by Sri Bmal Mohanty
VOL No. 20
June. 2002

PREPARATIONS FOR SADHANA -Part 1

"Based on the lectures by Sri Bimal Mohanty"

It is indeed ludicrous to notice how because of sheer ignorance, this aspect of the yoga system has been reduced to a set of physical culture exercises merely for the sake of worldly enjoyment of all kinds. The materialistic culture can not fathom beyond this superficial utility. Hundreds of Yoga centres mainly in west and also in east have sprung up to cater to the gullibles and as great business propositions. What a collossal misuse of treasure. But then, that is entirely another issue.

On the contrary, the vedantic sanatan philosophy recognises that a healthy body is a great asset for the sadhaka for spiritual progress and that is the only reason why it must be cultivated. The Vedas declare: Sthireih angeih tustuvan sastanubhih vyasema devahitam yadayuh.

With strong limbs and body we shall propitiate the Om and by that enjoy the life given to us.

Strong and healthy limbs mean a body of health and vigor. A healthy body provides the base for a purified mind. A purified mind sharpens the intellect. With the body mind and intellect working together Bramha chetana or Bramha consciousness is the logical outcome. Does this sound as bad tidings for those who are weak in health.

Does this sound as bad tidings for those who are weak in health and suffering from physical ailments? Is sadhana not possible for them? On the contrary, it is they who can reap visible benefits and that too in quick time if they turn to spiritual sadhana with sankalpa in their mind.

A point to always remember here is that when we speak of swasthya as a support to sadhana, it is not to be understood as limited to gross physiological health. Yoga sadhana always considers body, mind and intellect combination as an integrated support for spiritual sadhana. This is because the development of none of these three takes place in isolation. Our level of spiritual health is the level of purity achieved in each of these three put together. To develop spiritually, however slow it may

To develop spiritually, however slow it may be is in the very nature of all created beings. They say the Gods are pleased whenever anyone turns his mind towards Bramhan and bestow their kindness upon him. This benefit comes on all levels- physical, mental and spiritual. Once you turn towards The Lord , He ensures that your body mind and intellect are nourished and strengthened to sustain your spiritual efforts. It is strange but true that sadhana itself becomes the cause for improvement of one's health. To remain occupied with self also ensures the self healing properties of the body. There is no medicine which has more potency than spiritual sadhana for a weakened body. There is no vaccine which is more effective than spiritual sadhana against any disease of the body. It works on the natural tendency in every cell in the body to remain healthy. An ailing person shows remarkable improvement once he turns Godward. See for yourself how yogis and sadhakas invariably enjoy comparatively discomfort and disease-free life compared to people who have no time for their spiritual quest and all the time to meet their sense dictated material demands.

The fact that the body's primary function is to assist the being in its spiritual development can not be over emphasised. A tool if not used for what it is meant becomes soon useless. A well from which water is not drawn, soon smells of putrid water. Nature is also very miserly in her gifts. Improper use of her gifts are soon taken away. Nature never allows its gifts to be wasted for very long.

Whenever the first signs of ailment or disease are felt, understand them as the early warning signals from the nature. Make your sankalpa and turn to sadhana and experience the miracle happening within your own body. That is how powerful spiritual sadhana is.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT - Swadhyayana, Samsuddhabuddhi, Shraddha, and Samarpan