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ReplyDeleteHello Dr. King
ReplyDeleteI read part I and part II of Marvels of the Mind. I guess there is going to be part III. When is it due? What is it going to be on ?
Thanks
RJK
Thank you RJK for reading my books. I hope you found them useful.
ReplyDeleteThe third part will be on Yoga and Meditation. I hope to publish it sometime before end of this year.
Best wishes
Dr. King
Hi
ReplyDeleteIs your paperback Indian edition of "How and Why of Yoga" available for people outside India? If so, how do I get one? Can you provide it directly? I can pay through paypal if you like.
Thanks
Bob
Hi Bob
DeleteThanks for writing.
I think it should be possible to provide these low cost (< US $3) paperbacks to anyone who wants them. But shipping them outside India may nullify the cost advantage. Also large quantities may attract customs restrictions. The best way is to ask someone who either is visiting India or is returning from India to buy the books and carry them along. Please let me know whether that is convenient for you and how many copies you would be needing. Carrying a few personal copies should not create customs problems.
Alternatively these books are available through amazon and many other online retailers. Though you don't get the price advantage.
-- Dr.King
Hi Dr.King
ReplyDeleteYou have said that the mantra discussed in "Mantra to enhance your mental capabilities" can be chanted by even girls/women. But I have heard that women are not allowed since it causes hormonal imbalances. Is it true?
Hi Anoosha
DeleteThere are two parts in your question.
1. Women are not allowed to chant the mantra.
2. If they do, there will be some hormonal changes.
Let me answer one by one.
1. Women are not allowed to chant mantra
I normally don’t bother much about individual opinions unless supported by relevant texts, reasoning or evidence.
* I have not come across any primary Vëdic text that prohibits women from chanting this mantra.
* Secondary texts (that are based on Veda) such as Manu smrti don’t prohibit but say that it is not necessary for women to go to school since their primary role is to serve the family (as home makers). There are texts (such as Harita Dharma sutra) that even say that women can go to school if they decide to remain as students (without ever getting married) throughout their life (Naistika Brahmacarya). In such cases they are obviously administered the mantra at the time of joining the school.
* Much later tertiary texts such as “Parashara Madhaviya” ( 12th century text) based Parashara Smrti do ban women from chanting any mantra or for that matter from indulging in any spiritual practice. The reason given is that their primary role is to serve the husband and look after the children and if they keep themselves busy in such activities they cannot do justice to their role. If at all, they can do such things only with the permission of the husband and they should make sure that the husband is not in any way inconvenienced.
So, it looks like some time in the history, women were relegated to a secondary role in the family and their existence was seen only as to serve the family. This is just a social convention that has no longer any validity.
2. There will be hormonal changes if they do.
I wonder whether the people who say such things know what hormones they are talking about.
Yes, I have reasons to believe that certain prolonged practices can eventually result in hormonal changes. As I have explained in “How and why of Yoga and Meditation”, prolonged practice of paranayama, trataka, mantra chanting, devotional singing, meditation can all lead to the same ultimate result – attainment of samädhi. And samädhi can potentially bring in some changes in the structure of the brain. It can nullify the effect of preset impressions in the brain that are responsible for the way a ‘normal’ person behaves.
Hormones are the mechanisms through which these ‘normal’ activities of the person are motivated. So it is possible that remaining in samädhi frequently can bring in changes in the production of hormones. **This can happen to men as well as women**.
As you know, they are two hormones testosterone and estrogen that are produced in both men as well as women. In men, the former is produced in more quantity than the latter and in women it is vice versa. Testosterone makes men more manly – muscular, heavy, probably darker in skin complexion, coarser voice, strong and so on. On the other hand, estrogen in women is responsible for their being more “feminine”. It is well known that after menopause, the estrogen production in women goes down and they tend to exhibit ‘manly’ characteristics.
Now coming back to samädhi effects – it seems at least in men they tend make them ‘feminine’ – softer body tone, fairer complexion (rather pinkish shade!), lighter body weight, melodious voice, and so on. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa for example used to take these as ‘signs’ of advancement of a person in spiritual practice. Though he talks only about men, just the opposite may happen in women as well. And the cause could be hormonal changes. This is yet to be verified, but quite likely to be true.
The final word is that – if you are not aiming for samädhi (most are not), don’t’ bother about these effects and if these effects do occur, they occur both in men as well as in women and probably for ‘the good’!. A few minutes of practice does not, in any way, bring in any such effect. So don’t bother about this ‘reason’ being given.
In your book "How and why of Yoga and meditation" the image shown for meditation (lotus posture) shows the hands locked and placed on the thighs. How does one count the mantra chants if hands are locked? Normally it is said that the mantra has to be counted either by using a rosary or using fingers!
