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As the Patanjali ashram is well known for teaching the yogic cleansing practices, Monika Mathieu thought that this article about prevention of swine flu would be of interest for our members.

Prevent Swine Flu – Good Advice

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS, DRM, DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital, Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital, Tata Memorial etc. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W) India.
The following message is given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat or bathe).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good way to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids (Tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Keep in mind that the target population is the younger crowd, so pass this on to your kids and grandkids. We the older population will have some immunity. However, it doesn’t hurt to follow these guidelines!!

Programme Director’s Report

No-one could ever have predicted all that has happened here during the past year. Within a few days of handing over the running of the Centre to the Trustees, Guruji fell and broke his hip. We thought there would be a long hand-over period and we would all get acclimatised to our roles within the organisation. But it was not to be.

So, in at the deep end! I had always strenuously resisted taking on my role but now I see it as the end process of the past 19 years I have spent as Swami Ji’s student. And what a Blessing that has been. I have been reading a book by a Himalayan teacher who criticises the Western modern style of doing gymnastics in the guise of yoga. If he had had the privilege of meeting Swami Ji he would have been delighted that he never deviated from the classical path and that he also ensured that the pure teaching was carried on. This was his sole purpose – to ensure the continuance of the Classical way, undiluted and with the correct ethics and morals, in a systematic way as laid down by Marharishi Patanjali and other great Masters. We were truly Blessed to have his friendship, teaching and love.

Hopefully, you will all feel that his aims are continuing and that the Trustees are doing their utmost to ensure not only that the Centre will continue, but will thrive and be a leading light in the field of Classical Yoga. It is our hope that many will benefit from spending time here and will come to understand that there is more to yoga than the narrow versions put forward as new styles. Fads will always come and go, but the Classical way has stood the test of countless centuries and will continue to do so.

We continue with Satsang each month, and it still takes the form it has always done, with the addition of an asana class at 9am. It is my hope that the class will continue to grow and will be a pleasant start to the day, bringing together both local people and those who have been associated with the Centre for many years.
In March we had a day of Yoga with Brahmananda and Katyayani. This was very well received and their gentle natures flowed into a special day when we were guided through cleansing postures and meditations and chanting. yone. They will be welcomed back later in the year. Katyayani will take a day for children on 25th October and both she and Brahmananda will lead a weekend retreat on Yoga Lifestyle in November.
Open Day in May was a lovely day and we welcomed some new faces. Brian restated the aims of the Charity and our commitment to promoting the Centre.

Then at the end of May, 12 of us spent the weekend doing Karma Yoga here, redecorating and cleaning the Centre. Although we all worked very hard and continuously for the whole duration of the weekend, it was not a hardship. We had a lot of fun and achieved a great deal. This was all under the supervision of Geoffrey, as usual, who kept us on the straight and narrow introducing a spiritual element when we were flagging. A great big thank you should be given to all who came and gave so selflessly – Carole, Phil, Yvonne, Belinda, Lisa, Monika, her son Mark, Rani for cooking for us, Vanessa, Premanada, Sammy and of course Geoffrey. Everywhere looks so wonderful and it is because of your dedication to the Centre, so thank you.

Satsang in June had always been the time when we honoured Guruji’s wife, and we wish to continue this, but with a slight variation. In future the June Satsang will be a time when each of us can come to honour our own ancestors and parents. We know there is a continuance of the Soul after leaving the physical body and we take our spiritual impressions with us from one life to another. So it will be good to recognise those who have nurtured us, not only in this lifetime but in past times too.

At the end of June, we had our first Retreat without the physical presence of Guruji, although his Blessings were clearly felt. It was a lovely experience and adhered to the usual format of early rising, chanting, posture work, karma yoga and self development. We studied ourselves in the light of the teaching of the Bhagavad Gita. It was encouraging that we had two new people join us, who had never met Guruji. This means a lot in terms of progression of the Centre in the future.

