== SVARSHSATRA ==
Namaskar,
In their day to day life, mostly the common people do not have much
awareness about the practical process of breathing-- or, more specifically,
the proper use of nostrils. They are not aware how the nostrils fuction and
how the nostrils can be utilized to enhance their life.
THE SCIENCE OF TANTRA
In the teachings of Tantra, however, one special science is entirely
dedicated to the proper and correct use of the nostrils. And this teaching
is highly advantageous and helpful for us -- as it details how we can best
do the various works and activities of our daily life.
Reason being that whether these activities & duties be physical, psychic,
or spiritual-- each is highly linked with breathing, and in particular with
the nostrils. So within the practice of breathing and breath control, there
is a particular science which explains, outlines, and describes which
nostril should be used for physical work, mental activities, or spiritual
practices.
And most margiis are well aware of this ancient science first propounded by
Lord Shiva.
SVARSHASTRA-- FIRST PROPOUNDED BY LORD SHIVA
When Lord Shiva first introduced this science of breath control He named it
as svarashastera. And this science clarifies which nostril is to be used
when; how to change the nostrils, and all the related points about breath
control and nostrils.
Baba says, "The process of breathing, depending upon whether the breath is
flowing through the right nostril or the left nostril or both nostrils,
influences people in various ways. It was Shiva who determined what kind of
activity should be performed, depending on which nostril the breath was
flowing through...He set down specific rules and regulations as to when one
should undertake physical, psychic or spiritual activities. He further
instructed when and in what circumstances one should do asanas, pranayama,
dharana, dhyana, etc. This science, which Shiva invented and developed, was
known as svarashastra or svarodaya-- the science of breath control." (NSS,
95 Edn, p.25-6)
So Shiva was the first to propound the theory of breathing and use of
nostrils. And Baba has revealed all the practical aspects of this in
various our books and discourses-- including a special chapter in the
Acarya diary.
Because the point is that using the proper nostril has a big effect on the
entire body.
So whether doing arduous physical labour, or when taking food, or while
doing asanas, or when involved in school examinations & study, or while
doing sadhana, and even when experiencing samadhi. In each and every one of
these activities, proper breathing through the nostrils have a keen role to
play. Sometimes a particular nostril should be dominant or used exclusively
and other times it is best to have both working simultaneously. And being
aware about this science is most helpful and beneficial.
A CASE IN POINT-- EATING
This svarashastra, or science of breath control, plays a tremendous role in
each and every life activity. As a case in point we can look at the process
of eating.
The ingestion and digestion systems play a very significant role in
maintaining human health. Because if the physical health is good then one
is able to move ahead in the psychic and spiritual realms. And if the food
is digested properly then the mind can think clearly and it is also highly
beneficial for sadhana. So digestion is very important. And this entire
process of digestion is intrinsically linked with breathing through the
proper nostril at the right time.
For example if one is drinking water or taking any type of fruit juice etc,
then the left nostril must be working. But if anyone is eating solid food,
then prior to, during and after the meal the right nostril must be
dominant. Otherwise food will never be digested properly.
IN DISBELIEF
Some non-margii types may be thinking that all this is very strange because
they never paid any attention to the use of nostrils, but even then their
food was digested nicely. But if they look carefully then they will see
that within their unit structure, automatically, the whole science of the
use of nostrils is happening-- unbeknownst to them.
Ultimately it is just like how breathing goes on when one is sleeping or
how the heart works even if one is not aware about its functioning.
Similarly the same thing happens with respect to the nostrils. That's why
when one feels hungry then automatically right nostril starts functioning.
So during the time of food only their right nostril is working. Then in
that case their digestion will be alright.
Of course the problem comes for those without good digestion. Then they
will see that when they eat, their right nostril is closed-- or working
less. But as a last option there are techniques of positioning the body
whereby the proper nostril can be activated. In which case those with poor
digestion will be highly benefited.
BENEFICIAL IN ALL THE SPHERES OF LIFE
So not just with eating and digesting food, but in all the spheres of life,
the nostrils have a big role to play. When reading or studying then the
left nostril needs to be dominant. But if while reading the right nostril
is being used more then the mind will be fickle and less focused. Whereas
having the left nostril open will enable the mind to be more concentrated.
And during sadhana it is best if both nostrils are working equally-- yet if
one is a little stronger then it should be the left nostril, not the right
one.
Thus in all the spheres of existence the use of the proper nostril is an
important thing and highly benefical. And it yields a positive result also.
Baba says, "This svarashastra did help the people later to solve many
problems in their mundane as well as spiritual lives." (NSS, '95 Edn, p.26)
SHOULD I BLOCK THE NOSTRIL??
Some naive people may be wondering if using superficial measures to control
the nostrils are needed, or not. But the answer is no-- one need not do
things like stick cotton up the nose to try and block the left nostril in
order to make the right one dominant, or vice versa. This is not the way--
rather that will be harmful.
A DEEP SCIENCE IS AT WORK
This entire science of svarashastra is highly imporant and happening deep
within the subtle processes of the body. So naturally, all this occurs
within the internal workings of the human structure. Means it is not just
that it is happening at the tip of the nose. Rather it all happens
automatically-- deep within all this is going on.
Because when the body is in a proper state of balance and health then
automatically the proper nostril will be working according to the type of
activity one is involved in. If anyone is not so accustomed to or less
aware about this then at any given time they can test which nostril is
working by placing their finger(s) just below the two nostrils while
exhaling. Then one can feel the air flow and it becomes quite evident which
nostril is dominating.
MORE COMING IN THE FUTURE
And the next letter on this topic will talk more about the inner science
behind the use of nostrils. Such as the three nadis, i.e. ida, susumna,
piungala; how they are related with the cakras; how they are linked with
higher sadhana. Plus how, in general, all this transforms our life
practices and duties. As well as what techniques to employ to prompt the
needed nostril to open.
ALL THE ANSWERS IN ALL REALMS OF LIFE
Our life is three-fold and we are fortunate Baba has told us all the key
points for each and every aspect of human life. And by following them we
the have the best opportunity to develop and grow-- in all the realms of
life. Accordingly the use of nostrils also has a big effect. Some few may
naively think this is an insignificant point, but in our practical life
this science of nostrils has a grand role to play.
BABA'S BLESSING
Baba says, "The force that guides the stars guides you also." (AV-3)
Namaskar,
Liiladhar
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Think About This
Lord says, "The person with whom you live with all the warmth of your life
will ultimately desert you - it is a cruel game. Confronted with this grim
reality one should be very cautious about selecting one's goal. One thing
is clear - the Supreme Entity alone should be accepted as one's goal...This
is extremely important." (APH-6, p.395, Calcutta May 10, 1981)
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