ReplyDeleteThe emphasis on locked hands in the image you have mentioned was only to highlight how this posture imparts physical stability needed for prolonged meditation. There could be other hand positions that are equally suitable.
DeleteComing back to the question “how does one count when his hands are locked?”, counting during mantra chanting is probably a leftover of an era when better time keeping devices were not available. For the reasons I have explained in my book “How and why of Yoga and Meditation” , it is the duration that is important and not the count. You can ensure this duration by using a stop watch. Most cell phones or mobile phones have a timer facility that can be set to any predefined timeout. You can meditate till the timer times out with a beep. That way you can concentrate better on meditation or mantra chanting without diverting part of your attention on to the act of counting.
Dr. King
ReplyDeleteI sweat a lot when I chant OM mantra/ I wonder why this happens! Am I doing something wrong?
UKS
Hi UKS
DeleteThe simple answer to your question is – if done properly, chanting OM should not have any such problem.
You say that you are sweating. That means you are doing something wrong. Are you forcefully holding your breath or exhaling/inhaling forcefully just to prolong the OM duration. In that case, it is possible that the exertion can produce sweat. In case you want to prolong the duration of OM, do it gradually over a period of time and not all of a sudden. There should be no discomfort while chanting OM. If you practice for a prolonged period, gradually your breathing is going to slow down without your effort. So don’t hurry it out.
As I have indicated in my book “How and Why of Yoga and Meditation”, OM chanting is not for everyone since it can cause problems. Read the book for details. I know that many Yoga teachers advise OM chanting, but my view is that it should be done with clarity on what you want to achieve and what the repercussions are.
Many Hata Yoga proponents as well as some Hata Yoga books talk about sweating while doing ‘Pränäyäma’ in Hata Yoga style. They give mysterious reasons for that. I don’t want to comment on that but I can only suggest that the sweating once again has to do with forceful breath control. One needs to be relaxed and gradual.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Dr.King,
ReplyDeleteTrying to get to Pdf link,wanted to read some of your books.But to my bad luck,I could could not get to the link.Might be some problem from my side because I am not well versed in Internet.
Maya
Maya
DeleteI am not sure what you are talking about. Links to my books are available on the right column of my blog from where you have asked this question.
Please don't write any personal details such as your e-mail, profile etc. You won't like those to be made public nor I encourage SPAM.
Thanks anyway for writing.
Dr.King
Dr. King
ReplyDeleteYours talks on Yoga are really informative. I have also enjoyed reading your book "How and why of Yoga". Are you planing to write more books on Yoga?
Thanks
Thank you for your nice words and for reading my book and listening to my blog.
DeleteYes, I intend to publish two books on Yoga by the end of the year. I hope I will be able to do that.
PS: Please write your name so that I can distinguish between comments.
Hi Dr. King
ReplyDeleteI was reading your book "How and why of Yoga and Meditation". I found several interesting things in that book. Especially, the detailed discussion on Samadhi is something new to me. I did not find those details in any other books that I read. Are these your own experience or based on some source?
Thanks.
Hi Ramesh
DeleteThese have been described by Patanjali in Yoga sutra very briefly. I have just elaborated on them and viewed them from neurological perspective.
Thank you
Hi Dr. King
ReplyDeleteMy question is regarding the focusing technique Tratak. I have heard that one has to keep the eyes open for a specific duration of time before closing. Is that true?
Thanks
Hi Madhu
DeleteYou probably are refering to my post https://doctor-king-online.blogspot.com/2020/03/mind43-how-long-can-you-keep-your-eyes-open.html
Since the basic idea is to work against natural body reflex (winking), fixing the duration does not help. You need to gradually extend the duration to the extent comfortable to you. Over a period of time, you can keep the eyes open for several minutes. But don't over exert and hurt your eyes.
Keep trying this simple technique regularly and see wonderful results.
Best wishes
Dr. King
ReplyDeleteI was reading a book on "Yoga Nidra". What is your view on that technique? It sounds quite interesting and mysterious! Do you recommend such practices?
Hi
DeleteAt the outset I can definitely say that it is not part of any ancient form of Yoga, let alone Patanjali Yoga. I am aware of the technique. There were many controversies in recent times both about the technique as well as the purported originator of this technique.
I view it as some form of hypnosis and mental conditioning. Many modern Gurus propagate such techniques in the name of Yoga or Tantra. I don't think they are part of either.
I am always against explicit manipulation of the mind since that can be dangerous to say the least. I have always avoided talking about mental conditioning as part of Yoga and rightly so. They are not part of Yoga. Yoga does alter the Mind but it is not done explicitly either by the practitioner or the instructor. Explicit manipulation can have its own dangerous consequences and can even be misused.
So, I would keep away from such techniques.
I hope this explanation helps you in deciding.
