Kongo Zen SeiHo

Roots of Diseases

2010-09-01T07:58:00.003+05:30

DOUBT GUILT AND FEAR - THREE SATANIC WEAPONS

After many years living in the Himalayas as a wandering hermit, my master returned to the city of Chennai. I planned to visit the master who lives as a Tantric Agori.
It was during this meet he spoke of the fundamental concepts of healing and gave a deep insight into the roots of all Diseases. Master Kirtie Futnani said, "Maxy, man is plagued with diseases and almost seems impossible to live a disease free life. The reason is this, as long as humans arbor doubt, guilt and fear; they will succumb to one disease or the other". He went on to say, "These are the three weapons which Satan weilds at the mighty man-kind". Master Kirtie went on, "In response to Satanic weapons the God-men fights back by banishing Time & Space".

How true! the entire science of meditation does just this....banishes Time & Space. The Eternal science of India explains the components of creation as Om, Anu, Kala, Desa. Which means "Vibration, Atom, Time, Space".

How to banish Time & Space?
The entire science of Kriya Yoga deals with this subject. The advanced Yogi, through the discipline of Kriya Pranayam, reaches the first stage of stillness, known as Kevala Kumbhaka (spontaneous breathlessness). Over intense practice, he reaches the next stage called Samadhi (Stillness-Breathless). The Yogi for the first time is able to remain for long durations in Still-breathlessness. Here again depending on the quality and duration of such still-breathlessness, Samadhi is divided into two stages: Sarbikalpa [temporary breathlessness] & Nirbikalpa [permanent breathlessness]. These topics can be easily read and understood as there are enough material on the net. However, it requires training under the guidance of a God-illumined Master to experience it.

Breathlessness is Deathlessness. 'Oh Death, where is thy sting' - Bible, 1 Corinthians 15: 55

MIND, THOUGHTS AND IMMUNE SYSTEM

2010-06-20T09:52:00.006+05:30

THE MIND

“The ultimate stuff of the universe is mind-stuff,” stated British astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington. His contemporary, Sir James Jeans, put it this way: “The universe can be best pictured, though still very imperfectly and inadequately, as consisting of pure thought, the thought of what we must describe as a mathematical thinker…If the universe is a universe of thought, then its creation must have been an act of thought.” And the great Albert Einstein declared: “I want to know how God created this world. I am not interested in this or that phenomenon. I want to know His thoughts; the rest are details.”

THOUGHTS & IMMUNE SYSTEM

“The mind, being the brain, feeling, and perception of all living cells, can keep the human body alert or depressed,” Paramahansa Yogananda said. “The mind is the king and all its cellular subjects behave exactly according to the mood of their royal master. Just as we concern ourselves with the nutritive value of our daily food menus, so should we consider the nutritive potency of the psychological menus that we daily serve the mind.”

Norman Cousins, the noted editor of Saturday Review who taught at the UCLA Medical School, wrote: “What we put into our minds can be as important as what we put into our bodies. Attitudes have a great deal to do with health. Negative emotions, persisting over a long period of time, can impair the immune system, thus lowering the body ‘s defenses against disease.”

More than 1,300 scientific articles showing the influence of the mind on the immune system were published between 1976 and 1982, according to a bibliography compiled by Steven Locke, M.D., and Mady Horning-Rohan.

Bernard Siegel, M.D., Professor , Yale University School of Medicine, wrote in Love, Medicine and Miracles (New York: Harper and Row, 1986): “Other doctors’ scientific research and my own day-to-day clinical experience have convinced me that the state of the mind changes the state of the body by working through the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. Peace of mind sends the body a “live” message while depression, fear, and unresolved conflict give it a “die” message.

“If one accepts that mind and body are inextricably linked, it comes as no surprise that optimists have the edge on health,” Marian Sandmeier wrote in an article published in Self-Realization magazine. “Psychologist Martin Seligman reports that optimists catch fewer infectious diseases than pessimists do and are less susceptible to serious health problems in middle and old age. Perhaps the most impressive – and scariest- evidence comes from an ongoing fifty-year study of the health of two hundred Harvard men. Working with noted psychoanalyst George Vaillant and others, Seligman discovered that optimism at age twenty-five strongly predicted health at age sixty. Beginning around age forty-five, the pessimists begin to develop more diseases of middle age, and to suffer more severe symptoms, than did their more upbeat counterparts..

“The immune system simply can’t withstand chronic gloom. In a large study of older Americans, his research team analyzed blood samples to find that pessimists actually had weaker immune activity than did optimists – regardless of their general state of health.”

MEDITATION IS MEDICATION

“The physical benefits of meditation have recently been well documented by Western medical researchers,” states Dr.Siegel. “It tends to lower or normalize blood pressure, pulse rate, and the levels of stress hormones in the blood. It produces changes in brain-wave patterns, showing less excitability. These physical changes reflect changes in attitude, which show up on psychological tests as a reduction in the overcompetitive Type A behavior that increases the risk of heart attack. Meditation also raises the pain threshold and reduces one’s biological age…In short, it reduces wear and tear on both body and mind, helping people live longer and better”.

source: God Talks With Arjuna, Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, SRF, 1999

The Destiny, The Path, The Purpose

2010-04-24T15:53:00.004+05:30

I TOOK YSS DIKSHA AND KRIYA YOGA RECENTLY AND EARLIER I HAVE BEEN DOING SUDARSHAN KRIYA -ART OF LIVING REGULARLY. STILL I TEND TO MIX UP THINGS SOMETIME .I DONT KNOW WHETHER IT IS RIGHT OR WRONG.LIKE DOIN S/ K IN PLACE OF HONG SAU AND THAN GOING TO K / YOGA PL GUIDE - RAJINDER BHANDARI

As a Sadhaka one clearly needs to know the destiny, the path, and the purpose of trodding the path. Find purpose and the means will follow.

Destiny = God realization

Path = Self realization techniques

Purpose = Self Realization

Your question is about the path so I will answer it right away.

Sudharsan Kriya, Hong Sau and Yss Kriya Yoga is in the category of Pranayama. Pranayama is the 4^th limb of the Yogangas. There are very many techniques of doing breath control which is covered under the topic –Swarayoga. Sudharsan Kriya is a collective noun for a group of such techniques formulated by Guru Ravi Shanker. If you do Sudharsan Kriya alone it will suffice.

YSS/SRF marg has an in-depth study program for Life Science. It’s lessons teach you the Art of Living as a Yogi. There are two stages in this marg: Yogodan and Kriyaban. At the yogodan stage one trains in Energization Exercises and Hong Sau [the silent Kriya] and Om techniques. At the Kriyaban stage, one trains in Kriya Yoga, the ancient science of de-carbonizing the body.

Combustion occurs when any organic material is reacted (burned) in the presence of oxygen to give off the products of carbon dioxide and water and energy. Kriya yoga mechanically stills the heart-lung mechanism and prevents it from combustion. How this is done is detailed in the lessons and for the general reading in the Autobiography of a Yogi.

It is a marvelous science. During the World Wars, the Doctors were confronted with a holy task of saving lives in bodies which were bullet ridden. They were faced with a herculean problem that prevented them from doing surgery successfully. The problem was the heart-lung mechanism. How the surgeons overcame this problem is history and very fascinating science. You will find the same fascination in YSS/SRF marg.

Study the YSS/SRF lessons and practice them unhurriedly. Pray with devotion. Remember this always, Pranayama is one stage in the 8 stages of self realization program. Pranayama helps you to maintain concentration. When you are able to concentrate then you will be able to meditate. Meditation is that specific concentration on God and God alone. Meditate all the time. When disturbed or interrupted do your Hong Sau/Kriya Yoga and get right back into Meditation.

You may write to me at : kongozen@gmail.com

ORIGINS OF "CHINKON GYO" MEDITATION AND BREATHING TECHNIQUE

2009-07-03T15:58:00.001+05:30

TRAINING OF THE SPIRIT - INDIA

Yoga is a method of psychosomatic mastery that is universally accepted by all of India's "paths to wisdom". Its goal is the state of stability known as 'samadhi', the ultimate stage in the training of the SPIRIT.

The psychological technique of Raja-Yoga (royal union) comprise a principal discipline, yogic meditation, or samyama, and its three phases: dharana (concentration), dhyana (contemplation), and samadhi (ecstasy). These techniques aim at once to mobilize and to control a number of organic and psychic functions. They are based both on theory of physiological and psychological mechanisms of the human being and on a meticulously controlled practical experience.

TRAINING OF THE SPIRIT - CHINA

The Chinese even before the advent of Taoism knew how to control the respiration so as to enclose the breath (chi) and channel it (yin-chi) by means of mental concenration to the various parts of the organizm. Here, then is a theory of breathing and breath that has much in common with the Greeks' pneuma and the Indians' prana.

The importance of "external breath" - that is, the air outside the body - had long been recognized. To breathe, to "nourish oneself with aerial breath" (shih fung chi), was to incorporate the life-substance (ching).

Ko Hung drew a distinction between the "living breath" (sheng-chi), produced from mid-night to mid-day, and "dead breath" (ssu-chi), produced from noon to midnight. He advised that residual air be replaced by living air by breathing in a great deal and breathing out very little. This method was called embryonic respiration (t'ai-hsi). For a long time the Taoist theory relied exclusively on the absorption of this external breath, the outside air. A special technique and time table allowed the devotee to "knot the embryo" and make the body immortal by nourishing it from within.

Around the middle of the T'ang period (618~907), however, Taoism discovered the internal breath specific to each individual. This was the "original breath" (yuan-chi). The orientation of the breath (hsing-chi) and its retention (pi-chi) are the basis of all Taoist breathing exercises.

The Taoist breathing have twelve basic breathing exercises; which are essentially the same as the Indian yogic practice called "swara yoga".

TRAINING OF THE SPIRIT - JAPAN

Buddhism was introduced into Japan in the thirteenth year of the reign of the emperor Kimmei (552), and on the same occasion King Syong-myong of Korea presented the emperor with a statue of Cakya muni (Lord Buddha). Under the emperor Shomu (724-749) Buddhism became the national religion of Japan.

The emperor's store-rooms at Nara Shoso-in became the depository for Chinese treasures of the T'ang Dynasty. Today these store-rooms constitute the oldest museum of the the history of medicine in the world and contain specimens of the instruments and medicines of eight-century traditionalist Chinese medicine.

Chinkon Gyo is used in Shintoism and the Japanese martial art 'Aikido' uses it extensively. The word 'chinkon' is a combination of 2 kanjis .. one for peace, tranquility and the other representing the soul.
Chinkon Gyo is a scientific technique to integrate mind-body-soul. It's kanji is the same as the word, 'mitama shizume' .

MITAMA SHIZUME is the form of meditation used. It involves the synchronization of slowed breathing to the sound of a deeply resonant Buddhist bell. Such breathing helps the practitioner relax, increase awareness, and focus. The practice also allows for a tracing of the movement of "ki," or energy, in & out of the body.

THE KONGO SCHOOL OF ZEN

Zen repudiates all holy writ and atleast in theory does without ceremonies and prayers.

Zen is essentially intuitive, no manual can by itself enable someone to master it. The student of Zen acquires the "unwritten learning" with every part of his being, so that in the end it becomes the natural rule of his life and permits him to attain the true Zen state, which is "the fact of being oneself". This is known as "Heijo Shin" (Everyday Mind), in the Kongo school of Zen.

The essence of Kongo Zen is Dharma (Universal Law). Seeking to understand the nature of Dharma is fundamental to training in Shorinji Kempo (The Discipline built on the philosophy of Kongo Zen). Buddha taught that the nature of the Dharma is best understood b the law of engi: All things are always in flux, changing because everything has unlimited potential. All changes are only relative, each influencing the others and being influenced in return without a single change taking place independantly of the others. In India the law of Engi is known as the Law of Action (Karma) and is considered one of the paths (marg) to enlightenment.

Kaiso Doshin So, founded his philosophy and disciplinary training based on Bodhidharma (Indian Monk and the 1st patriarch of Zen Buddhism). Bodhidharma is well known in Asia for his introduction of zazen meditation (sitting serenely) China. Aong with zazen he also taught Ekkingyo during his stay at the Suzan Shorinji (Shaolin Temple) in what is known now as Hunan province. These techniques were widely used by Buddhist devotees, and, in time, they formed the basis for the martial techniques which spread throughout China.

Kaiso divided his teachings the very same way as Bodhidharma taught: Chinkon Gyo and Ekkin Gyo, where the word 'Gyo' stands for 'discipline'. Chinkon Gyo is static meditation done in Zazen; Ekkin Gyo is dynamic meditation done in movement.

CHINKON (鎮魂) GYO MEDITATION

By reciting the meditation (seiku), oath (seigan), and principles (shinjo), collectively termed teachings (kyoten), the practice of chinkon-gyo serves to reaffirm why we practice Shorinji Kempo.

During chinkon-gyo we practice zazen meditation to calm ourselves and develop mental composure (known in japanese as Heijoshin. In combat training, the "mental muscle" which must be developed to maintain heijo shin is known as tanryoku, the strength of spirit to withstand shocks. It is an aspect of ki strength, and is a kind of courage.)

Shorinji Kempo uses a very special and advanced method of breath control, and one must work to master it, as well as the proper practice of chinkon-gyo.

QUINTESSENCE OF DHARMA

In India, many scientific principles about truth have been discovered by yogis and swamis in religious experimentations. They urge all men to follow "Dharma", which means, "those immutable principles which protect man permanently from the 3 fold suffering of 1. disease, 2. unhappiness & 3. ignorance".

Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda Giri's path has a holistic approach to dharma wherein he explains the science of healing and self realization. Life force in the nerves keeps the soul entangled with the messages of the sensations in eyes, ears, hands, and so forth. These sensations are threefold disturbances.
He further explains, " Concentration means freeing the attention from sensations, present thoughts and memory thoughts by consciously swithcing off the life-force (chi or ki energy), from the sensory-motor nerves, thus preventing thought-rousing sensations from reaching the brain."

Life force is the power that directly sustains the body. The purpose of concentration technique is to switch life force on or off at will from any part of the body or entire body. so that the life force and consciousness maybe withdrawn from sensory channels and redirected to the higher centers of consciousness in the brain.

When motion is temporarily halted in the outer and inner body, the deterioration of the cells stop's and no venous blood accrues. When nervous blood ceases to accumulate, the heart slows down, for it no longer has to send the dark, impure venous blood into the lungs to be purified.

When the heart is not given the work of pumping blood, the energy that ordinarliy is engaged in keeping the heart pumping slows down and begins to flow back toward the brain, instead of outward into the five sense-organs. The life-force is then switched off from the sense-organs and sensations are unable to attract the attention of the brain.

research sources : shorinji kempo fukudoku hon, 1991. Oriental methods of mental and physical fitness by Donald N. Smith.

FIGHT STRESS AT HOME

2009-06-28T10:33:00.007+05:30

Physiology and Biology of Yoga Therapy
(PHYSICAL AND MENTAL RELAXATION)

VICTIMS OF STRESS

Our rapidly changing world has necessitated many adjustments; most of us find that we are helpless in adapting to this constant change. The psychological price we pay in not being versatile to this change is what medical scientists call 'STRESS'.

The Socio-economic conditions coupled with our family tensions, inflict us with anxieties and stresses. The presence of mental stress as a part of modern living has been the subject of a number of books and journals.

In his #1 best seller book, "The Relaxation Response", Dr.Herbert Benson, M.D. validates the claims of Indian Yoga in being both a therapeutic and preventive science against stress-hypertension-stroke-heart attacks. Dr.Herbert speaks about the revitalizing and therapeutive techniques - which he has extensively tested in the laboratories of Harvard Medical School and Boston's Beth Israel Hospital. He exploded the prejudice against Yogic Therapy and scientifically stated that yogic therapy can release the body's hidden defenses against stress and stress-triggered illnesses (including high blood pressure).

Dr. Herbert Benson along with Miriam Z.Klipper states, "once learned, the relaxation response technique takes only ten to twenty minutes twice a day and, as millions have already discovered, can relieve the restlessness and tension that stand between you and a richer, fuller, healthier life.

Dr. Walter R. Hess, the Swiss Nobel Prize winning physiologist, produced the changes associated with the fight-or-flight response by stimulating a part of the cat's brain within the hypothalamus. Dr. Hess demonstrated a response whose physiologic changes were similar to those measured during the practice of meditation, that is, a response opposite to the fight-or-flight response. He termed this reaction the trophotic response and described it as "a protective mechanism against overstress belonging to the trophotic system and promoting restorative processes."

Dr. H.H.Shultz, a German neurologist, devised 'Autogenic Training' technique which is a medical therapy based on six mental exercises. It is to be practiced several times a day until the subject is able to shift voluntarily to a purportedly less stressful state, or the trophotropic state of Hess.

Dr.E. Jacobson, a physiologist-physician who devised 'Progressive Relaxation Technique', argues that anxiety neurosis and other related diseases are caused or aggravated by skeletal muscle contraction, whereas muscular relaxation produces opposite physiologic states. Progressive relaxation emphasizes the relaxation of voluntary skeletal muscles - that is, all muscles over which you have conscious control. This technique seeks to achieve increased control over skeletal muscle until a subject is able to induce very low levels of tension in the major muscle groups, such as in the arms and legs.

'Hypnosis', may be defined as an altered state of consciousness which is artifically induced and characterized by increased receptiveness to suggestions. The hypnotic induction procedure usually includes suggestions (auto-suggestions for self-hypnosis) of relaxation and drowsiness, closed eyes, and a comfortable position. Following the induction procedure, an appropriate suggestion is given for the desired mental or physical behavior. So far it has not been possible to find a specific set of physiologic changes that characterize the hypnotic state. Instead, the physiologic changes vary according to the suggested state.

