Physiology
of Meditative positions
Meditation
is a state of concentration of mind leading to higher states
of awareness resulting in to heightened perceptions. To achieve
this state one needs to still the mind, control the thoughts,
balance the emotions. The process of meditation takes long preparations,
one needs to be comfortable for longer time duration. So the
meditative postures should help the practitioner steady the
body and mind.
All
the Hatha Yoga reference books recommend padmasana (Lotus pose),
Siddhasana (Perfect pose), Swastikasana (Auspicious pose), Bhadrasana
(Gracious pose) and Simhasana (Lions pose) as meditative positions.
They are considered the best Asanas, and all other asanas are
to prepare the body and mind to sit in these positions for longer
duration, typically half hour to 3 hours. The mastery of asana
in Hatha Yoga is ability to maintain the asana for more than
3 hours, without any trouble. The above mentioned meditative
positions are sitting postures with legs crossed in different
ways, offering a firm triangular base to the spine. The spine
is erect and all the body parts are relaxed. Hands in Dhyan
Mudra or Chin mudra resting on knees comfortably. (Dhyan or
Chin mudra helps the mind become relaxed and concentration is
easily achieved.)
These postures
offer following important advantages required for meditation.
1.
In these positions spine is erect which allows all the physiological
activities go on normally. Physiology says that erect postures
create proper balance posture for digestive organs, heart and
lungs. These vital organs function at optimum level resulting
in increased efficiency and reduced stress.
2.
To maintain the balance in these positions, brain and other
parts (hypothalamus, pyramidal tract, extra pyramidal tracts,
cochlea, neuro-muscular junctions) have to work less. Gravity
& Anti gravity muscles need not work hard to maintain the
pose as the firm triangular base provided by crossed legs reduces
the work. Closing the eyes is also possible without loosing
the balance.
3.
Abdominal muscles, diaphragm and muscles in the chest are stressed
to the minimum extent. Production of carbon dioxide is minimized
so that process of breathing is minimized and continuous movement
of diaphragm and ribs do not disturb the state.
4.
These positions are such that the brain and nervous system has
minimal stress, so that mind can be peaceful and relaxed.
5.
The mind remains alert but relaxed.
6.
Only the supine position or lying down position is more relaxed
than the meditative positions, but there is danger of falling
asleep in horizontal positions.
7.
The pelvic region gets the rich supply of blood; it may result
in toning up of sacral and coccygeal nerves. (May be awakening
of kundalini which is located in pelvic region, is affected
because of these physiological conditions offered by meditative
positions but is a subject of research and nothing concrete
is known as yet.)
8.
The blood from the legs can easily reach heart reducing the
efforts of heart and lungs.
9.
Yoga psycho-physiology says that erect spine position offers
least resistance to the Pranic energy traveling up to the brain
which is awakened through the meditation.
One should
start practicing with basic crossed legs position for few minutes
and then carefully learn the advance positions like padmasana,
siddahasana, swastikasana etc.
There is always a danger of damaging your knees if you stress
your self too much.
Best wishes
and regards
Rishi Dharmachandra (Gandhar Mandlik)
References
-
1.
Asanas - Swami Kuvalayananda (Kaivalyadham, Mumbai)
2.
Meditation - Yogacharya Vishwas Mandlik (Rishi Dharmajyoti),
Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nasik.
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