Yoga for Health, Happiness and World Peace-10. - Swami Chidanananda

03/05/2018
10

It is this aspect of Yoga that acts as the preventive health system, the upstream aspect of the medical approach to human health, comfort and happiness. Thus upon the physical level, the body level, Yoga contributes to health both in a preventive as well as in a positively creative and constructive manner. Preventive by making you avoid those patterns of human behaviour and conduct that invite ill-health. So you avoid those pitfalls, those all too common weaknesses, indulgences and lack of self-control through all the senses. Then, through a system of physical postures, breathing techniques and relaxation, all combined together (this is known as the HATHAYOGA which is the basis or foundation of Rajayoga), you are able to bring about such an enhancement of Prana the positive effects of Prana in different places.

Each Asana directs an abundance of Prana and concentrates it in some particular system of the inner physical man. The physical aspect of our human personality has two aspects. One is the outer physical structure, the features and form. Another is the internal mechanism, the various internal organs, the marvellous factory, various internal viscera: the brain, the central nervous systems, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, stomach, intestines, kidneys and all the systems including the ductless glands which secrete the hormones in the endocrine system.

The various Asanas have a very salutary effect. Each particular pose locks up the Prana in certain areas of the body, prevents it from moving in any direction and then takes it towards a particular inner system, keeps it concentrated there, and brings about a stimulation of correcting anything that is wrong there, stimulating and making it work in a sound, effective condition. That is how the outer Asanas make use of the inner presence of Prana to bring about a sound and radiant state of condition and functioning of all the internal systems—the circulatory, the respiratory and alimentary systems, wherein lies the key to health.

To be continued