Drs. Thomas H. Holmes and Richard H. Rahe, psychiatrists at the University of Washington Medical School, have devised a scale of stressful events. Hundreds of persons of varying ages, backgrounds, and classes were asked to rank the relative amount of adjustments required to meet a series of life events. Holmes and Rahe have called this list , 'the social readjustment scale.' The doctors subsequently found that ten times more widows and widowers die during the first year after the death of their partners than all others in their age group; that divorced persons have an illness rate twelve times higher than married persons in the year following the divorce. According to the doctors, change whether for "good" or "bad" causes stress to a human being, leaving him more susceptible to disease.

Dr. Herbert along with Dr. Mary C. Gutmann at the Harvard Medical School's Thorndike Memorial and Channing Laboratories at the Boston City Hopsital, defines stress as, 'Environmental conditions that require 'behavioral adjustment'. Their research provided a starting point for measuring how stress interacts with blood pressure.

How Yogoda System helps in prevention of stress and works as a curative for stress, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack?

The Hindu scriptures speak of the body as a machine fraught with six delusive deficiencies:
It exists;
it is born;
it grows;
it changes;
it decays;
and it is completely annihilated.

Through long and devotional practice of the YSS [YOGODA SATSANGA SOCIETY OF INDIA/ SELF REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP] techniques of meditation one can achieve complete calmness in the heart, lungs, and other organs.

When the muscles and inner organs are freed from constant motion by relaxation, the breaking down of bodily tissues and the accumulation of wastes is temporarily inhibited.

This helps to keep the blood-stream pure, and hence is important to higher states of mental and metaphysical relaxation.

The cellular composition of the bodily tissues is constantly undergoing the dual process of growth and decay, old cells breaking down and being replaced by new ones. When this process can be stopped, even momentarily, an exceptional degree of physical rest is attained.

First of all, with the cessation of ordinary cellular activities of growth, assimilation, and elimination, there is no need for food and oxygen, which are brought to the cells by the bloodstream; or for carrying off impurities of waste materials, which are borne away by the bloodstream also.

The heart is thus relieved of its immense burden of pumping blood. (From the standpoint of actual weight moved, the heart pumps twelve tons of blood in a day.)

The cells and tissues then live directly by subtle life energy. Blood borne food and oxygen being no longer required by the cells, there is temporary cessation of activity on the part of the heart and also on the part of the lungs, which releases to the rest of the body an enormous quantity of life current ordinarily used by these two great engines. The trillions of cells, the organs, the muscles – the whole physical machinery – rest, sustained by pure energy.

The yogi (practitioner of yoga) who enters and remains in this state is practising the art of living by the inner energy coming down from the medulla oblongata. In this state it becomes possible to disengage the attention and energy from their identification with the world of sensations as experienced in the muscles, heart, spine, and so on.

Electricity passing through a rod made of a conductive substance electrifies it. Similarly, the body battery becomes fully charged with life force derived from oxygen through proper breathing exercises.

The whole body, including bones, flesh, marrow, nerves, brain and all bodily tissues, changes every eight years. At the end of every eight years, with a change of brain and all bodily tissues, the mind changes. Hence, it usually takes eight years to change any already –formed habit in the body or mind by changing the habit of eating and living by new and better methods. So, the powerful Yogoda Satsanga Lessons can only produce results if you form the Yogoda habits of fatiguelesssness, peace, concentration, and abundance consciousness by practicing the lessons patiently, deeply, joyously, and regularly. All the practice is done at home, thanks to the instrumentality of a postal system which brings the lessons to your doorsteps.

Daily disciplinary practise includes:
Relaxation
Self control
Right diet
Fortitude
An undaunted attitude of mind
Regular meditation
Practice of scientific concentration and meditation principles.

These are encapsulated in the Yogoda routine as follows:
After morning ablutions, practice of Energizing exercises. Benefit : Physical relaxation.

Prayers

Practice of concentration techniques – ‘Hong Sau’. Benefit : Perfect Mental-Emotional-Physical relaxation.

Practice of meditation technique – ‘Om’. Benefit : Peace and Love.

Practice of Maha Mudra, Kriya Proper, Jyoti Mudra. Benefit : Mastery over body and mind.

Practice praying unceasingly and deeply, forgetting time, in the language of your heart.

The teachings of Yoga is designed to blow up the bridge of feeling that connects our various experiences with the ego. Man needs to understand that his own intelligence controls the atoms of his body.

Opportunities in life come by creation, not by chance.
You can create opportunites now.

Steps on the ladder of success:
Hard work
Creative ability
Seek expert advice, use good judgment
Economy
Renewed effort after failure
Character
Regularity
Spend less than income
Try to make others prosperous
Spend naturally for God’s work.

One of the greatest enemies to success is fear, for it destroys initiative without which one cannot succeed. Mental laziness, lack of initiative, and lack of perseverance are barriers to success.

It is not success itself which should be the goal, but the kind of living which brings success.

The ten reasons why this could be the most important lessons of your life

Relieves fatigue and helps you cope with your anxieties
Relieves the stress that can lead to high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke.
Reduces the tendency to smoke, drink, “turn on” with drugs.
Can be used to help you sleep.
Conserves the body’s store of energy.
Makes you more alert and aware, so you can focus on what’s really important.
Reaffirms the value of meditation and prayer in daily life.
Can be learned without classes and lectures, in your own home.
Can be used anywhere, even on the way to work.
Has no side effects.

To Subscribe to these Spiritual teachings of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda in India, please contact:

Yogoda Satsanga Society of India

Paramahansa Yogananda Path,

Ranchi 834 001, Jharkhand.

Tel: +91-0651-2460071, 2460074, 2461578.

BODY PSYCHOLOGY IN EVERY DAY AILMENTS

2009-06-26T18:30:00.004+05:30

There are basically three types of diseases:

endogenous (breakdowns from within)
exogenous (attacks from without)
mental,

Any one of which can lead to any other.

Mental disease can arise from an imbalance in either the mental doshas (rajas and tamas) or in vata, pitta, or kapha, or because of intense emotions or misuse of intoxicants. It can manifest in the mind (as anxiety), in the body (as asthma) or both; constipation, for example, may be a purely mental condition, caused by intense mental attachment and 'tightness'.

PRAJNAPARADHA (literally, 'crime against wisdom')

The mental attitude that permits an organizm to act contrary to its own self-interest is known in Sanskrit as prajnaparadha, a word that reflects the importance of prajna (transcendent wisdom) to Buddhist philosophy.

On the most obvious level prajnaparadha is a 'violation of good sense'. both mental and physical, as, for example, failing to protect oneself against the cold or the rain when one goes outside. Such failings are due to allurement, the selfish desire of a microcosm to try to ignore the inherent rhythm of the universe (rtam) and the transcendent wisdom that arises from it, and rearrange the macrocosm to suit itself.

Prajnaparadha, which is universal, is an outpouring of energy in an inappropriate direction. When this energy gets trapped in an archetypical 'mould', which may be a bacterium, virus, metabolic pattern, mental aberration or other self-propagating 'parasite', a disease springs into manifestation as soon as the proper microcosmic conditions occur.

According to this theory, even such seemingly uncontrollable events as accidents are due to long-term accumulating stress, which periodically releases itself into the consciousness, like an earthquake, and causes one to put oneself, knowingly or unknowingly, into harm's way.

SYMBOLS and SYMPTOMS

The habitual thoughts of a person warns of an impending disaster through dreams. Dreams if rightly interpreted can prevent illness. When such a warning system arises through dreams, it is said to be 'symbols'. When one is ignorant of this dream-symbol science, it would manifest in the physical body. The General Physician would then read it as 'symptoms'.

THE MEANING OF SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are classified according to the various parts of the body. In reality, this kind of division into individual parts does not exist really, for all these parts are interrelated, and man should be regarded as a whole and not as a collection of individual organs, etc. In our opinion, even the division into somatic, physical, psychological and mental symptoms is not really justifiable, for all these symptoms are manifestations of one and the same problem or principle, differing only according to level. Therefore, it is important to always take the sum total of a person's symptoms into consideration.

The following is the classification of symptoms according to various parts of the body:

Head
Throat
Respiratory System
Heart/Circulatory System
Digestion/Elimination
Generative System
Skin
Locomotive System
Infections
Allergies
Children's Diseases
Cancer
Psychological Problems
Miscellaneous

Live Case Study : 1

Client Data : Male, 72 yrs of age in 2006, was admitted in a nursing home, chennai for viral fever. Within 2 days of admission, he has overflow of urine incontinence. He then feels numbness from legs upward to his neck. He looses power of legs and hands. This client was a high ranking IPS officer.

History : Hospital transferred the case to a bigger hospital and refferred to Neurologist and Neuro Surgeons. Under clinical investigations and MRImagery the following was evidenced

Moderate fever on 9th /Novermber/2006. Was normal previously.
Urinary disturbance - overflow incontinence from 11/November/2006.
Rapidly progressive weekness of his lower limbs + numbness in order of below upwards upto the level of nipples [12th nov 2006 to 22 nov 2006]
complaints of severe paraesthesia
history of being treated for cervical spondylosis in 1983.
MRI cervical spine shows C4-5, C5-6 disc prolapse with thecal compression.
MRI revealed cervical spondylotic changes with pressure on the thecal sac.
Quadriparesis, 3/5 power in upper limbs and flaccid paraphelagia.
No demyelinating disease - confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.
Spinal cord is well displayed and of normal size.
No evidence of abnormal signal intensity lesions seen within the cord
cervico medullary junction is normal
the CSF displays normal signal intensity in all sequences.
No evidence of any mass in or around the CSF pathway.
The Atlanto-axial & Atlanto-occipital joints are normal.
The pre and para spinal regions do not show any abnormal soft tissue lesion.
Degenerative changes of cervico dorsal spine.
MRI dorsal lumbar spine revealed posterior disc bulge at L4-5 minimal impingement of nerve routes at L4-5.

Diagnoses :

Since the clients paralysis and his clinical assessment and the imagery results did not coincide, The client was considered to have the possibility of viral menengitis with post infective demyelination.
Client was started on methyl prednisolona and continued for 4 days. Improvement of muscle power of all 4 limbs was observed.
In-dwelling catheter for bladder as urinary incontinence persisted.

Medico data: a total of 6 medicos worked on the case spanning 2006 to 2007. It included Neuro Physicians, Neuro surgeon and neurologists. The case was finally abandoned on the assumption of : paraplegia due to viral fever.

One Neuro Physician in the team advocated:

antibiotics
quadriceps exercises
walker mobilisation
neuro rehabilitation

--------------------------------------------------------

The above case was assessed by Sensei Maxwell from 18th June 2009~ 26th June 2009, as follows:

Body analysis

Improper Posture due to Occupation affecting the Spinal-vertebrae column

Mental and Emotional analysis

Client was extremely under Fear and Terror
Client was also very rigid in his mannerisms
Client was very inflexible to other's views.
Client constantly felt that he was inadequate to the demands of life.
Client was forced to live up to the expectations of the society and higher authorities.
Client was having a superiority complex

Recommended Therapy:

Positional Release
Soft Tissue Manipulation
Counselling and Auto Suggestion
Shiatsu

Conclusion : The client was wrongly attributed to an incurable disease name and was treated as such. The case is certainly curable as client showed strong motor-sensory movements in the paralysed legs. The impingement at the sacro-lumbar should be remedied first and parallelly worked on the cervico-dorsal impingement.

UNDERSTANDING SEIHO - ANCIENT EASTERN HEALING SYSTEM

2009-06-05T07:25:00.005+05:30

BRIEF HISTORY : INDO-SINO-JAPAN CONNECTION

Kongo Zen's Seiho began with the founder Nakano Michiomi's (popularly addressed as So Doshin) direct healing experience from his Daoist Master in Martial art, in China. The Daoist Master named Chin Ryo, took pity on the child and started treating him for his heart complications. He devised a method which Doshin So took to eventually as a way of life. The Daoist Master prescribed a set of exercises, meditation and techniques for healing. This gives us the vital clue to the ingredients that make up 'Seiho'.

The Daoist (also written as Taoist) philosophy and healing techniques are recorded in two books called 'Tao Teh Ching' and 'Tao Tsang' (Treasury of Tao) by Lao Tze. Lao Tze patterns his healing on the objective observation of Nature and builds his techniques from the union of opposites. Researchers have concluded that Lao Tze was probably the Indian Sage Bhogar, and he had gone under this chinese name during his tavels in China.

What the Daoist-Chinese call 'Chi gong' or 'Chi Gung' the Yogis-Indian call 'Pranayama'. This entire system of healing based on 'Energy' which is categorised as Universal Energy and Bio-Energy originated in India by the Rishis of India. The concept or Tattwa of duality was first founded in India which is mother to 6 schools of Philosophy (Nyaya, Mimamsa, Sankhya, Yoga, Vedanta, Vaishesika). Later Buddhism was also added as the 7th philosophy of India.

The concept of duality is fundamental to Sankhya Philosophy which is the mother of Ayur Veda and Raja Yoga. Ayur veda is the art of living in harmony with the laws of nature.

Thus we see that the entire science of Seiho is based on Energy and is essentially derived from Indian Pranayama and Yogic Systems. Though India originated this science, it has evolved tremendously and gained much popularity in China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Sri Lanka, mainly through the instrumentality of Buddhism.

THE TECHNICALITY OF SEIHO

Founder Doshin So, re-established the healing system when formulating his science to combat the evils of society and war. Its aims and objectives are to maintain the perfect health of a healthy person through prevention and to cure the disease process in an unhealthy person trough proper diet, lifestyle, rejuvenation techniques.

The body, mind and spirit exist together in daily life as one unit just as all things in the universe exist together in harmony. In reality we are 'CONSCIOUSNESS', pure 'AWARENESS', and the body is an expression of that consciousness. This aspect is known as the Three Great Vessels in the Kongo school of Zen. They are : Shin, Tai and Chi (Spirit, Body and Mind).

While Kongo Zen deals with the philosophy of Psycho-Physiology of the Human Creation; Shorinji Kempo gives direct expression and clinical experience by dividing the philosophy into 2 essential categories known as Shugyo (discipline or way of life). The 2 categories are Ekkingyo and Chinkon Gyo (Moving and Static Meditation or Discipline).

Under Chinkon Gyo : the pranic scientific principles such as breathing, bodily locks of energy, moving of energy within the micro and macro orbits of the body are dealt with. Chinkon Gyo explicitly deals with preserving the vital essence and energy of a healthy body.

Under Ekking Gyo : The pranic scientific principles are expressed in active inactivity, technically termed as 'Hokei' and 'Heijo Shin'. Ekkin Gyo explicitly deals with combating social evils and restoring harmony in mankind.

Seiho is that specific healing science which is both complimentary to Chinkon Gyo and Ekkin Gyo as well as conventional healing practice. Seiho is subdivided into 4 branches which are:

Seikei : balancing the central meridians
Seimyaku : balancing the peripheral meridians
Seikotsu : correcting bone position
Kappo : resuscitation

The techniques involved are both manipulative and manual therapy. Under manipulative therapy one uses both pressure (Shi atsu: finger pressure) and massage (rubbing, kneeding, pinching, plucking). The ratio between pressure and massage is always kept as 80% - 20%. This makes the system highly effective.

Under Manual therapy, positional and postural release techniques are dealt with. It helps to release emotions which are negative and causing a dis.ease state in the body and mind.

Each practitioner of Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo in India, goes through a unique and balanced curriculum that emphasizes the three major branches of healing (Goho, Juho, Seiho). And on week-ends, workshops are conducted in Seiho where the practitioners undergo lessons in human anatomy, physiology and pathology. Clinical studies and research are conducted first hand and serves as a scientific way of assessment of the techniques employed and its resultant cures.

Meditation is considered as a Medicative science in Seiho.

Any one can practise and benefit from this science of healing. It is both preventive health care and palliative care system. It has no side effects, no pharmaceutical drugs involved. It can be practiced by anyone and any age.

Curative Values in Shorinji Kempo - Varmam

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Shorinji Kempo techniques are based firstly upon defence; attack is the last resort. The most important principle in the fighting system is the application of pressure points of the human body. This knowledge was liberally gleaned from ancient Chinese medical treatises. Shorinji designates 142 vital points on the human body, where a practitioner can inflict severe pain and subdue the opponent with damage

Throughout training, the principles of Kongo Zen and its disciplines are strictly adhered to. Much emphasis is placed upon training with a partner and through mutual experience identifying with one another the pain thresholds implied by the techniques. This avoids permanently injuring a fellow stuent, and at the same time, in following the edicts of Kongo Zen, a mutual trust and empathy with each other is developed.

An interesting practice for the health is implemented at the end of every training session, called seiho. This is a method of regulating the circulation, the nervous system and bone stress. Through severe training methods and strenous exercising a build-up of lactic acid occurs in the body. By observing the seiho principle, which in effect is a kind of massage, the acid accumulation is relieved, tension is lessened, and new energy restored, thereby promoting health for future endeavours.

AMAROLI and VAJROLI - ANCIENT HEALING TECHNIQUES

2009-05-24T10:25:00.004+05:30

Question by Marieen (practitioner of Kong Zen Shorinji Kempo) to Sensei Maxwell : 'Sensei, whats your take on AUT (Auto Urine Therapy)'

Amaroli

Amongst the earliest of healing techniques, Amaroli finds its place. It has its own prerequisites for being effected as a healing technique.

Few points for consumption:
1. One should drink one's own urine. Not a donors urine.

2. Urine and Saliva have a secret alliance. Saliva is also being spat out as if it is a waste product. And Urine is generally treated as waste product. It is true in one way to call urine a waste product, as it helps irrigate the body system and runs out the toxins. If you see the diabetic patients urine, it is always attracting ants and smells with a particular odour. The smell of the urine can speak volumes about one's constitution.

3. Urine is not used as a healing for diseases. This must be noted carefully. It is used as a life style to prevent diseases. This is where the world is missing out on. It is dangerous to consume one's urine when the owner's body is diseased and especially when treated with drugs.

