crossed that took 'me' into a state of no- identity which was so much further than had been experienced previously that, for a few months, I made friends with the deep silence that prevented me from looking mad to the outer world. I have always known that I am not mad. I just have access to something that many see as strange, or made up, or the devil's work. It has always been available, but it increases as I age. And finally, I have stopped keeping Yoga and the 'other world' apart, knowing that they are intrinsically connected to what I call 'The Continuum and the Central Frequency'. The never- ending reality of All. I have finally realized, through Yantra, that Yoga was always the grounding force that helped me to stay sane and manage the 'other'. They were always intimately required and compatible. It just took me a long time to see that the 2 will always find its way forward in the world of people and look to close any gaps. Thank you Anandaji, for being the one to shine acceptance back at me as I grew brave enough to share 'my' All. If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that his heart is no island cut-off from other lands, but a continent that joins them. - Sir Francis Bacon Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 18

NEUROPLASTICITY, EPIGENETICS AND YOGA Smt. SHAILAJA MENON and Dr ANANDA in Conversation Editor's Note: This is the third and concluding part of a transcript of the FB Live conversation between Shailaja Menon who is Founder of Mat & Beyond Yoga Studio, Malaysia and Dr Ananda that has been diligently transcribed by Amit Shanker of Team 52. The first and second parts appeared in the February and March issues. The video of the insightful conversation can be watched at https://youtu.be/6ywxfnTPZVM Dr Ananda: It is commonly said that science is materialistic, and Yoga is transcendental. Yes, I do agree in general. But when science can find what is happening in Yoga, then it adds to our knowledge base. We know it works and science has another perspective. What I'm saying is it is not science proving something but science giving us another perspective, expanding our perspective at the level of our Koshas. Hence, I do not see a dichotomy between science and spirituality. I perceive it as oneness of science and spirituality, and through that, I begin to have a new perspective of the whole universe itself. Shailaja: Very well said. I think that was a very fascinating conversation, the effect of Yoga and breathing practices on the brain, and about how pranayama practice affects the brain, the brain stem area and kind of puts the command centre back. All of that actually helps. We can work with it and we can transcend it. How do neurotransmitters like Dopamine, Serotonin etc. affect the brain? A lot has been said about the 'feel good' hormones, like Oxytocin being the 'love hormones'. Dr. Ananda: Before that, I'll take up a question from Prakash Ji. Music practice makes us repeat a phrase many times, meaning, it's a Yogic activity. Absolutely, yes, Nada Yoga and that is why music for me is meditation. So many people ask me, “Dr. Ananda, do you sit and meditate?” I say: “I don't need to meditate because if I sing, it is meditation for me. When I play the mridangam it is meditation for me, because Nada Yoga is one of the best ways to connect with the universal vibration. And when you connect with the universal vibration, you are connecting with the highest level of your consciousness. And all the lower levels, including the emotional turmoil, will automatically settle down. This is why I said when I used to sing or used to play the mridangam it would help me overcome the emotional turmoil. We do not need a lower-level paradigm to approve a Superior Level Paradigm, but when it also speaks the same language, I love it. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 19

