Perception of Psychic
Centres
To cleanse the psyche from the
dirt of animal impulses, carnal desires, and such other pernicious bad habits
it is essential to know the sources of uncleanliness and its modus
operandi. Once we know this, the process of cleansing becomes easy and
efficient. We can discuss the process applying the ancient methodology of Yoga
as well as that of modern science.
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.