The highlight of my year has always been Guru Puja, when I could honour my own beloved Gurudev. This year was outstanding. Everyone rallied round and we had a truly spectacular day laying Guruji’s ashes to rest in the garden. It could have been a very sad and depressing occasion, but thankfully everyone thought it a celebration of his life. This was enhanced by Pandit Gossai who led the ceremony and also all the musical contributions. Swami Nirliptananda Ji came to spend the day with us, even though he had previously been very unwell and was still convalescing. Members came from far and wide and this again, was a reflection of the very sincere love everyone has for Guruji. Now his ashes are back where they belong and laid to rest under a fitting memorial which will stand long after we all have gone.

As mentioned on Guru Puja Day, without Geoff the Centre would not be as it is today. His selfless dedication is an example to us all and it was good to be able to acknowledge his long and complete devotion. In fact, it was amazing we managed to keep him still long enough for Brian to present him with our thanks.
So that is the year so far. It has been a very busy and demanding time for the Trustees, but we have all risen to the challenge and we will continue to work selflessly and with devotion towards the development of the Centre. Swami Ji’s family continue to offer their support and provide us with wonderful food every time we meet and we are very grateful to them all.

One person who is always present, working for the Centre and supporting everyone else is our Secretary, Supriya. She patiently carries on doing whatever is required of her and supporting everyone else in their role. Without members like Supriya we would flounder terribly.

Monika works tirelessly for the Centre giving classes every week, and helping all of us in every way possible. Thank you very much for your teaching, knowledge and friendship you share with everyone. Yvonne has agreed to take on the task or sorting out the library and is our new Librarian. If you want to borrow a book, or donate one, then please see Yvonne. Vanessa has continued to bring us knowledge of Sanskrit and provides us with a valuable tool when looking at the scriptures. We may be able to persuade her to give a day of Sanskrit in the future. Premananda gives us the benefit of his knowledge and his experience with the Havan Yajna too. All in all, everyone who has something to offer is doing so. This makes the whole process much more interesting and less demanding for me, so thank you to everyone. I have been overwhelmed by the love and support you have all shown. It has been a very humbling experience.

For the rest of the year, we have more interesting times ahead. From 10th to 12th October, Sonia Allen-Wall from Cumbria will come to give a weekend retreat in the style of her Guru, Swami Gitananda Ji of Pondicherry. Swami Gitananda was a good friend of Guruji and he also had a great deal of respect for Sonia. The weekend will have an emphasis on pranayama.

The November Satsang will include a celebration of Guruji’s birthday.
As mentioned previously, Katyayani will take a day of yoga for children. This will be on Saturday 25th October, details of which you can find on the programme sheet. In November, Katyayani and Brahmanada will take a weekend with the title “Yoga Lifestyle”. This will be useful for those who would like to know how to incorporate yogic living into their daily life.

Swami Ji’s first inspirer, Ma Yoga Shakti, has expressed a wish to visit the Kutir. We don’t know at the moment when that will be, but we will arrange a time for her visit when she next comes to England. As soon as this is known it will be posted on the website.

I am also tentatively putting together the possibility of a trip to India. In recent years this has been shelved, but was always a highlight. I am currently compiling the itinerary and getting prices. If we have sufficient interest it could run next February or March, visiting Ashrams and spiritual places of interest. If you would be interested in this or any of the other items, please either call me or email me. My contact details are on the website and on the programme details.

When Guruji had handed over the running of the Centre to the Trustees, I followed him into the office. He said.. “you have a very good team around you now Ji.” I replied “No, Ji, its your team.” He chuckled and said “No, Ji its yours”. Every single smile, every single “thank you”, every kind word, has been such an incredible support. Thank you to everyone. No one could ever take Guruji’s place. In fact it takes 8 Trustees and many others of us just to keep it going at all. So thank you to each and everyone. Without all the helpers there would be no continuing of the Centre and without members attending there would be no need. Let’s move forward together and continue to follow the path of True Yoga as Swami Ji directed us.