The Kidney

To understand urine, we must understand the Kidney. Kidney is the essence of vitality. It is the very core of life. You can say that Kidney is the second brain of the human system. Kidney is one organ which deals with a wide range of emotions and emotional shock. To discuss about the kidney one will go on for ever without being exhausted. It is a wonder organ. When one discusses about urine, one must see it as a discussion about emotions and the organ kidney.

You would have heard the jocular speech, " enna, unakku kidney nalla vela ceyyadu", while the person points to the head and denotes to ones intelligence as a figure of speech. In another expresion, "unakku kidney illaiya", while one is referring to the brain organ. In India every one knows that kidney and brain go hand in hand. Only they have forgotten the link and the originality of the science.

In varmam therapy, I work extensively on the Kidney. Many mental illnesses derive their origins from defective functioning of this organ. This organ criss-crosses all the 5 prana vayus. It is so very special. To me this subject is very special.

Vajroli

However, Vajroli science and practice takes precedence over Amaroli. For Vajroli is a direct application and the main system of healing, to which Amaroli is only a subsystem and is of less importance. To the Yogis, Amaroli is null and void while Vajroli is everything. More information can be had from the Yogoda System. With each days practice of the Yogoda techniques of healing, one would realize the importance of Vajroli over Amaroli.

The Science of healing system can be summarized as:
1. Conservation, Restoration and Transmutation of Vital Essence (Vajroli)
2. Assimilation, Circulation and Transmutation of Vital Energy (Kriya Pranayama)
3. Transmutation of Spirit (kevala pranayama, sarbikalpa samadhi, nirbikalpa samadhi)

Thus you see, nowhere Amaroli is given importance on the journey of Man's Eternal Quest.

Recent Uprise in Amaroli
The current world is now digging into the science of India and Tibet and advocates the use of this science in body healing. There is no doubt in the efficacy of this science when properly employed.

BEING A SIDDHAR - THE HOLY SCIENCE

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COMMENTARY ON THE HOLY SCIENCE

This book eplains vividly the journey of man from self actualization to self realization.
Param Guru Sri Yukteshwar explains the Sanatana Dharma as never before witnessed.
In simple terms he tells the story of how a common man becomes a Siddha. Who is a Siddhar? When is a Siddhar born? What happnes next in a Siddhar's life?

It is a thrilling narration of the Vedic truths from the Jnana Avatar Swami Sri Yukteshwar Giri.

When a man is born, he is born in Illusion, which the Scriptures call as Maya (Ma=no, Ya=that :not that). Since he believes in things which in reality is not he is called Manus (as he identifies all things through the 4 idea producing Maya; Om, Anu, Kala & Desam). Man resembles the inferiority of the 'Anu'.

Sri Yukteshwarji now begins to narrate the epic journey of this special creature (creature of six senses) in self realization.

First requirement on Being a Siddhar

For a common man, who is enveloped in illusion (maya) is deluded (avidya= individual ignorance).However, being born with the sixth sense which is latent within him, he grows in love and compassion for all things. This is the first requirement for beginning the journey of Self realization. To love is the first and foremost requirement.

The Initiate (Pravartaka)
When man cultivates the heart's natural love, he obtains the guidance of a Guru, and starts his Sadhana (path of Spiritual discipline). He becomes a Pravartaka, an initiate.

True Disciple (Sadhaka)

By practice of Yama & Niyama, the eight meannesses of the human heart dissappear and virtue arises. Man thus becomes a Sadhaka, a true disciple fit to attain Salvation.

Divine Personage (The Siddhar)

He progresses in Godliness, hears the holy Aum sound, and becomes a Siddhar, divine personage. Note, a Siddhar is not a title bestowed after one attains salvation. One is called a Siddhar in the very preliminary stages of training when one hears the 'Aum' sound.

These first 3 classification in the evolution from a devotee to a disciple must be carefully remembered.

This book eplains vividly the journey of man from self actualization to self realization.

Param Guru Sri Yukteshwar explains the Sanatana Dharma as never before witnessed.

In simple terms he tells the story of how a common man becomes a Siddhar. Who is a Siddhar? When is a Siddhar born? What happnes next in a Siddhar's life? It is a thrilling narration of the Vedic truths from the Jnana Avatar Swami Sri Yukteshwar Giri.

When a man is born, he is born in Illusion, which the Scriptures call as Maya (Ma=no, Ya=that :not that). Since he believes in things which in reality is not he is called Manus (as he identifies all things through the 4 idea producing Maya; Om, Anu, Kala & Desam). Man resembles the inferiority of the 'Anu'.
Sri Yukteshwarji now begins to narrate the epic journey of this special creature (creature of six senses) in self realization.

These first 3 classification in the evolution from a devotee to a disciple must be carefully remembered.

Siddhar's Baptism
Upon hearing the Aum sound, The Siddhar now percieves the manifestations of Spirit, and passes through the Seven Patala lokas (or centers in the spine). He begins to perceive the true light, in the seven chakras or astrally shining places.

CONQUEST OF THE SIDDHAR

PLACE OF ILLUSION - having thus the perception of Truth, the Siddhar gradually passes through the seven places. The 7 shining places in the body, known in the brain: the sahasrara, medulla oblongata, the ajna chakra;and 5 spinal centers : cervical-visudda, dorsal-anahata, lumbar-manipura, sacral-swadhistana, coccygeal-muladhara,where the spirit becomes manifested.

He thus acquires the knowledge thereof, and when he completes the journey through the whole of these regions he understands the true nature of the Universe.In other words, The Siddhar now knows Anadi Vidya or Cosmic illusion. Avidya means individual ignorance. Maya is both individual and cosmic illusion.

PLACE OF ELECTRICIES
The Siddhar thus perceiving the true nature of the Universe (Anadi Vidya), he withdraws his self from Bhuvarloka the fine material creation.

The Siddhar enters into Swarloka, the source of all matter, fine and gross. There he perceives the luminous astral form around his Heart, Atom, the throne of Spirit the Creator, provided with fine electricities and two poles, Mind and Intelligence, of seven different colors as in rainbow.

Siddhar, in this Sphere of electricities, mind and intelligence, the source of all objects of senses and sense organs for their enjoyment, man becomes perfectly satisfied with being in possession of all objects of his desires, and acquires a complete knowledge there of.

PLACE OF MAGNETISM
Passing through this Swarloka, the Siddhar (son of man) comes to Maharloka, the place of Magnet (Anu -Atom), of which the ideas of manifestation (Word), Time, Space and Particle (Atom) are the 4 component parts. This Maharloka represents avidya (ignorance).

ASHTA SIDDHIS
Maharloka, the place of Magnet (Atom), is the door between two creations : material and spiritual.

When The Siddhar (Ego, the son of man) comes to the door, he comprehends the Spiritual light and becomes baptised therein. And passing through this door he comes above the ideational creation of Darkness, Maya, and entering into the Spiritual world, receives the true light and becomes 'THE SON OF GOD'.

Thus Siddhar, being the Son of God (Soul, Jiva atma), overcomes all bondage of Darkness, Maya, and becomes possessed of all aiswaryas, the ascetic majesties. These aiswaryas are of eight sorts: Anima, Mahima, Laghima, Garima, Prapti, Vasitva, Prakamya, Isitwa.

Knowledge of evolution, life, and dissolution; thus leads to complete emancipation from the bonds of Maya, delusion. Beholding the self in the Supreme Self, man gains eternal freedom.

CONCLUSION

Thus Man (manava) being the offspring of Ignorance which is the representation of the 4 ideas (manus), at the end of his conquest, realizes the origins or source of man. Because of yoga knowledge and power, man obtains supremacy over the 7 swargas (heaven). He achieves salvation by dissolving the four 'manus' or primal thoughts by which creation sprang into being.

Param Gurudeva Swami Sri Yukteshwar says : "Adeptship is achieved by purification of man's three bodies. It is also attainable through the grace of the Guru. The process of how these purification can be effected may be learnt at the feet of the divine personage, who witness light and bear testimony of the Christ consciousness.

UNDERSTANDING VARMAM AND MARMAM : மர்மம்-வர்ம கருத்துரை

2009-05-03T17:10:00.006+05:30

RESEARCH WORK BASED ON YOGODA SATSANGA SOCIETY /SRF' s LESSONS

The seed-vibrations emanating from the 'petals' or life currents in the medullary and spinal chakras as coordinated with their source in the supreme cerebral center, the "thousand-petaled lotus" animates the entire biological body as manifested to the naked eye.

Yogavatar Lahiri Mahasaya, has a remarkable diagram which was acquired by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1935 during a visit to india; it was given to him by Ananda Mohan Lahiri, grandson of Lahiri Mahasaya. The illustration depicts, with Bengali characters (letters and numbers), the alphabetical seed-vibrations.

The terse Sanskrit/Bengali phrases given in the columns on either side of the chart enumerate forty-nine vayus or currents of intelligent astral life force, which are further classified under seven principal vayus: pravaha, parivaha, paravaha, udvaha, avaha, vivaha, and samvaha.

The forty-nine "vital airs" each have specific powers and functions in sustaining and animating the body. In this chart, Lahiri Mahasaya indicates, by corresponding numbering, the location of these vayus, stemming from the "petals" in the medullary-ajna and spinal chakras. In a commentary from discourses of the Yogavatar, he has explained:
"All the aforementioned vayus have direct relation to the six chakras. These vayus are in the external universe as well as inside the body. It is for this reason that there is such proximity between the external world and the mind and body....It is Brahma only who invisibly expresses and functions in innumerable ways in the form of forty-nine vayus. It is the inability to see this that causes all confusion. No problem remains once one perceives this."

"Among the Adityas (twelve effulgent beings), I am Vishnu; among luminaries, I am the radiating sun; among the Maruts (forty-nine wind gods), I am Marichi; among heavenly bodies, I am the moon." - Bhagavad Gita Chapter X verse 21.

Paramahansa Yogananda commented on the above verse, "This chapter of the Gita is designated THE DISCOURSE ON VIBHUTI YOGA, depicting the attributes of God that declare His all-pervading manifestations in the universe. The differentiation of His consciousness- of which there is no limit- is God's Divine Yoga by which substantial worlds and beings are spun of ethereal threads of consciousness. Much of the contents in this chapter, especially in these latter verses, has an esoteric relevance to the intricate science of yoga that defines the subtle powers behind the gross becomings."

In Animates, the active astral currents that drive the physiology, the collection of such currents in certain places in the body is called vital points (tamil: உயிர் நிலை). These vital points are usually found along the curvatures, contours of the body. It is noteworthy to mention that most of the death-points are found in the curvatures of the body along the dorsal and ventral aspects of the spinal axis.

These vital points are mysterious activated either by injury, touch, blow, massage, licking or intense sight. Hence the name marmam (tamil: மர்மம்). These vital points gives 'Strength and firmness' to the body, hence its name varmam (tamil: வர்மம்).

It is also very interesting to note the meaning of the word 'Nadi.' Apart from the generic term of Nadi which means pulse in english, it also has an esoteric meaning, known as 'enemy within'. Since the astral currents which flows through channels/meridians called 'nadis' (நாடி) which reside within one's body, and the same can be struck or manipulated causing injury to the person in whom the nadis reside, it is said to be 'the enemy within - nadi'.

MAXWELL'S EXPLANATION ON VARMAM VARIETY (வர்ம வகை)

வகையதுவே இருவகையாம் சொல்லக் கேளு ...தொகையதுவே படுவர்மம் பன்னி ரண்டும் தொகையான நூறீறெட்டும் சூழு கின்ற - VARMA CUTTIRAM.

Among the 72000 nadis spoken of in the yogic literature, the shortest in length is obviously the one most linear. This is called 'Sushumna'. This Sushumna which is located in the dorsal has the Six chakras (plexuses) which arises due to the intersection of the Ida and Vala Pingalai nadis (Right and Left nadis). The Ida and Vala Pingalai are the next shortest nadis to the Sushumnai.

When the Yogi performs dhyan (meditation) there arises a deep focus between the eyebrows (Ajna Chakra) , wherein the yogis eye's gets locked in awareness. This is called 'Shambavi mudra' (mudra or energy lock). This Shambavi mudra when strengthened over a period of time in awareness, automatically raises the tip of the tongue to the upper palate and the teeth clenches. This lifting and pressing of the tongue towards the upper palate is called 'Kechari Mudra'. Both these mudras or energy locks happen when the body is locked at the neck in proper position, wherein the chin is tucked in and the chest is widened and the head is elongated on the cervical spine. This body lock is called 'Jalandhara Bandha'.

Owing to these energy locks (jalandhara bandha, shambavi mudra, kechari mudra), the connection of the Sushumna nadi to the Brahma nadi is formed. This can be explained in the english equivalents of Governing and Conception Vessels or channels. Thus a microcosmic orbit of astral currents is formed. From this microcosmic orbit of astral currents arises the 12 deadly padu varmams (படுவர்மம்) which is created by the polarity of the spinal currents. Here the word padu varmam means death due to injury to these vital points.

Each of the twelve padu varmams has a corresponding 8 varmams. The total of 8 x 12 = 96 nos. Thus it is spoken of 96 thodu varmams (தொடுவர்ம) or death caused by violent touch.

Apart from the basic 12 death points, where once struck there is no escape from death, there is another class of fatal-death points which amount to 12x3=36 nos. These 36 fatal points are taught to advanced masters in Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo and the science of striking these points are called 'Zeme Waza' in Japanese.

Thus, if you add up 12+96=108 varmams are listed in the varma cuttiram text. It should not be surmised that there are only 108 acupoints, rather it must be understood that out of hundreds of acupoints found in the material body, 108 is actively used in combat.

The use of vital points (keimyaku hiko) was at the center of Indian, traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, and it is still important in Eastern medicine today. The fact remains that vital points can be used both to heal and hurt people. Shorinji Kempo is built around using these vital points to cause disabling pain without injury. Of the 708 vital points (வர்மம்)on the 14 acupuncture meridians (நாடி) , Shorinji Kempo uses 138 points of 73 types. Of these 97 acupoints are commonly used in daily training in Shorinji Kempo.

Striking the Varmam

Many practitioners in India, mix karate, judo, kobudo along with Kalari payat and silambam and come up with a system of Varma Adi. This is also witnessedd in the huge volume of books that are in circulation in the market and also witnessed on television channels. This is entirely ridiculous as varmams dont react to such touch or hit systems.

The proper way of striking a varmam is explained in Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo as 'Atemi no Go yo so' (Five Elements of Atemi Waza).

To strike an opponent's varmam effectively, five things must be done well in one motion. If even one of them is ignored or mistaken, the atemi (varma adi) will be ineffective.
1. Aim : Atemi must be accurately delivered to the targeted vital point.
2. Distance : Attacks must be begun from an appropriate distance.
3. Angle : Atemi must be delivered at an angle appropriate to the vital point being attacked.
4. Speed : The speed at which you contact the vital point must be as fast as possible.
5. Timing : One should attack the weaknesses your opponent exposes from the strengths one creates.

The 5th point is known in Japanese as 'Atemi no kyo jitsu'. Jitsu refers to a state of concentration of mind, ki, and body which is extremely strong. Kyo signifies a state of weakness generated by mind, ki and body operating at cross-purposes, and one may feel it as an opening. Atemi are most effective when delivered to an opening of kyo. Atemi are most effective when delivered to an opening of kyo.

In Shorinji Kempo, there are three classes of techniques and 25 branches containing several hundred techniques to master. Simple as they may seem, your body will take much longer to learn them than your mind will to recognize them. One should know from the outset, that any training which ignores the basic training in atemi waza (varma adi murai), is a waste of time. For even hard work yields few results when made in the wrong direction.

Research reference :
1. Fukudoku-hon, Kongo Zen Shohonzan Shorinji.
2. God talks with Arjuna, Self-Realization Fellowship, Jaico Publishing House, 2002

PRANIC THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE

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பிரான பயிற்சி - Energizing Exercise

HISTORY OF PRANIC HEALING IN INDIA

In ancient times, techniques were kept secret and never written down or exposed to public view. They were passed down from teacher to student by word of mouth. In this way of knowledge dissemination, through personal experience, there was a clear understanding of their meaning and aim. This helped the sincere aspirants to remove any confusion, misunderstanding and excessive intellectual contemplation.

The first textual sources of healing were the ancient “TANTRA” and later the “VEDA”, which was written about the time the Indus Valley culture was flourishing. Although they give no specific practices it was symbolically conveyed. It is, however, in the “UPANISHADS” that the healing science begins to take a more definite shape. These teachings collectively are called “VEDANTA”.

SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES OF HEALING

In the yogic scripture, it is said, there were originally 8,400,000 asanas, which represent the 8,400,000 incarnations every individual must pass through before attaining liberation from the cycle of birth and death. These asanas represented a progressive evolution from the simplest form of life to the most complex: that of a fully realized human being.

Through the ages, the great Rishis modified and reduced the number of asanas or healing techniques, to a few hundred known today. One of the greatest reformers of this science is Swami Sivananda. Though he was known only for his Sadhana in Raja Yoga, his disciples did the reformation of Hatha Yoga and reduced them to hardly a hundred. Hatha Yoga (pronounced as Hath Yog) has further classified them as Asana, Mudra, Bandha, and Shatkarma.

ADVANCED HEALING BY SWAMI SRI PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA

The principles of the Energization Exercises were discovered in 1916 by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda (Founder of the Yogoda movement in India and worldwide. His Organization in India is known as Yogoda Satsanga Society of India and internationally it is known as Self Realization Fellowship).

It is possible to perform the entire routine by both genders irrespective of their ailments, advances in age, and caste, creed, religion. The entire set of Energization Exercises, takes just 15minutes, allowing up to 5 unhurried practice of each exercise. The exercises are practiced each morning and evening.

The primary purpose of these exercises is to recharge the body battery with cosmic energy. This exercises the body, strengthens the muscles and purifies the blood stream.

