Biopsychology
"The human body is a biological machine." The mind
controls this body-machine through its direct connection and interaction
with the glands via the hormones and nerves. This relationship is
part of the science of Biopsychology.
The human body is composed of the same five fundamental
factors as the rest of the universe (the physical body is a part
of Saincara, whereas the mind is a part of Pratisaincara). Every
factor is distributed throughout the body, but is controlled by
a controlling nucleus, or cakra. The cakras are like substations
of the mind – each controlling their own assigned area. And
just as the mind functions directly through the brain, the cakras
function through their own physical counterparts – the endocrine
glands.
The propensities of mind (vrttis) associated with
each cakra affect the glands and the hormones secreted from those
glands (hence the emotions, physical behaviour and functioning of
the various body systems). But the glands and the hormones they
secrete may also affect the mind.
Some examples:
The Muladhara Cakra – at the tip of the spine
– controls the solid factor of the body. It forms the base
of the body, giving stability to the whole structure. The vrttis
associated with it are the fundamental propensities of human psychology:
they are kama (physical longing), artha (psychic longing), dharma
(psycho-spiritual longing) and moksa (spiritual emancipation). This
lowest cakra is also the home of the "sleeping divinity," the psycho-spiritual
force called the kundalinii which rises up the spinal column in
conjunction with progressive stages of spiritual elevation.
The Svadhisthana Cakra – at the level of
the genitals – controls the liquid factor of the body. It
is associated with the reproductive glands which, once active, give
a sense of dutifulness to the mind, as well as some rationality
and intelligence.
The Manipura Cakra – at the level of the
navel – controls the luminous factor. It is the centre of
the body's heat and energy. The hormones secreted from the glands
and sub-glands associated with it manifest the propensities of shyness
(shamefulness), melancholia (due to over-secretion) and fearfulness
(due to under-secretion).
The Anahata Cakra – at the center of the
chest – controls the aerial factor. It is the base of love
and all higher human wonts. If there is a high secretion of hormones
from this area then love for children is expanded into universal
love. This cakra is fully active after the reproductive glands start
functioning.
The Vishuddha Cakra – at the throat –
controls the ethereal factor. The Thyroid Gland associated with
it regulates the body's metabolism, and gives the quality of self-reliance
to the mind. Quarrelsomeness and irrationality result from under-secretion.
The Parathyroid glands (on either side of the Thyroid) contribute
to metabolic regulation, as well as intellectuality and rationality.
Under-secretion from these glands causes vanity.
The Ajina Cakra – between the eyebrows –
is directly associated with the Pituitary Gland. This gland controls
all lower glands through its numerous hormones and nerve connections.
It is the seat of the mind. It balances the spiritual and mundane
tendencies and causes extroversion of mind during the daytime.
The Sahasrara Cakra is at the crown of the head.
Its associated gland – the Pineal – is the master gland,
the overall controller of both body and mind. It is the biological
clock of the body, and is responsible for introversion of mind at
night. Its secretion counters stress and gives the feeling of bliss.
Email info at anandamarga.org
if you have any questions.
|
