Our glandular system consists of two
types of glands-- exocrine and endocrine, the latter being ductless. Their
products (called hormones) flow directly into the bloodstream and are
distributed by it. The complex of endocrine system includes pineal,
pituitary, thyroids, para-thyroids, thymus, adrenals, gonads and
pancreatic islets. They participate in every bodily function and have
profound influence upon the mental states, and tendencies, attitudes,
emotions and behavioural patterns of every individual. The quality of our
existence necessitates that there must be some built in mechanism through
which our subtle spiritual self can exercise its authority and control the
grosser elements of the physical body. This mechanism must translate the
code of intangible and imperceptible forces of the psyche into a form of
crude power which can function through the nerves and muscles of the body.
Such a mechanism is located in the endocrine glands. They are the
inter-communicating transformers between the psychical and the physical
cells. The known methods of intercommunication are electrical impulses of
the nerve action and the chemical reaction of the hormones and neuro-hormones.
The endocrines are therefore aptly named psychic centres.
So far we had believed that the brain
was the source of energy and the place from which the psychic forces
acted. But now we know that it is only a repository of memories. The
endocrine system is the seat of the impulses and emotions of an
individual. Endocrine and the nervous systems are two very important
systems of our body. Function of both these systems is to integrate the
organism. Close collaboration between the two systems governs mental
states, behaviour and habits. The functional interlocking between both
qualify them to be regarded as constituting a single integrated system
called neuro-endocrine system. It is this system which comprises the
subconscious mind and profoundly influences psychological behaviour and
tendencies of the conscious mind. It is, therefore, obvious that to
cleanse the psyche by removing psychological distortions such as cruelty,
retaliation, fear, etc. from our habits, we have to find means of
transforming the nature of the chemical messengers i.e. the hormones. The
above-mentioned psychological distortions originate in the adrenals, while
the sex-impulses are produced in the gonads.
We can put the same facts in the
language of Chaitanya-kendras-psychic centres.
The following table shows the relation
between the endocrines and the Chaitanya-kendras
Endocrines Chaitanya-kendras
Pineal Jyoti-kendra
Pituitary Darsana-kendra
Thyroids Visuddhi-kendra
Thymus Ananda-kendra
Adrenals Taijasa-kendra
Gonads Svasthya- kendra and
Sakti-kendra
Constant triggering and overaction of
the lower endocrines viz. adrenals and gonads result in pernicious bad
habits affecting our physical and mental health.
Development of the upper endocrines
alone can modify the synthesization of the endocrine output, and weaken
the intensities of the primal drives, thus making them controllable.
Constant and regular practice of Chaitanya-kendra preksa results in
establishing firm control of the reasoning mind over all actions. The
cumulative effect of developing the reasoning mind, and weakening the
forces of the primal drives would ultimately bring about the desirable
transformation in mental behaviour and habits.
Svasa preksa, Sarira Preksa and
Chaitanya kendra preksa are tools for developing the power of
reasoning mind. Once the authority of the fully-developed reasoning mind
is established, it would prevent the recurrence of the old injurious
habits.
On the eternal spiritual level, we shall
be able to gain self-mastery and attain infinite compassion, bliss and
happiness.
