Descend from the mind – inhabit the body

Right now, as mentioned in an earlier article, we are slaves to the mind – mind is the only reality with us. One has to take to some spiritual practices to uncover the Self and put the mind in its place as a utility – as a servant.

As Sadguru Jaggi Vasudeva humorously puts it, as of now we all exist as ghosts – roaming somewhere away from our bodies – lost in thoughts of persons and things outside. We are seldom found in our bodies. It is abandoned and consequently looses its sensitivity to such an extent that most of the people cannot feel the presence of the limbs of their bodies except when there is pain in a limb. If they are asked to feel, they only visualise / imagine.

In processes like massage, affectionate touch of someone one loves etc., awareness shifts from the mind to the body and consequently one is relaxed and feels the pleasure – body comes alive and mind gets a break. In these moments the mind is no more in command – a humble beginning for removal of mental curtain!

One of the very important processes of spiritual evolution thus involves shifting one’s awareness to the body. It is here that small steps like consciously bringing one’s breathing process to normal like that of a child [breathing from the belly – the stomach (and not the chest) should expand and contract], enjoying the touch of any animate or inanimate object particularly touch of limbs of one’s own body and that of one’s spouse etc. bring one back to life – one descends from the mind to the body – inhabits the body. For this process to be more effective, the touch should be accompanied by whole hearted acceptance, respect and love for such animate and inanimate objects as also for one’s own body.

One can then clearly feel the presence of limbs of one’s body. When one develops this sensitivity in the body, one is ready for the next step – to observe sensations in the body.

It is felt by all of us that when a strong desire or emotional reaction like fear or anger arises in us, some sensation like impulses, vibrations [sometimes we even feel weak kneed (danger of an imminent accident while driving the car and pressing the break) or feel trembling (extreme anger)] etc. caused by release of some chemicals and hormones run through various limbs of the body. With acquired sensitivity, as aforesaid, one can now observe the effect of one’s desires and reactions in the body and be free of them.

What actually happens in this process is that when the mind interprets an action of another person to be wrong or bad (value judgement of an action), a negative emotional reaction is triggered. An object one likes similarly evokes a desire. The thought process is the trigger and it connects the emotional reaction or desire to life energy. This connection makes the reaction or desire stronger and stronger so long as the thought process and value judgement continues. As soon as one observes the effects of such reaction or desire on one’s body and mind, the chain of thought giving rise one’s value judgement is broken, emotion or desire is disconnected from the life energy and, in absence of life energy, gets dissolved. Initially one becomes conscious of one’s reaction or desire only after it has gained sufficient strength. With regular practice in live situations, one starts becoming aware of reaction or desire a little earlier and consequently it does not gather that much of strength. With further practice, one becomes aware of the thought process at the time of value judgement (good or bad or right or wrong) itself before the reaction or desire is triggered. The thoughts or external stimuli thus loose their power to trigger reaction and desire and one can then objectively respond to a given situation.

Now a few practical aspects related to this method of meditation – initially one may not be in position to observe sensations in one’s body in live situations while dealing with the outsiders where immediate response is necessary.

One should, therefore, start with situations where one knows it for sure that there is no body who is consciously trying to create a problem. For example, when one is in a queue for some work and queue is not moving fast enough, one is stranded in a traffic jam etc. It is easier in such a situation to de-link from the situation and observe effect of one’s reaction on the body and mind – even otherwise, there is nothing better to do in a situation like this!

When one succeeds in situations like these, one should start trying it with one’s family members. In the case of a family member even when one does not immediately respond to a situation and instead observes oneself, the family member may only think for a while that one was in the wrong and that is why he did not respond. The situation is not irretrievable. One can always discuss the matter later with a cool mind and better results.

When one starts succeeding with family members as well, slowly and effortlessly, one acquires the ability to use the method in live situations with the outsiders, acquires the ability to respond objectively and experience freedom.

It is a well known fact that many a people fail to get freedom from anger and anxiety and do not attain peace even after sustained efforts by way of yoga, pranayam and meditations. One of the important reasons for that is that their efforts are not accompanied by the practice of being conscious of one’s reactions and desires in real life. Life becomes compartmentalized – one hour of spiritual practice and 23 hours of worldly existence.

This method can be practiced while doing routine things in life with awareness (not requiring exclusive time). While walking, lying down in the bed, swimming, bathing, eating etc., if one is aware (conscious) of one’s limbs – the tension, contraction and expansion experienced in them; the feeling of touch, coolness or warmness of water drops slipping on the body; the taste of food in the mouth etc. – the consciousness shifts from the mind to the limb or point of contact / taste and one is relaxed and is in peace with oneself. The awareness of the body is known as Kaya Smriti, Bhagwan Buddha speaks of. This is a powerful method of meditation.

