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
15 (of 85)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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17
Sattvic food brings purety and mental peace and
is soothing and nourishing to the body. Rajasic food arouses
animal passion is man and brings restlessness. Tamasic food
makes a person dull and lazy. A yogi is advised to take non-
animal diet, consisting of fruit nuts and bread. He should
eat slowly and masticating it properly. Occassional fasts,
especially during sickness, are also advised.
After adopting to the requisite diet one should
start the practice the eight fold paths of yoga. The first
two stages of this path advocates some do and don'ts. Yamas
and Niyamas help him to develop a particular outlook and
a frame of mind.
Yoga prescribed five exterior (behiranga) methods
for subjugation of the body namely:
(1) YAMAS AND (2) NIYAMAS FOR TRANQUILITY
The purpose of yamas and Niyamas are to break
the usual physical and mental habits, to love others, not
to be violent, not to be covetous, to be helpful, and so
on. Yamas and Niyamas provide one the capacity to think
clearly and indulge only in such activities which lead to
one's determined goal. They prevent frittering away of the
limited energies and time available. Kriyas as part of
Niyama, red the body of certain superfluous accretions and
waste products so as to prepare the body for the next
process.
