Literally Yoga (योग) means coupling. Obviously the question arises, who couples whom with what? This has been variously interpreted leading to different meanings for Yoga. For example, Gita defines Yoga as Excellence in Execution – KARMASU KAUSHALAM (कर्मसु कौशलम्). This interpretation leads to various forms of Yoga like:
- excellence in performance – KARMA YOGA (कर्मयोग), which leads to HATHA YOGA (हठयोगः);
- excellence in attaining knowledge – JNANA YOGA (ज्ञानयोग), which leads to ASHTAANGA YOGA (अष्टाङ्गयोगः),
- Devotion – BHAKTI YOGA (भक्तियोगः), which is an intermediate state of the above two, etc. All other types of Yoga are included in these three categories.
Knowledge is the identification (result of measurement, which is a comparison between similars) of some perceived object or action with some previously experienced similar object or action that is stored in the memory as a concept (स्मृतिपूर्वानुभुतार्थविषयं ज्ञानमुच्यते). Any perceived impulse generates an inertia (संस्कार) in our minds, which is the thought process (भावना). Like inertia of motion (वेग) is destroyed by friction (विशेष संयोग), inertia of mind or thought is destroyed after: 1) getting the object of desire (प्राप्ति), 2) intense pain (कष्ट) that diverts our mind, or 3) knowledge of the nature of the object or action (ज्ञानम्). In other words, knowledge leads to cessation of inertia of mind. What we call as action – KARMA (कर्म) is a combination of an initial instantaneous application of force and its continued effect through inertia. An action cannot generate another action (कर्म कर्मसाध्यं न विद्यते) other than inertia. If the inertia ceases, the effect of action also stops (कार्यविरोधि कर्म). Thus, action (कर्म) and knowledge (ज्ञानम्) are two opposite states, though all actions start only with some knowledge (ज्ञानजन्यभवेदिच्छा), which leads to a desire (इच्चाजन्य कृति भवेत्), which translates into action (कृतिजन्य भवेत् कार्य). Thus, Yoga – excellence in perfection – can be achieved only if the required knowledge, right propensity and appropriate skills are jointly focused at one point (कर्मसु कौशलम्).
Devotion is the attachment for someone or something else PARAPREMA ROOPAA (परप्रेमरूपा), who or which is considered superior. We can be devoted to God, country, parents, etc., all of which are other than self. Selfishness is natural. We do everything for getting our desired object (आत्मनस्तु कामाय). In devotion, there is no expectation for anything in return (सा न कामयमाना निरोधरूपत्वात्). Thus, it does not lead to any inertia. Hence, it is knowledge. Yet, the very act of attachment is an action. Thus, devotion is treated as an intermediate state between knowledge and action. For this reason, Gita defines Yoga also as equanimity or equability – SAMATWAM (समत्वं योग उच्यते).
Yoga in the general sense is divided into two branches:
- ASHTAANGA YOGA (अष्टाङ्गयोगः) or the eightfold path of Patanjali and
- HATHA YOGA (हठयोगः) or the coupling of the individual mind with that of the universal (हश्च ठश्च हठौ सूर्यचन्द्रौ। तयोर्योग हठयोगः – सूर्य आत्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च, चन्द्रमा मनसो जातः). Hiranyagarbha is said to be the first to propagate this Yoga.
In essence, both are comparable, though the former emphasizes on the mental plane more, while the later emphasizes the physical as well as mental planes. We will discuss the former here.
Patanjali defines Yoga as restraining the mental faculties – CHITTA VRITTI NIRODHAH (चित्तवृत्ति निरोधः). Chitta is the conscious component in us. Vritti is operation – one mental state gives way to another, which gives way to a third one, etc. This continued operation of changing mental states is Chitta Vritti. Nirodhah means prohibiting/restraining such changing mental states and focusing it at one point to attain SAMAADHI (समाधि). It is a sovereign function (SAARVABHAUMAH DHARMAH – सार्वभौमः धर्मः) of Chitta – our conscious part. According to Yoga, the mental states (चित्तभूमिका) are categorized into five different types: KSHIPTA – क्षिप्त, MOODHA – मूढ, VIKSHIPTA – विक्षिप्त, EKAAGRA – एकाग्र and NIRUDDHA – निरुद्ध. Yoga treats the mind as inert (JADA – जड) and the functioning of mind as mechanical (यान्त्रिक). These mental states function mechanically. These states are known to modern science as Mental waves or Brain waves. These are caused by and are related to the five fundamental forces of Nature as described below.
Energy is the great unknown quantity, whose existence is perceived and measured during its state of change. Mass, charge, etc., are properties observed by others, during instantaneous transfer of energy. Like space and time, energy also is a mental construct that cannot be perceived directly, but is observed through its effect on mass. Similarly, the brain emits different wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, which appear as different mental states. There are five types of such brain waves as shown below.