To make it a little more clear, I would narrate two anecdotes.

One day I was sitting with one of my colleagues and mentioning about the process of observing sensations, as above, and he said that whenever any untoward incident takes place, he instinctively observes its effect on the body and the provocation subsides. On being asked he said that he never meditated. On being further asked he said that he was a regular swimmer and while swimming his attention was on movement of limbs and not on speed or number of lengths or breadths of the swimming pool he has done. He was thus actually meditating by being aware of the body while swimming and it worked so well for him. Same result will be achieved by being aware of the movement of limbs while walking, jogging or running. I told him the following story.

A person went to a Chinese master. Looking at him the master said that he was a great meditator. The person did not accept and said he never meditated in his life. Master insisted on his statement and added that he has never failed in his assessment. The person said that this time he (the master) has certainly failed as he never meditated in his life. Master asked him about his occupation. With embarrassment he disclosed that he was a thief. The master said that he was again proved right. A thief has to be absolutely aware of his movement so as not push anything which may fall and cause noise, his breath has to be controlled, he has to have control even over involuntary actions like sneezing and coughing and find things from unknown premises in relative darkness. This calls for total body awareness which is nothing but meditation.

Another anecdote relates to my brother-in-law and his wife. At the time and before marriage the wife was quite aggressive. After marriage they usually sat close to each other (bodies intimately touching / hugging) even in the presence of family members and others. Within two years she became quite normal (aggression reduced) and she told me so. I said this is because both of you are serious meditators. She said “nahi jijaji we never meditate”. I told her enjoying affectionate touch (without passion) was their meditation which has powerful transforming effect and has worked for them.

Osho referring to Kaya Smriti says that the thieves (like anger, fear etc) do not enter a house where there is light and owner is awake (one is aware of one's body).

Inhabit the body and relax into it.

How I was put ... Part - IV

Before writing on the topic mentioned in my last article and moving on to Ahmedabad, I would like to mention a few more changes and experiences of my Indore days (1987 to 1992).

While at Indore, when I became substantially free from the grip of emotional reactions (substantially reduced anger and fear were clearly noticeable – there may have been other subtle changes as well – a sure sign of clearance of sub-conscious and elevation of consciousness), I succeeded in creating a very positive atmosphere in the house immediately after the death of my father-in-law (he died of cancer on 9th December, 1990 in our house at the relatively young age of about 48 years leaving behind 4 of his young children). In the evening the same day when we were back from cremation ground, I made a light remark about the shining shaved head and face of brother of my father-in-law (his head was shaved as part of tradition). The tone and tenor of the remark made everyone smile including my mother-in-law. This encouraged me to make a move forward. I said that it is believed that after the death of a person, those who are left behind should perform acts which the departed soul liked and mooted the idea of playing Rummy and Papalu (a card game) and accounts will be settled on 13th day. Surprisingly, everybody agreed and we started playing card on the same day and started having usual food, tea and snacks in the house from the next day. Those who visited our house consequent to this tragedy were really surprised at the positive atmosphere in the house.

As for the office environment, my bosses were very pleased with my work and attitude but a colleague of mine tried to malign me through misinformation and backbiting throughout the period of our stay at Indore. I could handle the situation without significant disturbance by first talking to him straight and seeing no improvement asked him to minimise contact with me. Another senior colleague wrote to my seniors for initiating disciplinary proceedings against me twice. I could ward off his attempts by properly explaining my conduct in a particular matter reported by him and later mobilizing officers associations against him without precipitating the matter.

During this period, a number of external changes in my life also appeared. First change was that at this time (1990-91) my wife granted me permission not to shave (I did not like shaving my beard – I found it to be a painful experience). Second change was that I switched over from normal attire (pant and shirt) to wearing Dhoti and Kurta made of Khadi in office (apparently at the instance of a Gandhian, Shri Mukhteswar Singh, who was our relative and worked as Member of MPPSC). Third change was that I stopped wearing underwear (apparently because in one of his lectures Osho said that this impacts the temperature and movement of testicles resulting into adversely affecting production of some vital hormones).

Now I feel that all these apparently disconnected changes (but brought in the same year after breakthrough was achieved at spiritual level consequent to the instructions and support of Osho and meditations) had major role to play me in my sadhana. The first two changes were in a way my declaration of independence from public opinion – that I was no more bothered about what others think of me. Precisely for this reason, Osho asked his disciples to switch over to Saffron Choga. Though I did not formally take Sanyas from him and did not change to that dress, eventually it was made to happen by change of my attire in this way. Further it is said that a sadhaka should put on loose dress – it helps in meditations. Third change made that difference. Not wearing underwear also helped me to be conscious in one way. I had to watch my feelings and emotions if there was possibility of sexual excitement as erection in public place would be a huge embarrassment. This added to the opportunities for practicing ‘awareness’.

