Essay name: The Nervous System in Yoga and Tantra (Study)
Author:
Ashok Majumdar
Affiliation: Banaras Hindu University / Department of Kayachikitsa
This study deals with the presentation of the Nervous System in Yoga, Tantra and Ayurveda. Yoga and Ayurveda are allied sciences dealing with science of man in depth. This study has revealed a number of hither to unknown facts about concept of nervous system and thought science of Hindus.
Chapter 2 - The Eight Components of Yoga
53 (of 85)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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54
Throughout a day and a night there are 21,600 such respira-
tions (i.e. 15 respirations per minutes). Every living being
(Jiva) performs japa (repetition) unconsciously, but
constantly. This is called Ajapa jayattri. This Ajapa-japa
is performed in three places i.e. in the Muladhara (the
space between the anus and membranum virile), in the Anahata
lotus (heart) and the Ajna lotus ( the space where the
nostrils unite). This body is 96 digits long (i.e. 6 feet)
as a standard (G.S.V:84).
The ordinary length of the air current when expired
is 12 digits (9 inches), in singing, its length becomes
16 digits (12 inches); in eating, it is 20 digits (15 inches)
in walking, it is 24 digits (18 inches), in sleep, it is
30 digits ( 22 陆 inches); in copulation it is 36 digits
(27 inches) and in taking physical exercise it is more than
that. By decreasing the natural length of life; and by
increasing the current, there is decrease of life, so long
as breath remains in the body there is no death. When the
full length of the wind is all confirmd in the body, nothing
being allowed to go out, it is kevala kumbhaka (GS V:87).
"All Jivas are constantly and unconsciously reciting
this Ajapa Mantra, only for a fixed number of times every
day. But a yogin should recite this consciously and count-
ing the numbers. By doubling the number of Ajapa (i.e. by
30 respirations per minute), the state of Manomani (fixed-
ness of mind) is attained. There are no regular Rechaka and
Paraka in this process. It is only (kevala) kumbhaka. By