All objects including human bodies emit electromagnetic radiation – sometimes called thermal radiation. The wave-length of radiation emitted depends on the temperature of the objects. Most of the radiation emitted by human body is in the infrared region, mainly about the wavelength of 12 microns. Brainwaves are produced by synchronized electrical pulses from masses of neurons communicating with each other. Biofeedback headsets that sit easily on the head, measure brain waves using EEG or MEG. The speed is measured in Hertz (cycles per second) through sensors and they are divided into bands delineating slow, moderate, and fast waves. In the absence of other plausible explanations, the scientists believe that these brain waves are being transmitted by a weak electrical field, and they have been able to detect one of these in mice. But the brain may be using the fields to communicate without synaptic transmissions, gap junctions or diffusion. The brain uses chemicals to transmit information like the computer uses electricity. Even though electrical signals travel at high speeds in the nervous system, they travel even faster through the wires in a computer. Yoga treats the field as equivalent to a gravitational field, which have similar properties like e.m. fields. The chemical reactions are called Yogic (यौगिक), while physical interactions at fundamental level are called fundamental (मौलिक).
1. Modern – Beta waves, yoga – क्षिप्त चित्तभूमि
In modern science, the first of these states or brain waves are called Beta waves that has low amplitude, high frequency with a range between 14Hz–30Hz. This is related to being engaged in any form of mental activity in a highly alert and focused state. According to modern view, mind is said to be highly alert and focused at this state. But a highly alert mind cannot be focused on any one thing. Hence Yoga treats this state as highly disturbing, where one state gives way to another quickly. The person thinks of one thing after another rapidly – hence the state is called KSHIPTA (क्षिप्त). It is akin to YATAYAAMA (यातयाम सम्बन्ध) with SAAMPARAAYA GATI (साम्पराय गति) – one particle (thought) moving away from the main mass (one subject) to another as in radioactive disintegration of alpha decay changing the particle (thought). It is akin to moving up – UTKSHEPANA (उत्क्षेपण) in the macro world, which comes down to go up again.
2. Modern – Alpha waves, yoga – विक्षिप्त चित्तभूमि
The second of these states or brain waves are called Alpha waves that predominantly originate from the occipital lobe during wakeful relaxation with closed eyes and has a frequency range between 8Hz -14Hz. This is related to relaxed but alert state – VIKSHIPTA (विक्षिप्त). Here, mind sometimes gets focused on something, but again reverts back to its earlier wandering state. Often it is noticed during attempts for meditation. It is like electromagnetic interaction, which attempts to come to an equilibrium position – UPAYAAMA (उपयाम सम्बन्ध). The motion, like YAJNA GATI (यज्ञगति -यज् सङ्गतिकरणे), attempts to get focused at one point. It is akin to expansive state or PRASAARANA (प्रसारण), where we tend to assimilate ourselves with the universal, but often are drawn back to the world around us through inertia of restoration (स्थितिस्थापक संस्कार), otherwise known as elasticity.
3. Modern – Theta waves, yoga – मूढ चित्तभूमि
The third of these states or brain waves are called Theta waves that has a Frequency range between 4Hz–8Hz. They occur mainly in children during the early stages of sleep and in adults, when they are emotionally stressed. According to modern science, this is related to drowsiness or first stage of sleep. During this state, a person is awake but resting. In Yogic parlance, this state is called MOODHA (मूढ), because the mind cannot think clearly, but tries to get focused on something like a computer that hangs. It is akin to VAHIRYAAMA (वहिर्यामसम्बन्ध). The motion is called SAMPRASAADA GATI (सम्प्रसादगति), as, even though the mind is perpetually in motion dwelling on different subjects, it hangs around one state. In the macro world, it is akin to falling freely – AVAKSHEPANA (अवक्षेपण).
4. Modern – Delta waves, yoga – एकाग्र चित्तभूमि
The fourth of these states or brain waves are called Delta waves that has high amplitude, low frequency with a Frequency range between 0.5Hz–4Hz. In modern science, it is associated with Deep stage 3 of Non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep (SWS) and is an aid for characterizing the depth of sleep. These are known for triggering the release of growth hormone, which provides healing – making sleep important during the healing process. During a normal night’s sleep, a sleeper passes from the theta waves of stage 1 and 2, to the delta waves of stage 3 and 4. Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) disease, which is characterized by the presence of an “accessory pathway” or a “bypass tract”, and is diagnosed on the basis of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in an asymptomatic individuals, manifests as a delta wave, which is a slurred upstroke in the Quick Response Service (QRS) complex that is associated with a short PR interval (the period, measured in milliseconds, that extends from the beginning of the P wave – the onset of atrial depolarization – until the beginning of the QRS complex – the onset of ventricular depolarization). It occurs when the electrical pathway between the upper part of the heart – the atrium – and the lower part – the ventricle – is abnormal. A catheter-based procedure (ablation) can permanently correct the heart rhythm problems. Most people with an extra electrical pathway do not experience fast heartbeat.