My wife appreciated changes brought in me as a result of meditations. Sometimes when I was talking to someone on some spiritual matter and meditations and if anyone asked her whether it helped me, she used to say ‘yes’ emphatically and without any reservations. She also did not object to any of the external changes in my appearance and attire. This also helped me a lot.

As they say when one takes to spiritual path with no material expectations and ambitions, whole existence comes to help him. This is what, perhaps, was happening to me.

One more instance I would like to narrate is that once an acquaintance of ours who was suffering with blood pressure, hypertension and insomnia after the death of one of his close friend came to meet us. I gave him a three hours input for attitudinal correction and asked him to try chanting “oooooooo ….” for 10 minutes just before sleeping. Effect was miraculous in very short time of about 10 days.

Yet another instance is that a clerk whom I had suspended did not have hard feelings against me. In the time of need (arranging bail for her brother from police custody) she came to me asking for a small hand loan. I happily gave the money to her. This shows that when our actions, in discharge of our functions, are not motivated (we do not carry anger or hatred inside us), this is unmistakably perceived by others and it does not trigger strong reactions in them.

To be contd. …

How I was put ... Part - III

One day while driving down to Allahabad from Indore with my family, I was playing a music cassette from Osho Ashram. In between two treks of music, there were short excerpts (2 – 3 minutes) from his lectures. In one such excerpt he said something like (essence is his, words are mine as I do not remember his words now) – “Our consciousness is arrowed outwards. We see faults in the outside for our suffering. We think that others are responsible and therefore correction is needed in others. We start doing that and get entangled in the outside and avoid ourselves. If we look inwards, we will find that reactions are ours and we can transcend them. The consciousness needs to be arrowed inwards. …”.

The substance of what he said struck me and whenever I got impatient or felt bad or was gripped by some desire or anxiety in live situations, I got automatically reminded of these words (like a pop-up in a computer – this process is described by Paramhamsa Nithyanandji as “a ‘click’ has happened” or “initiation”) and used to bring my awareness on what was going on within me. In this shifting of awareness to the body, chain of thought giving rise to one’s value judgement is broken, the emotion or desire is disconnected from the life energy (thoughts connect them to the life source) and consequently gets dissolved. One is out of it soon like a child, free to enjoy the next moment.

Sadhana thus did not remain confined to an hour of practice a day but became part of life as a whole in live situations (with many a sadhakas, practice remains confined – they enjoy it – but their interactions with others during rest of the day do not reflect that).

This process is one of the 112 methods of meditation given in the Tantra Sutra. This method has been main stay of my sadhana for first 17 years on day-to-day basis. If I have to choose one method of all the methods of meditation, I would choose this one for sure (reasons for such choice are discussed hereafter). This method will be discussed in detail in the next article titled as “Descend from the mind – inhabit the body”.

Now coming to the reasons why above method would be my first choice – this process (of course, it was aided by other meditations) turns all the situations, particularly the adverse ones, as opportunities for swadhyaya (study or observation of the self) and meditations and consequently there is no suffering and it gradually led me into a state where the action itself was what mattered to me irrespective of its outcome. I could equally enjoy drafting of an adverse or outstanding appraisal of performance, Charge Sheet to any officer, drafting an explanation called by a Supervisory Officer or drafting scrutiny report against order of an appellate authority. I enjoyed the quality of the draft itself – the work became its own reward – nothing else was on mind.

Though I was not fully conscious of this transformation at that time but it was perceived by others. In the years 1991 and 1992, I gave adverse reports to 5 officers, suspended one clerk and charge sheeted other two (of course I gave equal number of outstanding reports also) and there was no reaction, agitation or complaint against me. In fact, the staff unions thanked me for the suspension. In the cases of the taxpayers also I made deep investigations (while giving due respect to them) but nobody complained. Bosses also were full of praise for my work. This was diametrically opposite to my experiences before I started my meditations.

While in Indore, I got in contact with Swami Anand Gautam, a disciple of Osho (he was running a meditation centre in Indore for more than 15 years at that time). He grew fond of me and never spoke of Osho or meditations to me. Once a new meditation hall was to be got inaugurated and he wanted me to preside over the function – some senior office bearers from Osho Ashram were coming for the function. I felt that I was not fit for the job (no attainments in spiritual field – not even initiated by Osho) and that it should be done by some senior Sanyasi of Osho. He did not agree and later told the office bearers from Osho Ashram that if you want to see a Karmyogi in action, visit office of this person (me).

Then in the year 1992, I got transferred to Ahmedabad. I will continue with my story after a break – after publishing an article titled as “Descend from the mind – inhabit the body”, referred to above.

To be contd. …