YOGA AND CONSCIOUSNESS

BY H.R. NAGENDRA , M.E., Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor, SVYASA University, Bangalore, India

Modern science has fathomed the physical world in depth. Newtonian laws govern the macroscopic world and the Quantum mechanics for the world of fundamental particles. Probability functions of the Schrodinger equations bring dimensions of uncertainty of the subatomic worlds. Uncertainty principle shows the boundaries of QM and in a sense the limits of the physical world. Beyond which no existing equations can predict what is happening. Velocity of light is the constant maximum velocity of the physical world. Dimensions of the subtle world postulated in the Upanishads start from here. Prana has consciousness differentiating a dead cell from a living cell. Prana Shakti in contrast to physical energy (Jada Shakti) has consciousness which can change by itself and replicate itself as it is happening in the biological world. Sexual enjoyment is the associated bliss dimension of consciousness. Emotional and mental worlds form the next layers with greater manifestation of consciousness and subtler powers as Iccha Shakti and Manas Shakti associated with them. Higher happiness levels of sense pleasures and creative thrills characterize this growth. Intelligence and knowledge characterize the next layer of consciousness. Intellectual flashes of great bliss feature these dimensions of consciousness. Buddhi Shakti is far more powerful than all other powers. All these form the subtle dimensions of Consciousness (Sukshma levels). Silence and peace feature the next dimension of Consciousness. Bliss is highest here. This causal world is the state from where all creation takes place. The laws of Creation, sustenance and destruction form the fundamental laws which manifest from the physical world to all the worlds. These are the dimensions of the enworlded, ever-changing dimensions of Reality called Panca Koshas. At the base of all these is the unchanging Reality which is eternal and beyond all descriptions. That is the original state of all worlds and hence is the real home of all of us. Purna or infinity features this dimension. Uncertainty is its manifest in the physical world. So also there are limits of subtle and the causal worlds. This is the Pure Consciousness called Brahman transcending the gross, subtle and causal worlds. Yoga offers techniques to work at all these levels of consciousness for growth from the gross to subtle and take us to the causal states and finally merge with Pure Consciousness. In this pilgrimage, we manifest our Prana Shakti, Iccha Shakti, Manas Shakti, Buddhi Shakti and Ananda Shakti. The integrated approach of Yoga brings all these powers and the associated bliss unto our lives. Its applications hence should solve all problems of our times as well.

SCIENCE AND YOGA

BY SUDARSHAN E.C.G., Ph.D.
Dept. of Physics, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA

It is often said that science proceeds by analysis: but this is only partly true since the understanding obtained enables the holistic understanding of the physical universe and even the universe itself. In the same manner the practice of Yoga analyses the workings of our mind and the body. This in turn leads to our understanding of ourselves: first the body, then the mind and eventually of consciousness itself. Just as in science, there is a technology of wellbeing that is the by product. It is thus easy to see the connection of the heath of the body and mind to purposive action on our part.