HOW IT WORKS

To obtain maximum results, each exercise should be performed with deepest attention and will power. Keep the eyes closed and focused upwards at the Kutastha Chaitanya centre between the eyebrows. If this is not observed, then it is just another physical exercise. The Kuta center is the polar opposite of medulla center at the base of the brain. The Kuta-center is the centre of will in man. The Medulla is the principal point of entry of cosmic energy into the body. Will is the power that operates the flood gate of the medulla. By keeping the eyes closed and focused at the Kuta center, and visualizing the cosmic energy flowing into the body through the medulla, a direct connection is maintained between the will and the flow of life energy. (Refer: YSS lessons: 4, 19, 37, 43). The energizing exercises should always be practiced outside in the fresh air or at least before an open window. YSS now issues to all its members (yogodan/kriyaban) a compact booklet with illustrations of all the Energization exercises.

MIND AND BODY ARE ONE

The mind and body are not separate entities although there is a tendency to think and act as though they are. The gross form of the mind is the body and the subtle form of the body is the mind. The practice of Energization exercises integrates and harmonizes the two.

ENERGIZATION EXERCISES – WHAT IT DOES?

Both, the body and mind harbor tensions or knots. Every mental knot has a corresponding physical muscular knot and vice versa. The aim is to release these knots through Energization.

The exercises of Energization release mental tensions by dealing with them on the physical level, acting somato-psychically through the body to the mind. For example, emotional tensions and suppression can tighten up and block the smooth functioning of lungs, diaphragm and breathing processes; contributing to a very debilitating illness in the form of Asthma.

Muscular tensions can appear anywhere in the body: tightness of the neck as cervical spondylitis, the face as neuralgia etc.

The Energization forms the first part of healing and when combined with meditation (techniques: Hong Sau, Om, Kriya) is the most effective in eliminating the knots from both the mental and physical levels.

CURE FOR EVERY DAY AILMENTS

Energization Exercise # 9~10
Benefits: All the nerves connecting the different organs and limbs of the body must pass through the neck. Therefore, the muscles of the neck and shoulders accumulate tension, especially after prolonged work at a desk. These asanas release tension, heaviness and stiffness in the head, neck and shoulder region.
Energization Exercise #2~3
Benefits: this helps in returning the stagnant lymph and venous blood. Thus, it relieves tiredness and cramps and prevent venous thrombosis, especially I bed-ridden, post-operative patients. It is also an excellent preparatory practice for loosening up the knee.
Energization Exercise #37
Benefits: loosens up the hip joints. Especially good for meditation purposes. Good for obesity, toning of abdominal and spinal muscles.
Energization Exercise #26
Benefits: Are beneficial for arthritis of the related joints. Also relieves tension caused y prolonged action.
Energization Exercise #7
Benefits: relieves the strain from driving and helpful in cervical spondylitis and frozen shoulder. Also maintain shape of the shoulders and chest.
Energization exercise #29
Benefits: It massages, loosens and exercises the sides of the waist. It balances the right and left group of postural muscles.
Energization Exercise #12~15
Benefits: Tones the waist, back and hips. It is useful in correcting back stiffness and postural problems. The relaxation and swinging movement induces a feeling of lightness and may e used to relieve physical and mental tension at any time during the day. Also improves balance and coordination. It stretches the spine tones the back muscles and re-distributes excess weight from the waistline. It loosens the vertebrae and tones the nerves. It alleviates backache, neck pain, lumbago and mild forms of sciatica

GUIDE-POST

One can access these valuable techniques by joining as a member with Yogoda satsanga society of India. Kindly contact and visitYogoda Satsanga Dhyana Kendra, Chennai
New#14/Old#17, Rajarathnam Street, Kilpauk, chennai -600010.
Ph:044-32523665
web: "http://www.ysdkchennai.org"
mail:info@ysdkchennai.org

Yogoda Satsanga Society of India- Ranchi
Paramahansa Yogananda Path
Ranchi-834011, Jharkhand
Ph:0651-2460071, 2460027

Yogoda Satsanga Society of India- Calcutta
21, U.N. Mukherjee road
Dakshineshwar, Calcutta - 700076
Ph: 033-25646208, 25645931

Research reference: the book : ayurveda and marma therapy by Frawley, Ranade and Lele (Lotus Press)
Also: American institute of Vedic Studies contributed by Dr.David Frawley.

BOGAR MUNIVAR'S VARMA CUTTIRAM (போகமுனிவர் வர்ம சூத்திரம்) - Book Review

2009-05-03T10:15:00.010+05:30

Book Review by: Maxwell J.A.

BOOK NAME: BOGAR MUNIVAR VARMA CUTTIRAM, S.P. RAMACHANDRAN-writer, Tamarai Noolagam, Chennai-Publisher, date of publication: June 1998

Varma Cuttiram Text is attributed to the Sage Bogar of Tamil Nadu, South India. Prior to this text publication, Dr. S. Krishnamoorthy of Tarapuram, Tamil Nadu, has released a book in the same context. The very same text has also been researched and published by Institute of Asian Studies, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

While comparing this book with other varma cuttiram books, this book has these positives which help researchers and students benefit alot. Its simplicity in illustrating the varmam points and locations. The illustrator has taken great care in locating the varmam points accurately and near to accuracy. Which cannot be said for the text released by Institute of Asian Studies, Taramani which text is titled: Varma Cuttiram, a Tamil text on martial art.

Bogar munivar's discourse on Varmam has seen many transformations and adaptations until it was finally written down by one of his disciples, and received by the writer Mr.S.P. Ramachandran, has been adapted into this book. The sentences are both tamil and malayam oriented, as it comes from the southern most tip of South India, namely, Kanyakumari and South Kerala.

The writer Mr.S.P. Ramachandran (passed away on 10th Jan 2001), has taken great pains in shifting through many other authoritative texts on the varmam subject to compile this text. His care in assembling this text is seen in the quality of this book, which is well appreciated and needed most by every student and researcher.

The book is available for sale. Please contact : Tamarai Noolagam, #7, N.G.O. colony, 3rd street, Vadapalani, Chennai 600 026. Phone: =91-44-23620249. website: www.intamm.com/nool/thamarai. Email: v.chandroo@gmail.com.

Profile: Maxwell Jude Anthony, Varmam Practitioner & Researcher, Chennai-India
Born in 1971, entered Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo in 1990. Presently head of Research and Development Department, Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo-India. Teaching Seiho - healing science of Japan with emphasis on Varmam Chikitsa (வர்ம சிகித்ச). Also a Yogodan and Researcher of the Self Realization Fellowship's (SRF) Kriya Yoga. His current research is on Indian Varmam System and Healing.

THE NATURE OF ENERGY and THE BASIS OF KONGO ZEN

2009-02-23T10:59:00.001+05:30

ESSENCE OF THE TEACHINGS

The essence of Kongo Zen is Dharma (universal law). Seeking to understand the nature of Dharma is fundamental to training in Shorinji Kempo. It has been previously explained as ‘nature of the universe’. Let us examine what is meant by this. Dharma is the essential power and ordering function that causes all existence and phenomena in the universe. It is made apparent to us in various ways:

· It is the source of life that gives birth to and raises all creatures;

· It is the source of light that illuminates all things;

And it is the law of ENGI (occurrence of events and things by the collective interaction of innumerable circumstances) that penetrates supports and orders all phenomena.

It is all energy and change, the sum and foundation of all things; it has been given many names, among them are the names Law, the nature of the universe, and energy. In Kongo Zen it is called Dharma, and it is the beginning and the substance of all our teachings.

RECENT THINKING ON THE NATURE OF ENERGY

Quantum physics is just one of the new disciplines that is beginning to explore some of the complex energy relationships between people and their environment. There has been a paradigm (a map or blue-print of reality) shift from the older mechanical world view of the Newtonian pragmatists to the new perspective of an interconnected holistic universe as envisioned by post-Einsteinian thinkers. Newtonian physics is a mechanistic and reductionist – it views the person as essentially a group of body systems interacting in predictable ways. Post-Einsteinian thinking encourages a more holistic view of people – not just an interrelationship of body organs, but connected with and part of the ‘energy’ or pattern of the whole universe.

In simpler language, this new physics believes that energy and mass are the same thing, and that all living beings are interconnected to all other living things and interacting with them all the time.

CONCEPTS OF HUMAN ENERGY

Concepts of essential life energy go by a variety of names in different disciplines and different parts of the world. However, scholars who have made a study of these energies have found strong correlation among all of them. Three major perspectives on vital energies that have significantly influenced recent Western thought are Indian, Chinese and Egyptian.

Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo India chose the Indian philosophy as a framework in which to do the pioneering research work with ATEMI WAZA (Indian: Varma Adi Murai).

From the perspective of this philosophy, Shorinji Kempo is primarily concerned with the use of prana, which is translated as ‘Life force’ and defined as the vigor and vitality of the body and all the underlying processes, such as growth, breathing and healing.

Chakras are also part of this framework. They can be thought of in Western terms as energy transformers, which take in subtle energy and distribute it to the major glands, nerve centres and organs of the body. Chakras are considered the centre of consciousness in this philosophy instead of the brain.

VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE

Some scientists in the Western world are moving away from the Newtonian understanding of life and illness. Instead of taking human beings apart to learn about them and why they become ill – identifying the component parts and how they operate or fail, and then how to fix them – they are moving towards the Einsteinian concept. Einstein was searching for a unified field that would embrace all time and space. The post-Einsteinian viewpoint of vibrational medicine sees the human being as a multi-dimensional organism made up of physical/cellular systems in dynamic interplay with complex regulatory energy fields. Vibrational medicine attempts to heal illness by manipulating these subtle energy fields by working with the energy body instead of manipulating the cells through drugs or surgery. Therefore, the perspective here is of consciousness being present in all the cells, not just as a product of brain activity.

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Research Source: Theory and practice of therapeutic touch, Jean Sayre-Adams, Stephen G. Wright, Publisher: Churchill Livinstone, 2nd edition. Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo, Fukudoku Hon, WSKO, Japan.

Part II Polarity of Chakras - YSS Kriya Yoga

2009-02-21T10:48:00.007+05:30

The following is the second part of the discussion between Sensei Maxwell and Kenshi Srini on
Discovery of Nadis – YSS Kriya Yoga
Polarity of Chakras – YSS Kriya Yoga
We have retained the easy-to-follow, conversational style of the chat transcript.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
max: srini, our guruji is a fantastic man. we do not have to depend on just literature information for research. what we have is the kriya yog science which is the key to open the minds of the rishis, the key to get into their minds and to unravel things as they were in the beginning

srini: hmm ..

max: guruji’s vital techniques gained through yukestwar giriji. In this research, i could just see things as clearly as you and me. I am so happy, "the holy science" is the beginning of our compilation. Our lessons are just perfect to complete this research for example ex 1: the nichigetsu, suigetsu and kikai are the most important varmams, why? the siddhas mention it so clearly in the texts, but why?

srini: they correspond directly to the chakras .. and the polar relationship between them

max: polar is correct. Guruji teaches us that there is polarity between coccyx and solar plexus
and between solar plexus and medullar.

srini: yeah .. and from solar plexus to ajna

max: and the entire put together from coccyx to medullar

srini: hmm ..

max: this is where the automatic transmission comes in. Why we do not meditate from the coccyx? we just take it from the hridayam to the kuta

srini: hmm ..

max: and most importantly we do this - hong sau deals with the breath. kriya deals with the prana what is the difference?

srini: the currents in the spine

max: correct. Hong sau brings neutrality of the inspiration and expiration. Kriya brings cessation of breathe. My God, my God. this sends a shiver down my spine and how is this possible?

srini: so it is of utmost importance not to make any strainful effort to breathe while doing kriya .. and consciousness only on the warm and cool currents

max: no. don't even concentrate on the breath. in kriya forget the breath.
concentrate on the spine and the sound.

srini: yeah ..

max: in hongsau alone you concentrate on the breath. in kriya no concentration on the breath
now tell me how the cessation of breath is made possible?

srini: the currrents retire completely into the spine ..

max: ok let me explain positive and negative; the human axis is the spine, the north pole is the medullar and the south pole is the coccyx. right?

srini: hmm .. but since we are dealing with the upper centres only .. can we take the heart centre as the negative

max: no no. listen carefully

srini: ok

max: the coccyx which is the south pole is actually the positive and the medullar is the negative which is the north pole. For all people this is how it is that is why so much of materialistic living.
We are anchored to matter by the positive coccyx south pole. In kriya, while chanting 'om' in all chakras we are always advised to keep focus on the ajna, we are advised to do the sambhavi mudra perfectly.

srini: yeah, should not move from there ..

max: why? because the kriya reverses the ions and makes the north pole positive and the south pole negative. If the north is not positive then all is lost, the importance of sambhavi is this and the importance of the om stand for such purposes is indispensable and guess what, the exact replica is in our planet. Our earth’s south pole is positive and north negative so the flow is from south to north. In kriya we deal with this natural flow with focus at the kuta. Now the term kuta and ajna, do you know what defines it?

srini: the centre of the eyebrows in connection with the polar opposite at medulla is ajna chakra

max: correct. and kuta

srini: centre of the forehead

max: no. try again

srini: just the mid point of the eyebrow in isolation

max: no, kuta is the orbit of energy that is created by the polarity of the medulla and the ajna chakra; the orbit where the pineal is situated. what is the speciality of the pineal gland?

srini: it controls all the other glands .. the master gland

max: and..

srini: is responsible for ... forgot . :(

max: speciality is - pineal is the ONLY GLAND THAT PERCEIVES LIGHT. This is the speciality of pineal; perceives light.

max: what is the meaning of ida pingala and vala pingala

srini: meaning ?

max: what does it stand for and what do they do as primary purpose

srini: the CNS .. Central Nervous System .. the governing and conception vessels ?
responsible for distribution of life curents to the Peripheral Systems ?

max: no no. man. It is the magnetic and electric vessels the left and the right nostrils, ida and vala, left and right - their main purpose is metabolism, which means cellular activity

srini: yes .. now i get it ..

max: which means creation and destruction of cells. What does this mean creation and destruction of cells?

srini: waste matter output in the form of CO2

max: exact.

srini: expelled through the outgoing breath .

max: how does this take place?

srini: flow of prana and apana ..

max: due to oxidation (oxygen) - this is combustion

srini: hmm ..

max: what are the four gases that we live on

srini: Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide ..

max: and hydrogen. good

srini: Nitrogenous waste materials expelled through the anus ..

max: now.... anionic and kationic? without these combustion does not happen. good so we come to the conclusion that we are governed by dual forces. positive and negative. This goes to the very structure of atoms.

srini: totally :)

max: what is the atomic structure

srini: you have a neucleus .. of protons and neturons .. and electrons revolving around them

max: which is inside and which is outside in the atom

srini: protons + ve charge .. electrons -vely charged ..

max: protons are within and electrons are on the outer

srini: yeah .. like the sun and planets

max: this makes something known as static electricity, what is static electricity ?

srini: atoms which are either +vely charged or -vely charged due to transfer of electrons by rubbing two materials creates static electricity

max: good. electrons jumping out into another place. minus of electrons - I have experienced it here due to the termal wear

srini: it becomes +vely charged. same here

max: artificial clothing

srini: :)

max: now this gives rise to the validity of bathing and walking bare foot, how?

srini: when we walk bare foot we discharge oursleves like connecting the earth wire and we become neutral

max: no.

srini: ??

max: negative ions are in the atmosphere and more potent in dew drops, mist
and the grass traps these and when we walk on natural earth not tar roads, we get charged with negative ions - anionic and flowing water contains negative ions, and when we have a shower bath, it nourishes us. why is bathing so important in this view?

srini: coz we lose a lot of the negative ions during the course of the day while coming into contact with different objects and people?

max: good. more importantly our moods deplenish our energy.

srini: how are they related ?

max: and when deplenished, we lose negative ions. which makes it impossible to take in oxygen from the air we breathe, thereby we have more carbon dioxide and less oxygen, thereby our metabolism slows down

max: and our blood is starved of oxygen. Moods are chemical disturbances in the brain. brain is fed by oxygen

srini: hmm ..

max: and when we are excited, the heart beats faster.

srini: correct ..

max: but due to the mood, we have less negative ions so there is no consumption of oxygen to the required level, that makes the heart beat even faster to take in more oxygen. this weakens our system. but there is a primary cause for control of moods, what is it?

srini: substance abuse - overindulgence .

max: semenic fluid, vital essence. correct. how is the connection?

srini: that is, the source of energy travels up the spine into the brain ..
you waste it .. you strip the human body of the power to function most effectively

max: the semenic fluid is the fluid that nourishes the brain as the cerebro spinal fluid

srini: flows right down the centre of the spine .. carrying all the information to the brain .. right ?

max: what is the connection between the nostrils and the testicles? the left testicle and the right nostril = electric. Right testicle and the left nostril= magnetic .

srini: diagonals

max: every hour or so, the breathing changes from one nostril to another

srini: yeah

max: we don't breathe through both the nostrils at the same time.

srini: except when we conciously make it so .. using nadi sudhi

max: this gives rise to the moods, tamas or rajas, left brain or right brain
exactly. now tell me what is the importance of this nadi sudhi?

srini: now the inhalation and exhalation .. happens through both nostrils .. in equal amounts ..
what happens is the sattva quality is activated and moods neutralized .. and calmess prevails .

max: try again, the logic should be exact

srini: both brains ..left and right are used .. reason and feeling aspects are acting together in perfect cordination .. which is saatvic, in balance

max: no no, off the mark. try again on the importance of nadi sudhi; just stick to the nadis

max: among the 72,000 nadis only 3 come closer to a straight line.

srini: ida pingala and sushumna ..