NEUROPLASTICITY, EPIGENETICS AND YOGA Coming to your neurotransmitters question: what is Dopamine? Dopamine is that which keeps you alert. So, you want to be alert? Dopamine is important if you want to concentrate. Epinephrine or Epinephrine Adrenaline is important, if you want satisfaction. Serotonin is important, if you want alertness. Now, Serotonin is your 'happiness hormone', because when you have adequate levels of serotonin in your nervous system, you will feel a beautiful sense of joy and happiness. What has happened in modern times? The Serotonin has gone down. One reason Serotonin has gone down is we don't laugh enough. When you laugh, it is very important. When you laugh, you are producing endogenous Serotonin because Serotonin is found both in the brain and in the gut brain. My father used to say we have the lunatic, 'Moon- Brain' up here. The Solar Plexus, the Nabhi, is the 'Solar-Brain', the 'Sun-Brain'; and the Skandhais the Earth- Brain. So, you have Earth-Brain at the base of the spine, Solar-Brain at the Nabhi. That is why all the music comes from Nabhi. This Sun-Center is empowered by a sound, a Nada called 'Ha', So whenever you go 'Ha', it is the sound of the Sun, the solar plexus, 'Tha' is the moon. Hatha Yoga became 'Hot Yoga' when Bikram took it to the USA. In our tradition, we have a Kriya called 'Hakara Kriya', where we go, “Ha Ha Ha…” And you activate this solar plexus. Ha Ha Ha. It's a beautiful belly laugh. And immediately I've done this in thousands of places with hundreds of thousands of people and everybody is smiling after this practice. Why are they smiling? Because the Serotonin which is secreted in your gut brain is influencing the Serotonin in your brain, in the skull and you suddenly have an endogenous boost of feel-good Serotonin and you feel much happier. You smile better and this is why we need to smile more. We need to laugh more. We need to have laughter, you know people, you tell a joke and people are like “serious- faced”. What is Serotonin? It is the precursor of Melatonin and what is Melatonin? It is the hormone that enables you to sleep. Well, it makes you sleep. Melatonin is important for the sleep-wake cycle and when you are in the darkness Melatonin is secreted. When you are in the light, Serotonin is secreted. Light, sun, 'Ha' and that Serotonin that you secrete in the daytime. You are secreting Serotonin that at night can then become Melatonin and give you a good sleep. That is why, the 'Ha' has to come before 'Tha'. Day has to come before night, and in that cycle of the sleep-wake cycle as we call it in science 'the Circadian Cycle', Serotonin and Melatonin play a role, and Melatonin is secreted by your pineal gland related to Sahasrara Chakra, Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 20

NEUROPLASTICITY, EPIGENETICS AND YOGA which is your 'Cosmic Antenna to the Universal Energy'. That is where Serotonin comes in, that is where Melatonin comes in and you mentioned Oxytocin. Oxytocin is from the posterior pituitary and Oxytocin enables the mother to birth the baby by contracting the uterus and when the baby suckles on the breast of the mother, the ejection reflex system is stimulated, and the milk goes into the baby. So, the labour of delivering the baby and then feeding the baby are both governed by Oxytocin. And this Oxytocin is the 'trust hormone'. It is the trust hormone, where the mother and baby develop trust. That remains till their last breath, the mother and the baby – that trust is the highest level of trust built on Oxytocin. It is said (that) a good hug for 45 seconds – a minimum 45 seconds of a hug - secretes Oxytocin. We need to be hugging people, in a healthy manner. Imagine the amount of Oxytocin in Ammachi of Kerala, the hugging-Saint Mata Amritanandamayi! We have to start interacting with each other. We have distrust, mistrust and that is why it is so important for interpersonal relationships to be built. That is why Vyavahaar of the yogic lifestyle, healthy interpersonal relationships are so important. If we don't feel safe in relationships, then levels of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine (noradrenaline and adrenaline) will be increased in the bloodstream due to stimulation of the adrenal gland. They are the ones that keep you alert. They are the life-saving hormones that make sure you can fight or run away. But you should only fight or run away when there is an emergency, but for most people, 24 hours, they are on emergency duty and 24 hours of adrenaline, noradrenalin. It starts to have negative repercussions on your nervous system, and you burn out your whole nervous system. One of the reasons we are having early aging and so much more amount of Dementia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and all of this, is because of the amount of adrenaline being pumped unnecessarily through our system along with the cortisol. Cortisol is another one which also plays a role. So, I just mentioned some of these hormones, but I always like to tell people in love, Serotonin, Dopamine and Oxytocin are all balanced. That is why love is so important. Here, love -- not love because you will get something -- but love where you give: the love of giving, is where Serotonin, Dopamine and Oxytocin are there. 'Fight or flight' is low adrenaline. Low energy, happiness is Serotonin. Anxiety is low Dopamine. Schizophrenia is high Dopamine and in depression low Serotonin and low Dopamine. So, what do you want? You don't want imbalance, you want balance. Yoga is all about balance -- 'Samatvam Yoga Uchyate'. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 21

