tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075603489660136239.post8181819728138818800..comments2009-01-18T21:18:52.113-05:00Oryx Orangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04400054918265383993noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075603489660136239.post-75502566152766273292009-01-18T21:18:00.000-05:002009-01-18T21:18:00.000-05:00Anirudh: Thank you for your thoughtful and instructive comment. The distinction you have made between the PSNS and the PNS frames the discussion perfectly from a physiological point of view. The relationship between the two has been referred to as being like the relationship between the brakes and the accelerator in a car, and I think that definition applies well here.<BR/><BR/>To stretch the metaphor a little, the view that I stated in my post is one that concentrates on learning how to drive, rather than focusing just on specific skills that one will use as part of that process. In order to learn to drive a car well, I need to learn about each of its systems, and then figure out the best way to operate them together to get where I'm going safely and effectively, while also respecting the rules of the road.<BR/><BR/>If the successful outcome of the yogic process is to ensure the dominance of the PSNS (ie. the braking system), that would certainly bring less anger, stress and aggression to all the drivers on the road, but it would also render drivers somewhat vulnerable to situations arising beyond our own control. Like you, I am convinced of the value of periods of parasympathetic dominance, but I am equally convinced of the need in a spiritually healthy organism to not only recognize but embrace those moments when we need to step on the gas pedal, whether it's to avoid an accident or just to have a little fun.<BR/><BR/>Without the science to back it up, but with a great deal of relevant experience and observation, my sense is that the physiological reaction experienced in the yogic state of PSNS dominance might not be all that different from that an athlete experiences "in the zone", a parent experiences sharing quality time with his or her child, or even a soldier experiences in helping accomplish a particularly important part of a mission, when the stressful consideration of things falls away and reveals a relationship of oneness with the person or purpose.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure those who have experienced the self realization that you mention have no intention of doing so, but what I worry about when I hear it alleged that the yogic or any other method, to the exclusion of any other, is the main highway to Nirvana's still waters, is of the existence of some kind of spiritual elitism, rather than spiritual equilibrium. As you say, a core component of wisdom lies in respect for the existence of others. I would elaborate on this to say that it also includes an understanding that everyone should take spiritual comfort wherever they can get it, and there really are a lot of people, places, and processes in which to find it.Oryx Orangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04400054918265383993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075603489660136239.post-40171815895872755692008-12-17T04:51:00.000-05:002008-12-17T04:51:00.000-05:00Yoga (Application) which was based on the control of the body physically and implied that a perfect control over the body and the senses led to knowledge of the ultimate reality. A detailed anatomical knowledge of the human body was necessary to the advancement of yoga and therefore those practising yoga had to keep in touch with medical knowledge. (Romila Thapar, A History of India, volume one).<BR/><BR/>I suggest : Mind and brain are two distinct things. Brain is anatomical entity whereas mind is functional entity. Mind can be defined as the function of autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is claimed that mind can be brought under conscious control through the practice of meditation. But how? ANS is largely under hypothalamic control which is situated very close to optic chiasma (sixth chakra or ajna chakra). Protracted practice of concentration to meditate at this region brings functions of ANS say mind under one’s conscious control.<BR/><BR/>ANS is further divided into parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS). On the basis of these facts I have discovered a mathematical relationship for spiritual quotient (S.Q.). Spiritual Quotient can be expressed mathematically as the ratio of Parasympathetic dominance to Sympathetic dominance. PSNS dominates during meditative calm and SNS dominates during stress. In this formula we assign numerical values to the physiological parameters activated or suppressed during autonomic mobilization and put in the formula to describe the state of mind of an individual and also infer his/her level of consciousness.<BR/><BR/>Meditation is the art of looking within and science of doing nothing. We don’t use anything in meditation. We just try to concentrate to meditate at some point in human anatomy known as ‘chakra’ in Indian System of Yoga. The current of mind is flowing outward through the senses and unconsciously. The mind comes at rest gradually through regular practice of meditation. Then comes self realization.<BR/><BR/>Protracted practice of meditation under qualified guidance will help to manage all sort of psychological problems.<BR/><BR/>Emotional Quotient can also be expressed mathematically as the product of I.Q. and Wisdom Factor.E.Q. stands for Emotional Quotient. An intelligent person may not be wise. But a wise man will always be intelligent. An intelligent person having certain level of positive emotions can be said as wise. An intelligent person lacking wisdom will turn autocrat. A wise man will always be a democrat who respects others existence.<BR/><BR/>Some one has raised the doubt that how could be the Wisdom quantified? The answer is simple -if Mental Age of I.Q. can be quantified then Wisdom can also be quantified, of course, comparatively with more efforts.<BR/><BR/>Anirudh Kumar SatsangiAnirudhhttp://www.dei.ac.innoreply@blogger.com