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 5 - Exposition of Thought science, Tantra and Mantra
48 (of 71)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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activity. This vibrational activity can be of three
kinds (Douglas, 1971, p.51,52):
(1) Through Breath-control (Pranayama): Breath-Activity-
(2) Through wound (Mantra): Sound-Activity.
(3) Through Elemental: Alchemical-Activity.
Each of Cakras (centres) are described as being
"lotus-like" with "petals" of a specific number and with
associated "Seed-ounds" (Bija), Forms (Yantra) and
presiding "deity" (devata). The "petals" branch of into
the "pathways" (Nadi)" like spokes of an umbrella," through
which the subtle "air" (Prana-Vayus: Vitality-essences)
can move throughout the whole psycho-organism. These
develop and control the secretions (Bindus), which in
turn (by means of the endocrine-mechanism) govern the
physical body.
The ancient tradition differes with the later
"popular" tradition, as with the number of emnating "petals"
of the centres. The three principle Nadi (Nada: sound wave)
are associated with colour (Red: Ica, White: Pingala, Dark:
Susumna) and Matrix-sounds called Ali (wovel-vibrations)16
in number and Kali (consonant-vibrations), 34 in number
and connected with Rasa (Pingala nadi).
"Our speech is called uttering (Japa), because
it is the enumeration of Ali and Kali" (Hevajra Tantra)
(Douglas, 1971, p.56).