max: the ida and vala pingalas are the closest but they are curving in and out forming chakras
now you got it. Ordinary consciousness deals with the ida and vala breathing and currents. These currents make us tamas and rajas respectively, thus giving us our gunas. By nadi sudhi, we regulate the ida and vala pingalas and bring them into the sushumna which is the shortest nadi in the entire 72000. When in sushumna, which is straight, from coccyx to the sahasrara, we come into the shunya state. Perfect for dhyanam. This is the state for samadhi yoga. Nadi sudhi must be practised first, before any serious techniques for samadhi yoga. got it? this makes the sadhaka's guna as sattvic

srini: hmmm understand.. but in the lessons you know ... guruji gives us this technique under "how to develop the voice" .. that's been eating my head since i read it under that ..

max: haa haaa, so many things guruji teaches not through lessons but through our intuition.
his lessons develop our intuition, and this intuition is our God of wisdom. You see, Guruji's lessons are not confined to the correspondence system of literature; he is everywhere. The lessons give us the foundation for intuition and wisdom.

srini: clean bowled :)

max: now lets go on. you have time?

srini: yeah yeah

max: now what happens is that in kriya yog, the spine gets a magnetic fusion, which causes the withdrawal of all electromagnetic currents from the physical body and puts it into the sushumna.
This sushumna is the astral body motherboard. Thus we exit the physical body and now enter the astral body. The heart, senses, sensations are all ceased. This begins the next higher training in kriya. Describe this training

srini: directing the current into the kutastha - the tunnel technique

max: exact - you got the point. describe its importance

srini: road to samadhi. From astral into the causal

max: and you know there is a diagram showing the spheres and the star, remember?

srini: yes, lesson 75

max: yes, me explain now. When the kriya yog magnetises the spine, the sahasrara works in conjunction with all the plexuses or chakras.
sahasrara+mooladhara
sahasrara+swadhisthana
sahasrara+manipur
you write down the rest

srini: sahasrara + anahat
sahasrara + vissudhi .
sahasrara + ajna

max: good. Until we master this phase with the THIRD EYE TUNNEL technique, we have not achieved anything. We are only fooling around in illusion. Though we have a guru and we train, yet if we do not master his technique, we make ourselves an instrument of illusion and delusion.
Suppose we mastered this phase, the most important phase, gateway to astral kingdom, as ruled by king soul. Then what happens? my god, i feel like a little clownfish in the ocean of sadhana

srini: then we enter a blissful state according to lessons .. into the causal

max: no no. those are effects. ok me explain. Once we penetrate the tunnel, we get into the brahma nadi which is inside the sushumna. This brahma nadi takes the place of the sushumna nadi in the astral body

srini: hmm ..

max: first effort is to get through: ida, vala, sushumna. Second effort is to get through: chitta, vajra, brahma nadis. Physical body gives you the training for the astral body. That is why the human birth is the greatest birth any sentient being can ever attain. next... the astral body is the training ground for the causal body. Modern science has equated all energies to be nothing but light. It reduces everything to light

srini: yeah.

max: thus in the astral body, the further training happens - the meaning of resurrection and ascension, we must study these chapters more in detail

srini: The Second coming of Christ comes into the picture here ?

max: our lessons have it all

srini: oh ok .. yeah .. we have a series on them ..

max: yes, once we train in the brahmanadi, vajra nadi and chitta nadi; we will realize the creation protean: anu, om, kala, desa - the fabric of delusion or illusion. also known as satan, maya, mara and what not. And, in our science of nadis, guess what, this fact astonished me.
the arterial circulation system collectively forms a huge nadi network, and our cerebrospinal sysem collectively forms a huge nadi network

srini: hmmm ..

max: these are the physical manifestation of the subtle network of nadis. This is something I discovered quite recently. Most astonishing it is now, makes me see the huge whole picture, now in this light. the BINDU CHAKRA TAKES a big important place, you know where this is? and the speciality of this chakra and which mudra activates this chakra?

srini: bindu is the top of the head on the back side where the brahmins have ajittu

max: you the best seenu mama. very good go on

srini: activating mudra .. kechari

max: wow, you the best of the best, go on

srini: technically kechari should go into the nasal cavity .. for me its very difficult i have to strain beyond a point .. so stop at where its comfortable to hold.

max: hey hey, hold it, kechari is not physically trained at. Sambhavi is the mother, kechari the child. Work on the sambhavi and kechari will automatically happen. Don't reverse the training. futile.

srini: hmm ok

max: my god, thanks for telling me this issue. sambhavi will make kechari happen. tunnel - third eye in sambhavi

srini: i don't worry about kechari

max: lahiri mahasaya said that when sambhavi is held constantly we have reached a spiritual height

srini: i tried attempting it once after reading about it .. then stopped

max: i experienced all these before i could research, made things simple
now bindu chakra is very special why?

srini: amrita ..

max: you the best of the best of the best. what does amrita do?

srini: nourishes the whole body .. prepares it for samadhi ..

max: explain more

srini: extra power packed dose of prana .. to hold the cells of the body in the state of suspended animation .. so the currents are free to be directed into the tunnel??

max: adadadada. pinnita srini. this amrita is what keeps the physical body suspended.
this is how the gurus can come back from samadhi after nearly 200 years

srini: preventing decay like guruji demonstrated ..

max: correct. Now coming back to the positive and negative. Do you know the signifiance of guruji’s discovery of energization exercises

srini: they operate from the kuta centre .. they are not muscular even though you feel the muscles being worked upon by the flow of the prana - medulla rather ..

max: go on. Guruji is teaching us the bases of varmams in energization exercises, tell me about it

srini: varmams being points were prana channels meet and accumulate .. the flow of prana stagnates .. you free it up and keep it flowing continously .. by bringing in an extra deluge from the cosmos into the medulla .. and from there in to the spine and into the body part you want to
energize

max: ok, listen to this discovery. The sequence of the energization exercise gives us the couplets of varmams, for example the forearm and the calves, the buttocks and the chest, the upper arm and the thighs - these regions are couplets

srini: hmm ..

max: they are mirror replica of varmams. If there is a varmam in the foream then its mirror couplet lies in the region below the knee. Similarly the feet and the palms. And one more discovery, wherever there is a curvature in the human body, there lies a varmam.

srini: chest and buttock is something I have not thought about .. hmmm...

max: the curvature can be convex or concave. this has a high concentration of prana
and these varmams are dangerous, they are very fatal when attacked and they are called padu varmams. Thus there are 12 padu varmams amongst the 36 this is astonishing is it not!

srini: yeah .. but the human body has lots of curves ..esp the face ..

max: we launch a detailed investigation on the contours in relation to mapping points. keep this as a special study we are getting it all, finally. Need to meditate more

srini: hmm..

max: UNLOCKING THE MINDS OF THE SIDDHAS AND RISHIS - damn it, modern science is slowly catching up but can never unravel the truths already proclaimed by the ancient seers.
marvelous is this human body

srini: :) :)

max: and do you know what exactly the varmams are - they are nothing but the pulse centers
atrial and ventricle, systolic and diastolic.

srini: hmm .. you can feel one in all of them provided we are sensitve enough ?

max: this further throws evidence on the arterial circulation as a major nadi, thus the 72,000 nadis. yes, i usually feel it when after the dhyan i lay in savasana and do omtatsat. pulses everywhere. all my body is in life and i observe what is happening. Do you know why guruji says to never have hot water on the head.

srini: no .. but i know the effect just makes me sleepy if i have a hot water head bath
thought my brain did not function in office that day..

max: exact effects. expanation is this - the fontanelle, the 'uchihe' or the bindu chakra, governs important plexuses and the bindu chakra spreads over the head's left and right hemispheres. The sahasrara is not a chakra, meaning it is not a plexus. A plexus is a center where nerve fibers are grouped and diverge and converge. The brain is the negative and must be cold, the legs are the positive and must be hot. When we pour hot water we make the head hot and the feet turn cold, this shocks the pranic body and shuts down the physical body causing sleep, pranic disturbance, very important note, astonishing is it not?

max: you use hot water on the body below the neck on head use lukewarm and based on the energization exercises, and the positive and negative, we have hollow organs and fleshy organs.
they couple up to be negative and positive

srini: hollow organs .. throat , bones
lungs all organs have a passageways na .. how do you classify them as hollow and fleshy

max: do this research for hollow and full, it also includes glandular system. And one more point from the energization point of view the circulation system is from the master organ the heart pump. The lymphatic system is from the muscular tension and relaxation. This is the most startling revelation i have had recently. I am amazed with the mind of yogananda

srini: what is lymph .. i never understood since my biology times

max: phenomenal....aha haa, lol, go research so we will come together in chennai and finish the thesis. Lots to do

srini: i know .. tons ..

max: the lymphatic system, respiratory system, circulation sytem, digestive system, excretory system, how many systems. Only man is not systematic. Everything in nature is systematic
the culprit is 'free will'.

srini: lol

max: and you know how telepathy works, jesus christ! first you attempt

srini: no tangiblity yet .. have to practice more

max: it got to do with the magnetic sphere of the earth. it is planetary linked. The centrifugal and centripetal forces - all due to the magnetic poles. The earth is surrounded with a magnetic force and the animals use it for migration.

srini: yeah .. birds . they are awesome .. :)

max: and these forces and seasons are interlinked even whales, salmons, sharks etc.
dolphins too. The lunar phases are the most phenomenal influence on the magnetic field the solar has its influence too, jesus christ ! i am now heaving a big sigh and within the atmosphere of the earth, we are constantly surrounded with the ions, anionic and cationic. This further is present within all living things. Thus guruji teaches us techniques where in we use the upraised hands as antennas and the hearts as receiving and broadcasting stations. Coupled with the kuta centre.

srini: yeah ..

max: it is true we can send and receive messages telephatically. It is true we can heal distantly. It is true we can do world peace healing techniques as taught by yss.
and all these work on the noumenon called thought (guruji's thoughtrons)

srini: i never doubt that .. only need to train more so its more tangible for me ..

max: the importance of this training is that, we work on astrological science. One of the requisites of being a yogi, and working on varmam

srini: conscious realization .. like the prayer goes

max: without emphasis, guruji is naturally training us in the astro-physics

max: see what all YSS is training us in ooooffffff. it is more than meets the eye. how easy to miss all these things na.

srini: i know .. cannot take anything for granted. Does make me feel tiny though :) .. but its nice .

max: yea, makes me realise the truth in the statement, "little child picking up shells on the shore, while the treasure is below the unfathomable depths of the ocean". That is why maunam is important and is the language of the sadhaka

max: ok me go now you take rest, it is nice to chat and discuss and finish a doc
catch you

srini: yep sure ..
taaaaaaaaata

Part I. Discovery of Nadis-YSS Kriya Yoga

2009-02-20T11:36:00.021+05:30

The following is a two-part discussion between Sensei Maxwell and Kenshi Srini on
Discovery of Nadis – YSS Kriya Yoga
Polarity of Chakras - YSS Kriya Yoga
We have retained the easy-to-follow, conversational style of the chat transcript.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

max: striking a kyusho is like driving into a parking lot. The angle of approach is important
when i was learning to park, i succeeded sometimes and at other times i was not so accurate. So i got off the car and took a good look at the parking lot and then found that all parking lots are not the same, some are parallel, some are diagonal and some are vertical

srini: hee hee . yeah ..

max: and this realization catapulted me into atemis and then in my research i understood the concave and convex locations of the contours and the stagnation of energy and based on the human body in motion, the angles change in a second

max: must tell you about my latest discovery

srini: hmm ...

max: srini san. nadis - the master nadi for all of us is our garbha nadi or naval nadi

srini: why ??

max: see, the entire foetus receives all its nourishment through?

srini: navel through the umbilical cord

max: ah, and the umbilical cord is connected to the ?

srini: hmmm .. mother's stomach ?

max: no, the uterus

the zygote splits into two parts one the fetus and the other the placenta which is in the uterus.

srini: yeah ..

max: what the placenta does is, it divides into two functions, it brings the maternal blood and the fetal blood together. but acts like a dam so that the maternal blood does not just flow to the baby uncontrollably

srini: hmm ...

max: now when the baby is out, the first thing they do is to cut this cord

this is our first moment of weakness

srini: hmmm ..

max: the navel, now, you already know that there is a horizontal orbit of energy at the navel
and another horizontal orbit below it

srini: but why is it a moment of weakness ? Because we are cut off from the nutrient supply of the amniotic fluid ? and we have to take our first breath?

max: not just that, the pranic field is weakened too. then the weakness is slowly strengthened by the baby as it grows

now there is another view, prana and apana - chest and abdomen

samana current divides them in the stomach

samana is the neutralizing current

srini: hmm ..

max: why we normally breathe incorrectly and shallow is this the prana current zone alone we keep breathing at thus making it shallow

just the chest region

the apana current is not at all activated and tapped

however in martial arts, the apana current is tapped by the deep abdominal breathing and the meditation on the hara, tan dien

srini: hmm .. but does not the prana and and the apana currents flow along the spine - up and down . why do they restrict the apana to the abdominal region ??

max: the spinal currents are specialised techniques of raja yoga

the flow from the medulla happens but they all flow out majorly and only when sleeping, they flow back to the brain

the auto-system we have no control on this

however, the prana area of jurisdiction is the chest while the apana is the abdomen and samana the stomach the udana current takes care of the head, neck, limbs while the vyana is everywhere the entire system. however, they are very interflowing and connected. they are not water tight

srini: hmm ..

max: the sympathetic system and the para sym. is specially designed to regulate the pranas

in our everyday breathing since we do not touch the apana current and always breathe from the chest we have no way of realizing our self

the vertical currents is the only major key to our realization

srini: hmm.. deep abdominal breathing is now a daily habit thanks to Shorinji Kempo

max: good, but just abdominal breathing is not sufficient for realization

beyond the abdomen we have the base of the spine which is the greatest knot

only in raja yoga we learn how to breathe from the coccyx

srini: yeah ..

max: thus the two currents are merged together and neutralized

but in this vertical current there is yet another knot the ida and vala pingala

you know something, people think that the right is vala pingala and the left is just ida

however they are both called pingala meaning i forget now ida and vala means left and right

constantly these two electomagnetic currents keep us delusive

srini: hmm .. delusive meaning ? tied to body consciousness?

max: yes, forgetful of the soul, forgetful of the mind

they dont even have a conscience. that is why they are babaric - sudra and vysya material

only in the kshatriya stage does the upper evolution begins

srini: hmm ..

max: now coming to our research POLARITY

the ida and vala pingalas, are constantly in flux they are constantly in wave like motion due to the SEASONS

remember guruji says there are 4 seasons in a day? the 4 seasons are connected to the ether, earth, cosmos

srini: yeah .. sandhis

max: yes, this 4 seasons is the one that influences the two nadis

srini: quotes them as best times for practicing hong sau

max: that is why guruji tells us to capture our sadhana in the natural ebb and tide of the season
RECAP
1. prana, samana and apana
2. chest, stomach and abdomen
3. umbilical cord and navi nadi
4. 4 seasons and 2 nadis
now on the VARMAMS

srini: hmm ..

max: you know we have 6 chakras
name them

srini: muladhar, swadhistan, manipura, anahat, vissudhi, ajna

max: stop
one among the names is not a chakra but the solar
which is it

srini: solar ?

max: yes, one among the names is not a chakra, so you got to get the correct name

srini: ajna ..

max: ajna correct, that is our SUN and the 6 chakras are the planets. 12 by polarity.
this is the catch word 12 BY POLARITY

srini: hmm .. one along the front line and one along the back line

max: no no, we will come back to the polarity later, lets finish the chakras

srini: ok ..

max: upto vishuddi is correct in the head there are chakras.. name?

srini: bindu medulla .. i dont know the sanskrit name .. sahasrara then we have the kutastha centre between the eyebrows .. is sahasrara the chakra you are referring to ? but there is no plexus we can associate with that .. do we call sahasrara a chakra .. we dont right ?

max: no we don't so we just say medullar but then there is a chakra - bindu chakra the fontanelle opening

srini: hmm ..

max: however this bindu, and all the chakras, and its light and sounds can only be touched by one specific technique what is it?

srini: kechari

max: no, not mudras or bandhans

training to see the spiritual eye. SPIRTUAL EYE

srini: hmm ..

max: it is like taking two laser lights and merging them into one

srini: k ..

max: both the nadis become one only when we focus and see the light

for this training only we have the mudras and bandhas see how vital the spiritual eye is

srini: hmm ...

max: if this is so vital why is it in the 75th lesson why not in the first 10 lessons

srini: we need to learn to keep the eyeballs steady and fixed upward steadily ..
for which the OM , HongSau and Kriya .. helps immensely .. so we know how to withdraw the currents into the spine .. only then can the currents be focussed into the Kutastha to see the Spiritual Eye

max: leave out OM and KRIYA TOO

in order to begin on the journey we need to learn the battle field first and this happens by the energization exercises

the key point is eyes up at the nichigetsu, and do the tension and relaxation. if you break the eye position while doing the exercises, all is lost

the will power is the seat of all growth will power is the master, intellect the slave, actions are slaves. WILL is the master

srini: hmm .. focus there is most important else it will become like ordinary exercise

max: exactly. so our first training is to use WILL power. and REASON - this is the preliminary training to conquer the body field

so guruji gives us the energization exercises which is nothing but WILL POWER training

srini: hmmm ....

max: if we master the EE, then we can sit for long without restlessness

now that the body is stilled in a position (asana) WHAT do we do next?

srini: he asks us to keep the breath relaxed also .. very important for EE na .. so we will know by the breath if we are making a mere physical effort .. correct ? Hong Sau preceded by breath regulation

max: that is the next set training

correct EE for WILL POWER

HONG SAU for Relaxation, breathing neutrality

the main functions that happen automatially in HONG SAU, when we keep attention in NICHIGETSU?

srini: breathing which we only watch ..

max: no no man, try again

srini: shambavi mudra .. eye balls locked up ..

max: correct and when shambavi happens what next?

srini: for me .. breath slows .. tingling sensations all over .. breath really really becomes feeble .. the instances when breath does not want to flow becomes a bit longer .. very peaceful .. and stillness ..