Dr. King
ReplyDeleteI keep getting Yoga/Meditation questions from various forums. I s it Ok if I post them here so that you can answer them?
-- Jonathan
You are most welcome to do that. But make sure that the comments are relevant. I will read all comments and answer them if appropriate.
DeleteWhere should I focus in meditation, chakra or outer objects?
ReplyDelete-- as posted by Jayantilal Patel
Focusing on any internal object as compared to external object may help you to calm your mind faster. But sometimes external objects like a burning flame, sound of a meditation bell can also take you to a higher level of concentration quickly. So, it all depends on your mental makeup. Probably you should read my book "The ultimate book on Yoga" (https://books2read.com/UltimateYoga) where I discuss various alternatives.
DeleteThough many people believe in meditating on chakra as better, I don't see much support for concept of chakra in ancient texts. Patanjali has a chapter (3rd chapter - Vibhooti paada) which talks about meditating on chakra, I always hold the view that it is a later addition to Yoga sutra by later authors. In ancient texts before say 12th century, there does not seem to be any mention about chakras or for that matter Kunadalini. Please read my book "Hatayoga myths shattered" (https://books2read.com/HataYogaMyths) where I discuss these things in detail.
Can we do a headstand after sun salutation?
ReplyDelete-- as posted by Sagar Sonawane
Sun salutation is a sequence of body postures. head stand is also a particular posture. Though the Hatayoga books claim many health benefits for each of these postures, they are all the same 'body postures'.
DeleteSince head stand needs delicate balance and can harm you if you are tired, it is better to avoid it after any strenuous work out, sun salutation including. Unless you are quite adept in these.
Otherwise, I don;t see anything that forbids.
How do yoga and meditation help to get the purpose of life?
ReplyDelete-- as posted by Jayantilal Patel
It depends upon what you think is the purpose of life ;-)
DeleteIf good health, less stress, spiritual bliss are your purpose, then Yoga and meditation certainly help you in achieving these. You can read my book "The Ultimate book on Yoga" (http://books2read.com/UltimateYoga) for a more detailed explanation and on how these are achieved by Yoga and meditation.
Hi
ReplyDeleteI was told that a Mantra will be effective only if administered by a Guru. Is this true?
Many Tantric and related schools believe so. Probably, they want to restrict on its usage. If you know how the Mantra is to be chanted, even a detailed guide like my book "A Matra to enhance your mental capabilities (https://books2read.com/Mantra) can be as effective. Don't bother about such beliefs, just practice it if you are sure of the source.
DeleteI just read "Neurological Basis of Yoga". I listened and watched the presentation by Dr. Rao. She stated that Yoga may be scientifically explained at the end of her talk with the cycle of birth and death. In my reading of Pantajali, this is the 8th circle of the soul. Neurologically the brain networks you mention such as theatrical performers is enlightening. I have practiced Asana the third step for nearly 9 years. It has changed my life. I read Iyengar, and other self-help authors. However, The book I read which was only a fifteen minute read seemed to have sparked something more than just words can explain.
ReplyDeleteMy Question: Is it simply faith to end the birth /death cycle through a neurological ending physiologically speaking.
Hi
DeleteIt would have been better for me if you had mentioned your name so that I can address you properly.
I have some difficulty in understanding your comment fully and I may need some time. I will answer it in a day. Meanwhile can you please put your comments as a review for the book that you mentioned so that other readers would get some insights since you seem to have many valid points to make.
Thanks for writing.
Your Question: Is it simply faith to end the birth /death cycle through a neurological ending physiologically speaking. ?
DeleteAssuming that I have understood your question, here is my answer.
Since the book that you have read namely "Neurological Basis of Yoga" looks at Yoga from the view point of modern science, it cannot bring in meta physical ideas such as rebirth etc. Nor it can talk about mind beyond the brain. But the mind that Yoga talks about is over and above brain and so its scope goes beyond neuroscince.
If you have read my latest book "The ultimate book on Yoga", I have discussed these things more elaborately. Our current science can explain Yoga to a large extent. But not everything about Yoga can be explained by science as it is today. Rebirth is not yet scientifically proven eventhough there seems to be quite a bit of empirical evidence which I have discussed in "The ultimate book on Yoga".
If you are familiar with computers, I can say that brain is like a cache that holds some states of the mind, as relevant to our current existence. The real mind is like the mian memory in a computer. So, you can't look at only brain and explain everything. The changes in the brain do get reflected in the mind. In that way, it should be possible to change the mind by manipulating the brain structures. That is what exactly happens during Yoga. All this is in accordance with Yoga, Sankhya and other ancient Indian schools of thought including Buddhism.
My suggestion to you is to read my latest book where I have covered all these issues. If you have read that book, then I will be more than happy to answer any of your questions to the extent I can.