A common thread connects almost all humans – we want to be healthy, live a long life, find peace and be happy. Unfortunately most struggle to achieve this. In our busy day to day life we are overwhelmed and lose sight of the vital interconnection that exists between our Body, Mind and Soul.Â
These three pillars form the foundation of our holistic well-being, the equilibrium which can significantly impact our journey through life. This Blog will try to explore the connections between Body, Mind & Soul and provide tips on how to achieve synergy.  Â
Let’s start with an analogy from the 80’s, when most households had a TV with an antennae on the roof. For quality reception one had to align the antennae to the correct angle and position. Only then would the antennae capture the signal and beam the perfect video. Â
The TV is like the physical body which is the gateway to the world, the antennae like the mind – when aligned and in control it is effective and powerful. The electromagnetic waves are like the sea of consciousness that is all pervading. When all three are aligned and in synergy they work to perfection. Similarly, synergy of Body, Mind & Soul is the key to open the passage to health, happiness and spiritual progress.Â
The question then is - How do I achieve this? Let’s start by identifying the 3 key constituents.
Body - The edifice you live in that carries you through life and lets you experience the world through your senses.
Mind – Constantly working restless repository of your beliefs, thoughts, and actions.Â
Soul -Â The spiritual part of who you are.
The amazing Human BodyÂ
The Human Body is not just flesh & bones – it is the sublime edifice that houses all the energies and the divine forces. Our body is a microcosm of the universe. Breathing, digestion, blood circulation …. Numerous complex processes are all miraculous events that happen silently in the background on their own within the body.Â
A good start is to learn to respect your body – it’s your best friend. From birth to death, morn to night - the body responds to you. In return the least we could do is treat our body well. Provide it with the right nutrition and sufficient rest.Â
Try to stay connected with your body. Listen to your body. It is constantly messaging you. Before a disease occurs the body gives you signals six months in advance. Yogis are able to declare their death six months ahead. They sense the bio energy shrinking. Once you start understanding your body a lot of your misery will disappear.
A healthy body is more than just the absence of disease. It is having the strength, energy, and vitality to perform daily tasks, pursue our passions, and live life to the fullest.
Our Powerful Mind
The state of our mind plays an important part in our life. A healthy mind is symbolised by emotional resilience, clear thinking, and positive attitudes. It’s capable of managing stress, adapting to change, and maintaining balanced relationships.
A positive mindset can enhance resilience and overall well-being, while depression or anxiety, can severely disrupt daily life.Â
Our mind is like a ferocious river. This river can cause flood and wreak havoc or its energy can be harnessed in a constructive manner. The mind is like a monkey – restless.Â
The good news is it can be controlled. Those who have learn the art of calming the mind with single pointed focus are able to harness the infinite energy within us. Our scriptures talk at length about the various methods by which we can calm the mind. Meditation, mantra chanting and many more techniques are available to a Sadhak.Â
If you change the attitude of your mind, there is tremendous energy which can be used for good. We don’t allow that tremendous energy to come, by limiting our mind and allowing it to be distracted – Sri M
The Taittiriya Upanishad deals with this subject of the five layers, known as the koshas, and the Mandukya Upanishad, which is another important Upanishad, deals with the very same koshas in a different way—namely, by way of the elucidation of the involvement of consciousness in these koshas.Â
Annamaya Kosha – Gross bodyÂ
Pranamaya Kosha – Vitalistic sheathÂ
Manomaya Kosha – Mental sheathÂ
Vijnanamaya Kosha – Intellectual sheath andÂ
Anandmaya Kosha – the sheath of Bliss.Â
The Soul or the Atman is clothed in these sheaths. The Atman endows the sheath with the light of consciousness. This explains the close bonding between the body, mind & soul.Â
The body & mind are in close connection. The food you eat, the society and friends you mingle with, impacts your mood. When you are stressed you sweat, when angry you breathe faster. A lot of health issues like back pain, joint pain is related to stress in the mind.Â
Most health problems are psychosomatic. A good doctor doesn’t just look at the physical symptoms on the surface but delves deeper into the emotional problems to try and solve the root cause of the suffering. This approach has been the foundation of traditional Ayurveda and Siddha practises.Â
A healthy body and mind opens up the toll gates for an aspirant to accelerate his journey on the spiritual path.
This is where Yoga helps. Through Yoga, you learn how to calm and quiet your mind and how to balance energies in your system. When there is perfect balance and the mind is quiet and calm, one understands the essence of one’s being. Yogis call it Purusha, Vedantins call it the Brahman, and the Buddhists call it Nirvana.
Yoga means overcoming the conflicts and instabilities of the mind. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras begin by defining it as Chitta Vritti Nirodh. For anything spiritual to happen you need to have a tranquil mind free of fluctuations.Â
Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha, which means yoga is the removal of all the disturbances and contradictions, all the distractions of the mind. When all the distractions of the mind are removed and the mind becomes like a clean mirror, in that quietness and calmness of mind is reflected the True Self
Yoga is a step by step process. There are no short cuts. Yama & Niyama – rules & regulations have to be followed by one who strives to silence the mind. Then comes Asana’s and Pranayama. A simple form of meditation is to observe your breath. There is a deep connection with your breath and your soul.Â
The golden rule of yama and niyama is moderation. If you don’t have moderation, you cannot meditate. Everything has to be done in moderate proportions—eating, drinking, entertainment, walking, exercising.Â
Patanjali put together the ancient science of Yoga. It has eight parts. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali form the most concise and standard textbook. This structured approach is a proven solution for creating balance between Body, Mind & Soul.Â
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Join Us on a Pancha Kosha Meditation to explore these concepts experiencially.