Everything in creation is a unique frequency of prana (the universal force which translates in different frequencies to form all objects). The difference between a plant, an animal or a human — or even two humans — is due to the difference in the frequency of the pranic force vibrating in them. This is why we enjoy the company of certain people and feel uncomfortable in the presence of some others. We relate to what exists within our pranic frequency and are unable to gel with those which are higher or lower.
Consciousness is the ability to manifest an individual’s pranic force as per his capacity. It unites with prana to shape all things existing in the universe. Consciousness makes you what you are in the physical world. Prana gives you your unique physical state, consciousness channelises your thoughts to take shape. Every thought is a potential manifestation. The level of consciousness of the person who is thinking is directly proportional to the ability of manifestation of his thoughts. The higher the level of evolution, faster is the manifestation of
one’s thoughts.
For example, the CEO of a company sits in a luxurious office and chalks out strategies in a few hours. Then there is the worker who toils countless hours of his life in order to materialise the CEO’s thoughts. This is the play of consciousness. There is a huge gap in the levels of consciousness of a CEO and a worker. The former’s level of consciousness and the power of his thought is much higher. The difference between a successful and an unsuccessful person is their level of consciousness.
How does one raise one’s level of consciousness? Consciousness increases when the body’s pranic frequency becomes subtler. This is the ultimate purpose of yoga, to raise one’s consciousness by altering the pranic frequencies. Sanatan Kriya, encapsulating all eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, comprises practices to cleanse the body of grosser prana and elevate the level of consciousness. With regular practice, subtle changes manifest in the body and the levels of consciousness start to rise. The connection with the Guru, who exists at a much higher level of consciousness, slowly starts reflecting on the practitioner’s body bringing the student to a state of balance and thereby ridding the body of imbalances which appear as physical, financial, mental or emotional disturbances. As these subside, the result is an extraordinary glow, inner and physical strength, and also a heightened level of consciousness.
Anything and everything is achievable when the level of consciousness is high. That is why kings bowed at the yogi’s feet. A yogi draws the rich and poor alike. He can grant any boon if he wishes since he has raised his consciousness to a level where every word he says manifests in physical form. This is how curses and boons work. A yogi commands the physical as well as the subtle forces of nature; he has access to both the worlds. He is beyond the ambit of maya and is not affected by physical position or material wealth, for he knows only giving. A true yogi would never ask anyone for anything because he has access to anything and everything this world has to offer and yet remains unaffected by it.
Yoga is not about doing rapid breathing exercises or standing on one’s head. It is a complete science which addresses both the seeker’s spiritual quest and the physical life, as yoga does not divide between the physical and spiritual. The physical world can be easily accessed and commanded by higher consciousness under the guidance of Guru. Yoga is a subject of consciousness, the higher you go, the faster the manifestation of your will. That’s why Divine Consciousness is all-powerful, all pervasive. It manifests at will, instantaneously.
Yogi Ashwini is the spiritual head of Dhyan Ashram.
E-mail: dhyan@dhyanfoundation.com