Lifting the Sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali - Part 2

 Here is part 2 of the essay written by Lynn Holt from Yoga Rahasya vol. 25, No.4, 2018,

The essay is called: Lifting the Sternum - Samadhi and the Yoga Sutra-s of Patanjali.

Our head and spine:

The human brain is the central organ of the human nervous system, and with the spinal cord makes up the central nervous system.  The brain can be divided into three main portions: the cerebral cortex,  the hypothalamus and the cerebellum. The cerebral cortex functions in the process of thinking, speech, memory and imagination.  The hypothalamus regulates the activities of the internal organs and imprints emotional reactions of pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow, contentment and disappointment.  The cerebellum is at the base and the back of the brain; and is found just under the cerebrum of the brain.  The back brain is regarded as that which functions in meditation; it is the seat of wisdom and clarity.

The cerebrum is connected by the brain stem to the spinal cord.  The brain stem consists of the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata.  The medulla connects the higher levels of the brain to the spinal cord, and is responsible for several functions of the autonomous nervous system which are very important in meditation practice.

An understanding of the anatomy of the brain is important to understand why in meditation practice the brain has to be well balanced in relation to the spine.  Any unevenness in its position disturbs the quietness of meditation.  When an imbalance occurs, it is because the energies of the left and right hemisphere of the brain have to be brought to centre, to cease the thinking activity of the brain.  When correctly aligned Guruji tells us the flow of energy is diverted from the brain towards the heart and the brain is kept as a passive observer.  With the quiet brain then it is only possible to begin the process of going inwards to reach our very being - our core.

The importance of obtaining a quiet mind was observed but Lord Krishna in the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita verses 13 and 14, where he gives directions to sit erect with the spine and head straight to concentrate the mind. Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra-s has comprehensively detailed the functions of the brain and the connections with our practice.  

That is the end of the second part of the essay.  We will continue with the next part in the next blog.

Over the next few days, try sitting as described - with the erect spine and head straight. Let the awareness be on the breath to start,

to help quiet the mind to learn to go inward.

In peace, 

Pam  

 

 Part 2 - Audio recording