NEUROPLASTICITY, EPIGENETICS AND YOGA Loving is giving, sharing is caring. That has been my motto throughout Covid-19. Well not just Covid-19 times but all the time! Shailaja: Thank you. I mean, I think you can write a thesis now on the different neurotransmitters and hormones and the role they play in our lives, and I really think it's worth it. The knowledge of all this is so important so we can again take responsibility and consciously do activities that help us to secrete more of these hormones, the positive hormones, keep a grip on hormones that actually create chronic stress in us like cortisol and noradrenaline. So, knowledge of all of this is so important and to know that everything that we do in our lives is not just regular thought, is not just a thought. I always tell people every single thought that you think is actually reflected in every cell in our body because it carries with it an emotion and then it reflects in the secretion of hormones. Which again was in your bloodstream and affects your body. It's so important for us to realize this very deep connection between the state of mind, state of thoughts here for emotions and how it affects every cell in our bodies. I think, we kind of believe that you're stuck with the brains that we have that I think were possible but now so much of research is going into all of that and they're finding out so many interesting things and ways to enhance our brain function. So, I have my cousin Prakash who has asked a question here. What does he say? We talked about Yoga and self-directed neuroplasticity. How do you relate Yoga and Neuro-Linguistic Therapy? NLP also seems to follow the advice of Yoga practices. Dr. Ananda: All of these therapies are working by the power of choice. See, when you decide what sound you want to make, how you want to make it, how long you want to make it, what type of volume you want to make it, you are automatically exercising the power of choice. So, the power of choice drives the whole Neoplastic mechanisms, and we have a practice in our tradition called the Pranava Pranayama and what we do is that we are using sound which comes from the base-sound which is a middle sound. And then upper-sound and we combined it as 'AUM'. When you do this, you are using every component of the human vocal apparatus. When you use the Akara, Ukara, Makara, it becomes Omkara. The gross embodiment, the subtle embodiment, and the causal embodiment. So yes, to answer that question on linguistics therapy. Definitely these types of practices in Yoga have existed for traditions, teachings been there for thousands of years. We now have new names for it and the moment you use the power of choice you are Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 22

NEUROPLASTICITY, EPIGENETICS AND YOGA working on neuroplasticity because you're using your mind to change your brain, to change your mind for the better. Shailaja: Right, then use your mind, to change your brain, to change your mind again. Why do you think some extroverts end up with dementia and the deterioration can be rapid too? Dr. Ananda: Because the extraversion is related to more adrenaline- noradrenaline. They are constantly on that external drive. So the more you are dealing with the external world, you wonder: how do I respond? How to react? What do I do? How do I show myself out? You're constantly in that stress mechanism clutch and so the more the adrenaline-noradrenaline is working, the more you're burning up your mother system and maybe that's why. Maybe, what I'm saying is a hypothesis, but it's quite a logical hypothesis. Shailaja: We are more dependent on gadgets for work in communication. How do we make sure that the melatonin production is not affected? Dr. Ananda: Thank you for asking that question because I really wish we could find an answer, and during Covid, we have all shifted online. Even this is happening online. We are on our mobiles. We are constantly having that artificial light hitting, as I think, the only way we can do it is to say that at 10 o'clock at night I'm going to switch off all my gadgets, switch off the lights and be in a room that is fully dark. Get up in the morning before the sun rises, so that you are tuning to the sunrise and you cannot go to bed at 6 o'clock, when the sun sets but at least ten o'clock, get up at six, go to bed at 10, so that at least that dark period, your eyes are getting a rest. Your soul is getting a rest, you are getting a rest, and ditch that gadget, which is also getting some rest. Oh my God! those gadgets are on 24 hours. That danger is, the longer you use it, you're not going to sleep when you're using a gadget. You're not going to sleep because of that light. The Melatonin is not coming on. You have to put off your gadget. It takes an hour. It may even take two hours before the Melatonin starts to come. So, it is important that you make a clear-cut decision, and I keep on trying to do that. Not that I'm successful all the time, but most of the time I try to do it. Get to bed at a decent time, but make sure you get up before the sun. As you see the sun, chant the mantras. Shailaja: I am asked for tips to curb comfort eating, especially in these Covid times. So is comfort eating related to any malfunction of any part of the brain? Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 23