max: these are effects .

srini: hmm ..

max: when we train to gaze at the nichigetsu, the psychic happenings are sambavi and kechari (tongue lock)

what does the kechari signify when it happens automatically?

srini: for me the kechari .. is not perfect .. the tongue goes and touches the roof of the mouth thats all ..

max: due to the magnetization of the will at the nichigetsu (ajna chakra), the sambhavi and kechari happens, what does it signify

don't say not perfect. very wrong

srini: ok .

max: as these are not physcial achievements.

srini: got that .

max: they happen only due to training of the will power

the kechari or the tongue locking upper palate signifies that you have subdued your senses remember 5 senses, 5 organs, 5 actions om, anu, kala and desa

srini: hmmm ...

max: these are the material body and you are conquering the material body by just the simple hong sau but only after mastering the EE. THE KECHARI SIGNALS THAT YOU HAVE THE SENSES UNDER YOUR COMMAND

srini: hmmm ...

max: WHEN IN UNBROKEN GAZE AT THE AJNA understand?

srini: hai .. wakarimashita

max: see how simple guruji has made our life in sadhana, read the doc and you will further appreciate our gurudeva

real GURU+DEVA

srini: hai .. will do . .

max: ONLY after training our will at the AJNA (polarity of medulla) does he introduce the OM

what does OM do

srini: expands consciousness beyond the body into the cosmos

max: not yet. go in the sequence of our lessons and you will see the training

lessons 30 onwards guruji introduces the OM waza, to train us in SPRITUAL EYE, LIGHT for which EE AND HONG SAU are our base.

srini: hmmm ...

max: LIGHT AND SOUND INTRODUCED in OM but still not advanced waza. preliminary training only then he goes on with more advanced training in subsequent lessons like in 75 lessons onwards PENETRATING THE TUNNEL PIERCING THE SPIRITUAL EYE.

srini: should I not be able to follow exactly as mentioned in the lessons ..

max: you will if you train in exactness

don't strain just be in the moment.

as we have some more to learn guruji is guiding us step by step

srini: hmm ..

max: so now we recap

EE for will power

HONG SAU for relaxed-neutrality of breath and sense control

OM for visualizing the 3rd eye and listening to sounds

SPIRITUAL EYE PENETRATION to train in expansion and liberation exercise all these are setting up for the actual experience in samadhi dhyanam

KEVALA SAMADHI KEVALA KUMBHAKA

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN

srini: breath does not flow ..

max: explain more with regards to the kumbhaka training

there are 4 kumbhakas 1st kumbhaka on inspiration 2nd kumbhaka on expiration 3rd kumbhaka as in HONG SAU [which displaces nadi sudhi proper, however guruji does give this technique also to us] 4th kumbhaka happens only after the most vital technique, what is it?

srini: Om Tat Sat ?

max: OM TAT SAT is complemenary TO HONG SAU

OM TAT SAT is the actual technique of SAVASANA

srini: hmm ...

max: so after the 70th lessons in the most vital training in PENETRATION OF THE EYE AND TUNNEL AND EXPANSION IN THE WHITE STAR [bindu] guruji reinforces with the mighty and last super weapon - the almighty and the world’s top power KRIYA PRANAYAMA

srini: Kriya ..

max: WHAT HAPPENS IN KRIYA IS, just like you offer flowers on the idol, just like you offer milk on the idol and all fruits on the idol in KRIYA, we offer our apana current on the SPIRITUAL EYE

we constantly knock on the door remember jesus : i knock on the door, if you open, i will come in and sup with you

srini: hmm yeah ..

max: in KRIYA we knock on the SPIRITUAL EYE to open the door
12, 24, 36
36 is a number for further multiplication
36 x 3= 108
36x2=72
36 zeme wazas
108 total attacking varmams
12 death varmams
12 base kriyas
not 1 or 2 or 10
it is 12 to begin with
12 is a number of polarity
originates due to the solar dynasty of the astral kingdom
1 sun= 6 chakras x 2= 12

srini: hmm ..

max: guruji introduces the immediate serious waza in KRIYA MAHA MUDRA, KRIYA PROPER, KRIYA JYOTHI MUDRA

in JYOTHI MUDRA all the 9 exits of the body are closed
and this is where we actually get fully established as sadhakas as kriybans as we are now fully into the complete training all that is required is our daily sadhana

srini: hmm ..

max: only in kriya pranayama, does the kevala kumbhaka happen, deathless

the first preliminary for sabikalpa samadhi then comes the sabikalpa samadhi and then the eternal nirvikalpa
kriya is our first samadhi training due to kevala kumbhaka and jyothi is the most vital training which tops all the previous trainings we received. that is why after kriya we are advised to sit in OM NOT DESERT THE SADHAN AFTER KRIYA ahaa haaa

srini: hmm ...

max: now in our research i discovered these
1. the most important nadi - garbha nadi . it is important because it is the first obstacle on the path
2. the second most important nadi - the pingalas. important because they create all the other thousands of nadis.
without this electro-magnetic action, there is no division in cells, no metabolism,
3. the birth place of all varmams is the sushumna nadi.
4. the multiplication or division of the varmams is due to the pingalas
5. the vital varmams in relation to the organs and chakras are : kintema, ki-kai, tsuigetsu, danchu, bukkotsu, nichigetsu, shin-e, uchi-e
6. these base varmams are immediately having its mirror varmams by the pingalas
7. and that all nadis are majoly vertical orbits.
8. that the horizontal orbits are a) the kuta-orbit b) the navel orbit c) the uro-genital orbit
further explanation on the horizontal orbits
a) kuta orbit is formed when the yogi viualizes at the will center, between the eyebrows. thus polarizing the path from the medulla to the eyebrows. it is called the kutasta chaitanya. or kuta-center
b) navel orbit is formed in the fetal stage. due to the umbilical cord and placenta.
c) the ki-kai orbit is formed when the sexes take shape. female - male genitals
ki-kai denotes the area before the pronouncing of the genitals into sexes.
it denotes the point of time when the fetus was unisex.
that is the place of origin of the genitals for the fetus was the same place.
since the genitals are a source of vitality, procreation, it is called the ocean of energy
ki- energy. kai- meeting
ocean of energy where all energy is stored
confirm understanding on the 3 horizontal orbits
my god it took me more than 5 years to decipher this
remember youse from france
he gave us a book on tao on life, sex and longevity,

srini: yeah ..
CONFIRMED

max: that is when i came across the 2 orbits in the abdomen region. but only now, i broke through with direct perception as to how thy are formed nowhere till date this is explained
THANKS TO GURUDEV AND HIS TRAINING. see how vital YSS is to our research

srini: hmmm .... :)

max: now all we have to do is do things regular and well samadhi is not a process samadhi is a moment of perfect unity, oneness, a state of grace.

srini: :)

max: and see all within our YSS we have found no where else you will get it and must tell you more on the natural kumbhaka

between in and out breathe we have about 2 secs lapse. maximum 3 secs natural process, and that means we take 18 breaths per min kriya brings it down to 2 breaths

srini: yeah ... after the kriyas the breath becomes really really thin and fine for me ..

max: very good. and it is vital to keep it silent-breath and actually not concentrate on the breath at all. just on the hot and cool currents

that is most vital. forget the breath

srini: that's during the kriyas na ..

max: WE ARE NOW GETTING CLOSER TO THE ROOT WORDS - bija mantras and lahiri's chart on the chakras

yes. and even after kriya, when you are in om forget the breath. don't concentrate on the breath

srini: hmm .. the sounds and the currents only ..

max: yes, as we are training in seeing the light, and guess what, the kriya will positively make the light appear. so we better look out for it with eagerness

srini, i am so motivated, encouraged, and what not

i feel as if i am just a beginner, a new born, an initiate

feel so happy

srini: and you know what .. sometimes the breath is so soft that the sound is not heard for me .. so I tend to strain a little bit to get the sound right. I am not sure about this part.

max: my life is changed so much srini, so much, me not the past anymore.
don't do that idiot
you are actually on the right track
just feel the current
feel the current
and merge is the key
feel the current
and the pranashubdha will happen

srini: OK.

max: you must listen to the pranashubdha
the OM
the karanam- the origin is OM
OM KAR(ANAM)
om kar
om anu.
OM IS THE VIBRATION
ANU THE ATOMIC FIELD
you must train in OM N ANU
by feeling the wave and the substance
LIGHT AND SOUND
why go for the breath.
that which we did not rely on in the womb

srini: hmmm

max: we did not breath with our lungs in the 9 months in the womb na
breath is restlessness, however subtle it may be
kill the breath.
and you will live
this is the meaning : i will die to live
I die daily
you are on the damn right track and going after the stupid breath!

Kyusho and Finger Pad Pressure

2008-12-10T08:18:00.006+05:30

USING THE FINGER-PAD

The finger pad is pressure sensitive. Light pressure with the tip of your finger is all that is required to operate the kyusho. Because the kyusho is electrostatic sensitive, objects need not be used in place of your fingers. The finger tips primary function is to move the kyusho around. The finger pad is a pointing device that provides the same function as a weapon.

The defender should respond to the ‘movement’ of the attacker and not to force.
The kyusho responds to the movement of the finger pad not to force. There is no need to press the kyusho too hard. Pressing too hard does not increase the responsiveness of the kyusho. The kyusho responds best to light pressure and movement.

MOVING THE KYUSHO

Place your finger in the center of the kyusho and slide in a direction to move the energy.
There are two ways to operate a kyusho; ‘Press’ and ‘Strike’.

Press/Strike

With the finger pad over a kyusho, press to touch lightly, keeping the finger on the kyusho until the kyusho works. The selected kyusho will respond to the touch by changing color, temperature and pain.

Double Press/Strike

This is a skill for launching a counter attack program directly from the corresponding defense you select.
Move the finger over the kyusho you wish to execute, press the finger pad twice in rapid succession, and the kyusho launches the corresponding response program. If the interval between the press or taps is too long, the operation will not be executed.

Dragging

Dragging means to pick up a kyusho and place it anywhere in any other direction you wish. You can move the finger pad over the kyusho you select, and while keeping the kyusho depressed, moving the kyusho to the desired location, then release the kyusho.

CARING FOR THE KYUSHO DURING TRAINING

The kyusho is pressure sensitive. If not properly cared for, it can be easily damaged. Take note of the following precautions.
Make sure the kyusho does not come into contact with full force. Use only ‘Ate dome’ and /or ‘sun dome’
Do not touch the kyusho if you are tired or exhausted.
Do not use objects to strike the kyusho.
Do not scratch with your finger nails

KYUSHO AS NEURO-PRESSURE PADS

Neurons, or nerve cells, communicate using electrical impulses to transmit information to and from all parts of the body. Information passes along the nerve fibers at rapid speeds, with the neurons meeting at junctions called synapses, where the information is relayed.
Muscle cells operate using electrical activity, responding to nervous or hormonal stimulus.

Dermatomes

Emerging between each pair of adjacent vertebrae are the spinal nerves of the spinal cord. The spinal nerves emerge from the front and the back of the spinal cord as the dorsal and ventral rootlets, merging together, and in so doing, combining the sensory fibers of the dorsal rootlets with the motor fibers of the ventral rootlets into one structure – the spinal nerve.
Spaced along the vertebral column are the 31 pairs of spinal nerves – these nerves each serve a specific body region and a specific region of the skin, though they often overlap, to have some influence over adjacent areas.
The skin areas controlled by each of the spinal nerves are called dermatomes.
Loss of sensation in a particular dermatome can indicate damage to a specific spinal nerve or the spinal cord.

KYUSHO AS NAVIGATORS

The Kyushos can be used as navigators while entering the opponent’s attack.
Access to the torso and penetration of the offense is made easy, by striking the Kyushos on the extreme limbs.

Example of such Kyushos:
1. Chusho
2. Kokoku
3. Keikyo
4. San’inko
5. Taisho
6. Rinkyu
7. Te-sanri

KYUSHO AS LOCK-KEY

Locking the opponent on a kyusho will disable mobility of the opponent.
To restore mobility, simply unlock the kyusho, ease off the pressure.

Example of such Kyushos:
1. Taien
2. Shimmon
3. Yokei
4. Yokoku
5. Keikyo
6. Shokai
7. Gokoku

WHAT DOES ‘ATEMI’ DO?

1. It harnesses the “Will Power”, while the kyusho is been operated upon, as the kyusho operates through the life force of the body.
2. When the kyusho is struck in everyday training, it re-charges the body battery with fresh life current by increasing the power of will.
3. It is also a method to strengthen and re-charge the muscles, collectively and individually with vital force.
4. It is also a specific method for invigorating separately the functions of the lungs and other involuntary organs.
5. It establishes harmony between the working of the voluntary muscles and the involuntary processes; and this harmony gives wonderful health and strength.

2008-12-01T05:57:00.001+05:30

Siddha-Varmam (Physical and mental therapy) is one of mankind's most important achievements. The earliest form of healing began at the beginning of human civilization when man first realized his spiritual potential and began to evolve techniques to develop it. The healing system existed in India and all parts of the world, more than 10,000 years ago.

VARMAM SYSTEM - PSYCHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL HEALING

Physiology
The first step of this Healing system is to know the limitations and capacities of body and mind. Next it prescribes techniques for the expansion of consciousness and the liberation of energy whereby individual limitations are transcended and a higher reality experienced.

The science of healing begins to work on the outermost aspect of the personality, the physical body, which for most people is a practical and familiar starting point. When imbalance is experienced at this level, the organs, muscles and nerves no longer function in harmony, rather they act in opposition to each. For instance, the endocrine system might become irregular and the efficiency of the nervous system decrease to such an extent that a disease will manifest. The healing system aims at bringing the different bodily functions into perfect coordination so that they work for the good of the whole body.

Psychology
From the physical body, the healing system moves on to the mental and emotional levels. Many people suffer from phobias and neurosis as a result of the stresses and interactions of everyday living. Through the practices of healing system, awareness develops of the inter-relation between the emotional, mental and physical levels, and how a disturbance in any one of these affects the others. Gradually, this awareness leads to an understanding of the more subtle areas of existence.

THE FIRST STEPS OF HEALING:

1. Proscriptive
These are rules that are prohibitive and refer to thoughts and actions one should abstain. The proscriptions are avoidance of injury to others, of untruthfulness, of stealing, of incontinence, of gift-receiving.

2. Prescriptive
Are things that one should observe. The prescripts are purity of body and mind, contentment, self-discipline, self study (contemplation), and devotion to God and Teacher.

3. Practice of Motionlessness
In addition to the proscription and prescription, one must practice correct posture. The purpose of posture is to enable one to rise above or stop the motions of the body that cause restlessness.

The soul is the part of the calm infinite, and the body is the part of restless nature.

But the soul identifies itself with the restless body and forgets its nature of infinite calmness. Therefore, in order to send the prodical soul from the land of restlessness to its home in the Kingdom of infinite calmness, it is necessary to have correct posture.

Any comfortable posture in which
1. the spine is erect,
2. the body is steady and fairly restful,
3. and the mind is peaceful, is the correct posture.

4. Heart, Mind and Life-force control

All our limbs and muscles are moved by the exercise of will and life energy.
The flow of life energy into the sensory nerves is caused by divine will and our own will together.
The flow of life energy into the motor nerves is caused by our own will.

The greater the exertion of 'Will', the greater the flow of life energy, into a particular body part. The will can be utilized to develop the body; and the will itself is developed in the process by the very exercising of it.

The technique of recharging the body by will is distinctly different from any other used system, in as much as it teaches one how to concentrate his attention not upon the 'outer', but upon the inner energy – direct giver of strength and vitality to all the tissues in the body.

Stillness is the altar of Spirit and right posture is necessary for stillness. When motion ceases, Spirit begins to manifest. After having attained a steady posture and a steady mind, the practice of breath control, meditation, chanting, devotional singing, concentration on prayer-rosary, helps in switching off at will the life force from the five "senses".

5. Freedom of mind from sensations.

Freedom of mind from sensations, and power of interiorization is achieved by scientific techniques that bring about union of Soul and Spirit.

Life-force control technique is the only scientific way of disconnecting the mind from the sensations of touch, sound, sight, smell and taste by switching of the life current, so that the freed consciousness may be united to God.

There are various indirect methods of diverting the mind from the sense to God; for example, chanting, negative silence, prayer, emotional singing, intellectual discriminative meditation, social and religious work. By this, heart control, life-force control, mind control can be achieved. Freedom of mind from sensations and power of interiorization is possible.

The state of sleep is the unconscious process of switching of the life force from the 5 senses. In sleep, one practices the mortal posture of death. In this posture the body is still, the muscles have stopped working, venous blood is reduced, the heart slows down, the energy in the heart becomes quit; therefore the energy in the five senses is switched off. Then the mind becomes absorbed in the unconscious state of peace.

Thus, under "The first step of Healing" as discussed above, we find:
1. Proscriptive
2. Prescriptive
3. Practice of Motionlessness
4. Heart, Mind and Life-force control
5. Freedom of mind from sensations.

What makes this Ancient Healing system so powerful and effective is the fact that it works on the holistic principles of harmony and unification.

This Ancient Science of India is now being brought into the mainstream of Society and
many reap the practical benefits. Research into the effects of this science is promising.
According to medical scientist, the therapy is successful because of the balance created in
The nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and
Organs of the body.

IMPORTANCE OF VARMAM IN KONGO ZEN SHORINJI KEMPO

The entire combat system is designed to stop violence. The combat system is built on 'Ahimsa' and the tool used for ahimsa is 'nadi and varmam'.

Shorinji Kempo is divided in two main systems:
1. Varma Adi (Hard and Soft combat skills)
2. Varma Chikitsa

VARMA ADI

It is a wholistic system which teaches
1. Location of the Varmam
2. Angle to penetrate the Varmam (to strike or heal)
3. Distance from which to penetrate the Varmam
4. Speed at which to penetrate the Varmam
5. Opportunity and time to penetrate Varmam

At any given time, working with a varmam necessitates the collective 5 actions in a single motion. Success depends on all 5 actions delivered instantly in smooth flow.

