(^2020) YOGA AND TOTAL HEALTH • February 2018
body. The damage may not show
immediately, but usually gets mixed up
at a later stage, with what is generally
called ageing or degeneration. Overall
Yogic exercises can forestall this
process of degeneration and keep a
working woman fighting fit for a much
longer period, enabling her to face the
domestic as well as official challenges
equally well.
Besides the psychological and
physical, there is a third aspect of yoga,
dealing with the spiritual side of life.
For those of us who believe that the
human understanding of this world
is incomplete without a reference
to those experiences which exist
beyond the senses, yoga shows the
way of adding that extra dimension
and making the picture complete. The
advanced techniques of yoga help
its practitioners to take a look into
the unknown. A recognition of the
spiritual dimension of life, which is
today incorporated even in scientific
theory by great seers like Einstein,
automatically lowers the ego of a
person, and helps him to adjust better
with his circumstances.
Yoga is a gift of ancient Indian
wisdom. Today it is useful for the
demands of modern life based on
Western technological development.
The Westerner is increasingly taking to
its benefits. It is high time in India that
we become aware of what we already
possess.
(Above is a summary of a radio-talk by
Smt. Bhave, that was broadcast on the All
India Radio on Sunday, March 1981.)
cont’d from page 17 .....
placid. His placidity is not disturbed
even if anyone uses harsh words on
him, insults him, accuses him.
- Maunam: Mental Penance.
Real silence consists in remaining
equanimous in the pairs of opposites,
such as favourable and unfavourable
circumstances, union and disunion,
attachment and aversion, pleasure
and pain, etc. - Bhavasamasudahih: Purity of nature
A pure state of mind, free from
selfishness and pride having the
thought of welfare of others is purity
of nature.
The Lord further explains threefold
Tapa. Sattvik Tapa, Rajasik Tapa and
Tamasik Tapa.- Tapa practiced with supreme faith
by a man of balanced mind, without
expectation of reward is called Sattvik
Tapa (Gita 17.17) - Tapa performed in order to gain
respect, honour and reverence is said
to be Rajasik Tapa (passionate). - Tapa performed with foolish
obstinacy, with self-torture or causing
injury to others is said to be Tamasik
Tapa (mode of ignorance).
In chapter 17.6, the Lord says,
“He who performs stern austerities
(Tapa) due to hypocrisy and egoism,
impelled by lust and attachment
comes under Tamasik Tapa”. People
of a demonical resolve believe that
Tapa consists in tormenting the
physical body. They not only torment
their own body, but also torment the
Lord, who is lodged in their hearts.