NEUROPLASTICITY, EPIGENETICS AND YOGA Dr. Ananda: It is more an emotional issue where you are not finding someone to trust. You are not finding another person to confide in and so because of that, you are using food as your friend. This is where emotional overeating is a very major issue and that is why one has to be very careful that when we are emotionally upset, “Do Not Go Near Food”. When you are emotionally upset, go away from food. Do Pratyahara. Go away from food, when you are emotionally upset. Because food taken when you are emotionally upset, will only poison you. So, when emotionally upset, have a place where you can go, sit quietly, do some deep breathing, sing some songs, chant. So once our emotions are under control, let the prefrontal cortex come into play and then go and have a beautiful meal, after chanting, “Om Tat Sat Krishna Arpanamastu”. Gita Inspirations by Swamiji Rishis say: Without expectation, 'He is Truly wise Not craving, Disciplining Who acts Without selfishness Body and mind. He calls Or scheming No-thing After the fruits His own. Of the Act. The re-action He acts Falls from him, And there Its chain Is no Broken, Merit or demerit. Dissolved in The fires of In success Inner knowledge. Or failure, What the Scorning the Supreme wills Reward, He receives, Content, Needing He is No-thing, Contented. The Self Pain follows Is enough. Pleasure, He acts, Like night And is beyond The day. Action. He is not Perturbed. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 24

YOGIC LIFESTYLE AND IMMUNITY Yogacharya Dr. ANANDA BALAYOGI BHAVANANI Ashram Acharya and Chairman ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry. Editor's Note: We are pleased to reproduce a series of answers given by Dr Ananda to questions put together by Hello My Yoga, a not-for-profit venture to help people find their spiritual sojourn that provides answers to their inquisitive minds and support authentic Yoga teachers in their effort to spread the yogic light in all corners of the world. The conversation was first published on www.hellomyYoga.com/blog/yogic-lifestyle-and- immunity-conversation-dr-ananda-balayogi-bhavanani Hello My Yoga: “Yoga for Immunity.” Do you think it is the right way to say it? Dr Ananda: We often talk about Yoga for this and Yoga for that. But actually, the practice of Yoga should be done for the sake of Yoga itself. All the benefits that we get from the practice are the side benefits of Yoga. The practice of Yoga is no doubt a blessing for the whole human functionality. This is especially applicable in the field of psycho-neuro-immunology. This is a new field in medical science, and it enables us to understand how our thoughts and emotions can influence our nervous system, the brain, the hypothalamus and the limbic system especially. And through this, influence our immune function. Hence, the practice of Yoga is definitely a factor that gives us a sense of inner peace and inner ease. Such an inner state of ease results in optimal functioning of our immune system. Hence, saying “Yoga for immunity” is not wrong. But I would prefer to say, enhancing one's inherent immune function, through the practice of Yoga. Hello My Yoga: Mind, body, and breath coordination create body awareness, does it have any relation with immunity? Dr Ananda: Mind, body, and breath coordination, creates body awareness. This is absolutely related to immunity. The immune function is directly related to our stress response, and hence, when we are stressed the immune response is going to be distorted. On the other hand, when we are relaxed, it is going to be efficiently functioning in the practice of Yoga. The smooth body movements in Yoga are coordinated with mindful slow and deep breathing, and a conscious awareness of being present in the “Now”. This is the way that the body, the mind, the emotions and the spirit, all come together and enhance holistic health and wellness. The World Health Organization talks about physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. All these domains of health may be attained, maintained, sustained and retained through a practice of Yoga. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 25

YOGIC LIFESTYLE AND IMMUNITY Hello My Yoga: Doyouthink witheachtwist poseweactually wring out toxins? Dr Ananda: When we do twisting poses, we are influencing the internal organs of the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities. Within the thoracic cavity we have the lungs and the heart; within the abdominal cavity, the stomach, the spleen, the liver, the gallbladder, the intestines and the kidneys. And in the pelvic cavity, the genitor-urinary tract organs and reproductive system. All of them are given an efficient massage, a self massage, when we do the twisting postures. Most of the time, the toxins and negativities tend to stagnate in the abdominal cavity. All traditional systems of medicine reiterate that disease begins with faulty digestion. When there is stagnation in the digestive tract, the urinary tract, the chest etc, there is an accumulation of toxins that Indian systems of medicine call “Ama”. When we do various twisting practices, we are compressing and relaxing the organs within these cavities, and hence we are enhancing circulation at the physiological level. At the psychic level we are enhancing the flow of energy: Prana, the life force itself. Hence the twisting poses are excellent to help us detox ourselves. Hello My Yoga: Many researchers say Yoga is a preventive practice but is it really curative as well? Dr Ananda: It is true that Yoga is primarily a preventive practice and healthy way of living in tune with nature. Maharishi Patanjali tells us, 'Heyam dukham anagatam”, i.e., prevent those miseries that are yet to come. However, in modern times, we have more and more research evidence that Yoga not only has a preventive potential but can have an adjuvant potential as an add-on therapy with other systems of medicine. At our own CYTER of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, a Deemed University in Pondicherry (www.sbvu.ac.in/cyter) we have seen that the addition of a Yoga component to the modern medical treatment protocol enhances all round health benefits for care seekers. At the same time, if the condition is in its initial stages, what we call the psychic and psychosomatic stages of disease, Yoga on its own may be able to help the person come back to normal. Once it goes into the third and fourth stages of disease, ie. the somatic and organic stages, Yoga is usually an add-on adjuvant therapy to be used as part of an Integrative Management Protocol. It of course has great potential as a therapy, both on its own, as well as with other systems in the field of rehabilitation and palliative health care. Hello My Yoga: How do you compare Yoga with other forms of exercise like Tai chi? Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 26

