If we were to make a list of common ailments of the people of the 21st century, back aches and stiff necks would be very high on the list. Longer working hours and the personal cell phone becoming the minicomputer, at our disposal 24×7, all mean that time flies really fast for us and we have followed, working, literally at break-neck speeds night and day! The erect spine, one of the distinguishing characteristics of the human species, pays a heavy price for this way of working. The spine is one of the most critical as well as most vulnerable parts of the human body.
One of the most important aspects of the spine is that spiritual evolution is directly connected with the development of the spine. From the most basic and primeval instinctive demands for food, shelter, sex etc., up the evolutionary ladder, from a small insect to a being with a greater consciousness. From selfish needs to where one’s interest goes beyond the individual to become more and more inclusive, not just limited to humankind, but to take care of the entire Universal Existence. This development of consciousness is called spiritual progress. It is reflected in physical evolution as the vertical development of the spine along with all its functions.
The delicate cord inside the spine is responsible for taking all the information from the various stimuli towards, and away, from the brain. An erect spine makes this easier and increasingly effortless. Therefore, we give importance to sitting erect, whether at work, practicing yoga or engrossed in meditation. A balanced distribution of the entire nervous system function is only possible when the spine is straight.
Yoga and Meditation play a vital role in keeping the spine young and supple. With the practice of Yoga and Meditation, at the physical level, the ageing process becomes much slower. This means that the person remains energetic, youthful and one’s physique remains at its best for that age. The body does not create many health complaints, with the optimal functioning of the immune system against infections and diseases. For example, if one buys a car to be able to live comfortably, and every morning it has to be pushed to get it started or some other mechanical problems need to be attended to, it is really not worth having it, because it is more troublesome than helpful. On the other hand, if the car runs absolutely smoothly, instigated simply by giving it ignition, then the car truly makes life easier, faster and more comfortable. The same case applies to the human body, where good physical health makes life much easier and tension free.
Our emotional tensions are the reason for the maximum number of disturbances and stress experienced today. Yoga and Meditation help us to develop our Pradnya (intellectual excellence based on real knowledge) which reduces one’s emotional disturbances considerably. When tensions are reduced, one gains the additional advantage of attaining healthy and harmonious living. This is only possible through regular practice under the guidance of a spiritual teacher.
An important faculty, which only human beings are capable of, is the possibility of metaphysical or transcendental experiences, and the ability to somehow correlate or perceive the connection between the material world and the world beyond. The erect spine is responsible for connecting these worlds, via the central meridian channel called the Sushumna Nadi. The Sushumna maintains perfect equilibrium or balance in all the information that reaches the brain. With this facility at hand, infinite possibilities open up. For example, when the internet was connected to a stationed computer, it brought two bodies in space, situated very long distances apart, to a contact point. In short, it brought together two very distant objects in space. A similar phenomenon occurred with the evolution of the human brain, taking the capacity of the brain to infinity.
However, to be able to experience, access and utilize this capacity, one needs to develop certain programs in the brain or open certain energy centres. Yoga and meditation provide these developments. The purpose of all the different meditation techniques is to gain control over one’s mental state. The disturbances in the mind need to be removed so that the mind can become totally quiet, allowing the brain to conceive a different perspective i.e. the perspective of a holistic existence. This perspective, in turn, will ultimately bring about a change in attitude towards life and towards living. A complete transformation of the inner being takes place as a result. One can experience empathy and oneness with all beings and enter into a state of contentment and peace. It all begins with Yoga, Meditation and an erect spine!