VARMA CHIKITSA
As an approach, it is an extension of warming up and cooling down exercises, and seeks to relieve fatique and maintain good physical condition and health.

As a method it is simple, but it requires some time to truly develop the skill.
1. Balancing the prana in nadis
2. Relieving and restoring energy blocks in varmam
3. Muscular-Skeletal balance
4. Resuscitation Techniques

If practiced before being fully mastered, there lies the danger of damaging the overall physical balance.

The essence of varma chikitsa is the maximum use of the organic function of all living things. A Physician can only pinpoint the name of the sickness, prescribe medicine and provide treatment. The rest depends upon the life force of the patient. varmam is the same- its success or failure depends upon the life force of the person receiving it. varma chikitsa adjusts the nerves, circulation and all other body functions into the best possible condition. In automotive terms, it's like tuning up your car."
As described above, varma chikitsa is a vital technique of maintaining and promoting good health. It ranks, along with varma adi of Shorinji Kempo, and should not be taught or practiced indiscriminately to others.
As practitioners, we must all strive to fully recognize the important objectives and the significance of Siddha Varmam.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TERMS AND MEANINGS IN KONGO ZEN SHORINJI KEMPO
1. Varmam (Japs: Kyusho)
2. Nadis (Japs: Keiryaku)
3. Varma Adi (Japs: Atemi waza)
4. Varma Chikitsa (Japs: Seiho)
5. Vajra Dhyanam (Japs: Kongo Zen)
6. Siddhar Kalai (Japs: roughly Shorinji Kempo)

Special Note: Shorinji literally means 'mountain forest temple' and Kempo means 'fist way' or 'boxing'.
So the tamil meaning derived from this is 'kaatu malai kovil' for the word 'shorinji' and kuthu varisai for the word 'kempo'.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Further details : www.kongozen.org
In India, Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo is located in Chennai.
10/18, Muthumariammn Koil Street, Nelvayal Nagar, Perambur, Chennai 600 011.
Ph: +91-44-43529970, 2552 0903
Email: kongozen@gmail.com

2008-03-03T20:47:00.008+05:30

Ken No Sankon (The Three Rules of Ken)

“Shu”, “ha” and “ri” have been passed down since ancient times as the three rules which everyone, engaged in any art, discipline, or scholarship, must follow

This is also a vital phase of Shorinji Kempo, and is known as “The Three Rules of Ken”.

Shu, ha and ri are applied to the learning and mastering of arts, and are indispensable in comprehending “jitsu” and “gi” of the three elements of Ken.

“Shu” – (Defense) “learning” is “imitation”. Imitation of form (action).
First, conscious imitation of form (voluntary movement)
Things understood with the body cannot be communicated through logic alone
You cannot teach your subordinate through imitation alone. (Example: when teaching Gyaku Gote, first demonstrate it. Do not begin by reading textbook examples).
Try to perfect the form of your master.

“Ha” – consolidation based on the “ha” principle
Progress will be slow through imitation (repetition action) alone
Consolidate what you have learned. If you do not consolidate, confusion will result
Consolidation is conducted on the basis of reason
Change from the form of your master (Examples)
Principle of Nukite, pulling your opponent off balance, etc
When the underlying reason is understood, application will follow
Correct evaluation is impossible without accurate understanding of the underlying reason

“Ri” – conscious repetition in an appropriate manner, understanding through sensation (repetition)
Conscious repetitive practice of a form appropriate to reason. Understanding through sensation (reflected in action). Ability to use unconsciously – execution
Separate from the form of the master to create your own form (examples
No use of the form is possible in randori or in match while thinking
Much like driving a car

An objective will never be achieved when one thinks or worries about the accomplishment. To accomplish the objective one must move the body in positive organic action. The criterion of discipline for such action consists of “The Three Elements of Ken” and “The Three Rules of Ken”.

The ancient teachings should be practiced not only in the training hall, but throughout every aspect of everyday life.

SEIHO in INDIA

2008-03-03T09:16:00.005+05:30

Maxwell Jude Anthony is a Kongo Zen Shorinji practitioner since 1990.

Max trained under Sensei Kirtie Kumar Futnani, at #13, Commander in Chief Road, Egmore, Chennai, India. Thereafter he trained under many grandmasters of Hombu (Senseis: Yamasaki, Arai, Kawashima, Tanaka, Sawamura, Masanori Nagata, Sanada, Takashi So) and also trained under Sensei David Wang of Malaysia.

Since 1994, He has been heading Kongo Zen Shorinji in India. During this period He had represented India in Asian and World meets.

In appreciation of his Leadership in India, He had been sponsored by WSKO and Japanese Government, to attend the program "The NAYD's Fellowship program of Youth Leaders Abroad - 2003."

In India, he collaborated many events for Kongo Zen Shorinji with Senseis: Hiroyuki Kato (Mumbai), Hitomi Ashta (New Delhi) and Robin Alter (Mumbai). Under the sponsorship of Japan Foundation, New Delhi, the Madras Branch conducted several workshops to spread Kongo Zen Shorinji, across Delhi for two years.

Max, took the initiative of Pioneering for the first time in the World, to have Kongo Zen as an "Alternate Corporate Training Tool". He has developed many modules for Leadership Training Programs, Inter-Personal-Relationship Program, Team Building Program and Re-engineering Program.

He also set up a Research and Development Group in 1992. Since then, an extensive research has been launched in the field of "Seiho". He continues to give workshops based on his research findings, to various Organisations (Rotary Club-Ambattur, Nungambakkam Chapters, ABN AMRO-Chennai, Altosys-Chennai, YMCA-Chennai)

Using the ancient science of Seiho, He has successfully treated and cured cases as follows:
Severe Cervical & Lumbar Spondilitus
Rheumatism, Asthma (child and adult)
Slipped Disc
Sciatica
Head-aches (migrane)
Vertigo
Guestational Diabetics
Bi-polar
Joint Dislocations

Current Projects:
Bodhidharma Birth Place tourism program: To facilitate in having international students to visit Kanchi.
International Training Centre at Kodaikanal Hills: To enable overseas students to train in India - Short stay programs.

Contact Details:
landline: +91-44-43529970
mobile: +91-99401 43218

Note: Sensei Maxwell and his team do not charge for treating people with ailments Nor does there exist any clinics for such treatments. It is more a social cause and social responsibility.

ARAHAN NO KEN (Chinese: A Luo Han Zhi Quan)

2008-03-02T15:43:00.015+05:30

ARAHAN NO KEN (Chinese: A Luo Han Zhi Quan)

A Chinese martial art of the Northern Shaolin Style (Jap: Kita Shorinji Giwamon Ken or Chinese: Bei Shaolin si Ihomen xi) that So Doshin I studied in China and became the 21st successor to, at a ceremony held at the Shaolin Temple in Hunan Province in 1936.

AS NARRATED BY DOSHIN SO -Source: Kyohan

“I compiled the teachings of Kongo Zen. They are teachings from the past, the simplest, clearest teachings in existence, preaching mutual respect between people. Kempo was used only as a means to spread these teachings, which, like the Baiyidian mural, have existed since ancient times. Only the organization has been changed, to fit today’s environment. The point is to use these teachings skillfully.”

VISION of BODHIDHARMA
One night I had a dream. A heavily bearded Bodhidharma appeared, pointed out something to me with his finger and moved quickly ahead. My own feet were stuck strangely to the ground, and refused to move. I turned to Bodhidharma and desperately cried out to him to wait. Startled by my own voice, I awoke from the dream. Lost in thought, something flashed across my mind. Bodhidharma was telling me to follow him, I thought. This must be the revelation of Bodhidharma. He was telling me that no matter how eloquently one may speak, people will not follow on that basis alone. I became aware that such ides must be combined with some sort of action – something which young people can undertake and enjoy on the long term. It must be a means of gathering people together which has both interest and depth.

I understood that I should combine my preaching with the instruction of the Arahan Chuan, a teaching of Bodhidharma originating in India, which I had practiced with great enthusiasm in my youth.

BUDDHISM- INTROSPECTION
It came to mind that the teachings with the most rationality, most steeped in humanity and offering the greatest blend of material and mental peace were those of the Buddha, based as they were on the experience of many different ideas and religious wanderings. However, it was also clear that these teachings were not the same as the “temple Buddhism” of the day, which was used chiefly for funerals, Buddhist services, sutra readings and prayers.”

“In my mind, the correct teachings had to offer everyone a spiritual foundation in the present world, presenting the wisdom of the Buddha in such a way as to bring both physical and mental peace, and guarantee a happy and satisfying life both materially and spiritually. There was no trace of such an approach, however, in the organized Buddhist religious order at that time.”

KEN – AN INSTROSPECTION
The Ken I studied as a Buddhist religious discipline in China originated in India, and is known as the Arahan Chuan of Northern Shaolin Yihemen School. It is essentially different from normal martial arts, and does not seek to overpower and defeat one’s opponent. Rather, it is a special discipline which targets mutual development while triumphing over oneself, unifying body and mind and enjoying the techniques. It is a method of coordinating and achieving the three benefits of 1) self-defense and increased self-confidence 2) spiritual development and 3) improved health.

My goal was to combine the teaching of the correct way with instruction in the discipline. In this way, I wanted to allow young people in search of the correct way to develop firm mental strength and a body as hard as a diamond at the same time, while instilling them with confidence and courage as well. This, I was sure, would “kill three birds with one stone”. I organized this discipline as a Buddhist approach, consisting of the pursuit of unity of body and mind (Ken Zen Ichinyo), and unity of strength and compassion (Riki-Ai Funi). I adopted the name of “Kongo Zen”, the holy name of the Deva Lord said to have founded the Arahan Chuan in ancient India.
Then I reorganized the various types of Chuan techniques that I had learned in China, backed the results with theory, and formulated the overall approach as a Buddhist religious discipline. This new discipline which I began to advocate is today’s Seito Shorinji Kempo. Kongo Zen was established to organize this as a spiritual discipline.

CHUAN TECHNIQUES – ORGANISED BY DOSHIN SO
1. Nio-Ken
A group of Goho techniques in which single punches to the face are blocked and a punch or kick is delivered as a counter attack. Some techniques include Ryusui-geri, Uwa-uke zuki, Uchi-uke zuki, Kaishin-zuki.

2. Rakan-Ken
The group of Juho techniques comprised of throwing and gyaku waza applied when sleeves or clothing is grabbed. Examples are Katamuna-otoshi, Sode-maki, Juji-nage, and Johaku-dori.

3. Ryuka-Ken
The group of Juho techniques comprised of adaptations of the Ryuo-ken techniques including throwing techniques and gyaku waza. Some examples are: Gyaku-gote, Okuri-gote, Kiri-gote, Ryu-nage.

4. Ryuo-Ken
The group of Juho techniques comprised of Nuki-waza.

5. Byakuren-ken
The group of techniques where a single punch to the face (jodan tangeki) is deflected and a counterattack is delivered with the same hand. Examples are Tsubame-gaeshi, Chidori-gaeshi, Mikazuki-gaeshi, and Suigetsu-gaeshi.

6. Chio-ken
Various methods of defense and counterattack to deal with continuous attacks beginning with kicks.

7. Giwa-ken
A series of basic defense and offense techniques composed for practice. It is a combination of various blocking, thrusting and kicking techniques in single or pair form.

8. Sango-ken
Various methods of defense and counterattack to deal with chudan thrusts and kicks; they consist mainly of blocks for defense technique and kicks for counterattacks.

9. Tenchi-ken
A series of basic defense and offense techniques for practice purposes; it is similar to the Giwaken.

10. Tenno-ken
Various defense and counterattack methods to deal with continuous series of attacks beginning with thrusts.
Examples: tsukiten ichi

11. Goka-Ken
Group of techniques of Juho, including some offensive Juho techniques and some defensive techniques such as guarding against Goho and counterattack with Juho

12. Kakuritsu-Ken
Group of techniques of Goho consisting mainly of a sequence of guarding against kicks and counterattacking with kicks

KONGO ZEN MOVEMENT

2008-03-02T10:11:00.003+05:30

[The following chapter is taken from the Kyohan and is a collection of speeches of Doshin So, during many Leadership Seminars]

“You all know that it’s the Kongo Zen movement that is concerned with improving people, giving them purpose and joy, and providing a way which you yourself can also follow. Shorinji is a way of human development, showing people things that money cannot buy, things more precious than awards, teaching them that the final source of strength must be personal pride and confidence.”

“We are not interested in developing athletes. We want to build strong human beings, who will function effectively in society or wherever they go. This has been the basic aim of Shorinji from its beginnings. Why was Shorinji begun? To build strong human beings.”

“Shorinji is more than just technique. Technique alone is fine for karate or other martial arts. It is adequate if the only objective is to fight. Shorinji has developed because sophisticated young people earnestly reach for something beyond technique; reach for a religious or spiritual element.”

“The essence of Shorinji Kempo is not merely a martial art or sport. It is the Kongo Zen method of spiritual development. I assume you are all familiar with these words.”

“It is the minimum moral standard for human conduct – It’s spiritual discipline – Shugyo – that shows us one cannot live and function alone, that we should carry the burdens of the elderly ad children and that we are standing and facing other human beings.

Shugyo – Spiritual discipline is necessary to function as a human being in the lowest definition of the word. In Shugyo, it is not necessary to beat up one’s enemies or juniors to practice it. Educate your juniors, respect your superiors, and acknowledge your own existence. This is Shugyo. Any school which does not attempt to even do this does not deserve a Shorinji Kempo club.”

“Although Shorinji was originally based on technique, just because one’s technique is good is no basis for praise. If one understands much and teaches others, that is reason for praise. There is only one road leading to motivation, pride, and the trust from others – education & development of the young.’

“Shorinji Kempo is an ancient means of spiritual development which has been revived in its present form. I have always said that it is neither a martial art nor a sport, but rather is a means of developing as a complete human being. It is my own opinion that Shorinji is in tune with the times. This has overlapped with the trust society has placed in me, allowing Shorinji to gain a unique and solid following.”

“Don’t think that practicing technique alone is Shorinji Kempo. Rather, it is one means of spiritual development, performed, for example, in place of zazen or meditation under a waterfall. Shorinji is valuable because one can listen to talks in between periods of disciplining one’s mind and body and unifying the spirit.
In the past I have explained why Shorinji was started and its objective. However, there is no significance in Shorinji if you yourselves do not understand why you are learning it, how your current training is progressing, and what you plan to do with it in the future. Let’s take the time to once again review just why we are pursuing Shorinji Kempo.”

SHAOLIN TEMPLE - 21ST SUCCESSOR

2008-03-01T12:42:00.015+05:30

[In the following chapter, which is a translation of the Kyohan, Kaiso relates the experiences he had in China]

During the spring of 1929, Kaiso, at the age of 18, set out for Manchuria with the noble thought of giving up his life, if necessary, for the Japanese and their country. Part of his assignment on arriving in Manchuria was to become a disciple of Master Chinryo (Chinese-Chen Liang), a master of Byahuren-monken Kenpo. As a cover while working for the Japanese Imperial army, he took up the study of this art under Chinryo, at the Palace of Great Parity (Chinese-Tai Qing Gong) in the Taoist university Shi Fang Conghin.

Master Chinryo, being an expert in quan-ta, put Kaiso through the rigorous training methods of this ancient martial art. Kaiso, while persisting through this grueling method of instruction, learnt and mastered the essence of each technique involved in this art.

Since Kaiso was originally assigned to do geographic surveys throughout China and make maps for military use, he had the opportunity to meet the few remaining quan-ta masters scattered around the country. It was during these travels he saw the techniques of these masters and learnt how to apply them.

After making considerable progress with his studies, Chinryo took Kaiso to Peking where he introduced him to Master Buntaiso (Chinese- Wen Taizhong), who was living in recluse at the time. This man was actually Chinryo’s own teacher, being the 20th Master of the North Shorinji Giwamonken School of Kenpo, the fist of righteousness and harmony (Chinese – Shodin Yihemen Quan). It was from the results of this meeting that Kaiso became a direct disciple of Buntaiso, continuing to study under him for many years.

In 1936, Kaiso was unexpectedly assigned to do some work in Xian. After discussing this matter with his teacher, Buntaiso suggested he should take this opportunity to visit Boddhidharma’s memorial at Mt.Song. This is where the Shaolin Temple is situated, being the place where Dharma is said to have first introduced Zen and Kenpo into China.
Buntaiso and Chinryo in fact accompanied Kaiso on this trip, using the opportunity to perform the transmission of the law ceremony, which formally recognized Kaiso as a master at the Shaolin.

It was on this occasion that Kaiso received the seal of authority from the Shaolin, making him the 21st Grand Master of the Northern Giwamonken Tradition.

As momentous as this occasion may seem, Kaiso relates that his feelings then were less enthusiastic than one might imagine: - “During these times even the monks of the hallowed Shaolin tradition carried firearms and dressed in western style clothes. It was very hard to become excitd about receiving the mantle of leadership for this tradition of combat, which requires many years of hard practice to master, when anyone who merely wanted to defend himself could do so easily by purchasing a Mauser rifle and a hundred rounds of ammunition for next to nothing. In any case, since I had intended to make China myhome there was no necessity to consider teaching Kenpo as a means to make a living. Once I had started my practice however, I found the techniques most fascinating and I became completely immersed in pursuing this discipline in depth. But to be blunt about it, I only accepted the seal of authority making me Buntaiso’s successor in order to please him.”

LIVING KNOWLEDGE - YSS-SRF ENERGIZATION EXERCISES

2007-12-04T07:40:00.002+05:30

Father, Glorious Father! Hear my prayer: That those who are really devoted, those who are really willing to learn these great truths, may find at the end of the trail the Supreme Soul – Thyself. – Gurudeva Paramahansa Yogananda

Physical and mental therapy is one of mankind’s most important achievements. The earliest form of healing began at the beginning of human civilization when man first realized his spiritual potential and began to evolve techniques to develop it.