YOGIC LIFESTYLE AND IMMUNITY Dr Ananda: Both Yoga and other forms of Asian traditional practices such as Tai Chi are based on the principle of energy. We, as a human being, are an energy being. We are a solar being living in a solar system. And this is why the solar plexus, known as Manipura Chakra is our psychic umbilical cord, connecting us to the cosmos. All these traditional systems that are found in Asia understand that the navel center, the Nabhi, is of prime importance for health and healing, manifesting the essence of wellness. Both Tai Chi and Yoga give importance to various meridians, which we call Nadis and Chakras in the Indian system. They share a mindful focus to enhance the flow of energy, known as Prana in our Indian system, and Chi in the Chinese system. “Yatho mana thathah Prana- where the mind goes the energy flows.” This is a core principle of all the Asian traditional systems of health and healing. They are the original Mind Body Medicine. Hello My Yoga: Lastly, is Yoga 100% safe? Dr Ananda: “Real Yoga is as safe as mother's milk”, said my Guru-father Yoga Maharishi Dr Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj. However, later on, he went on to add even mother's milk may no longer be safe. The practice of Yoga is safe, yet many people perform it in a wrong manner and face the consequences of improper approaches. They perform it without proper instruction or with a lack of mindfulness. Recently, a very famous cricketer and his actress wife had an Instagram post with her in the headstand, though she is in the last trimester of her pregnancy. This is absolutely unsafe. I have made a statement that “Yoga is safe, but the way we apply it, the way we use it may be unsafe.” This is because we are not following the proper protocols, the proper approach with a proper Yogacharya. Yoga must be approached in the proper manner with due respect and care. If this is done, Yoga is definitely safe. However, an unsafe approach will surely lead to unsafe Yoga, and dire consequences. So, in conclusion, it is not Yoga that is unsafe, but it is the approach people take to its practice and application. This is even more because of the haste with which they try to rush through the healing process. We need to remember that healing takes time. That is why it is essential that we have patience. If we develop this quality, this noble attitude, we can get back to a healthy state of being at the earliest. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 27

BREAKING DOWN TO BREAK THROUGH Ammaji Yogacharini MEENAKSHI DEVI BHAVANANI Ashram Acharya and Director ICYER at Ananda Ashram, Pondicherry Pujya Swamiji Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj had a unique talent for imparting spiritual lessons through real life stories (perhaps exaggerated a bit as is the Irish penchant) to hone the point, much as a sharp nail can be hammered into the wall. One of his favourite stories concerns the time when he was living in Canada. One of his students, Ralph, wanted to travel to India to study with Swamiji's own Master, the sleepless saint: Yogamaharishi Swami Kanakananda Brighu Guru Maharaj. Ralph left Canada and arrived at Swami Kanakananda's Ashram in North India. After a few weeks had passed, Swamiji received a message from Ralph, saying “Your teacher has taken me apart. What should I do?” Swamiji sent a message back, “Pick up the pieces you want to keep and put yourself back together again.” That anecdote holds a potent message. To grow, to evolve, one must actually go through a process of 'breakdown' in order to “break through” into another dimension of consciousness. The Guru Tattva, in whatever form it appears, perhaps a humble scavenging evil spouse, a wayward child, an animal, a cyclone or even the current crisis, the Corona Pandemic must break one into pieces. This is needed, so that we can once again piece things together, to attain a state of ease and peace. Even the Yogasutras teach us that such a disunion (viyoga) needs to happen before the ultimate reunion can occur. Recently I read a beautiful prince of wisdom that was put into the form of a conversation between the Divine Lord (Bhagavan) and the individual ego, the Ahamkara of a seeker. Ahamkara: Hey Bhagavan! Bhagavan: Hello….. Ahamkara: I'm falling apart. Can you put me back together? Bhagavan: I would rather not. Ahamkara: Why? Bhagavan: Because you aren't a puzzle. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 28