However, in Yoga, it is a cherished state – EKAAGRA (एकाग्र). It is akin to ANTARYAAMA (अन्तर्याम सम्बन्ध). The motion is called NITYA GATI (नित्यगति), as if they are perpetually in uniform motion (contemplation) within the confinement (on the chosen subject). In the macro world, it is akin to compression – AAKUNCHANA (आकुञ्चन).
5. Modern – Gamma waves, yoga – निरुद्धः
Besides these four basic stages of sleep, there is another unique stage of sleep called, REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and visualization. We dream mostly during REM sleep. It is associated with the most important fifth mental state – gamma waves. Gamma brain waves are not the same as gamma rays, though both their freque ncies are similar and amplitude small. According to modern science, gamma brain waves are the fastest brainwave frequency with the smallest amplitude. A gamma wave is a pattern of neural oscillation in humans with a frequency between 25 and 100 Hz, though 40 Hz – the level that regulate memory processing – is typical. The gamma wave originates in the thalamus and moves from the back of the brain to the front and back again 40 times per second. This rapid “full sweep” action makes the gamma state one of peak mental and physical performance. Gamma is the brainwave state of being “in the Zone”, that feeling that one can do anything. These waves are associated with creating the unity of conscious perception (the binding part). Neuroscientists are beginning to discover the marvelous properties of the brain when it produces the gamma frequency. Gamma waves link information from all parts of the brain and influence the entire functioning of the brain. This is characterized by peak concentration and extremely high levels of cognitive functioning. These are associated with the “feeling of blessedness” reported by Acharyas, Yogis, monks etc.
Though everyone has gamma brainwave activity, the amount of gamma waves produced varies from person to person. Low amounts of gamma brainwave activity have been linked to learning difficulties, poor memory and impaired mental processing. People with very high levels of gamma activity are exceptionally intelligent, compassionate, happy, and have excellent memories and strong self-control. High gamma activity also corresponds to a state of peak performance – exceptionally vivid and rapid memory recall. They have increased sensory perception that helps in a better perception of reality. One of the most remarkable properties of the gamma state is the processing speed: the brain is able to process incredible amounts of information very quickly, remember it, and retrieve that memory later. People with high gamma activity are naturally happier, calmer and more at peace. This gives a feeling of ecstasy and one-ness with all creation. Meditation sharpens our mental abilities and increases production of more gamma rays. Hence, Yogis, elite athletes, top-notch artists and high achievers in all fields produce far more gamma waves than the average person. This has been experimentally proved, which shows significant increase in brain activity in the left prefrontal cortex (associated with self-control, happiness and compassion) and greatly reduced activity in the amygdala — the brain’s fight or flight center.
In Yogic parlance, it is called NIRUDDHA (निरुद्धः). It is opposite to the principle that started the creation – ANIRUDDHA (अनिरुद्धः). It has the potential for creating everything. It is like the force of gravitation – मुख्यप्राण, which was known in ancient India as UDYAAMA (उद्याम सम्बन्ध). It may be noted that Yoga is all about restraining the mental states – CHITTA VRITTI NIRODHAH (चित्तवृत्ति निरोधः), and not restraining all operations – SARVA VRITTI NIRODHAH (सर्ववृत्ति निरोधः). The mind acts mechanically like the sodium-potassium pump in our body, which moves the two ions in opposite directions across the plasma membrane through break down of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Concentrations of the two ions on both sides of the cell membrane are interdependent, suggesting that the same carrier transports both ions. Similarly, the same carrier transports the external stimuli from sensory agencies to the cerebral cortex and back as a command. This carrier is the sense organ (indriyam – इन्द्रियम्) called mind.
Yoga restrains mind from getting attached to sense organs, which, in turn, are unable to receive these, though they are exposed to the external stimuli. In gravitation, the barycenter is determined by not only the product of the densities (mass) of the two bodies (here body and the sense organs), but also the density of the medium (mind that carries the external impulses for processing). Since there is no relative motion between the two particles or bodies (external impulses and their reception in brain) as they are entangled, in ancient India, it was called URUGAAYA PRATISHTHAA – उरुगाय प्रतिष्ठा. However, since both are in motion against the background, in the macro world, it was called गमन.
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