The word Yoga has different meanings that are context dependent, though, they can be categorized into three main divisions as discussed earlier. Here, the definitions of Yoga is equanimity or equability – SAMATWAM (समत्वं योग उच्यते). Such equanimity can be on any area or subject and it can belong to any mental state described earlier. The question arises, whether Yoga is different for different subjects or different mental states? The answer is: Yoga is a sovereign (SAARVABHAUMA) function of the mind (सार्वभौमश्चितस्य धर्मः). It can attain equanimity or equability irrespective of the particular state of mind. This is possible only if the successive waves arising from the brain have the same wavelength and amplitude. That, in turn, is possible, only if the subject of thought is one without the influence of any other perception. Only in that case, the inertia of mind (thought) can continue unabated – without external influence. For this reason, Yoga is called SAMAADHI (योगः समाधिः). The word SAMAADHI means continuously holding on to one state, and has been formed from the prefixes SAM (summation, together – सम् – एकीभावे), AA (to the extent – आ – अर्वागर्थे – मर्यादासीमायामभिव्याप्तिसीमायामीषदर्थे – कर्मप्रवचनीयाः) and the root DHAA (coupling and nourishment – डुधा॒ञ् धारणपोष॒णयोः॑).
What is the necessity of discussing these terms and their implications? Because, the issues relating to perception are beyond their mechanical reaction. We can describe the wavelength of radiation that falls in the eyes and how it is processed thereafter in the brain. But that does not automatically leads to perception. Certain photoreceptor cells located in the retina can detect light even in people who have no conscious perception of light – the blind, in whose cases, the optic nerve exits the retina on its way to the brain – the blind spot. Latest studies have found that, even a few seconds of light can alter brain activity, as long as the brain is engaged in active processing and not at rest. For example, if simultaneous auditory stimulation are received, the light exposure triggered changes in activity of the blind in regions of their brain associated with alertness and executive function. It only shows that the brain can detect light in the absence of working vision and that light can alter brain activity through pathways unrelated to sight. This nonvisual light sensing may aid in regulating many aspects of human brain function, including sleep/wake cycles and threat detection, etc. But, it is different from ocular perception.
In Yogic parlance, it is called INDRIYAARTHA SANNIKARSHA (इन्द्रियार्थ सन्निकर्ष) – the coupling (सन्निकर्ष) of our sense organs (इन्द्रिय) to their respective objects (अर्थ) – like eyes revealing form through light. This is carried out by mind, which acts 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). Unlike other sense organs, which are special carriers of one type of impulse only (नियतविषय), mind can couple to all sense organs (सर्वविषय), though, one at a time, to carry that specific impulse to the brain, at light speed. In this process, we get additional information, which cannot be perceived directly. One example is the detection of light in the absence of working vision through pathways unrelated to sight described above. These are called extra-sensory (अतिन्द्रिय विषय) perception. Yoga enhances this capability.
It has been said that SAMAADHI (समाधि) – continuously holding on to one state of mind – is a sovereign function (SAARVABHAUMAH DHARMAH – सार्वभौमः धर्मः) of Chitta – our conscious part. Since the brain waves belong to various wave-lengths and energy levels, is it possible to continuously hold on to one state? The answer is yes. In the case of Beta waves with low amplitude, high frequency – the KSHIPTA (क्षिप्त) state, excessive emotion can cause SAMAADHI (समाधि) by holding on to one state of mind. Jayadratha of Mahabharata is one example. After being defeated by the Pandavas repeatedly, he focused his mind for taking revenge and succeeded through meditating on Shiva. In the case of Alpha waves associated to relaxed but alert state – VIKSHIPTA (विक्षिप्त), it is possible to hold on to one state of mind, but it is a temporary phenomenon. After some time, the mind reverts back to its wandering phase. In the case of Theta waves which occur when people are emotionally stressed the MOODHA (मूढ) state, when the mind cannot think clearly, excessive attachment (for family, wealth, object of desire, etc.), can generate continuously holding on to one state of mind, which can be seen in our everyday life. But in the case of Delta waves that has high amplitude, low frequency, holding on to one state of mind becomes easy.
The 8 steps of Yoga are:
- Yama: restraint from violence, lying, theft, or avarice.
- Niyama: building good habits like contentment, purity, Vedic study, and meditation on God.
- Asana: good posture.
- Pranayama: breath control.
- Dharana: focused attention on an object.
- Dhyana: meditation.
- Samadhi: concentration so deep that self-awareness is lost. The mind can attain SAMAADHI (समाधि) in any of the mental states. However, the effects are different.
I will write about it later.