BREAKING DOWN TO BREAK THROUGH Ahamkara: What about all of the pieces of my life that are falling down onto the ground? Bhagavan: Let them stay there for a while. They fell off for a reason. Take some time and decide if you need any of those pieces back. Ahamkara: You don't understand! I'm breaking down! Bhagavan: No – you don't understand -- You Are Breaking Through. What you are feeling are just growing pains. You are shedding the things, the people and the systems in your life that are holding you back. You are not falling apart. You are falling into place. Relax. Take some deep breaths and allow those things you don't need any more to fall off you. Quit holding onto the pieces that don't fit you anymore. Let them fall off. Let them go. Ahamkara: Once I start doing that, what will be left of me? Bhagavan: Only the very best pieces of you. Ahamkara: I'm scared of changing. Bhagavan: I keep telling you – you aren't changing!! You are becoming! Ahamkara: Becoming whom? Bhagavan: Becoming whom I created you to be! A person of light and love and charity and hope and courage and joy and mercy and grace and compassion. I made you for more than the shallow pieces you have decided to adorn yourself with, that you cling to with such greed and fear. Let those things fall off you. I love you! Don't change! Become! Ahamkara: There goes another piece. Bhagavan: Let it be. Ahamkara: So, I am not broken? Bhagavan: Of course not, but you are breaking like the morning dawn. It is a new day. Become! ICYER activities have moved online for the past few months and Dr. Ananda is spearheading numerous online programs broadcast on Social Media Channels of the Gitananda Yoga Family Worldwide. These can be viewed on Facebook at the @yogacharyaABB and @ICYER.Ananda.Ashram accounts as well as Dhivya Priya Bhavanani’s presentations @DPBhavanani. All videos are also available from the YouTube channel @yognat2001. Registrations for Dr Ananda’s multiple online sessions can be done by e-mailing [email protected] Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 29

FATE OR FREE WILL? NICOLA WRIGHT, Gitananda Yoga Sadhaka, UK Editor's note: Nicola completed the Yoga: Step-by-Step Course with Yogacharini Kalavathi in 2019 and is now on the Teacher Training Course. She penned these beautiful reflections on the 'hot topic' of fate and freewill as part of her submissions for her certification. The Free Will vs Determinism debate revolves around the extent to which our behaviour is the result of forces over which we have no control or whether people are able to decide for themselves whether to act or behave in a certain way. Determinism proposes that all behaviour has a cause and is predictable. Free Will is an illusion, and our behaviour is governed by internal or external forces over which we have no control. External determinism means 'learnt behaviour eg., parental influence, media, school'. I learnt about “Bandura's Doll Experiment” in university, for example, where children became aggressive through observation and imitation behaviour. Determinism sees Free Will as an illusion and believes that every event and action has a cause. Skinner is a determinist, believing that a person who commits a crime has no real choice. They are propelled in this direction by environmental circumstances and personal history, which makes breaking the law natural and inevitable. For law-abiding people, an accumulation of reinforcers affirms their behaviour. Having been rewarded for following rules in the past, the individual does so in the future. There is no moral evaluation or even mental calculation involved. All behaviour is under stimulus control. (McLeod, S. A. 2019) Free Will is the idea that we are able to have some choice in how we act and assumes that we are free to choose our behaviour, in other words we are self- determined. People can make a free choice as to whether to commit a crime or not. This does not mean that behaviour is random, but we are free from causal influences of past events. According to free will a person is responsible for their own actions. One of the main assumptions of the humanistic approach is that humans have Free Will and that not all behaviour is determined. 'Personal Agency' is the humanistic term for the exercise of Free Will. Personal Agency refers to the choices we make in life, the paths we go down and their consequences. (McLeod, S. A. 2019) For humanistic psychologists, such as Maslow and Rogers, freedom is not only possible but also necessary if we are to become fully functional human beings. Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 30