Thank you,

Hari OM

Shirley Hately

Harry attends Jenny Newman’s yoga class in Suffolk and is a qualified homeopathic practitioner.
Homeopathy is an effective and safe form of healing which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself.  It recognises that all of the symptoms of ill health are expressions of disharmony or dis-ease within the person and that it is the patient who needs treating, not the disease.
Homeopathy (from the Greek words meaning ‘similar suffering’) was developed by Samuel Hahnemann about 200 years ago.  He realised, like Hippocrates 2000 years earlier, that there were two ways of treating ill health, the way off opposites and the way of similars.  Insomnia for example treated by the way of opposites (conventional medicine or allopathy) is by giving a drug which brings about an artificial sleep.  This often means giving large doses of drugs which can themselves cause side effects or addiction.  The homeopathic way, the way of similars is to give the patient a very dilute dose of a substance such as coffee.  This dilute dose, perhaps surprisingly, will enable the patient to sleep naturally while coffee in large doses will cause sleeplessness in a healthy person.
Thus the basic principle of Homeopathy is expressed as simila similibus curentor, or ‘like may be cured by like’.
The aims of homeopathy are curative; the remedies do not suppress your symptoms like conventional medicines, but instead will lead you to a stronger state of health than before.  The remedies work by stimulating the bodies own energy system to bring about healing.  This stimulating effect assists in clearing disease rather than suppressing it.  The absence of any toxic ingredients make the remedies extremely safe to use and are particularly useful for babies, the elderly and infirm and during pregnancy and the menopause.
The remedies come from many different sources and most are derived from plants.  The raw material is prepared in such a way that it can subsequently be diluted and shaken in a process called succussion.  The dilution process can occur many times and the diluted remedies are described as being ‘potentised’, in recognition of the dynamic healing power they can stimulate.
Hahnemann ascribed healing to the restoration of the ‘Vital Force’ and this is observed during homeopathic practice when the patient feels improved in themselves, their energy increases and the diseased state is overcome.  It is this Vital Force that contains all aspects of human expression, it is the manifestation of life energy and we shall look more closely at the Vital Force in the next article.

Vanessa is being taught Sanskrit by Peter Harrison and she would like to share the knowledge she has gained so far.  She is offering regular sessions before the Saturday lunch at each satsang.  Everyone is welcome. The sessions started at the February 2008 satsang.
The focus will be the correct pronunciation of Sanskrit as each vowel and consonant is articulated from a different part of the throat, mouth or lips.  Sounding is a very important part of Sanskrit, the sound carries it’s meaning, hence the need to correctly pronounce it.  It is so much more than just a language; it can deepen your spiritual understanding.  The Patanjali Sutras have been chosen to illustrate the points arising.
Vanessa wanted to read Sanskrit directly and this is what you can achieve yourself with regular practise.  Simple homework will be provided to encourage progression.

This article was first published in the summer 1988 Magazine of the Patanjali Yoga Centre.  It is still very relevant 21 years later.

We have already discussed some of the misconceptions in yogic circles about Hatha-vidya (Yoga).

Not only have we misunderstood this science but, as Hans-Ulrich Rieker puts it in his book ‘Light on Yoga’, we have distorted the teachings of the great Rishis.  Hatha yoga, as we have seen, is not mere mortification, nor a set of physical exercises, but a proper control of bio energy within us through the yogic science of pranayama.  If we say that pranayama is the most important part of Hatha yoga then where do the postures come into it?  What part do they play and how far do they affect the physical and mental growth of a yoga aspirant?  Are the cleansing practises described by the Hatha Yogis of yore important in following the path of yoga?  These are some of the questions which I will discuss in this article.

