Sivananda Yoga FAQ

Q 1: The senses are generally turned outside. It is said that if they are turned inside, one will be able to attain Mukti. What is meant by turning them inside?

A: Now, for example, think of Lord Rama and repeat Ram, Ram. When you mentally repeat Ram, keep a picture of Ram. The senses will be withdrawn. Now the eyes run towards objects and the ears run to various sounds. When you repeat Ram, Ram loudly, the ears hear only Ram, Ram; and they will not run. The inner eye will see only Ram’s picture. The mind will be concentrated on God. It will not run towards objects. So, gaze within, introspect. You can do Pranayama also. Stop the breath. It is Prana that gives strength to the senses. You withdraw the Prana and try to centralize it so that the senses have no vigour to run outside. By gradual practice, the senses will be absorbed in the mind. The mind will be concentrated and will be absorbed in the Self. That is superconscious state, Samadhi. Practice daily.

Q 2: What is Nadi Suddhi in its technical sense? How to feel that one has attained perfect Nadi Suddhi?

A: Nadi Suddhi means purification of the nerves (Nadis). Nerve is not the correct English term for Nadi. There is no appropriate word for Nadi in English. Complete fast, preferably without any liquid or solid food, practice of Asans and Pranayam, and intense physical exercise– all go a long way in the elimination of fat and other unwanted matters and in the overhauling of the system to confer the benefit of Nadi Suddhi. Asans and Pranayam can purify the nerves, if done with the correct technique. When one attains Nadi Suddhi, the body becomes light. Stool becomes scanty. There is agility in movement and activity in demeanour. No trace of slothfulness or indolence can be detected. While walking, the body appears to be floating in the air. The tone of the voice changes from hoarseness or gruffness to mellifluence. Hopping, jumping and dancing while at work can be observed in one endowed with Nadi Suddhi. Something inexpressible forces the person to do this and to achieve something grand in his lifetime.

Q 3: What are the ‘Sastras’ – the age-old rigid principles of ancient Hindu religious scriptures? Have these principles not become time-barred due to the fast-changing conditions? I don’t think any rigid principle can stand the test of time.

A: Yes, the age-old, written or unwritten set principles of the ancient Hindu religious scriptures are termed ‘Sastras’. But because of this, it need not follow that they should become time-barred. The fundamental tenets of right living are unchanging. There cannot be any sort of difference in the fundamentals. Modifications, alterations and adjustments are necessary; but these should be affected in the external modes of interpretation and methods of application to suit the changing times and the new environments of a new generation. There is no harm in changing the externals so long as it does not affect the fundamental principles. Fundamental virtues like truth, fellowship, non-injury, purity, justice, integrity, etc., will continue to be applicable to the life of humanity. Violation of these would always be a signal for coming calamity.

The real spiritual progress of the aspirant is measured by the extent to which he achieves inner tranquility. – Sri Swami Sivananda