FATE OR FREE WILL? Both see 'Self-Actualisation' as a unique human need and form of motivation setting us apart from all other species. Sigmund Freud argued that our actions and our thoughts are controlled by the unconscious, but the goal of his therapy was to overcome that force. Erich Fromm argues that all of us have the potential to control our own lives but that many of us are too afraid to do so. And so we give up our freedom and allow our lives to be governed by circumstance, other people, political ideology or irrational feeling. However,Determinism is not inevitable and in the very choice we all have to do good or evil, Fromm sees the essence of human freedom. (McLeod, S. A. 2019) When researching this, I had been aware of this debate due to my Teaching Degree where we did some questions on this. 'Learnt behaviour' is something that teachers need to know. However, I look back at this now 15 years later with a hazy memory of it but knowing that I did take more of a determinism view. I think that children and people who do not take responsibility for themselves use their 'Reptilian Brain'. Children in Western society are taught from an early age how to 'conform' to society -- how to fit in and perform the way society wants them to. I think that we as a society find it easier to pass on responsibility for actions and ways in which we react. As I was researching this, I was surprised just how many years back this debate has gone on for! St Augustine 354-430CE and Fredec.55-c 135 CE. With Plato and Aristotle, Plato believes that the individual is enslaved to the passions; and while Aristotle shares with Plato a concern for cultivating virtues, he gives greater attention to the role of choice in initiating individual actions which, over time, results in habits for good or ill. Aristotle says that, unlike non-rational agents, we have the power to do or not to do, and much of what we do is voluntary, such that its origin is 'in us' and we are 'aware of the particular circumstances of the action'. Furthermore, mature humans make choices after deliberating about different available means to our ends, drawing rational principles of action. (O'Connor, T. 2020) I know that I was in the habit of blaming or rationalising my behaviours and reactions to the determinism/behaviourism belief. I put my characteristics down to learned behaviours from my parents or situations that I have been in, in the past. “We are the culmination of all we have been in our yesterdays.” I didn't realise it was a way of almost justifying myself. I believed in destiny/fate, that opportunities Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 31

FATE OR FREE WILL? would come to either test you or provide you with a path that you could choose to take. I did always believe that it was 'choice' to take it or not. I have been reading about 'Vasana' a habitual tendency that takes root in the subconscious mind and overpowers the conscious mind, making the individual seem powerless against onslaught. This same tendency will take root when performing any action, good or bad: “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a destiny.” (Dr Swami Gitananda Giri, Yoga Step-by-Step). I feel that Yoga allows you to have Free Will, to know that it is there and you should, and can have it. By steady and repeated effort, when the Subha Vasana is cultivated the AsubhaVasana comes to the end. Patanjali calls this spiritual practice 'Pratipasksha Bhavana': consciously cultivating the opposite thoughts, feelings and actions. One must repeatedly educate the mind on the glory of a life that is free from negative tendencies by showing it the higher joys accrued by Satsanga. In this manner the mind can be weaned from its addiction to negative Vasanas. I can look around people that I know who always have a perfect excuse or alibi for their actions, or un-actions, anything to make themselves not responsible. Yoga is the absolute opposite of this. It takes effort and truthful awareness of yourself to have Free Will. “Look then to this day”. “Now” is important and Yoga is a “here and now” philosophy. Live this moment. Live it constructively. This kind of Karma is Kriyamana Karma -- the actions you are making in the “now” through conscious Karma. By being on this journey I know my beliefs of Free Will vs Determinism have changed. I know I don't always do what I want to: React rather than respond. But I am so much more conscious about my choices, living in the now and feeling so much better for it. References: O'Connor, Timothy and Christopher Franklin, \"Free Will\", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2020 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = <https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2020/entries/freewill Yogamaharishi Dr Swami Gitananda Giri, Yoga Step-by-Step. www.icyer.in McLeod, S. A. (2019, April 11). Free will vs determinism. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/freewill-determinism.htm Vol.52 No. 04, April 2021 www.rishiculture.in 32



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