Physical Body – A Reality

Sri Swami Sivananda Ji Maharaj in his book “Health and Happiness”1 refers to Upanishadic teachings which say that “Sariram Adyam Khalu Dharamsadhanam” i.e. the body is the essential thing for the attainment of the goal of human existence.  He is so fascinated by the human body that he calls it a magical machine, a moving temple of God or the chariot of the Soul where Mother Prakriti (matter) has exhibited her marvellous skill.
Shri M. P. Pandit, who is a leading figure at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, South India, commenting2 on the physical body, says that there is an element of truth in the complaint by some religious poets and minstrels that the body is a storehouse of habits and impulses that pull a person down, full of diseases, inert and susceptible to all kinds of attacks from outside from birth to death.  But this is, as he puts it, only a surface of truth.  He goes on to say that there are immense potentialities in the body which can not only overcome the seeming imperfections and deformations but make of it a vibrant vehicle for Divine consciousness.  Hatha Yoga, he asserts, concerns itself with this aspect of the human body.  In the Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, great importance is given to the physical body as a foundation for each individual divine manifestation.  It is a part of this yoga from the very outset to pay attention to the cleansing – physical and psychological – of the body, with a relentless elimination of all lethargy, activating it with consecrated life-energy, awakening and raising self-awareness till the body turns into a radiant vehicle of the divine energy and consciousness.  A total perfection of life is not possible unless the physical body, as Shri Pandit put it, is worked upon down to its cellular structure.
Swami Ramacharka says in his book on Hatha Yoga that Yogis regard the human body as the work of the Divine Architect.  The occultists, he explains, know that the soul needs a fleshly habitation to manifest itself and a physical means of communication with other embodied souls.  He points out that we will only benefit if we open ourselves to the inflow of the great Life Principle and if we fear it, or trust it not, we shut the door upon it and must necessarily suffer.
Dr. K.S. Joshi3 refers to Svetasvatara Upanishad, which describes a Yogi as one whose body shines with the fire of yoga, to whom disease, old age and death do not come; his body becomes supple and healthy, his mind is devoid of greed and full of peace and satisfaction.
Gheranda Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika are considered to be the most authentic classical works on Hatha Yoga.  The former was written sometime in the 12th century AD and is presented to us as a dialogue between a king called Chandakapali and the great Rishi Gheranda.  In its opening chapter it says that the basis for acquiring knowledge of the Ultimate Truth is Ghatastha (bodily based) yoga.4
Also, Swami Svatmarama, in the opening chapter of his book on Hatha Yoga Pradipika, says that Hatha Yoga is a sheltering monastery for those scorched by all types of pain.  These pains as described in various scriptures, are of three kinds – Adhyatmika, which are bodily and mental, Adhisaivika – caused by planetary influences and Adhibhautika – caused by creature like tigers, serpents, etc.
Srimat Swami Sivananda Saraswati of Umachal Yogashram writes in his book ‘Yogic Therapy’5 that man should be master of his destiny, should have the power to cure his disease and prevent his premature death.  Indian Yoga sciences he maintains, are definite aids to this end.  A pure body and perfect health, he says, are the stepping stones to godly or ideal life.  Raja Yoga stresses the purification of the mind whereas Hatha Yoga deals with the purification of the body.
Alain Danielou, writing on Hatha Yoga, refers to a quotation from scripture “Nayam Atma Balheenan Labhai,“ i.e. the Self is not within the reach of the weak.  He says Hatha Yoga is the name given to the technical practices and disciplines by which the body and the vital energy can be brought under control and it is the first preparation towards the way of reintegration, essential for further realisation.
I would like to mention, once more, the “Introduction to Tantra Yoga” by Sir John Woodroffe who, referring to the scriptures, says that the human body is Brahma-pura, the city of Brahman, as God Himself resides in it.