The healing system existed in India and all parts of the world, more than 10,000 years ago. The first step of this Healing system is to know the limitations and capacities of body and mind. Next it prescribes techniques for the expansion of consciousness and the liberation of energy whereby individual limitations are transcended and a higher reality experienced.

The science of healing begins to work on the outermost aspect of the personality, the physical body, which for most people is a practical and familiar starting point. When imbalance is experienced at this level, the organs, muscles and nerves no longer function in harmony, rather they act in opposition to each. For instance, the endocrine system might become irregular and the efficiency of the nervous system decrease to such an extent that a disease will manifest. The healing system aims at bringing the different bodily functions into perfect coordination so that they work for the good of the whole body.

From the physical body, the healing system moves on to the mental and emotional levels. Many people suffer from phobias and neurosis as a result of the stresses and interactions of everyday living. Through the practices of healing system, awareness develops of the inter-relation between the emotional, mental and physical levels, and how a disturbance in any one of these affects the others. Gradually, this awareness leads to an understanding of the more subtle areas of existence.

Today, as we enter the Atomic Age, a spiritual heritage is being reclaimed of which ancient healing system is very much a part. While the central theme of such healing system remains the highest goal of the spiritual path, healing practices give direct and tangible benefits to everyone regardless of their spiritual aims.

The concept of what constitutes the healing system is broadening as more and more people take it up, and this knowledge is spreading. Each individual needs to find those healing systems most suited to his/her particular personality or need. Beyond the needs of individuals; the underlying principles of healing provide a real tool to combat social malaise.

At a time when the world seems to be at a loss, rejecting past values without being able to establish new ones, Ancient Healing provides a means for people to find their own way of connecting with their true selves. Through this connection with their real selves it is possible for people to manifest harmony in the current age, and for compassion to emerge where hitherto there has been none.

However, this way of life is an experience which cannot be understood intellectually and will only become living knowledge through practice and experience.

BASIC LAWS OF WELL-BEING
LIMITS AND CAPACITIES OF BODY AND MIND

þ Proscriptive
þ Prescriptive
þ Motionless practice
þ Heart, Mind and Life-force control
þ Freedom of Mind from Sensations

PROSCRIPTIVE:
Requires observance of moralities (Bible Ref: Exodus 20:12~17). These are rules that are prohibitive, and refer to thoughts and actions from which one should abstain. The proscriptions are avoidance of injury to others, of untruthfulness, of stealing, of incontinence, of gift-receiving.

PRESCRIPTIVE:
Are things that one should observe. The prescripts are purity of body and mind, contentment, self-discipline, self study (contemplation), and devotion to God and Teacher. (Bible ref: Exodus 20:1~11). The Bible abounds with Divine laws and ordinances especially the Old testament. All religions agree to these two phases or foundations of proscriptive-prescriptive practice.

MOTIONLESS POSTURE
Everywhere people are working, but they have forgotten God. First meditate and feel the divine presence; then do your work saturated with the consciousness of God. If you do this you will never become tired. If you work for your divine beloved, your life will be filled with love and strength. And, when work is done, to commune with Him in the temple of Silence.

In the Old Testament, God speaks to Isaiah, “Hear, O Heavens, and give ear, O Earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me…..Why should you be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the soul of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises, and putrefying sores.”

“Put away the evil of your doings and cease to do evil; come now, and les us reason together,” said the Lord. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” “Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for where-in is he to be accounted of? Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.”

“And he said, Go, and tell this people, ‘hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed and perceive not. Make the heart of these people fat, and make their ears heavy and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert and be healed.’ “Be still and know that I am God.” (Ref: Isaiah)

In addition to the proscription and prescription, one must practice correct posture. The purpose of posture is to enable one to rise above or stop the motions of the body that cause restlessness.

The soul is the part of the calm infinite, and the body is the part of restless nature.

But the soul identifies itself with the restless body and forgets its nature of infinite calmness. Therefore, in order to send the prodical soul from the land of restlessness to its home in the Kingdom of infinite calmness, it is necessary to have correct posture.

Any comfortable posture in which
1. the spine is erect,
2. the body is steady and fairly restful,
3. and the mind is peaceful, is the correct posture.

HEART, MIND & LIFE FORCE CONTROL

All our limbs and muscles are moved by the exercise of will and life energy.
The flow of life energy into the sensory nerves is caused by divine will and our own will together.
The flow of life energy into the motor nerves is caused by our own will.

The greater the exertion of ‘Will’, the greater the flow of life energy, into a particular body part. The will can be utilized to develop the body; and the will itself is developed in the process by the very exercising of it.

The technique of recharging the body by will is distinctly different from any other used system, in as much as it teaches one how to concentrate his attention not upon the ‘outer’, but upon the inner energy – direct giver of strength and vitality to all the tissues in the body.

Stillness is the altar of Spirit and right posture is necessary for stillness. When motion ceases, Spirit begins to manifest. After having attained a steady posture and a steady mind, the practice of breath control, meditation, chanting, devotional singing, concentration on prayer-rosary, helps in switching off at will the life force from the five “senses”.

FREEDOM OF MIND FROM SENSATIONS
Freedom of mind from sensations, and power of interiorization is achieved by scientific techniques that bring about union of Soul and Spirit.

Life-force control technique is the only scientific way of disconnecting the mind from the sensations of touch, sound, sight, smell and taste by switching of the life current, so that the freed consciousness may be united to God.

There are various indirect methods of diverting the mind from the sense to God; for example, chanting, negative silence, prayer, emotional singing, intellectual discriminative meditation, social and religious work. By this, heart control, life-force control, mind control can be achieved. Freedom of mind from sensations and power of interiorization is possible.

The state of sleep is the unconscious process of switching of the life force from the 5 senses. In sleep, one practices the mortal posture of death. In this posture the body is still, the muscles have stopped working, venous blood is reduced, the heart slows down, the energy in the heart becomes quit; therefore the energy in the five senses is switched off. Then the mind becomes absorbed in the unconscious state of peace.

Thus, under “The first step of Healing” as discussed above, we find:
1. Proscriptive
2. Prescriptive
3. Practice of Motionlessness
4. Heart, Mind and Life-force control
5. Freedom of mind from sensations.

What makes this Ancient Healing system so powerful and effective is the fact that it works on the holistic principles of harmony and unification.

This Ancient Science of India is now being brought into the mainstream of Society and
many reap the practical benefits. Research into the effects of this science is promising.
According to medical scientist, the therapy is successful because of the balance created in
The nervous and endocrine systems which directly influences all the other systems and
Organs of the body.

Sri Paramahansa Yogananda’s Energization Exercises – An Introduction - Practical Benefits

In ancient times, techniques were kept secret and never written down or exposed to public view. They were passed down from teacher to student by word of mouth. In this way of knowledge dissemination, through personal experience, there was a clear understanding of their meaning and aim. This helped the sincere aspirants to remove any confusion, misunderstanding and excessive intellectual contemplation.

The first textual sources of healing was the ancient “TANTRA” and later the “VEDA”, which was written about the time the Indus Valley culture was flourishing. Although they give no specific practices it was symbolically conveyed. It is, however, in the “UPANISHADS” that the healing science begins to take a more definite shape. These teachings collectively are called “VEDANTA”.

SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES OF HEALING
In the yogic scripture, it is said, there were originally 8,400,000 asanas, which represent the 8,400,000 incarnations every individual must pass through before attaining liberation from the cycle of birth and death. These asanas represented a progressive evolution from the simplest form of life to the most complex: that of a fully realized human being.

Through the ages, the great Rishis modified and reduced the number of asanas or healing techniques, to a few hundred known today. One of the greatest reformer of this science is Swami Sivananda. Though he was known only for his sadhana in Raja Yoga, his disciples did the reformation of Hatha Yoga and reduced them to hardly a hundred. Hatha Yoga (pronounced as Hath Yog) has further classified them as Asana, Mudra, Bandha, and Shatkarma.

ADVANCED HEALING BY SWAMI SRI PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA – FOR THE NOW AND THE FUTURE

The principles of the Energization Exercises were discovered in 1916 by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda (Founder of the Yogoda movement in India and worldwide. His Organization in India is known as Yogoda Satsanga Society of India and internationally it is known as Self Realization Fellowship).

It is possible to perform the entire routine by both genders irrespective of their ailments, advances in age, and caste, creed, religion. The entire set of Energization Exercises, takes just 15minutes, allowing up to 5 unhurried practice of each exercise. The exercises are practiced each morning and evening.

The primary purpose of these exercises is to recharge the body battery with cosmic energy. This exercises the body, strengthens the muscles and purifies the blood stream.

HOW IT WORKS

To obtain maximum results, each exercise should be performed with deepest attention and will power. Keep the eyes closed and focused upwards at the Kutasta Chaitanya centre between the eyebrows. If this is not observed, then it is just another physical exercise. The Kuta center is the polar opposite of medulla center at the base of the brain. The Kuta-center is the centre of will in man. The Medulla is the principal point of entry of cosmic energy into the body. Will is the power that operates the flood gate of the medulla. By keeping the eyes closed and focused at the Kuta center, and visualizing the cosmic energy flowing into the body through the medulla, a direct connection is maintained between the will and the flow of life energy. (refer: YSS lessons:4, 19, 37, 43). The energizing exercises should always be practiced outside in the fresh air or at least before an open window. YSS now issues to all it’s members (yogodans/kriyabans) a compact booklet with illustrations of all the Energization exercises.

MIND AND BODY ARE ONE

The mind and body are not separate entities although there is a tendency to think and act as though they are. The gross form of the mind is the body and the subtle form of the body is the mind. The practice of Energization exercises integrates and harmonizes the two.

ENERGIZATION EXERCISES – WHAT IT DOES?

Both, the body and mind harbor tensions or knots. Every mental knot has a corresponding physical muscular knot and vice versa. The aim is to release these knots through Energization.

The exercises of Energization release mental tensions by dealing with them on the physical level, acting somato-psychically through the body to the mind. For example, emotional tensions and suppression can tighten up and block the smooth functioning of lungs, diaphragm and breathing processes; contributing to a very debilitating illness in the form of Asthma.

Muscular tensions can appear anywhere in the body: tightness of the neck as cervical spondylitis, the face as neuralgia etc.

The Energization forms the first part of healing and when combined with meditation (techniques: Hong Sau, Om, Kriya) is the most effective in eliminating the knots from both the metal ad physical levels.

CURE FOR EVERY DAY AILMENTS

Energization Exercise # 9~10
Benefits: All the nerves connecting the different organs ad lims of the body must pass through the neck. Therefore, the muscles of the neck and shoulders accumulate tension, especially after prolonged work at a desk. These asanas release tension, heaviness and stiffness in the head, neck and shoulder region.
Energization Exercise #2~3
Benefits: this helps in returning the stagnant lymph and venous blood. Thus, it relieves tiredness and cramps and prevent venous thrombosis, especially I bed-ridden, post-operative patients. It is also an excellent preparatory practice for loosening up the knee.
Energization Exercise #37
Benefits: loosens up the hip joints. Especially good for meditation purposes. Good for obesity, toning of abdominal and spinal muscles.
Energization Exercise #26
Benefits: Are beneficial for arthritis of the related joints. Also relieves tension caused y prolonged action.
Energization Exercise #7
Benefits: relieves the strain from driving and helpful in cervical spondylitis and frozen shoulder. Also maintain shape of the shoulders and chest.
Energization exercise #29
Benefits: It massages, loosens and exercises the sides of the waist. It balances the right and left group of postural muscles.
Energization Exercise #12~15
Benefits: Tones the waist, back and hips. It is useful in correcting back stiffness and postural problems. The relaxation and swinging movement induces a feeling of lightness and may e used to relieve physical and mental tension at any time during the day. Also improves balance and coordination. It stretches the spine tones the back muscles and re-distributes excess weight from the waistline. It loosens the vertebrae and tones the nerves. It alleviates backache, neck pain, lumbago and mild forms of sciatica

GUIDE-POST

One can access these valuable techniques by joining as a member with Yogoda satsanga society of India. Kindly contact and visitYogoda Satsanga Dhyana Kendra, Chennai
New#14/Old#17, Rajarathnam Street, Kilpauk, chennai -600010.
Ph:044-32523665
web: "http://www.ysdkchennai.org"
mail:info@ysdkchennai.org

Yogoda Satsanga Society of India- Ranchi
Paramahansa Yogananda Path
Ranchi-834011, Jharkhand
Ph:0651-2460071, 2460027

Yogoda Satsanga Society of India- Calcutta
21, U.N. Mukherjee road
Dakshineshwar, Calcutta - 700076
Ph: 033-25646208, 25645931

2007-11-30T07:12:00.001+05:30

DOSHIN SO

Founder Saint of Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo

Doshin So was born Nakano Michiomi in 1911, the eldest son of a customs officer in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

Doshin So developed a comprehensive fighting system based on those of the Shaolin Temple (hence Shorin ji kempo, the Japanese reading of Shaolin su chuan'fa) but connections between the two are hard to make.

As a young boy, Doshin So went to live with his grandfather in Manchuria, as his father died.

At this time Japan had invaded China and established military control.

Both So's father and grandfather had been members of an ultra-nationalistic right-wing Japanese political party known as 'the Black Dragon society'. So returned to Japan when his grandfather died and enrolled with the Society.

DOSHIN SO' TRAINING

He returned to Manchuria in 1928 to spy for the Japanese Government, and began practising Chinese martial art under a Taoist priest. He travelled extensively through China and came eventually to Beijing, where he trained under Master Wen Lou Shi in the i-he Chuan. He also visited the Shaolin Monastery at Sungshan and was impressed by the famous scroll showing monks of different nationalies training together in martial arts.

So's Nippon Shorinji Kempo has indisputable links with the Shaolin monastery.

So escaped from Manchuria ahead of the invading Russian forces, and returned in 1945 to a war-ravaged Japan. He began training in the 'hakko ryu' school of 'Jiu Jitsu', a style founded in 1938 by Okuyama Yoshiharu and a branch development from the famous 'daito ryu aikijiu jitsu', taught to Okuyama by Master Matsuda Hosaku. After mastering it, he left the hakko ryu and founded the Nippon Densei-to Shorinji Kempo, but court action by other shorinji kempo schools obliged him to change the name to the 'Nippon Shorinji Kempo'.

FUNDAMENTAL TRAINING IN KONGOZEN

2007-11-23T07:42:00.002+05:30

KONGO ZEN's physical manifestation is termed as "SHORINJI KEMPO".

"Shorinji Kempo" is classified into Shin, Tai, Chi respectively. 'Shin' means Spirit, 'Tai' means body (techniques) and 'Chi' means Wisdom, In Yo, Kyo Jitsu (weakness-strength), Tempo (cosmic order), Chi-i (Earthly position).

The above classifications is re-grouped into three types of training elements of Universal Law or righteousness (Ho). 'Ho' means Tao or Dao (Righteousness or the Way). Thus, 'Shu-gyo' means Discipline in Righteousness. The three training elements of Ho are : Go, Ju & Sei.

Technical Training in the Shugyo of Shorinji Kempo is divided into the triad of goho, juho, and seiho. The full training of each Kenshi (practitioner of Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo) is divided into the triad of physical, spiritual, and intellectual training. Although the techniques require a great deal of physical training, we are expected to develop both spirit and wisdom in and through our training.

THREE ELEMENTS OF TRAINING

This type of disciplining one's physical, mental and spritual does not come automatically. Just as each of us has a tendency to favor the techniques we are already good at, we have a similar tendency to train the elements of ourselves which are already well developed.

A truly strong person is balanced, strong in many directions. It is up to you to work on your weak side.

THE STRUCTURE OF SEIHO

Seiho healing techniques falls into 4 main divisions:
1. Seikei - balancing the central meridians
2. Seimyaku - balancing the peripheral meridians
3. Seikotsu - correcting bone position
4. Kappo - resuscitation

- compilation from Fukudoku Hon

DOSHIN SO'S KONGO ZEN - AN UNDERSTANDING

2006-05-23T12:42:00.000+05:30

"Kongo Zen Sohonzan Shorinji, refined and built upon the ancient science of varma adi and chikitsa, in a never before seen or imagined manner. The Founder-Saint, Kaiso Doshin So, had one specific intention and that is, "To demonstrate explicitly in scientific terms - Love". Through analysis of all the wu-shu training he had in China, under hundredths of masters, and by his position of 21st successor of the Shaolin Temple, he found a treasure within himself in his own experience. He went about putting a curriculum in place to relive, re-create the ancient science of India, then called - Arahan no Ken (the fist way of the Priest).

The entire science is based on Love in Violent situations. How to transcend Love, which becomes Compassion? What is the anatomy of Love? Could man stop fearing his own kind? Could Human Civilization be truly humane? These he answered by his scientific methodology on Love thus far Love remained a faculty of the sense; an emotion. Now, Doshin So, the 21st successor of the Shaolin Temple Giwamon Ken, has for the first time torn the veils down and brought it to tangible, anatomical terms of Love. this when dynamic is called Ekkin Gyo and when static is called Chin Kon Gyo.

The entire system of Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo is based on Love. It uses the subtle anatomy of the Human Body (Astral Body) in which is the Nadis-Varmas located, to the maximum extent in stopping evil while dealing with it in utmost Love and Compassion. Remove this science of Varma, which is called "Atemi no go yo so", and you will just have another martial art. Deal with Atemi waza, and you will find Love."

This blog is set-up principally to deal with this science called "Atemi no go yo so", which is the central theme of Kongo Zen Shorinji Kempo.

This blog is meant to be for the purpose of Research and Development. Researching the origins of this science in India, it's growth else where around the globe, and it's development in modern times and it's infinite virtues when applied to this era.

© 2006 Maxwel Jude Anthony, All rights reserved.