Physical Body- its Maintenance and Control

It is clear from the above that the physical body is a vehicle to reach our destination of self-realisation.  Therefore its maintenance and control are of utmost importance.  Sri Swami Sivananda Ji1 says that good health is the greatest asset for a human being and without it he can hardly expect success in any walk of life.  Even for spiritual pursuits, Swamiji says, good health is a prerequisite.  It is an indispensable part of Raja Yoga and helps to attain ethical perfection, perfect concentration of mind and unfold various psychic powers.
Ironically, most Yoga Masters/teachers ignore the body’s requirements and stress ‘mind over matter’.  But they overlook the close relationship between the body and mind and if the body is weak and sick, the mind cannot remain healthy and creates disharmony within.  We have seen there can be little or no progress without strengthening the body or following the basic rules which relate to the proper functioning of the body.
The science of yoga is based on the eternal laws of nature and the great Rishis of yore observed these laws very carefully.  They realised that cleanliness is a natural phenomenon and if it is ignored it will cause pollution, disaster and diseases.  From their own experience they emphasized the purificatory actions which we find in Gheranda Samhita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, to keep the body pure of waste matter and other toxins.  They suggested we observe certain rules relating to better and healthier living.  In the Gheranda Samhita, the great sage, in his first lesson on Ghatastha (bodily based) Yoga, to his disciple, King Chandakapali, gives six purificatory techniques which cleanse the body thoroughly and are the basis of every yoga.  So has Swatmarama referred to these six actions in his book ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika’.
Swami Vivekananda, writing on Raja Yoga, refers to the commentary by the great Master – Shankacharya on Svetasvatara Upanishad, in which he says that one must purify the nerves before taking Pranayama.  Before that, one must learn to have a firm, erect seat.  It is needless to say that the yoga postures which develop the body harmoniously will only be effective if it is kept cleansed of impurities.  Most of us try to jump the gun and ignore the basic principles of cleansing.  The result is that despite persistent and painstaking efforts, progress is either very slow or negligible.  The rules of Hatha Yoga hygiene are very simple and inexpensive and need only a determination to follow them.  The body, as we have seen, is a wonderful machine and if it is looked after properly it should last longer, like the vintage cars that we often see.

How can we achieve a healthy life?

Hatha Yoga Pradipika points out that this can be achieved by one who is intent on practice, but not by one who is idle, or by the mere learning of Sastras or by wearing the clothes of a Yogi/Swami.  Swami Vivekananda says that practice is absolutely necessary.  He explains that if you listen to him for hours every day, but do not practice, you will not get one step further.  Sri Swami Sivananda Ji points out that an ounce of practice is equivalent to tons of theory.
Experience has shown that one gets immense joy and happiness, which is only a spark of eternal bliss, when all systems of the body are functioning in harmony.  Of course, we will have to pay the price to possess the most precious thing in the world.  If we are not prepared for that, we cannot expect any progress on the path of yoga.  Most of us get tired and exhausted soon after crossing the half way mark in our life and leave the world prematurely.  The reason is that we have either ignored or failed to perform our duties as a caretaker and have not looked after this temple of God properly.  The scriptures point out the signs of a person who follows it up.  Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Ch II, 78) refers to these signs i.e. slimness of body, brightness in the face, manifestation of the inner sound, very clear eyes, freedom from disease, control over seminal fluid, stimulation of the digestive fire and complete purification of the Nadis (nerves).  If we can demonstrate mental strength our physical strength should undoubtedly be visible.  There may be a very insignificant number of souls, as mentioned in the previous article, who have to suffer because of their past karmas (actions).

Conclusion

Let us not waste our time like the old lady who lost her needle at home in the darkness and searched for it outside under the street light.  If we want to regain our health and strength to continue our journey on the path of yoga, we will have to eliminate the darkness, first of lethargy and then of impurities within us, by following the methods and directives passed on to us by the great Rishis.  We must see that the teacher whom we are following has the right qualities and these are discernible from his/her appearance, character and behaviour.  Otherwise we will be led into the darkness and waste precious time.

“May we all with His gracious blessings be endowed with Divine Intellect to follow the systematic path of Yoga.”

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om

References

1 Health and Happiness by Swami Sivananda, published by the Divine Light Society, Rishikesh.
2 Saral Yoga Jan-Mar ’88, published by Shri S. L. Khanna, Secretary General Yoga Centre, New Delhi
3 Yoga in Daily Life by Dr K. S. Joshi, Hindi Pocket Books (P) Limited, Delhi
4 Yoga Syzygy by Ma Yoga Shakti, Yogashakti International Mission, New York
5 Yogic Therapy by Sri Swami Shivananda Saraswati, published by Unachal Yogashram, Kamakhya, Ganhati -10, Assam, India